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paralleling ASFG 1 lesson on “VIRTUE AND UNDERSTANDING”
ASFG Text:
The Way to Virtue and Understanding;
Faith Is the Chief Corner-stone (personal experiences)
(pages 47 to 49)
We should not think of the people in the Bible merely as distant or historical figures. Instead, they are spiritual mirrors — individuals whose struggles, growth, and faith journeys resemble our own. Their lives represent different aspects of our inner development, teaching us how to move from ignorance to understanding and from weakness to virtue.
When we read about Abraham, Jacob, Judah, and others, we are also reading about the stages of our spiritual evolution. Abraham, for example, represents faith, the foundation of our connection to God — just as the ASFG text says: “Faith is the chief cornerstone.” Through faith, Abraham received God’s promises, both spiritual and material (Genesis 15:6). Likewise, Jacob’s prophecy that the “scepter shall not depart from Judah” (Genesis 49:10) shows that divine leadership would come through a lineage of spiritual authority — fulfilled in Jesus Christ, “the son of David” (Matthew 1:1).
The commandments, prophecies, and parables of Scripture are not just history; they are inner lessons on how to live in harmony with God and others. As the ASFG text explains, “The way to virtue and understanding is through prayer and meditation.” Likewise, the Ten Commandments and the Lord’s Prayer teach us about right relationship — with God, ourselves, and others. The Commandments provide the moral foundation, while the Lord’s Prayer assumes we are already walking in righteousness and communion with the Father.
The Bible’s conflicts — like wars in the Old Testament — reflect not literal divine violence but the inner battles we face between our higher and lower natures. As Paul writes, “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh” (Galatians 5:17). The call of the Gospel is to “live the life” — to embody Christ’s way in thought, word, and deed.
Faith, prayer, and meditation bring us into this inner communion. Jesus made God personal and approachable: “The kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). Each day, like Israel’s journey through the wilderness, is a new opportunity to walk closer to God — to die to self and rise in Christ, living out the gift of eternal life already within us (John 14:6).
Main Themes and Explanations
1. Bible Figures as Reflections of Our Inner Journey
Explanation: Each Biblical character represents aspects of our own spiritual nature. Abraham symbolizes faith, Moses obedience, David devotion, and Jesus divine realization.
Bible Support: “Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition” (1 Corinthians 10:11).
From the ASFG text: “Others may point the way, but have they the virtue and understanding of Him who said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life?’” (John 14:6). This aligns with the idea that these figures point to Christ’s way living within us.
2. Faith as the Foundation of Virtue and Understanding
Explanation: Faith is not blind belief but the living power that opens us to divine wisdom. Through faith, we cleanse and align our body, mind, and soul.
Bible Support: “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).
“Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6).
From the ASFG text: “Faith is the chief cornerstone... Through faith in Christ had virtue, a cleansing of body, soul, and spirit.”
3. The Ten Commandments and the Lord’s Prayer: Two Paths to the Same Goal
Explanation: The Ten Commandments guide outer behavior; the Lord’s Prayer deepens inner relationship. One instructs; the other assumes practice.
Bible Support: “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
“After this manner therefore pray ye...” (Matthew 6:9).
Interpretation: When Jesus told the rich young ruler to give up his possessions (Matthew 19:16–22), He was showing that keeping commandments alone isn’t enough — transformation comes when we surrender self.
4. Spiritual Meaning Beyond Literal Interpretation
Explanation: The wars and judgments in the Old Testament symbolize inner conflicts between spirit and ego. God’s commands represent lessons in obedience and surrender.
Bible Support: “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4).
From the ASFG text: “We must have implicit faith in God... unless we have faith, how can we expect to see the glories of God?” The battle, then, is one of faith over fear.
5. Living the Life of Christ — the Way to Virtue
Explanation: Eternal life is not earned by works but realized through Christ-conscious living — applying truth in daily actions.
Bible Support: “He that believes on the Son has everlasting life” (John 3:36).
“Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22).
From the ASFG text: “We must have no aim but to reach the Christ Consciousness... This leads to virtue and understanding.”
6. Prayer and Meditation: The Path to Union with God
Explanation: Prayer is outward communication; meditation is inner communion. Through both, we awaken to the indwelling Christ.
Bible Support: “When thou prayest, enter into thy closet... and pray to thy Father which is in secret” (Matthew 6:6).
“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
From the ASFG text: “The way to virtue and understanding is through prayer and meditation... Seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” (Luke 11:9)
Conclusion
The ASFG text and Edgar Cayce lessons together teach that the Bible is not only history but a living map of the soul. Each story mirrors an inner truth; each commandment reflects divine order; each prayer opens the heart to God within. As we cultivate faith, virtue, and understanding through prayer and meditation, we live the very way Jesus proclaimed — “Follow me.” (John 21:22)
Faith is the cornerstone, virtue its reward, and understanding the doorway to divine union.
Affirmation — “I Walk in the Way of Understanding”
“I am walking in the way, the truth, and the life. The light of Christ shines within me, guiding my mind, purifying my heart, and strengthening my soul. Each experience I face is a step toward greater faith and understanding. I am not alone — God’s Spirit works through me and in me. I see divine purpose in all things. Today, I live the life that Christ has shown — in love, in faith, and in truth.”
Scripture Support:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life.” — John 14:6
“The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.” — Proverbs 4:18
“Seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” — Luke 11:9
ASFG text:
“The way to virtue and understanding is through prayer and meditation.” It declares faith as the cornerstone and invites divine consciousness into daily living.
Prayer — “Faith, the Chief Cornerstone”
Heavenly Father,
I thank You for the gift of faith — the cornerstone of all understanding.
Through faith in Christ, cleanse my body, mind, and soul.
Open my eyes that I may see my brothers and sisters as You see them.
Let me walk the straight and narrow path that leads to Your truth.
When doubts arise, strengthen my belief.
When I am weary, renew my spirit.
When I stumble, remind me that Your mercy is greater than my weakness.
Help me to live not by history alone, but by Your living Word within me.
May my thoughts reflect Your wisdom,
my words express Your love,
and my deeds reveal Your light.
I surrender myself into Your keeping,
trusting that You will lead me into all virtue and understanding.
In the name of Christ, the Way and the Truth,
Amen.
Scripture Support:
“Without faith it is impossible to please God.” — Hebrews 11:6
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” — Psalm 51:10
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding.” — Proverbs 3:5
ASFG text:
“Faith is the chief cornerstone. We must have implicit faith in God and His promises.”
Meditation — “Entering the Inner Temple”
(Find a quiet space. Breathe deeply. Let the words sink into silence.)
Be still… and know that God is here.
With each breath, I feel the Spirit moving through me.
I release all outer thoughts and turn inward.
I see a light within — gentle, radiant, eternal.
It is the Christ within me, guiding me toward truth.
As I rest in this presence, I feel peace.
The noise of the world fades away.
I am not separate from God.
His life flows through my mind, my body, and my soul.
In this stillness, I understand:
Faith is the beginning of all wisdom.
Love is the law of all life.
Understanding is the unfolding of God’s Spirit within me.
I am whole. I am loved. I am one with the Father.
Sit in silence for a few moments, letting this awareness deepen.
When ready, whisper inwardly: “Thy will be done.”
Scripture Support:
“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10
“The kingdom of God is within you.” — Luke 17:21
“The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” — Romans 8:16
ASFG text:
“Meditation is the entering into the closet within our own selves, to commune with Him.” This meditation fulfills that invitation — meeting the Father in stillness.
Closing Reflection
These three practices — Affirmation, Prayer, and Meditation — reflect the path described in both text (Edgar Cayce Bible Class and ASFG Book 1):
Faith → Virtue → Understanding → Union with God.
When practiced daily, they awaken the Christ-consciousness within, helping you to “live the life” rather than merely read about it — the very essence of Jesus’ call:
“Follow me.” — John 21:22
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