My previous understanding of atonement was Jesus atoned for our sins by sacrificing himself on the cross. That thought never made sense to me. If someone else paid my debt then I really didn’t have any motivation to change my ways. In A Course in Miracles (ACIM), ²“Atoning” means “undoing.” (ACIM, T-1.I.26:2)
It says, Miracles are part of an interlocking chain of forgiveness which, when completed, is the Atonement. (ACIM, T-1.I.25:1) I understand this to mean when I open myself to continuous forgiveness and allow Love to work through me, I restore myself to right-mindedness and a miraculous life.
I have learned the role of Jesus is to cancel all my errors (notice no word of sin). When I can solidify my relationship with Love then I become part of the Atonement. I understand this process involves my becoming more aware of the essence of Love within me. This leads to me letting go of my attachments to the material aspect of the world and focusing more on enhancing my relationships with others using forgiveness.
This process of Atonement requires the need for time and these lessons. Both will cease to exist when Atonement is realized. I join with others on a spiritual level and we move out of the realm of being focused on the body, but embrace our spiritual nature. We join together with Love thus completing being At One with Love or At One Ment.
Easy peasy, right? Wrong! My struggle has been with letting go. My favorite story is of a man who is being chased by a tiger and jumps off a cliff. On the way down he grabs onto a branch. Hanging on for dear life he cries out, “Oh Dear God, please help me!” A voice booms out from the sky and says, “Let go of the branch.” The man hesitates a moment then asks, “Is there anyone else up there I can talk to?”
The man doesn’t realize he’s only a few feet from the bottom of the cliff and safety. It isn’t easy to release my sense of control on abundance or possessions and yet, that is what Jesus did and preached in his sermons. He repeatedly talked about giving up possessions and letting go of a solitary focus on accumulating wealth.
He said Love would provide all I need, not necessarily all I want. I don’t know what is in my best interest therefore, I cannot think clearly. My biggest stumbling block is fear. I envision the process as walking a tightrope which first has ropes on each side I can hang onto, but they drop away once I trust Love is always there and I am fearless.
I was guided by faith, in the form of a strong urge, to begin my own counseling business. It was a rocky road at first, but all my needs were provided along the way and it gradually blossomed to support me. Some suggested I find other work to supplement my income, but I resisted and later they commented on the strength of my faith.
I understand Jesus is in charge of the Atonement because he went through it. His part is to cancel any errors I make along the way. Once I’m restored to the recognition of my original state as a part of Love then I become a part of the Atonement. I have become At One with Love.
Often, when I have been entertaining doubt, I’ve heard the message, “I’ve got you.” I’ve seen others receive that same message. I believe that is Jesus talking to me. I get the feeling of being wrapped in a soft blanket of comfort and faith. All the world falls away as I am being held in the embrace of pure Love.
When I look towards an uncertain future, if I keep these words and feelings with me I can go through anything. After all, my goal is to reunite with Love and help others do the same, because that is the only thing I know will never change. ACIM states:
²Today accept Atonement, not to change reality, but merely to accept the truth about yourself, and go your way rejoicing in the endless Love of God. (ACIM, W-139.10:2)
May the Course be with you!
I needed to hear this today! How did you know :) Spot on and beautifully written. Thank you