The word used by Jesus in the Greek New Testament scripture, considered as the earliest, is not "repentance." The word used is "metanoia," to transform, which was later mistranslated into English as repentance. Metanoia is what Jesus asked for. Repentance has overtones of guilt and was never used by Jesus. He kept it out of the area of guilt (what we have done in the past). He lay no emphasis on that. He puts us right into the point of power...now. Transform now. Don't spin your wheels in a past eddy. Go for it! If we get rid of the misuses of words and insertions of later church dogma in the NT we see that Jesus taught in the 1st Century just as he does now. Investigating what Biblical scholars say is interesting because so many have stripped the inauthentic out and to our delight we find the Jesus of A Course In Miracles.
I just searched Substack for “A Course in Miracles” to find your article and I am so touched by your beautiful insight on forgiveness. I really needed this message today, thank you.
It is still about awakening from the dream. There is a big temptation to focus on the dream and look how we can deal with it, but we shouldn't go there. "There is no world! This is the central thought the course attempts to teach. Not everyone is ready to accept it, and each one must go as far as he can let himself be led along the road to truth." (ACIM W-pI.132.6:2-4) I am asked to follow Jesus, through his resurrection and ascension, and take everyone with me. 2000 years ago Jesus said, "Follow me!", not, "Become good Christians!" And now Jesus says, "Wake up!" and not, "Become good A Course In Miracles students!" Time for us all to wake up. Amen.
The word used by Jesus in the Greek New Testament scripture, considered as the earliest, is not "repentance." The word used is "metanoia," to transform, which was later mistranslated into English as repentance. Metanoia is what Jesus asked for. Repentance has overtones of guilt and was never used by Jesus. He kept it out of the area of guilt (what we have done in the past). He lay no emphasis on that. He puts us right into the point of power...now. Transform now. Don't spin your wheels in a past eddy. Go for it! If we get rid of the misuses of words and insertions of later church dogma in the NT we see that Jesus taught in the 1st Century just as he does now. Investigating what Biblical scholars say is interesting because so many have stripped the inauthentic out and to our delight we find the Jesus of A Course In Miracles.
Thanks for sharing Margaret. This is fascinating and really informative.
practicing the holy instant - grateful for this group
I just searched Substack for “A Course in Miracles” to find your article and I am so touched by your beautiful insight on forgiveness. I really needed this message today, thank you.
I’m glad you enjoyed the post! Have a wonderful day! 😀
It is still about awakening from the dream. There is a big temptation to focus on the dream and look how we can deal with it, but we shouldn't go there. "There is no world! This is the central thought the course attempts to teach. Not everyone is ready to accept it, and each one must go as far as he can let himself be led along the road to truth." (ACIM W-pI.132.6:2-4) I am asked to follow Jesus, through his resurrection and ascension, and take everyone with me. 2000 years ago Jesus said, "Follow me!", not, "Become good Christians!" And now Jesus says, "Wake up!" and not, "Become good A Course In Miracles students!" Time for us all to wake up. Amen.
Thank you for sharing.
As you stated forgiveness is a way to happiness. It is for ourselves. Not until we accept that concept can true forgiveness lead to happiness.