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Chapter 2 - Illusion of Separation The Meaning of the Last Judgment The Last Judgment is one of the greatest threat concepts in man’s perception. This is only because he does not understand it. Judgment
is not an essential attribute of God. Man brought
judgment into being only because of the separation.
After the separation, however, there was
a place for judgment as one of the many learning devices
which had to be built into the overall plan.
Just as the separation occurred over many millions of years, the Last Judgment will extend over a similarly long period, and perhaps an even longer one. Its length depends, however, on the effectiveness of the present speed-up. We have frequently noted that the miracle is a device for shortening but not abolishing time. If a sufficient number of people become truly miracle-minded quickly, the shortening process can be almost immeasurable. It is essential, however, that these individuals free themselves from fear sooner than would ordinarily be the case, because they must emerge from the conflict if they are to bring peace to other minds.
It is a Final Healing, rather than a meting out of punishment, however much man may think that punishment is deserved. Punishment is a concept in total opposition to right-mindedness.
The Last Judgment might be called a process of right evaluation. It simply means that finally all men will come to understand what is worthy and what is not. After this, their ability to choose can be directed reasonably. Until this distinction is made, however, the vacillations between free and imprisoned will cannot but continue. The True Meaning of the Apocalypse The
first step toward freedom must entail a sorting
out of the false from the true. This is a process
of division only in the constructive sense, and reflects
the true
meaning of the Apocalypse.
Man will ultimately look upon his own creations and will to preserve only what is good, just as God Himself looked upon what He had created and knew that it was good. At this point, the will can begin to look with love on its own creations, because of their great worthiness. The mind will inevitably disown its miscreations which, without the mind’s belief, will no longer exist. Doorway To Life The term “Last Judgment” is frightening not only because it has been falsely projected onto God, but also because of the association of “last” with death. This is an outstanding example of upside-down perception. Actually, if the meaning of the Last Judgment is objectively examined, it is quite apparent that it is really the doorway to life. No
one who lives in fear is really
alive.
His own last judgment cannot be directed toward himself, because he is not his own creation. He can, however, apply it meaningfully and at any time to everything he has created, and retain in his memory only what is good. This
is what his right-mindedness cannot
but dictate. The purpose of time is
solely to “give him time”
to achieve this judgment.
It is his own perfect judgment of his own creations. When everything he retains is loveable, there is no reason for fear to remain with him. This
is his part in the Atonement.
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A Course in Miracles - Original Edition
"Since
you cannot not teach, your salvation lies in teaching the
exact opposite of everything the ego believes. This is how
you will learn the truth that will set you free."
ACIM
Chapter 6
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