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paralleling ASFG 1 lesson on “THE OPEN DOOR”
BIBLE READING: Matthew 5:3-48
(page 67)
Overview: “The Open Door” in Cayce’s Teaching
Edgar Cayce’s lesson “How to Open the Door” describes the inner process by which a person invites the Christ Consciousness — divine awareness or unity with God — into their life. The “door” is a metaphor for the heart and mind that must be opened through spiritual practice, love, and service. Opening the door is not a single act of faith but a continual choice to live by spiritual law.
Cayce blends the mystical and practical — the still, inner voice of the Spirit, and the outward actions of love and kindness.
Paraphrased Explanation of “How to Open the Door”
Opening the Door Means Welcoming the Christ Within
To “open the door” is to let the Christ Consciousness enter our lives — to allow divine love to express through our thoughts and actions.
This is not achieved by force or intellect, but by inner stillness and a willingness to listen to the “still, small Voice” of Spirit within (echoing 1 Kings 19:12).
Hearing the Inner Voice
The Spirit always calls to us, not through noise or drama, but through quiet intuition and peace. When we trust it, we gain understanding and memory of divine truth.
The “Great I AM” and Daily Life
Cayce refers to the “I AM” — God’s presence in all — knocking for admission to every heart. We open the door by expressing divine qualities daily: meditation, prayer, kindness, and awareness of God in every act.
Effort and Relationship with God
Just as rulers must know their subjects to lead well, so must we know God to receive His help. God waits for us to seek and believe before revealing Himself. Effort — faith in action — is required.
The Way to the Father
The way is through Christ, not merely as a person but as a state of being — the Christ Consciousness. We open the door by compassion: when we help others, we serve Christ Himself (“inasmuch as ye did it unto one of the least of these…” — Matthew 25:40).
Becoming Doors Ourselves
As we awaken to the Christ within, we become doors through which others find God. Our words and deeds become channels for divine love to flow into the world.
Living the Christ Consciousness
Awareness alone is not enough; it must be expressed daily in kindness, forgiveness, and service. Each act of love is an act of “opening the door.”
Comparison: The Eastern vs. Western Way
The supporting text contrasts Eastern mysticism and Christian mysticism as two paths toward enlightenment or divine union.
→Eastern (Oriental)
→Western (Christian)
→The mind is seen as an obstacle—something to quiet or erase to reach divine union (Samadhi).
→The mind is a divine instrument—to be illuminated and disciplined until it leads to Christ Consciousness.
→The goal is the obliteration of self, merging into the One.
→The goal is the illumination and voluntary surrender of self—mind willingly sacrifices itself on the altar of Spirit.
→The path is primarily inward — transcending thought.
→The path is inward and outward — transforming thought into love, service, and action.
Cayce aligns with the Christian mystical path: the mind first becomes enlightened by divine truth, then voluntarily lays itself down, just as Jesus consciously surrendered His will to the Father.
Moses symbolizes this process: he leads (the mind guiding the self through discipline and law) but cannot enter the Promised Land — only the soul, through self-surrender, can enter divine union.
Matthew 5:3–48 – The “Steps to the Open Door”
Cayce refers to Matthew 5 (the Beatitudes and Jesus’ moral teachings) as the “last and golden stairway to the open way.”
This chapter outlines how to prepare the self for union with God — the “open door.”
Teaching (Matthew 5)→Meaning in Cayce’s Framework
“Blessed are the poor in spirit…”→Humility opens the door; recognition of our dependence on God.
“Blessed are the pure in heart…”→Purity clears the channel for Christ Consciousness to flow.
“Love your enemies…”→The ultimate surrender of ego; perfect love opens the Kingdom within.
“Be ye therefore perfect…”→The call to wholeness — full realization of oneness with the Father.
These teachings refine the mind from obeying outer laws (Moses’ “Thou shalt not kill”) to obeying inner laws (Jesus’ “Do not even be angry”). This transformation is what Cayce calls the illumination of the mind — the inner law written on the heart (Hebrews 8:10).
Synthesis: The “Open Way”
In Cayce’s mystical Christianity:
The door = our consciousness.
The key = love expressed in thought and action.
The process = illumination → surrender → union.
The goal = the Christ within manifesting through us.
To “open the door” is to move from belief to embodiment — from knowing about Christ to living as a channel of Christ.
Practical Reflection
Meditate and Listen – Create stillness daily to hear the “still, small Voice.”
Serve Others – Each act of kindness opens the door wider.
Sacrifice the Ego – Let go of judgment, pride, and anger.
Practice the Beatitudes – They are the steps leading through the door.
Be the Door – Allow others to find God through your love and example.
The Open Door – Spiritual Progression
Step 1: Awakening the Desire for God
Symbol: The Spirit knocks at the door.
Inner Experience: A growing longing for truth, peace, and purpose.
Action: Begin to listen inwardly for the “still, small Voice” of Spirit.
Scriptural Parallel: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)
Cayce’s Insight: This is the first opening — recognizing that we need divine help and that God’s presence already seeks entry into our hearts.
Step 2: Purification and Illumination of the Mind
Symbol: Moses leading the people through the wilderness.
Inner Experience: The mind learns discipline and understanding. It becomes illuminated by spiritual truth.
Action: Study, prayer, meditation, and moral obedience refine the intellect so it may serve the soul.
Scriptural Parallel: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)
Cayce’s Insight: The mind is not to be destroyed (as in Eastern mysticism) but trained to lead the soul toward the Light, then willingly surrender to it.
Step 3: Awakening of the Heart and Compassion
Symbol: The Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount.
Inner Experience: The heart expands with love, mercy, and forgiveness. Compassion becomes the natural expression of awareness.
Action: Practice kindness, empathy, and humility toward others.
Scriptural Parallel: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” (Matthew 5:7)
Cayce’s Insight: The heart begins to act as the true “door” — through every loving thought and deed, the Christ within is made manifest.
Step 4: Sacrifice of the Ego (The Cross)
Symbol: Jesus’ crucifixion — the voluntary surrender of self.
Inner Experience: The personal will (ego) is crucified; pride, anger, and fear are released.
Action: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5)
Scriptural Parallel: “Love your enemies... pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)
Cayce’s Insight: The mind that once led must now lay itself down. The ego’s death opens the soul to resurrection and unity with God.
Step 5: Resurrection and Union with the Christ Consciousness
Symbol: The Risen Christ / The Open Door fully ajar.
Inner Experience: The soul rises into oneness with the Father. Separation ends; love and wisdom are perfectly balanced.
Action: Live consciously in the awareness that “I and my Father are one.”
Scriptural Parallel: “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48)
Cayce’s Insight: This is the realization of divine sonship — the soul’s entry into the “Promised Land.” The door between heaven and earth is now open within.
Step 6: Service as a Channel of Divine Love
Symbol: Becoming a door for others to enter.
Inner Experience: The awakened soul expresses the Christ through service, compassion, and joy.
Action: Live as an example of oneness with God — every kind word and deed invites others toward the Light.
Scriptural Parallel: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:40)
Cayce’s Insight: The final stage is not withdrawal but expression. The open door now radiates love — the soul becomes the living channel of the Christ.
Summary Flow
Desire → Discipline → Illumination → Sacrifice → Resurrection → Service
Each step is a widening of the inner door — until the Christ within flows freely into every aspect of life.
Affirmation: “I Am the Open Door”
“I am the open door through which the Christ enters.
I listen in stillness; I act in love.
My mind is illumined, my heart is pure,
and my will is one with the Divine Will.
In every word and deed, I am a channel of His peace.
Not my way, but Thine be done — now and always.”
Focus thought:
Say this aloud or inwardly each morning, especially before beginning your work or meditation. Feel the words vibrate through your body, as if every cell becomes a small, open door letting divine light flow through.
Prayer: “Opening the Door to the Christ Within”
Father of Light and Love,
I open the door of my heart to You.
Teach me to listen for Your still, small Voice within,
that I may know Your will and walk in Your way.
Cleanse my thoughts, that my mind may reflect Your truth.
Purify my heart, that I may see You in every soul.
Give me courage to surrender all self-seeking,
and strength to love even where love is not returned.
Through the Christ within me,
may I be a living door through which others find peace,
healing, and hope.
May my life speak of Your Presence
until all I meet know that You live in them, too.
Amen.
Use:
Pray this daily when beginning meditation or before bed — it aligns intention with service and remembrance of God.
Meditation: “The Door of Light”
Prepare:
Sit quietly, spine upright, hands open on your lap.
Breathe slowly and deeply. With each exhale, release tension and distraction.
Visualization:
Imagine yourself standing before a door of soft, radiant light.
Upon it are written the words: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.”
(Revelation 3:20)
Opening the Door:
With your next breath, see the door begin to open.
Warm, golden light flows toward you — the presence of Christ within.
Feel it entering your heart, filling your mind, illuminating your being.
Affirm silently:
“Christ, enter within.
My heart is open, my mind is still.
Let Your love live through me.”
Rest in Stillness:
Sit in this presence.
Let thoughts fade. Feel only the gentle rhythm of peace and unity.
If distractions arise, return to the words: “I am the open door.”
Return with Purpose:
When ready, slowly draw your attention back to your surroundings.
Offer a silent blessing:
“May every door I touch today open to love.”
Integration Thought
Each day is an opportunity to open the inner door wider —
through listening, surrender, and loving action.
The Christ Consciousness awakens not in a moment,
but in each choice to express compassion, truth, and peace.
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EXTRA STUDY MATERIAL:
“How to Open the Door” [From ASFG Lesson 8]
We must “open the door” of our hearts and minds to allow the Christ Consciousness—the presence of God within—to enter and express through us. This is both an inner awakening and an outer way of life.
1. Listening to the Spirit Within
The Spirit constantly calls to us, not in loudness or drama but as a “still, small Voice.”
When we listen in faith and trust, this inner voice teaches and guides us, reminding us of divine truth and wisdom.
2. Recognizing the Divine Presence
The “I AM”—the divine spark in every soul—knocks on the heart of each person.
By living our faith daily through prayer, meditation, and loving action, we welcome this Presence and let it transform our lives.
3. Effort and Relationship with God
God desires a personal relationship with each of us, but He reveals Himself only as we seek, believe, and act.
To open the door to His kingdom requires our effort and cooperation:
“If ye will be my people, I will be your God.”
4. The Way to the Father
The way to God is through the Christ Consciousness—through living as Christ lived.
When we ignore the needs of others, we close the door to His presence.
When we show compassion, kindness, or forgiveness, we open the door and allow Christ to work through us.
“Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of the least of these, ye did it unto Me.”
5. Becoming Doors for Others
As we awaken spiritually, we ourselves become doors—channels through which others may also encounter divine love.
Our actions, words, and attitudes can either open or close the way to God for those around us.
6. Living the Christ Consciousness Daily
True awareness of the Christ within must be lived out through daily acts of love, patience, and service.
We open the door not once, but continually—each day choosing to express the spirit of Christ.
We are to be living examples of oneness with God—
not just believers, but channels through which His love flows into the world.
Essence of the Teaching
The door = our inner consciousness.
The key = love and willingness to serve.
The process = listening → seeking → believing → acting.
The result = oneness with the Christ and the ability to share that light with others.
In short:
To open the door is to make oneself a living channel of divine love — hearing the inner voice, living by spiritual law, and expressing Christ’s compassion in everyday life.
Summary of Matthew 5:3–48
1. The Beatitudes (Verses 3–12)
Jesus begins by describing the qualities of those who live in harmony with God’s Kingdom:
Poor in spirit – humble and aware of their need for God.
Mourners – compassionate and sensitive to suffering.
Meek – gentle, not driven by ego or pride.
Hungry for righteousness – deeply desiring truth and justice.
Merciful – forgiving and kind.
Pure in heart – sincere, with clean motives.
Peacemakers – bring harmony where there is division.
Persecuted for righteousness’ sake – steadfast in goodness despite opposition.
These are the inner attitudes of those who “open the door” to divine consciousness.
2. Salt and Light (Verses 13–16)
Followers of Christ are called to be examples in the world — like salt that preserves goodness and light that reveals truth.
Their good works should shine so that others are drawn to glorify God, not them.
3. Jesus and the Law (Verses 17–20)
Jesus does not abolish the Law of Moses; He fulfills it by revealing its spiritual meaning.
True righteousness goes beyond external rules — it must come from the heart and surpass mere religious formality.
4. Deepening the Commandments (Verses 21–48)
Here, Jesus moves from outer obedience to inner transformation:
Anger is condemned as seriously as murder — purity of heart is required, not just clean actions.
Lustful thoughts are equal to adultery — holiness begins within the mind.
Divorce, oaths, and retaliation must all yield to love, forgiveness, and truth.
Instead of “an eye for an eye,” Jesus teaches:
“Resist not evil… Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you.”
He calls His followers to perfect love, mirroring the Father’s compassion that blesses both the just and the unjust.
5. The Culmination (Verse 48)
“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
This is not moral perfection, but spiritual wholeness — a heart completely united with God’s love.
Essence of the Passage
Matthew 5:3–48 reveals the inner law of the Kingdom —
a path from humility to divine love, from external rules to inward transformation, and from self-centeredness to God-centered living.
It describes the same journey Cayce calls the “open way” — the transformation of mind and heart that opens the door to the Christ Consciousness within.
Matthew 5:3–48 and The Open Door – Spiritual Progression
Step 1: Awakening – “Poor in Spirit” (Matthew 5:3)
Beatitude: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Meaning: Awareness of our own spiritual need opens us to God’s help.
Cayce’s Parallel: This is the knock on the door — the beginning of listening to the “still, small Voice.”
Action: Humility and receptivity — the heart begins to open.
Step 2: Cleansing of Emotion – “Those Who Mourn” (Matthew 5:4)
Beatitude: “Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Meaning: Sorrow for one’s shortcomings and compassion for others cleanse the heart.
Cayce’s Parallel: Through repentance and empathy, the soul begins to purify itself for the Light to enter.
Action: Accept and transform emotional pain into understanding and compassion.
Step 3: Purification of Will – “The Meek” (Matthew 5:5)
Beatitude: “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
Meaning: Gentleness replaces pride; the will becomes aligned with divine purpose.
Cayce’s Parallel: The mind is trained and illumined, becoming a servant of Spirit rather than master of self.
Action: Practice calmness and self-control — surrender ego-driven reactions.
Step 4: Illumination – “Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness” (Matthew 5:6)
Beatitude: “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.”
Meaning: The sincere longing for truth and goodness leads to spiritual nourishment.
Cayce’s Parallel: The soul begins to be fed by inner light — seeking truth in meditation, prayer, and study.
Action: Desire divine understanding above all else.
Step 5: Expansion of the Heart – “The Merciful” (Matthew 5:7)
Beatitude: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”
Meaning: Compassion and forgiveness open the channel for divine grace.
Cayce’s Parallel: This is the opening of the heart-door — love begins to flow outward as Christ-love.
Action: Forgive easily, help others freely.
Step 6: Inner Vision – “The Pure in Heart” (Matthew 5:8)
Beatitude: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
Meaning: Purity of motive allows direct perception of the Divine within.
Cayce’s Parallel: The mind and heart are now illumined; the inner door is fully open to the Christ Consciousness.
Action: Keep thoughts, intentions, and desires aligned with love and truth.
Step 7: Active Service – “The Peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9)
Beatitude: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.”
Meaning: Those who live from divine love become channels of harmony in the world.
Cayce’s Parallel: The awakened soul serves as a door for others, radiating Christ’s peace outward.
Action: Bring understanding where there is division; be a bridge of goodwill.
Step 8: Perseverance – “The Persecuted for Righteousness’ Sake” (Matthew 5:10–12)
Beatitude: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake…”
Meaning: The spiritually awakened soul remains steadfast in love, even amid trials.
Cayce’s Parallel: Like Jesus, the soul now sacrifices the ego — enduring tests that prove its faith.
Action: Respond to opposition with patience and forgiveness.
Step 9: Living Example – “Salt and Light” (Matthew 5:13–16)
Teaching: Be as salt that gives flavor and as light that reveals truth.
Meaning: The awakened one becomes a living example of divine love.
Cayce’s Parallel: The soul now shines as the open door, through which God’s light enters the world.
Action: Let deeds and words reflect the inner Christ.
Step 10: The Inner Law – From Moses to Christ (Matthew 5:17–48)
Teaching: Jesus fulfills the outer law by revealing its spiritual essence.
Meaning: True righteousness is not about rule-keeping but inner transformation — cleansing thoughts of anger, lust, deceit, and vengeance.
Cayce’s Parallel: The mind that once led (Moses) now yields to the Christ within — the final sacrifice of the ego.
Action: Love your enemies, pray for those who harm you, bless those who curse you.
Step 11: Perfection – “Be Ye Therefore Perfect” (Matthew 5:48)
Teaching: “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
Meaning: The soul’s union with God — the realization that all are one in divine love.
Cayce’s Parallel: This is the full opening of the door — the resurrection of the soul into Christ Consciousness.
Action: Live daily in awareness of oneness with the Father; become love in action.
Summary Flow
Awakening → Cleansing → Meekness → Illumination → Mercy → Purity → Peace → Perseverance → Example → Inner Law → Perfection
Each stage is both a step upward and a doorway inward.
By following the spirit of Matthew 5, the soul progresses from self-awareness to divine union — fulfilling what Cayce calls “the open way into the Kingdom of Heaven within.”
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