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SearchIs Atonement achieved by works or by faith, by a process or in an instant?
Question:
The discussion seems to come down to the age old controversy in Christendom—Works or Faith? On the one hand one can believe that the Course is a process that ends in the Holy Instant. And that the process—or works—is removing all the obstacles to peace until the Holy Instant is realized.
While the other—faith—is believing that the Holy Instant is NOW, in the present moment. And that thought is held in the mind by the power of the Holy Spirit, a choice made by the decision maker—made by “I”.
Therefore, it comes down to a question of belief. Does it not? There seems to be a view that the Course is heavy on process and light on faith. I would hope you can discuss this and expand on it.
Answer:
Thanks for your subtle question. You wrote: "Therefore, it comes down to a question of belief. Does it not?" Atonement is a belief that takes one instant to accept, and therefore Atonement is not a matter of time. Atonement seems to take the form of “a decision to accept Correction” for a mind that believes in opposites and choice. The belief in linear time is the ego, as is the belief in a "decision-maker." The Holy Spirit IS the "final" decision that is inevitable. "A Course In Miracles" contains words which are used by the Holy Spirit to speak to the mind which believes it is an ego and has separated from God. The seeming "process" of Awakening is the illusion of "giving up" the ego, and therefore the "works" that are inspired by the Holy Spirit during the "process" of Awakening are illusion as well.
Let the seeming "works" be inspired and Guided by the Holy Spirit and the seeming “results” are more and more sustained experiences of love, peace, happiness, joy, and freedom in awareness.
In Perfect "Faith" there is the Perception of Wholeness. In this Perspective there are no longer separate "Works,” just one beautiful Tapestry. This beautiful Tapestry quickly gives way to the Instant of Revelation, the Holy Instant, Which is the Pure Light of God. Desire the Holy Instant, for It cannot be denied in Truth.
Forget this world, forget this Course, and come with wholly empty hands unto your God. This is a Call to remember the Holy Instant. This is truly the Aim of "A Course In Miracles" and Self-realization.
Wholeness knows Wholeness, and there are no parts. Faith knows Faith, and there are no works. Love knows Love, and there is nothing else.
In Loving Kindness,
David