Chapter 1 II. Revelation, Miracles, and Time

Revelation, miracles, and time—three powerful concepts, but what do they mean in the context of our spiritual journey? In A Course in Miracles, we are invited to explore these ideas deeply. Building on the previous passages about miracles as expressions of love, we now connect how miracles connect us with others and how revelations bring us closer to God.

Miracles: Expressions of Love That Unite Us

In ACIM, miracles are described as interpersonal—expressions of love that bring us closer to our brothers and sisters. Miracles help us recognise that we are all equals, and in this sense, they are simple but profound acts of love. By connecting us with others, miracles dismantle the ego's sense of separation and reinforce the truth of our shared divinity.

As explored in previous passages, miracles are not grand supernatural events; they are natural expressions of love that unite us. They help us realise that love is always present, waiting to be recognised. This idea, rooted in equality, helps us relate to each other in a more authentic and compassionate way.

Revelation: A Direct Experience of God

Unlike miracles, revelation is a direct, intensely personal experience of God. As the text states, "Revelation induces complete but temporary suspension of doubt and fear." These moments of revelation transcend words and understanding. They cannot be shared or explained because they are pure experiences of love that unite us with God.

I’ve personally experienced revelation twice in my life. In both moments, I felt a deep connection with what I now understand as the "eternal always"—God, where Jesus and the Holy Spirit reside. My first experience came through a mind-altering substance after a vocal plea from my ego to the eternal always. It was an intense moment of surrender, and everything I thought I knew about life shifted in that instant. I now see this as an intervention from Jesus or the Holy Spirit, guiding me to let go and trust.

The second revelation happened soon after, without any substances. My body froze, but my spirit felt completely free. It was a profound experience of connection, where I felt enveloped by love beyond anything words can describe. It was as if time and space dissolved, and only the presence of God remained. These moments continue to shape my understanding of revelation as something that can only be experienced, not explained.

Miracles and Time: Removing Blocks to Love

Miracles have a fascinating relationship with time. They allow us to collapse time, removing the obstacles (or blocks) that prevent us from accessing love—blocks that might have taken years or even lifetimes to overcome. This idea is both fascinating and reassuring—when we experience a miracle, we are lifted beyond time’s limitations, allowing us to progress more quickly on our path.

In ACIM, miracles shift our perception from the horizontal plane, where we experience time linear, to the vertical, where we experience the eternal presence of love. This sudden shift helps us bypass the barriers we’ve created, speeding up our progress on the path. Through miracles, both the giver and the receiver are beyond the constraints of time, allowing love to flow freely.

The idea that miracles can shorten time in the physical and help us progress more quickly is comforting. It shows us that even though our spiritual journey may seem slow or filled with challenges, miracles provide a way to overcome obstacles and access love more easily. When we align with love, time becomes less significant.

Revelation, Miracles, and the Journey Toward Love

This section of A Course in Miracles invites us to separate and understand the roles of revelation, miracles, and time. Miracles are expressions of love that unite us with others and collapse time by removing blocks to love. Revelations, on the other hand, are direct experiences of God, moments of connection with the eternal always—where Jesus and the Holy Spirit reside. Both miracles and revelations bring us closer to the truth that love is the foundation of everything.

Reflecting on these concepts, I see how both revelations and miracles have shaped my spiritual journey. Through revelation, I’ve experienced moments of indescribable connection with God. Through miracles, I’ve seen love work to heal and connect me with others. Both remind me that when we align with love, we transcend the limitations of time and ego.