Neville Goddard on Isaiah 28:16

Executive Summary

Neville Goddard presents the Bible not as a historical text to be organized into an 'ism,' but as a great psychological plan for human freedom. He cites Isaiah 28:16 to introduce the concept of a 'precious cornerstone' or a 'sure foundation.' This foundation stone, which he identifies as human imagination, is the very principle that humanity has largely rejected, as referenced in the Book of Psalms.

Key Concepts

• The Bible is a detailed plan designed to free humanity, not a collection of stories to be organized into a religious 'ism'.
• The verse Isaiah 28:16 describes a 'tested stone' and a 'precious cornerstone' that serves as a 'sure foundation'.
• This foundation stone is human imagination.
• This cornerstone is the same one that 'the builders rejected,' meaning humanity has overlooked imagination as the fundamental creative power.
• The one who 'believes' and relies on this foundation 'will not be in haste,' implying a state of confidence and certainty.

Detailed Explanation

Neville Goddard teaches that the Bible is frequently misunderstood because people organize its teachings into rigid belief systems, or 'isms,' rather than seeing it as a practical guide to spiritual freedom. He points to specific passages to reveal what he believes the original authors intended for readers to understand about their own divine nature.

He uses Isaiah 28:16 as a key example. The verse speaks of a 'precious cornerstone' and a 'sure foundation' being laid in Zion. This is not a physical stone or a historical event, but a psychological truth. The foundation stone is identified as human imagination.

Neville connects this verse to a passage in the Book of Psalms which states, 'The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.' This implies that imagination, the true foundation of all reality, is the very power that humanity at large has dismissed or failed to recognize. The passage from Isaiah further suggests that one who truly 'believes' in—or relies upon—this foundation of imagination will not act with anxiety or haste, because they are secure in their creative power.

Important Quotes

Isaiah 28:16: “Thus says the Lord God, ‘Behold, I am laying in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: He who believes will not be in haste.”

— The Foundation Stone Imagination

The stone which the builders rejected has become

— The Foundation Stone Imagination

It is not an “ism,” but it is the great plan to free man.

— The Foundation Stone Imagination

Related Concepts

• Imagination: The source material directly identifies the 'foundation stone' from Isaiah with imagination. It is presented as the fundamental, though often rejected, creative power in man.

Common Misunderstandings

• The Bible as an 'ism': The source explicitly corrects the common tendency to organize the Bible's teachings into a rigid religious system. Neville asserts it should instead be understood as a practical and detailed plan for achieving human freedom.

Practical Applications

The primary application described is cultivating a state of being that is free from haste. By 'believing' in imagination as the sure foundation for reality, one can cease anxious striving. Trusting that your imaginal acts are creative facts allows you to wait with confidence for the fulfillment of your desire, without feeling the need to rush or force events in the external world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Neville Goddard identify as the 'foundation stone' in Isaiah 28:16?

He identifies the 'precious cornerstone' and 'sure foundation' mentioned in the verse as human imagination.

Why does Neville say people misunderstand the Bible?

He states that people organize it into an 'ism' instead of recognizing it as a 'great plan to free man'.

What does it mean that 'the builders rejected' the stone?

This means that humanity at large has rejected or overlooked imagination as the true foundation of reality.

What is the practical result of 'believing' in this foundation stone?

According to the verse Neville quotes, 'He who believes will not be in haste,' suggesting a state of calm certainty and confidence.