Neville Goddard on Romans 6:5

Executive Summary

Neville Goddard’s interpretation of Romans 6:5 hinges on the verse’s change in verb tense. He teaches that the crucifixion is a universal event that has already occurred for every person, as indicated by the past tense phrase, “we have been united with him in a death like his.” In contrast, the resurrection is a future event, an individual experience that is guaranteed for everyone, as shown by the future tense, “we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.” The crucifixion is not a historical event concerning one man, but a mystical act where God buried himself in all of humanity.

Key Concepts

• The crucifixion is a past event for all humanity, not a future suffering to be endured.
• The resurrection is a future event that occurs individually, one by one.
• The critical distinction lies in the scripture's use of past tense for the death and future tense for the resurrection.
• This experience is universal; everyone was crucified with Christ and everyone will be resurrected.
• The resurrection is a guaranteed gift and promise that no one can fail to receive.

Detailed Explanation

The core of this teaching rests on a grammatical distinction within Romans 6:5. Neville emphasizes that the union with Christ in death is described in the past tense, while the union in resurrection is described in the future tense. This reveals a profound mystery: the crucifixion is not a historical event that happened to one man, nor is it a dreadful end that individuals must face. It is a completed act for all of humanity.

This universal crucifixion occurred when God planted himself in every person, the “mystery of life through death.” This act, which took place “before the foundation of the world,” united every soul with Christ in his death. Therefore, one should not be concerned with a cruel end, because that part of the divine drama is finished.

The resurrection, however, is an ongoing process. It is not a past event for humanity as a whole, but a future, individual experience. Each person, in their own time, will be united with the Risen Lord and become one spirit with Him. This resurrection is a certain promise, a gift that every single person will receive. No one can fail to experience it.

Important Quotes

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.

— Summary

He uses the past tense when it comes to death, the future when it comes to resurrection.

— The Fourfold Gospel

So, the Crucifixion is over for all of us. The Resurrection is taking place, one after one, after one; and not one will fail.

— Who Am I

We have been united with Him in a Crucifixion like His; we shall be united with Him in a Resurrection like His.

— Question And Answer

Related Concepts

This interpretation is central to Neville's teaching on The Promise. The resurrection is described as a guaranteed “gift” upon which one can fully place their hope. The crucifixion itself is explained as God burying himself in humanity, which directly relates to the concept of I AM, the indwelling divine consciousness. The entire drama of death and rebirth is the unfolding of God's plan within every individual.

Common Misunderstandings

A common misunderstanding is to view the crucifixion as a historical event involving only one person two thousand years ago. Neville corrects this, explaining it as a universal and completed mystical act. Another error is to fear the crucifixion as a future event; the teaching clarifies that it is already over. Finally, some may mistakenly believe the resurrection is also a past, completed event for all, but Neville specifies it is an individual and future experience.

Practical Applications

The primary application of this teaching is psychological and spiritual. By understanding that the crucifixion is over, one can release fear about a “disastrous end.” Instead of dwelling on suffering, a student should place their hope fully upon the guaranteed gift of their own future resurrection. The focus shifts from dread of the past to faith in a promised future.

Frequently Asked Questions

According to Neville, is the crucifixion a future event I must endure?

No. The teaching based on Romans 6:5 is that the crucifixion is over. It is a past event for all of humanity.

When does the resurrection take place?

The resurrection is a future event that happens individually. It is not a collective event but an experience that unfolds for each person one by one.

Why is the change in verb tense in this scripture so important?

The change from past tense ('have been united' in death) to future tense ('shall be united' in resurrection) is the key to understanding that the painful part of the divine drama is finished, while the glorious resurrection is a future promise for all.