Month: April 2023

 

His Reward is With Him

“And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.” Rev 22:10

Again, John gives the message that the time is short, which goes against the thought that the fulfillment of the book will be over 2000 years in the future. He is basically saying that the time to use the information in the book was not intended to be in a distant future, but from John’s time onward. The time to tread the path of discipleship “is at hand.”

“He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.” Rev 22:11

Here, John is giving a principle. When we move from one point or sphere in our progression to another, whether it be on earth or the afterlife, we are what we are. If we are flawed now we will not have some magic performed on us to make us perfect in the kingdom of heaven. We must obtain a level of perfection now instead of living below our abilities while exclaiming “Lord I believe!” and expecting God to do the rest for us.

“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Rev 22:12

Again, we are told that Christ comes quickly. As soon as the disciple embraces the inner life, the Christ within comes quickly and performs the magical work of the soul.

Next, we are told that the reward given out at the coming of Christ is with him. This does not make much sense when attempting to apply it to the traditional interpretation, but all becomes clear when applying it to the disciple as he seeks the presence of he inner Christ. When soul contact is achieved and the Christ consciousness is felt, a great reward is obtained. The disciple indeed realizes that he is rewarded according his works. He sees that people are in delusion about life being unfair. Small slices of the life of the soul may seem unfair, but when seen as a whole, life is indeed fair, making God fair.

We reap as we sow, and when the disciple finally reaps the presence of the inner Christ, the reward of this presence negates all sufferings and difficulties from the past.

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.” Rev 22:13

We assume this is Christ or God speaking, but it is interesting to note that the person who is speaking is the angel, who was one of his brothers – perhaps a fellow apostle who was earlier killed. Why is this angel speaking as if he were the voice of God?

The answer is simple. When a disciple becomes one with God to the point that he can speak as did Jesus and say “I and my Father are one”, then the voice of God or Christ can speak through him as if He were them.

The angel says he is Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, because in the beginning he was one with God and in the end he is also one with God.

The only difference is that, in the end, he has a realization of what life would be like without this oneness; and when the final union is achieved, he is conscious of the quality of life he is experiencing.

A Foundation Principle

“Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Rev 22:14

What are the commandments that the disciple is expected to obey? For the ancient Israelite, the thought of obeying the Ten Commandments, the laws of Moses, and the sayings of the prophets would come to mind. On the other hand, Jesus put a twist on this meaning by giving out the principle that underlies all the commandments:

“Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matt 22:35-40

So, why is loving our neighbor like loving God? Because God is in our neighbor as well as ourselves.

Verse 40 is the key verse leading us to the principle:

“On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

This tells us that every law, every commandment and every inspired saying of the biblical prophets is based on the higher law of love.

Let us examine just one commandment – “Thou shalt not steal.”

Now, if one really loves his brother, will he steal from him? No, he will not. In fact, the commandment could be written this way: “If you love your brother, you will not steal from him.”

Paul expanded on this principle by saying,

“Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.” II Cor 3:6

Following a commandment or teaching mechanically with a black-and-white mindset kills the love behind the words. Instead, the seeker will suffer restriction, meanness of spirit, suppression and a lack (or complete absence) of love.

The real key to following the principle behind the commandments is to look to the God of love within the heart and use the best possible judgment in following the direction that it leads.

The day when people would realize this was predicted by Jeremiah:

“But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

“And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” Jer 31:33-34

This day, in which black-and-white commandments would not be needed because the law of love will be written in our “inward parts”, has been looked for by prophets long before Jesus.

Jesus summed the principle up in another way in the form of the Golden Rule:

“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” Matt 7:12

The latter part of verse 14 tells us that those who keep the commandments “have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.”

However, this right comes not through the letter but through the Spirit. Only when true love is manifest can the life of God grow within.

“For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.” Rev 22:15

This repeats some items from the list previously covered with two new ones. The first is “dogs.” Why would dogs be considered so vile that they cannot enter the New Jerusalem?

In ancient Jerusalem, dogs were rarely taken as pets and were somewhat wild, savage and scavengers. Someone hateful or an enemy was often called a dog.

It is amazing that humanity has had such a change of heart toward dogs that they are now called “man’s best friend.” It just goes to show what a little love can do, even for an animal.

Male prostitutes were also called dogs by the Jews, so it is possible that this verse refers to them. Whatever the case, a dog, here, definitely refers to a repulsive or vile person.

The other thing that is new in this list is the phrase “whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.”

It is interesting that the greater the sin against the law of love, the greater is the temptation to lie. We all recognize that murder is one of the worst things we can do, and almost all murderers will tell any lie possible to escape detection.

But the lie that is considered especially evil here is by one who loves. When a person is committed to another and betrays him or her through an affair, he will almost always lie to cover it up. He covers it up so his normal life can go on, so his spouse or partner will still accept him.

It is interesting indeed that the lie in an adulterous relationship is condemned more than the betrayal itself. This is because a lie causes a dark cloud to gather between our consciousness and the inner God. The lie often causes more damage than the act that caused the lie.

A person can commit great transgression, honestly face the repercussions and still move forward, but if he lies, the dark cloud that follows slows his progression and often causes him to become lost to his own soul. This is a great tragedy that must eventually be faced and overcome.

Nov13, 2006

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No More Curse

“And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:” Rev 22:3

“Curse” here comes from the Greek KATANATHEMA. This is a difficult word to interpret correctly because it only appears this once in the Bible. Most translators render it “cursed” or “accursed.” This translation seems the natural one because in Genesis, God cursed the earth after the Fall. It would seem that it would be only natural that this is speaking of the removal of that curse.

“There shall be no more curse” comes from the Greek “pan katanathema ouk estai eti” and some translators give it an alternative wording that substantially changes the meaning. Instead of just “no more curse” they render it “no more accursed thing.” The first implies there will be a change in the ground, or earth itself, but the second implies that it is what lives on the ground that will be changed.

Perhaps the Amplified Bible gives the best rendering of this second line of thought: “There shall no longer exist anything that is accursed.” Then it gives these words as alternative translations to accursed: “detestable, foul, offensive, impure, hateful or horrible.”

Both alternatives will be true, but this second rendition tells why there will be no more curse. The reason is that those people who resist the Spirit and actively work to pull men toward selfishness and destruction will not inhabit the New Jerusalem. This City of God will be a final and successful gathering of the pure in heart. Every gathering before this will draw some bad with the good, but in the end the gathered spiritual vibration will be so high that the carnal minded will not wish to dwell among them.

The verse continues with: “but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it…”

The continual presence of God, or awareness of God, will ensure this purity.

“and his servants shall serve him.”

This seems like an obvious truth, but very few servants in the past have consistently served the path of Spirit, but have deviated. The entire Bible is full of such examples. In the final New Jerusalem the servants will consistently serve God over self.

“And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.” Rev 22:4

If God’s name is in their foreheads, then God is within their heads or minds. When a disciple therefore looks in the mirror at his own face he sees the face of God.

“And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.” Rev 22:5

This basically repeats a thought given in the last chapter. It bears repeating because having the light and love of God continually burning within is an all-important end goal for us.

Go Directly to God

“And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.” Rev 22:6

Notice that we have a repeat of the statement that the things in this book will “shortly be done.”

Two thousand years have passed, yet the Christian world thinks that most of the things predicted in the book are yet to come. Among these are the coming of the Beast, the comet, the great war, the moon turning to blood, the heavens being rolled up, and, of course, the coming of Christ.

Obviously, 2000 years is not a short time, so the orthodox interpretation is missing the key to the book.

The meaning of a short time makes sense when we realize that the whole book contains symbolic teachings concerning the evolution of the consciousness of the disciple. When the seeker studies and understands the principles in this book, only a short time passes before the understanding kicks in and his consciousness evolves according to the words of this book.

“Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” Rev 22:7

When the disciple understands the hidden teachings, the consciousness of Christ will “quickly” come to him.

There are not many “sayings,” or actual teachings in the Book of Revelation as seen through orthodox eyes. Most of the book contains predictions and visions with little to “keep” – if we use the standard interpretive method. It is only when we realize that the symbols and predictions contain hidden meaning that we see this statement makes sense. When the truth is seen, the seeker sees there are many teachings to absorb and to keep.

“And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.” Rev 22:8-9

It is interesting that this verse is a close replica to the one in chapter 19. Some scholars wonder why John made this repetition. Some even consider it a mistake. Others wonder how John could have made a duplication error of this type within such a short space.

Actually, if we note the subtle differences in the wording, the picture becomes clear.

There are two major differences in the wording. Let us look at the first:

Rev 19:10

“And I fell at his feet to worship him.”

Rev 22:8

“I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel…”

Notice the two misguided approaches to worship made by John. In the first instance, he was so enamored by the vision given him by the angel that he thought it right to worship the angel directly.

In the second instance he fell down, not to worship the angel, but to worship at the feet of the angel. Obviously, he was attempting to worship God, but at the feet of the angel. After being corrected, instead of seeing the angel as a thing to worship, he saw him as an intermediary between himself and God. He somehow thought that God would be more pleased or pay more attention to him if he used the angel as leverage.

John was corrected by the angel in both instances and was told “See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant.”

Humanity still has not learned the lesson taught to John by the angel. In place of worshiping God, they still worship saints, apostles, the Virgin Mary, gurus, images, stones and numerous other items.

In place of going directly to God, they make John’s second mistake of seeking an authority (the Beast) that takes the place of God. They will seek a priest, a prophet, a teacher, a leader, or a guru who will tell them what God wants them to do. Teachers are fine and have their use just as the angel had its purpose, but when the disciple refuses to seek verification within to worship through his own soul and instead relies on another mortal like himself for the voice or approval of God, a great, yet common, mistake has been made.

Here is the wording of the two verses:

Rev 19:10

“I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

Rev 22:8

“for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.”

In the first instance, where John tried to directly worship the angel, he was reminded of the importance of a testimony of Jesus. Why was this important? Because a true understanding of Jesus and his teachings will cause the disciple to worship God directly and not through a man. Notice that even Jesus avoided adoration of himself as a man:

“And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.” Matt 19:16-17

Here we see that Jesus had a similar attitude as did the angel.

In the second instance, the angel tells John that he is merely one of his brethren who “keep the sayings of this book.”

How can the angel keep the “sayings” or teachings of the book if they are to all take place in the future.  Obviously, the teachings and not the predictions are core meaning.

If one understands the Book of Revelation, he will comprehend that he needs no intermediary between him and God; to make real progress on the path to becoming like Christ he must go within and there discover the true kingdom of God.

The least pain in our little finger gives us more concern and uneasiness then the destruction of millions of our fellow-beings. – William Hazlitt

Nov 9, 2006

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The Domination of Light

“And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.” Rev 21:22-23

A temple is a place where the presence of God is supposed to be. The inhabitants of the New Jerusalem have the Father’s name within them, or God within. Because the kingdom of God is within them, as well as the presence of God, there is no need to go to any temple to enjoy that presence.

Instead of seeing the future earth as a place with no sun and moon (which is unlikely), we must look at the symbolic meaning. The sun and the moon are external lights and symbolize the external authorities and teachers who light the way for us. Each of us will have the light of the soul within us and will no longer have need to depend on others to light our way.

“And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.” Rev 21:24

The physical externalization on earth of the New Jerusalem will be created by the Gathering of Lights, but look for the symbolic meaning of the dimensions and shape rather than the literal. When a physical New Jerusalem manifests, we will see interesting correspondences to this prophecy, but no one will have predicted exactly how it will look and be structured.

The fact that many will walk in the light of it tells us that, unlike today, those who have the inner light burning will be seen as the true guides of the human race, and these will be the teachers of the planet and give council to presidents, prime ministers and kings.

“And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.” Rev 21:25-26

The lights, the disciples, and the spiritual teachers will provide a light that will always be available, and all who seek council can pass through the “gates” which are always open. The glory and honor which, in the past, went to the kings and nations, will go to the true guides of the human race. Imagine a time when a spiritual teacher receives greater glory than a president or king.

“And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life. Rev 21:27

It is interesting that the gates are always open, yet the wicked will not enter. Why? Because the only ones who seek council from the enlightened are focused on the light. Those who lie and deceive do not seek light, and will follow their own false light rather than seeking the soul or the light within the New Jerusalem.

Overall, we are pointed to a future age where light and love dominate rather than lower emotion and selfishness.

The Life of the Spirit

“And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.” Rev 22:1

In past ages, concerning the lower self, water stands for lower emotion, but there is another type of water that represents something much higher. This is symbolically called the “water of life.”

Jesus identified this water of life in the following scripture:

“He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive…)” John 7:38-39

Here we are clearly told that the water of life is “the Spirit.”

The inhabitants of the New Jerusalem, whether on earth or in heaven, drink freely of the spiritual life that comes from God.

The scripture says the river of water is “clear as crystal.” The word “clear” here is a somewhat distorted translation. It comes from the Greek LAMPROS, which means brilliant, bright or glorious.

Pure spirit comes from God who lives in a “light which no man can approach.” (I Tim 6:16). From the God of Glory comes a river of pure spiritual power, which gives eternal life to all who embrace it.

The Spirit thus circulates through the inhabitants of the New Jerusalem, for “the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them.” (Rev 21:3) The true throne of God in this future time is thus within men, in their hearts and minds.

“In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” Rev 22:2

Let’s go through this phrase by phrase.

“In the midst of the street of it…”

A street is that which takes you from one place to another. In the New Jerusalem, the street is our consciousness, and, in this case, higher consciousness guided by the Spirit. Thus, the scripture is saying that in the midst of higher consciousness…

“and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life.”

The river stands for higher spiritual energy which flows through the disciples, as well as gathered disciples in the New Jerusalem. On either side of the river was “the tree of life.”

The disciples in the New Jerusalem will stand between heaven and earth or Spirit and matter. In this age the Tree of Life will not only be in heaven, but on earth, and will thus be on both sides of the Spirit, or readily available, as it manifests through the soul.

Now, what is this Tree of Life that stands in heaven and our future earth?

It is mentioned one other place in the New Testament:

“To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” Rev 2:7

The paradise of God is found when the disciple, or group of disciples, becomes centered in light and love, and soul energy flows through them. To obtain this state, one must “overcome”, and then he can eat of the fruit of the tree.

The Tree of Life is simply a symbol of the fruits or rewards we receive as we advance from a lower point in consciousness to a higher one. The flaming sword guarding the tree is a protection that keeps us from obtaining higher consciousness and the spiritual fire before we are ready. To obtain the spiritual fire while in a lower state of consciousness would be a tragedy that could destroy the person and cause untold pain and suffering for those not ready.

The seeker will progress toward the Tree of Life safely by “overcoming” all the limitations that keep him from the spiritual life.

“…which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month:”

The twelve fruits are the twelve rewards the disciple receives from performing twelve great labors in twelve great lives as he is born in twelve different signs of the reverse zodiac. This is sometimes called the Twelve Labors of Hercules, and the fruit of each labor takes the disciple to a higher state of consciousness until all lower limitations are removed.

“…and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

It is interesting that leaves of various trees are used in physical healing by herbalists, but we must look toward the higher symbolism here. For instance, we are told that the leaves of the Tree of Life will heal the nations, instead of individual persons.

To understand what is represented by the leaves one must merely ask what is it that will heal the nations?

The answer is quite simple. The disciples, which have the life of the Spirit flowing through them and are connected to others who are the branches (the Masters) connected to the trunk (Christ) and then to the Source (God), are those who will go forth and teach the ways of life, peace and brotherhood. These are the leaves that shall heal the nations. Then will the great words of Isaiah be fulfilled:

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

“Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the LORD shall bring again Zion. Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the LORD hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem. The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.” Isaiah 52:7-10

Pain makes man think. Thought makes man wise. Wisdom makes life endurable. John Patrick

Nov 3, 2006

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Angel Mother

Thanks again to all of you who, in public and private, have expressed condolences about the death of my mother. She died at the age of 95 and lived a full life so her passing is much easier to handle than the death of one who dies in his prime.

It also helps to know that death is not the end, that we will meet all loved ones again.

To honor my mother at the funeral Monday, Oct 30, 2006, I read a poem I wrote to those attending. I received some great comments on it and I think it helped to soften some of my family’s views that I am the wayward son because I do not go to church.

Our Angel Mother

It is written that God
Made man a little lower than the angels
But the scripture does not mention
Some women who we call our mothers
Show us the better angels of our nature
And are themselves angels from on high.

Our mother was such a person
And I know it would not offend God
To speak for the heart, words that cannot be held back
And call her what she is, our angel mother.
In this we join with that great soul
Abraham Lincoln, who saw an angel in his mother.

I did not always see this angel in our mother.
When I was a boy, I just saw her as my mother,
A mother who walked where angels feared to tread
Into many circumstances where we do not think angels reside.
But still the angel was there, and, on reflection
I should have seen the angel among us.

Yes, I should have perceived, for my eyes did see
A mother who taught me how to pray
That God is alive and always listens
A mother who was kind and always helped those in need
Even when she was hurting herself
And asked for nothing in return.

I saw a mother who lived in extreme circumstances
And fought to rise above them.
No matter what happened she made her children feel secure
As if nothing were there to hurt or make afraid.
When she was left on her own, she started with nothing
And manifested everything.

I saw a mother who was tolerant, patient and accepting.
No matter what any of us kids did.
We knew we could tell our mother
She understood our weaknesses
Yet had faith in our strengths
Her love for us was her only use of force.

I saw a mother who was tried by fire
And the fire did not consume her
But the golden essence of her nature
Was refined and purified until
The angel within was clearly revealed

As the years passed by
I saw the good seeds of her life sprout and grow until
We no longer just see a mother but an angel mother.
Now she has left her body and returned home
God has one more angel
To sit at His feet and make heaven complete.

The man who doesn’t read good books has no advantage over the man who can’t read them. Mark Twain (1835 – 1910)

Oct 31, 2006

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The City of God

“And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.” Rev 21:15-17

It is curious that the angel had a reed to measure the city, which was 12,000 furlongs, or approximately 1500 miles long, 1500 miles wide and 1500 miles high. Why is it curious? Because a reed in ancient days was like a staff one held in the hand, usually no longer than 12 feet; it would seem impractical to measure something so large with something so small.

Even in our day, a city so large staggers the imagination, but in John’s day, when there were no cities as large as Los Angeles or London, this size was really mind boggling. Indeed, the size was so great that the real message is that the city is unlimited – that there is space for all the sons and daughters of God no matter how many they may be or how much space they might desire.

The reed given to make the measurement was golden, or of great value. This is a symbol of the measurement allotted to one person and tells us that each individual is precious in the eyes of God.

Because the city is said to be 1500 miles long, wide and high, most students see it as a square; but they overlook the fact that a pyramid lies foursquare at its base and could have a height equal to its length at the base.

It is interesting that both a pyramid and a cube can fit this description, for they both are rich in symbolic meaning.

The height of the side of a pyramid would not be the distance from the ground, but the distance of one of the triangular sides going to the top point. If a side were 12,000 stadia (furlongs) in length, the distance from the ground would be approximately 8400 stadia.

The fact that all sides were equal is symbolic of the equality possessed by the inhabitants. One person cannot possess that which is above another, because abundance and complete fulfillment is available to all.

The word “furlong” is an old English word and is not the word used in the original text. The original word for the measurement was STADION, which was a Greek measurement of around 660 feet and was called a “stadia” or a “stade.”

In ancient Greece, this was the length of the stadium where spectators stood as they watched sprinting matches. The track for running was the same as the length of the standing area. 660 feet was picked because it was calculated that a runner could only keep his sprinting ability for this length, after which he would lose much of his wind.

So, why was this unit of measurement used in connection with the number 12,000? Twelve thousand was the number of the individuals in each tribe of Israel. Altogether, there were 12 tribes, making a grand total of 144,000.

There are four triangles in a pyramid with three sides each, making 12 sides; each side measures 12,000 stadia, creating the symbolic number of 144,000.

This tells us that those who follow the Christ “whithersoever he goeth” and reach the New Jerusalem are those who run the race of life with all the energy they have until they obtain the prize of eternal life.

“And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.” Verse 17

The wall was 144 cubits, or about 266 feet. This is an odd height for the wall because the height of the city is approximately 30,000 times as great. What does this tell us?

It tells us that the obstacles in the path to the New Jerusalem are very insignificant compared to the reward we receive once it is obtained. To us here on earth a wall 266 feet high seems like a great difficulty to surmount, but it is nothing compared to the 1500 miles that make up the sides of the city.

The measurement of the wall was in cubits and the number was 144. A cubit is the length of an arm from the elbow to the fingers. The arm is symbolic of labor.

This tells us that the disciple must master 144 different labors or skills over a series of lifetimes before he enters the New Jerusalem and goes “no more out.”

One hundred forty-four is also a number associated with Christ and those who follow him. In performing his various labors the disciple must, in the end, dedicate them to the service of others, as is the way of the Christ. When he follows the inner Christ whithersoever it leads, he will be on a path that ends in the New Jerusalem.

Foundation Stones

“And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.” Rev 21:18

Most scholars think the jasper here is the equivalent of the modern diamond. If so, the city is made of two of the most precious materials on the earth – gold and diamonds, or a diamond-like material.

It is interesting that the words “pure” and “clear” both come from the same Greek word KATHAROS. This tells us the substance is purified. It could be clear, or it could not be, but it would have no impurities. The idea that the word “clear” is an appropriate translation is evidenced in verse 21, which says: “the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.” The walls are made of translucent diamond and the city is made of a see-through gold.

This tells us that there are no secrets in the city, but all will be made known as taught by Jesus:

“For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.” Luke 12:2

The surroundings of the New Jerusalem are not only made of the finest substance, but the spiritual essence or the feelings enjoyed there are of the finest spiritual nature. The core of this spiritual substance are the pure in heart who are the inhabitants thereof.

“And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.” Rev 21:19-20

The twelve precious stones at the foundation repeat, in different words, that there are numerous precious characteristics that disciples must possess to pass through the gates.

It is interesting that some old texts associate these stones with the twelve signs of the Zodiac. It is also interesting that the essence of each sign can be reduced to a characteristic that a disciple must possess to obtain the kingdom of God.

Here are the signs that correspond to the stones with the divine quality:

(1) Jasper: Pisces – Sacrifice

(2) Sapphire: Aquarius – Service

(3) Chalcedony: Capricorn – Perseverance

(4) Emerald: Sagittarius – Expansion

(5) Sardonyx: Scorpio – Acceptance

(6) Sardius (or Carnelian): Libra – Judgment

(7) Chrysolite: Virgo – Nurturing

(8) Beryl: Leo – Courage

(9) Topaz : Cancer – Security

(10) Chrysoprasus: Gemini – Progressive

(11) Jacinth: Taurus – Stability

(12) Amethyst: Aries – Initiative

The curious thing about the order of the stones as associated with the zodiac is that its order is exactly reversed.

Why is this?

Students of esoteric astrology will realize the answer to this. As the pilgrim goes through a long series of lives, he follows the path of least resistance and generally progresses clockwise through the zodiac as he is reborn on the earth again and again. When he finally becomes a disciple, he takes the path less traveled and changes course. He then progresses counterclockwise through the zodiac and performs the twelve Labors of Hercules, or a great labor in each of the signs through a series of twelve lives.

“And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.” Verse 21

What is the symbolism of the pearls? Some pearls were of great value in that age as illustrated in the parable of Christ:

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.” Matt 13:45-46

The pearls at the gates are thus symbolic of the fact that the disciple must be willing to sacrifice all he has to enter the kingdom of God.

Always be ready to speak your mind and a base man will avoid you. William Blake (1757 – 1827)

Oct 29, 2006

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Using Good Judgment

Question: Recently you taught the “Principle of the Just Use of Force” which is:

“Authority and force is a positive thing if it is used to restrict those forces which restrict life liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Freedom cannot be imposed. It can only manifest through free will when those conditions, which prevent freedom, are restrained.”

Would you expand on this idea?

Judgment is an eternal principle and the seeker continues to use it after soul contact, even after he becomes a Master or a Logos. Every creation, even by the highest lives, is the result of a judgment followed by a decision.

The principle I gave on the use of force is a general rule that must be interpreted with judgment. It must be interpreted with good judgment to produce a consistent accurate response. A corrupt mind can take a clear explanation as I gave and make it seem what it is not.

I was asked to comment on this: “The use of force (coercion) is JUST when used to impede that which imposes on freedom of choice (freewill).”

This is an ingredient for just use of force, but the disciple must see the principle behind the words to apply it correctly. Some uses of this principle are pretty much universally agreed upon. For instance:

{1} The laws against kidnapping create a just use of force to prevent criminals from abducting an individual against his will.

[2] If our nation were attacked by an enemy with intent to enslave us most would agree to use force to stop this.

A fuzzier area would be something like:

[1] Making a law to force the smoker to not smoke in a restaurant so he cannot force you to breathe smoke.

[2] A law requiring to you use a seatbelt when you may not desire to.

Definite misuse of this principle would include:

[1] A child using violence against his parents because they take away his freedom to eat lots of sugar and force him to eat a good diet.

[2] Laying siege to the courthouse because you do not like the ideas of a political party.

Question: How far should we go to release others from their illusions?

How far we go will depend on a number of factors. Is his brother suffering from the lack of freedom and is he seeking greater freedom? Liberation must be invoked to be successful. Until that invocation comes the liberator can plant seeds of freedom that will mature later.

Correct use of force can be applied on the various planes. It is important to realize that liberation must not come from a lower plane than where the problem originated. Mind must liberate mind. Mind or emotion must liberate emotion. Mind, emotion or physical force must liberate the physical. Physical force must not be used to force the feelings or mind, though it is misused in this direction by many. In other words, society should not make laws with physical effects to prevent hurt feelings on the emotional plane or differences of opinion on the mental.

Question: Isn’t it a good thing to point out the illusions of another if he is truly deceived?

I find it to be a waste of time to point out a person’s illusions when they are not ready for the information. Instead, I give out many writings that point the way to discovering illusion for those who are ready to see them.

Unless someone is being obnoxious, I will rarely point out his faults and illusions.

The rule of thumb I use is to wait until I am asked, and even then, the person will often get angry because they will think I am absolutely wrong and am attacking them.

Question: Why judgment is even NEEDED once one has full soul contact?

Soul contact does not eliminate the need for judgment. Furthermore, soul contact is not the highest contact, but since soul contact opens the door to all other contact. I try to keep things simple by concentrating on this important step that most seekers are working on.

Now some think that judgment will cease with soul contact because all we need to do is follow the Inner Voice. No more judgment is needed.

Once any type of contact or revelation comes to us we are then left with the decision as to how to interpret what we have received and what we are going to do with it.

Furthermore, when revelation comes it often happens in a somewhat altered state and when the seeker focuses again in the physical world, he will sometimes have a partial amnesia of all that came through.

When he fully sees a principle, however, he will usually bring it down into full waking consciousness. When the realization is reached in normal consciousness, he will then retain the principle from that time on – unless he retrogresses by consciously going against his soul.

Another point to consider is there are degrees of achievement with soul contact. Just because a seeker receives something through the soul in one area does not mean he will receive it in all areas. A person may be open to true receiving in one area, but be completely closed because of bias or preconceived notions in another. Only a third degree initiate or higher can maintain consistency and seek with complete openness in all areas of endeavor.

If two people see the same principle through the soul they will see eye to eye on the wholeness of the view but when translated into data through words each will communicate a little differently and then make different judgments and decisions as to the application of the principle.

Question: Some think that Nathaniel and Bartholomew are the same person. Do you agree?

It is entirely possible. Nathanael means “gift from God,” essentially the same meaning as Matthew and Mathias. It’s possible that a secondary name was used for him to supply the meaning necessary for the needed foundation stone for the New Jerusalem.

Look at all the sentences which seem true and question them. David Reisman

Oct 25, 2006

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