Neville Goddard on John 10:37

Executive Summary

Neville Goddard interprets the scripture, "If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not," as a definitive test of one's unity with God. The 'works' refer to the tangible results and molded circumstances of one's life. These results serve as the undeniable proof of the creative power within. Belief should follow the evidence of these works, leading to the ultimate realization that the Father (God) is within you, and you are in Him.

Key Concepts

• Oneness with God: The foundation of this teaching is the claim, "I and my Father are one."
• The Works as Proof: The tangible results you create in your world are the evidence, or 'works', of the Father.
• Believe the Evidence: Even if one doubts the claim of divinity, the visible works themselves should be believed.
• Bearing Fruit: You naturally and inevitably produce outcomes that are in harmony with your concept of self, just as a tree bears its own kind of fruit.
• Molding Circumstances: For a person, the 'works of God' involve consciously molding the circumstances of life.

Detailed Explanation

Neville Goddard explains that John 10:37 establishes a clear standard for belief: results. The verse challenges one to produce 'the works of my Father' and states that without these works, one should not be believed. These works are not abstract miracles but the tangible act of molding the circumstances of one's life.

The scripture is presented as a statement from one who has made himself one with God and does not find it strange to do the works of God. The purpose of producing these works is to provide evidence for a profound truth. Even if others do not believe your claim of unity with God, they are urged to 'believe the works.' This belief in the evidence is the pathway to knowing and believing the ultimate reality: 'that the Father is in me, and I in him.'

This principle is compared to a law of nature. A pear tree naturally bears pears, and an apple tree bears apples; they cannot do otherwise. Similarly, you always bear fruit in harmony with what you fundamentally are—your concept of self. Therefore, to produce the works of God, you must first assume the consciousness of being one with God. The circumstances of your life are the fruit that reveals the nature of the tree, which is your own consciousness.

Important Quotes

If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.

— No One To Change But Self

But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.'

— How To Manifest Your Desires

He made himself one with God and thought it not strange or robbery to do the works of God.

— No One To Change But Self

You always bear fruit in harmony with what you are.

— How To Manifest Your Desires

Related Concepts

• I AM / Consciousness: This teaching is founded on the principle of identity, "I and my Father are one." The ability to do the 'works' stems directly from this state of consciousness, this sense of I AM.
• Concept of Self: The source material explicitly states that the results you see in your life ('fruit') are determined by your concept of self. To change the results, you must change your fundamental self-concept to one of unity with God.

Common Misunderstandings

• External Validation: While the verse says 'though ye believe not me,' the ultimate purpose of the works is not to convince others for the sake of praise. It is to provide undeniable evidence that leads to the inner knowing and belief—for yourself and others—that the Father is within you.

Practical Applications

The practical application of this teaching is to use your results as a test of your own state of consciousness. If you claim to be one with God, the creative power, then you should be able to produce the 'works' by successfully molding the circumstances of your life. If your life does not reflect the state you desire, you must look to your concept of self, because you always bear fruit in harmony with what you are. The proof is in the results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Neville mean by 'the works of my Father'?

According to the source material, 'the works' are the tangible results you produce in your life. It specifically refers to the act of successfully molding the circumstances of your life.

Why is it important to 'believe the works'?

Believing the works is presented as the path to knowing and believing the ultimate truth that you and the Father (God) are one, and that this divine creative power resides within you.

How does this teaching relate to my concept of self?

The teaching states that you always 'bear fruit' that is in harmony with your concept of self. Therefore, to produce the works of God, you must first identify with God in your own consciousness.