Neville Goddard on John 18:8

Executive Summary

In Neville Goddard's teachings, the scripture from John 18:8, "I have told you that I am He: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way," is used to underscore the singular power of 'I AM'. This declaration is not about a historical person but represents your own awareness of being. The story surrounding this verse, where those who hear the words 'I AM' fall to the ground, is presented as a metaphor for the overwhelming power of consciousness itself. By identifying with 'I AM', you are claiming the one and only creative power.

Key Concepts

markdown - The declaration 'I AM' is the central power being sought.

• 'I AM' is synonymous with God and your own awareness of being.
• Whatever you are conscious of being (e.g., poor, sick) is what you will express, as there is no barrier to your awareness.
• The biblical scene is framed as a psychological drama that takes place within a prepared mind, a state akin to sleep where attention is controlled.

Detailed Explanation

markdown Neville Goddard presents the biblical passage of John 18:8 as a powerful lesson about the nature of consciousness. The central teaching is that 'I AM' is the name of God and represents your own awareness of being. When the question 'Whom seek ye?' is asked, the answer 'I AM' reveals the one and only reality and creative power.

The source material highlights the dramatic effect of this declaration in the biblical story: upon hearing 'I AM', the seekers went backward and fell to the ground. This is used to illustrate the immense, unrivaled power of claiming your own consciousness as the cause of your experience. There is no other power to seek.

This psychological drama is meant to be enacted within your own mind. Neville equates the setting of the Garden of Gethsemane with a 'prepared mind' or a 'state akin to sleep'. In this focused state, you are to control your attention and identify with your desired state of being. The man who is conscious of being poor expresses poverty, and the one conscious of being sick expresses sickness, because 'I AM' is the only power that gives life to states. The verse 'if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way' is quoted in this context, emphasizing the primacy of the central 'I AM' over all other conditions or beliefs.

Important Quotes

I have told you that I AM; if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way.-John 18:8.

— Your Faith Is Your Fortune

Jesus answered, I have told you that I am He: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way." John 18:8.

— Assumptions Harden Into Fact

There is no barrier to God, for God is your aware':' ness of being.

— Your Faith Is Your Fortune

Related Concepts

markdown - I AM: This concept is central to the interpretation of John 18:8. 'I AM' is not a reference to an external being, but to your own consciousness, the one and only reality.

• Consciousness: The entire passage is interpreted as a drama of consciousness. What you are conscious of being is what you will inevitably express in your world.
• States: The teachings explain that being conscious of poverty or sickness are states that are given life by your 'I AM'. By identifying with 'I AM', you claim the power over all states.

Common Misunderstandings

markdown A common misunderstanding would be to interpret this biblical story literally, as a historical event concerning an external man. According to the source material, this is a psychological drama. The characters and events symbolize the workings of your own consciousness. The power demonstrated by the words 'I AM' is not external to you; it is your own awareness of being.

Practical Applications

markdown The practical application of this teaching is to enter a 'prepared mind', which is described as a state akin to sleep. In this focused, meditative state, you must control your attention. The goal is to become aware of being the person you desire to be. Just as the declaration 'I AM' in the story had a powerful effect, your assumption of the wish fulfilled, when persisted in, will harden into fact.

Frequently Asked Questions

According to Neville, who is the 'me' being sought in John 18:8?

The 'me' being sought is 'I AM', which Neville defines as your own awareness of being. It is not an external person but the God within you.

What is the significance of the people falling to the ground?

This is used to illustrate the supreme and overwhelming power of the declaration 'I AM'. When you truly identify with your own consciousness as the only reality, all other beliefs and conditions lose their power.

How does Neville relate this verse to the Garden of Gethsemane?

He equates the Garden of Gethsemane with a 'prepared mind' or a 'state akin to sleep,' a subjective state where you can control your attention to impress the subconscious mind with your desired reality.