Neville Goddard on John 14:29

Executive Summary

According to Neville Goddard, the scripture John 14:29 explains a fundamental principle: events exist before they become physically manifest. He teaches that life proceeds according to a plan that exists in another dimension, and humans can observe these future events. The verse signifies that this foreknowledge is given for a specific purpose. When the observed event eventually occurs in the three-dimensional world, it serves as proof, compelling one to believe in the unseen reality from which it originated. This principle applies both to the realization of personal desires and to the inevitable, universal spiritual experiences that define humanity's ultimate journey.

Key Concepts

• Events can be observed before they occur in the three dimensions of space.
• The ability to foresee events implies that life on earth follows a plan.
• This plan must exist elsewhere, in another dimension of reality.
• Being "told before it comes to pass" refers to this act of observation or foreknowledge.
• The purpose of this foresight is that when the event physically happens, one might believe.
• The principle applies to both personal desires and universal spiritual experiences.

Detailed Explanation

Neville Goddard interprets John 14:29 as a statement about the nature of reality and belief. He connects the verse to the experience of observing an event before it occurs in the physical, three-dimensional world. This phenomenon, which he himself has experienced, is presented as evidence that life is not a series of random accidents but proceeds according to a pre-existing plan. This plan, he explains, must exist in a higher, fourth-dimensional reality.

The phrase "I have told you before it come to pass" refers to this act of seeing or knowing something in advance. The subsequent phrase, "that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe," reveals the purpose of this foresight. The materialization of the foreseen event serves as the ultimate proof, designed to establish faith in the unseen creative power and the reality of the dimensional plan from which the event emerged.

This principle is not limited to predicting external events or achieving personal goals. Neville also applies it to the profound, mystical journey of the soul. He shares his own spiritual experiences with his audience, effectively "telling them before it takes place" in their own lives. He explains that these experiences are universal and destined for everyone. By sharing his story, he prepares others so that when they inevitably undergo the same spiritual awakening, they will remember what they were told and, as a result, believe and understand the significance of their journey.

Important Quotes

And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.

— Out Of This World

Since man can observe an event before it occurs in the three dimensions of space, life on earth must proceed according to plan, and this plan must exist elsewhere...

— Out Of This World

And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place, you may believe.

— The Crucifixion

So I share with you my experience; and remember it because it is going to happen to you.

— The Crucifixion

Related Concepts

This interpretation connects directly to the power of Imagination, as it is through imagination that one can "observe an event before it occurs." The teaching is presented as a principle to be applied to realize one's Desires. The idea of a "plan" existing in another dimension points to Consciousness as the fundamental reality where all possibilities exist before they are expressed in the physical world.

Common Misunderstandings

A common misunderstanding is that the Bible should be read as a historical account of events that happened once in the past. The source material explicitly states, "the Bible is not history." Instead, its stories and principles are to be applied psychologically in the present to change one's life.

Practical Applications

The primary application offered is to use this principle to "realize your desires." By first observing your wish fulfilled in imagination, you are, in effect, being "told before it comes to pass." When your desire then materializes in your world, your belief in the creative power of your own consciousness is strengthened. This builds the faith necessary for future imaginative acts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Neville mean by a 'plan' that exists elsewhere?

The source material explains that since events can be observed before they happen in our three-dimensional world, life must follow a plan. This plan is said to exist in another dimension, outside of our familiar three dimensions of space.

How does John 14:29 relate to realizing desires?

Neville presents this teaching as something to be applied to realize your desires. The principle validates the process of imagining your desire as fulfilled; when the imagined state later becomes a physical fact, it proves the reality of the unseen world and strengthens your belief.

Is this verse only about achieving personal goals?

No. The source material shows it also applies to universal spiritual experiences. Neville uses it to frame his own mystical journey, telling his audience about it so that when they have the same experiences, they will believe and understand what is happening to them.