Neville Goddard on John 3:2

Executive Summary

Neville Goddard's teaching on the scripture 'I John 3:2' centers on the profound revelation of one's own divine identity. He interprets the phrase "when he does appear, we shall be like him" to mean that the appearance of Christ is not that of an external being, but the realization that Christ's appearance is identical to your own. This understanding dismantles traditional religious imagery and points the individual inward to discover the divine self.

Key Concepts

• The scripture 'I John 3:2' reveals the true appearance of Christ.
• When Christ appears, you will be identical to him.
• You will recognize Christ because he will look exactly like you.
• This interpretation stands in direct opposition to man-made paintings and graven images of Jesus, which depict an external figure.

Detailed Explanation

Neville Goddard's interpretation of 'I John 3:2' is a radical statement on the nature of Christ's identity. He focuses on the lines, "It does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know this much: when he does appear, we shall know him... we shall be like him." For Neville, this is not a metaphor for moral likeness but a literal statement about appearance. When Christ appears, he will look exactly like you.

This teaching directly challenges the conventional Christian imagery of a historical figure with a specific appearance. Neville argues that the hundreds of different paintings of Jesus are all incorrect because Christ is not a person external to you. The reason you will know him upon his appearance is precisely because you will be looking at yourself. His appearance is your own.

By this logic, Neville uses the scripture to critique the use of religious icons and images. He views the creation of and devotion to these man-made depictions of Christ as a violation of the commandment against making graven images. Since the true Christ looks just like the individual, any external painting or statue is a false representation.

It is important to note that the source material also contains a separate reference to 'John 3:2' (not 'I John 3:2'). This verse is mentioned in the context of Nicodemus, a ruler who came to Jesus and was told, "You must be born again or you cannot see the kingdom of God." This teaching on being born again is distinct from the primary interpretation of identity found in 'I John 3:2'.

Important Quotes

It does not yet appear that we shall be; but we know this much: When he does appear, we shall know him.” Why? “We shall be like him.”

— No Other Gods

It does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know this much: when he does appear, we shall know him.” Why? “We shall be like him,” just like you when he appears.

— Power

In John 3:2, we are told of Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, who came secretly to Jesus… “We know thou art a teacher come from God, for no man can do these miracles except God be with him.” And Jesus told him, “You must be born again or you cannot see the kingdom of God.”

— The Birth Of The Babe

Related Concepts

This interpretation directly relates to Neville's core teaching on I AM. The claim that Christ looks just like you is another way of stating that your own consciousness, your fundamental sense of 'I AM', is God. The appearance of Christ is the awakening to this truth within yourself, not the meeting of an external savior.

Common Misunderstandings

• A common misunderstanding is to believe that Christ is an external being who looks different from you, as depicted in religious art. Neville's interpretation of this scripture is that Christ's appearance is identical to your own.
• Another point of confusion can arise from the source material referencing two similar verses. The primary teaching about Christ's appearance comes from 'I John 3:2', while a separate teaching about being 'born again' is linked to 'John 3:2' and the story of Nicodemus.

Practical Applications

The practical application of this teaching is a fundamental shift in self-perception. It encourages the student to cease looking for a God or a savior outside of themselves. By understanding that Christ's appearance is one's own, the individual is directed to discover the power and divinity within their own consciousness. It also serves as a direct instruction to turn away from the worship of external images and icons, recognizing them as man-made distractions from the true Christ within.

Frequently Asked Questions

According to Neville, what does Christ look like?

Based on his interpretation of I John 3:2, Neville states that Christ looks exactly like you.

How will a person recognize Christ when he appears?

You will recognize him because you will be like him. His appearance is your own, so there is no mistaking it.

What is Neville's view on traditional paintings of Jesus?

He teaches that they are not what Christ looks like. He uses this scripture to argue against all such 'graven images,' as the true Christ's appearance is that of the individual.

What is the meaning of being 'born again' mentioned in relation to John 3:2?

In the source material, this is presented as a requirement to 'see the kingdom of God,' as told to Nicodemus. This is a separate teaching from the one about Christ's appearance in 'I John 3:2'.