CLARIFICATIONS. The period at the beginning indicates what the Bible says. The dash indicates what A Course in Miracles (ACIM) says. The letter “J” refers to the Jerusalem Bible. The letters “RV” refer to the Reina-Valera Bible. The letter “C” refers to the People of God Bible.
A Course in Miracles and the Bible.
No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6
Jerusalem: I am the way, the life, and the truth. No one comes to the Father except through me.
RV: I am the way, the truth, and the life: no one comes to the Father except through me.
C: I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
ACIM: No one comes to the Father except through me does not mean that I am in any way separate from you or different; except in time, and time does not really exist. The statement makes more sense from a vertical perspective than a horizontal one. You are below me, and I am below God.
I and the Father are one. John 10:30
J: I and the Father are one.
RV: I and the Father are one.
C: The Father and I are one.
ACIM: This may seem to contradict the statement: I and the Father are one, but that statement consists of two parts in recognition of the Father's greater greatness.
Lead us not into temptation.
Matthew 6:13
J: …and lead us not into temptation.
RV: …And lead us not into temptation.
C: …lead us not into temptation.
ACIM: “Lead us not into temptation” means: “Recognize your errors and choose to abandon them by following my guidance.”
There will be no more death.
Revelation 21:4
J: He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
RV: He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
C: He will wipe away every tear from your eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
ACIM: The emptiness that fear creates must be replaced by forgiveness. This is what the Bible means by “There will be no more death,” and this is how I was able to demonstrate that death does not exist.
The Flames of Hell
Mark 9:44
J: If your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than to be thrown into hell with the two feet.
RV: And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two feet to be thrown into hell, into the eternal fire that cannot be quenched.
C: …And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna.
Matthew 25:46
J: Then he will say to those on his left, “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”
RV: Then he will say to those on his left, “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”
C: Then he will say to those on his left, “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”
Revelation 20:14
J: Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire—this lake of fire is the second death—together with those whose names were not written in the book of life.
RV: And death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
C: Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire.
ACIM: It is those who have not yet changed their way of thinking who have introduced into the law the idea of “the flames of hell.”
Unless you become like little children.
Matthew 18:3-5
J: He called a little child to him, and placed him among them, and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
RV: Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
C: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
ACIM: “Unless you change and become like little children” means that unless you fully recognize your complete dependence on God, you will not be able to know the true power of the Son in his true relationship with the Father.
God Is Not Mocked
Galatians 6:7-9
J: Do not be deceived, for God is not mocked.
RV: Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
C: Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. You reap what you sow…
ACIM: “God is not mocked” is not a threat, but a guarantee. God would have been mocked if any of His creations lacked holiness. Creation is complete, and the sign of completeness is holiness.
Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.
Luke 23:34
J: Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
RV: Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
C: Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
ACIM: Forgiveness that comes from miraculous guidance offers only correction. It has no basis for judgment whatsoever. The phrase, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing,” does not evaluate in any way what the people in question are doing. It is a plea to God to heal their minds.
Be of one mind.
2 Corinthians 13:11
J: Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for perfection, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
RV: Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for perfection, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
C: Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice, strive for perfection, encourage one another, live in harmony and peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
1 Peter 3:8
J: Finally, all of you, be of one mind, be sympathetic, love one another as brothers and sisters, be compassionate and humble.
RV: Finally, all of you, be of one mind, be sympathetic, love one another as brothers and sisters, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil for evil.
C: Finally, all of you, be of one mind, be sympathetic, love one another as brothers and sisters, be compassionate and humble.
ACIM: The precept “Be of one mind” is the statement that exhorts everyone to be ready for revelation.
Do this in remembrance of me.
Luke 22:19
J: Then he took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
RV: This is my body, which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.
C: “This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
ACIM: My plea, “Do this in remembrance of me,” is a request to miracle workers to cooperate with me.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.
John 3:16
J: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
RV: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
C: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
ACIM: The statement, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life,” needs a slight correction to make sense in this context: “He gave his one and only Son.”
Final Judgment.
Revelation.
ACIM: The first step toward freedom involves separating the false from the true. This is a process of separation in the constructive sense of the word, and it reflects the true meaning of Revelation. In the end, each person will look upon their own creations and choose to keep only what is good, just as God Himself looked upon what He had created and saw that it was good.
“Vengeance is Mine, says the Lord”
Romans 12:19
J: Do not take justice into your own hands, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,” says the Lord.
RV: Do not avenge yourselves, my beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
C: My beloved, do not take justice into your own hands, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “I will repay, I will punish,” says the Lord.
ACIM: The statement, “Vengeance is Mine, says the Lord,” is a false perception by which God is attributed with his own “evil” past. That “evil” past has nothing to do with God. He did not create it, nor does he sustain it. God does not believe in punishment. His mind doesn't think that way. God has nothing against you because of your bad "deeds"... This kind of error is responsible for a multitude of similar mistakes, including the belief that God rejected Adam and expelled him from the Garden of Eden.
"The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world"
John 1:29
J: The next day, John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"
RV: The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"
C: The next day, John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
ACIM: I have been rightly called “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world,” but those who represent the blood-stained lamb do not understand the meaning of the symbol. If understood correctly, it is a very simple symbol that speaks of my innocence. The lion and the lamb lying side by side symbolize that strength and innocence are not in conflict, but naturally live in peace.
“BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART, FOR THEY SHALL SEE GOD” is another way of saying the same thing.
Matthew 5:8
J: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
RV: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
C: Happy are those who are pure in heart, for they shall see God.
“When He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” as He Is.”
J: Beloved, now we are children of God, and what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
RV: Beloved, now we are children of God, and what we shall be has not yet been revealed; but we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
1 John 3:2-9
C: My beloved, now we are children of God, and what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
ACIM: Since they understand the lesson of the Atonement, they have no desire to attack, and therefore they can see correctly. This is what the Bible means by: “When He appears (or is perceived), we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” as “He is.”
The Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.
Revelation 1:8
J: The Lord God Almighty says: “I am the Alpha and the Omega.” The One who is, who was, and who is to come. RV: I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, says the Lord, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.
C: I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, who is, who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.
Revelation 22:15
J: I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
Revelation 22:13
RV: I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
C: I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
“Before Abraham was, I was.”
John 8:58
J: “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”
KJV: Jesus said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
C: Jesus said unto them, Verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
ACIM: Knowledge preceded both perception and time, and will ultimately replace it. That is the true meaning of “the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end” and of “Before Abraham was, I was.” Perception can and should be stabilized, but Knowledge is already steadfast.
Fear God and keep His commandments.
Ecclesiastes 12:13
J: Enough said. All has been said. Fear God and keep His commandments, for that is to be a complete man.
RV: The conclusion, when all has been heard, is this: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
C: In conclusion: having heard all this, fear the Lord and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
ACIM: “Fear God and keep His commandments” becomes “Know God and accept His certainty.”
“Before Abraham was, I was.”
John 8:58
J: “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”
KJV: Jesus said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
C: Jesus said unto them, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
ACIM: Knowledge preceded both perception and time, and will ultimately replace it. That is the true meaning of “the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end” and of “Before Abraham was, I was.” Perception can and should be stabilized, but Knowledge is already steadfast.
Fear God and keep His commandments.
Ecclesiastes 12:13
J: Enough said. All has been said. Fear God and keep His commandments, for that is to be a complete man.
RV: The conclusion, when all has been heard, is this: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
C: In conclusion: having heard all this, fear the Lord and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
A Course in Miracles (ACIM): “Fear God and keep His commandments” becomes “Know God and accept His certainty.”
Many are called, but few are chosen.
Matthew 22:14
J: For many are called, but few are chosen.
RV: For many are called, and few are chosen. C: For many are called, but few are chosen.
ACIM: “Many are called, but few are chosen” should read: “All are called, but few choose to listen.” Therefore, they do not choose correctly. The “chosen” are simply those who choose correctly sooner. Sound minds can do this now, and in doing so, they will find rest for their souls. God knows you only in peace, and that is your only reality.
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged.”
Matthew 7:1
J: “Do not judge, and you will not be judged.” judged. For you will be judged with the judgment you pronounce, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
RV: Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
C: Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
ACIM: When the Bible says, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged,” it means that if you judge the reality of others, you will inevitably judge your own. The decision to judge instead of knowing is what causes us to lose our peace. Judging is the process on which perception is based, but not knowledge.
The root of all evil.
1 Timothy 6:10
J: For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
RV: …for the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
C: For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
ACIM: All of these, however, have one cause: the problem of authority. This is “the root of all evil.”
Seek First the Kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew 6:33
J: Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
RV: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
C: Seek first the Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
ACIM: Instead of “Seek first the Kingdom of Heaven,” say: “Let your will be first and foremost to attain the Kingdom of Heaven,” and you will have said: “I know who I am and I accept my inheritance.”
The Forbidden Tree. Genesis 2:16-17
J: God gave man this commandment: “You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”
RV: And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”
C: And he gave him this command: “You may eat of every tree which is in the garden, except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. You shall not eat of it, for in the day that you do so you shall be liable to death.”
ACIM: We have already spoken of the fall or separation, but its meaning must be clearly understood. Separation is a system of thought that, while quite real in time, is not at all real in eternity. For the believer, all his beliefs are true. In the symbolic garden, the fruit of only one tree was “forbidden.” But God could not have forbidden it, or else no one would have been able to eat it. Yes, God knows His children, and I assure you He does. How could He place them in a situation where their own destruction was possible? The “forbidden tree” was called “the tree of knowledge.” However, God created knowledge and freely bestowed it upon all His creations. This symbolism has been interpreted in many ways, but you can be certain that any interpretation that conceives of God or His creations as capable of destroying His own purpose is erroneous. Eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge is an expression that symbolizes the usurpation of the capacity for self-creation. Only in this sense are God and His creations not co-creators.
The branch that does not bear fruit will be cut off and wither.
Matthew 7:18-23
J: Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So by their fruit you will recognize them.
RV: Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
C: A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. The tree that does not produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. By their fruit, then, you will recognize them.
ACIM: The branch that does not bear fruit will be cut off and will wither. Rejoice that this is so! The light will shine from the true Source of life, and your way of thinking will be corrected. It cannot be otherwise. You who are afraid of salvation are choosing death. Life and death, light and darkness, knowledge and perception, are irreconcilable concepts. To believe that they can be reconciled is to believe that God and His Son cannot be reconciled.
If a brother asks you to walk with him one mile, go with him two.
Matthew 5:41
J: …and if anyone forces you to walk one mile, go with him two.
RV: …and if anyone forces you to carry a load for one mile, go with him two.
C: …and if he demands that you accompany him one mile, walk two with him.
ACIM: The Bible says that if a brother asks you to walk with him one mile, go with him two. It certainly does not suggest that you delay him on his journey. Your dedication to a brother cannot delay you either. It can only lead to mutual progress.
The meek will inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:4
J: Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:5
KJV: Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
C: Happy are the patient, for they shall inherit the earth.
Psalm 37:11
J: …but the meek shall inherit the earth and enjoy abundant peace.
KJV: But the meek shall inherit the earth. And they shall rejoice in abundant peace.
C: …but the meek shall inherit the earth and enjoy great happiness.
ACIM: The spirit is beyond humility because it recognizes its splendor and gladly radiates its light everywhere. The meek will inherit the earth because their egos are humble, and this makes their perception more reliable.
Advents.
Matthew 24:36
J: But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
RV: But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but only my Father.
C: But concerning that day and hour, no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
ACIM: The first Coming of Christ is simply another name for creation, for Christ is the Son of God. The second Coming of Christ signifies nothing other than the end of the ego's dominion and the healing of the mind. Like you, I was created in the first, and I have called you to join me in the second. I am in charge of the Second Coming, and my judgment, which is used only for protection, cannot be wrong because it never attacks.
My yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30
J: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
RV: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
C: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
ACIM: Remember that “yoke” means “union,” and “burden” means “message.” Let us rephrase the phrase “My yoke is easy and my burden is light” this way: “Let us not unite, for my message is the Light.”
Turn the other cheek.
Matthew 5:38-40
J: You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I tell you, you do not need evil. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
RV: You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
C: You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Luke 6:29
J: If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also; And to him who takes your cloak, do not withhold your tunic.
RV: If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also; and if someone takes your cloak, do not withhold your tunic.
C: If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also; if someone takes your cloak, do not withhold your tunic.
ACIM: Nothing can harm you, and you should show your brother nothing but your wholeness. Show him that he cannot harm you and that you do not hold a grudge against him, for otherwise, you will be holding a grudge against yourself. That is the meaning of: “Offer him the other cheek also.”
Give to God what is God’s.
Matthew 22:21
J: They answered, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
RV: They said to him, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
C: They answered, “Caesar’s.” Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
Mark 12:17
J: Jesus then said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” And they were amazed at him.
RV: Jesus answered them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” And they were amazed at him.
C: Then Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” And they were amazed at his answer.
Luke 20:25
J: Then he said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
RV: Then he said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
C: Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
ACIM: You have to learn to see them as they are, and understand that they belong to God just as you do. How can you treat your brother other than by giving to God what is God’s?
I have come as a light into the world.
John 12:46
J: I, the light, have come into the world so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.
RV: I, the light, have come into the world, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.
C: I am the light, and I have come into the world so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.
ACIM: When I said, “I have come as a light into the world,” what I meant was that I came to share the light with you. Remember my reference to the dark mirror of the ego, and remember also that I said, “Do not Look there.” It is still true that it is up to you to decide where you must look to find yourself.
I am the way, the truth, and the life.
John 14:5-6
J: Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” No one comes to the Father except through me.
RV: Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going; how then can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
C: Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
ACIM: We continue to enjoy perfect equality as students, though we don't need to have the same experiences. The Holy Spirit rejoices when you can learn from mine and use them to reawaken. That is His sole purpose, and that is the only way I can be perceived as the way, the truth, and the life. Hearing only one voice never involves sacrifice.
My peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
John 14:27
J: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not be troubled and do not be afraid.
RV: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
C: I leave you peace; I give you my peace, but not as the world gives. Do not be troubled or afraid!
ACIM: The child of God knows nothing of idols, but knows who his Father is. In this world, health is the equivalent of what worth is in Heaven. It is not my merit that I bring you, but my love, for you do not consider yourself valuable. When you don't consider yourself valuable, you become ill, but the worth I give you can heal you because the worth of the Son of God is one and the same. When I said, “My peace I give you,” that is exactly what I meant. Peace comes to you from God through me. It is for you even if you don't ask for it.
Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.
John 20:28
J: Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus replied, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
John 20:28-29
RV: Then Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
C: Thomas answered, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Now you believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
ACIM: It is impossible not to believe what you see, but it is equally impossible to see what you do not believe. Perception is built on the foundation of experience, and experience leads to beliefs. Perception does not stabilize until beliefs are established. In fact, what you see is what you believe. That is what I meant by, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed,” for those who believe in the resurrection will see it. The resurrection is Christ’s ultimate triumph over the ego, not by attacking it, but by transcending it.
The Bible tells you to become like children.
Matthew 18:3
J: And he said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
RV: And he said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 18:2-3
C: Jesus called a little child to him, placed him among them, and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
ACIM: The Bible tells you to become like children. Children recognize that they do not understand what they perceive, and therefore ask what its meaning is. Do not make the mistake of believing that you understand what you perceive, for its meaning eludes you. But the Holy Spirit has preserved its meaning for you, and if you allow Him to interpret it, He will restore to you what you have rejected. However, as long as you believe you know the meaning of what you perceive, you will not see the need to ask Him.
I once asked you to sell everything you owned.
Mark 10:21
J: Jesus, looking at him with love, said to him, “One thing you lack: Go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
RV: Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me, taking up your cross.”
C: Jesus looked at him with love and said to him, “You lack only one thing: Go, sell what you have and give to the poor; then you will have treasure in heaven. Afterward, come and follow me.”
ACIM: I once asked you to sell all that you had, to give it to the poor, and to follow me. This is what I meant: if you do not invest your attention in any of the things of this world, you can show the poor where their treasure is. The poor are simply those who have invested poorly, and boy, are they poor!