Male Character Parallels: Neville Style

In Neville Goddard’s interpretation of scripture, biblical figures represent states of consciousness—archetypes playing out in the inner theatre of the mind. The story of Jesus and John the Baptist is one of profound spiritual symbolism: it illustrates the journey from preparation to fulfilment, from external belief to inner creative power.

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John the Baptist: The External Self and Mental Preparation

John the Baptist symbolises the outer man, the old self, and the state of consciousness that is aware something greater is possible, but has not yet realised its true power. He preaches repentance, urging us to rethink our assumptions about life and God.

“Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” — Matthew 3:2

In Neville's teachings, repentance isn’t sorrow for sin—it’s a radical change of mind. John’s baptism by water symbolises this cleansing of the old thought patterns, preparing the subconscious for something new.

“I indeed baptise you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I... he shall baptise you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.” — Matthew 3:11

John represents the voice in the wilderness—the mental state that prepares the way for transformation but is not itself the transformation.

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord.” — Isaiah 40:3 / Matthew 3:3

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Jesus: Divine Imagination Awakened

Jesus represents the fully awakened imagination—the “I AM” presence. When Jesus is baptised by John, it marks a spiritual initiation: the surrender of the outer man to the inner divine self.

“And Jesus, when he was baptised, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him.” — Matthew 3:16

“This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” — Matthew 3:17

In Neville’s teachings, this is the moment when the individual stops seeking God outside and begins to know I AM as God within. Jesus symbolises living in the end, assuming the feeling of the wish fulfilled.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.” — John 8:58

“According to your faith be it unto you.” — Matthew 9:29

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The Beheading of John: The Death of the Old Self

The beheading of John the Baptist (Matthew 14:1–12) is a powerful symbol. In Neville’s framework, John’s head represents reason, logic, and reliance on the senses. His death signifies the end of a consciousness rooted in outer authority and its surrender to the inner voice of imagination.

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” — John 3:30

This isn’t about martyrdom—it’s a necessary step in spiritual rebirth. You cannot serve both outer law and inner truth. The beheading symbolises the cutting off of the old framework that delays manifestation.

“Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” — John 12:24

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Parallels in Scripture: Cain & Abel, Esau & Jacob, Saul & David

This pattern—old self yielding to new—is echoed throughout scripture:

• Cain and Abel: Cain (works of the flesh) kills Abel (inner gift), yet Abel’s offering is favoured.

  “And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain... he had not respect.” — Genesis 4:4–5

• Esau and Jacob: Esau (external power) loses his birthright to Jacob (inner vision).

  “The elder shall serve the younger.” — Genesis 25:23

• Saul and David: Saul (man’s choice) is replaced by David (God’s choice), “a man after God’s own heart.”

  “The Lord hath sought him a man after his own heart.” — 1 Samuel 13:14

Each story reveals the same spiritual law: the outer, seen self must decrease so the inner, creative self may rise.

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Living as Jesus: Manifestation Through Imagination

Jesus represents the state where imagination is trusted as reality. He doesn’t react—He creates. He doesn’t beg—He assumes. Neville taught that to live as Jesus is to walk by faith in the unseen, to live from the end.

“What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” — Mark 11:24

“The kingdom of God is within you.” — Luke 17:21

To embody Jesus is to awaken as creator, not victim. It is to live from the truth that your world is the out-picturing of your inner state.

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Conclusion: The Journey From John to Jesus Within You

The biblical journey from John the Baptist to Jesus Christ is not just history—it is your personal evolution. John is the voice in your wilderness, urging change. Jesus is the imagination within, capable of all things.

To move from John to Jesus is to:

• Stop relying on the evidence of the senses.

• Let go of old beliefs and external rituals.

• Live boldly in the assumption that your desire is already fulfilled.

The beheading of John is the symbolic death of the old man. The baptism of Jesus is the inner realisation of God as “I AM.” Every time you leave behind doubt, and step into the feeling of your desire fulfilled, you die to John and rise as Christ.

“Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2