Series 1 - Lesson 2 - Annotation 5
What is forgiveness of sin?
5. To forgive is to "give" something "for"; to exchange the mental concept of limitation of oneself, of others, of life in general for the Truth. It is to give one's thoughts to building new states of consciousness based on divine ideas. Primarily, forgiveness of sin is the forsaking of all thoughts and concepts that do not measure up to the divine standard of universal good. Forgiveness causes us to behold good in all things and to pour out a feeling of love toward everybody and all living creatures.
In the Absolute (Truth, God) there is no sin, for all is perfect order and harmony in accordance with the ideations or creations of Divine Mind. It is in the relative or mental realm—the human consciousness — that there is the belief in both good and evil. Whatever the character of man's concepts, the results will be of like nature. Manifest man produces error conditions in his body and his affairs because of his lack of understanding of the power of God inherent in himself as the "formative power of thought." Thus, man forms false concepts (or negative "mental equivalents") that lead to sin, for they "fall short" of Truth.
In his consciousness, manifest man has felt himself to be separated from God, Absolute Good, and this in turn has caused him to be mentally separated from his fellow man. Man sins in having too low an aim, too limited a concept of himself, which causes him to "miss the mark" of his high calling in Christ Jesus.
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Preceding Entry: Since we are the offspring of God, why have we appeared to be unlike Him?
Following Entry: What is repentance?
