Judgment is not an attribute of God. It was brought into being only after the separation, when it became one of the many learning devices to be built into the overall plan.

Just as the separation occurred over millions of years, the Last Judgment will extend over a similarly long period, and perhaps an even longer one. Its length can, however, be greatly shortened by miracles, the device for shortening but not abolishing time. If a sufficient number become truly miracle-minded, this shortening process can be virtually immeasurable. It is essential, however, that you free yourself from fear quickly, because you must emerge from the conflict if you are to bring peace to other minds also looking for the way out. (T-2:VIII.2-5) If you are still fearful, you will teach fear; if you are at peace, you will teach peace. Or consider teaching only love -- for that is what you are. ☺

The Last Judgment is generally thought of as a procedure undertaken by God. Actually it will be undertaken by His Sons with the help of Jesus. It is a final healing rather than a meting out of punishment, however much anyone may think that punishment is deserved. (Ask yourself if you would rather be punished -- or lovingly taught . . .) Punishment is a concept totally opposed to rightmindedness, and the aim of the Last Judgment is to restore rightmindedness to you. The Last Judgment might be called a process of right evaluation. It simply means that everyone will finally come to understand what is worthy and what is not. After this, the ability to choose can be directed rationally. Until that distinction is made, however, the vacillations between free and imprisoned will cannot but continue.

The first step toward freedom involves a sorting out of the false from the true. This is a process of separation in the constructive sense, and reflects the true meaning of the Apocalypse.* Everyone will ultimately look upon his own creations (extensions of love) and choose to preserve only what is good, just as God Himself looked upon what He had created and knew that it was good. At this point, the mind can begin to look with love on its own creations because of their worthiness. At the same time the mind will inevitably disown its miscreations (separation and fear) which, without belief, will no longer exist.

The term “Last Judgment” is frightening not only because it has been projected onto God, but also because of the association of “last” with death. This is an outstanding example of upside-down perception. If the meaning of the Last Judgment is objectively examined, it is apparent that it is really the doorway to life. No one who lives in fear is really alive.

Your own last judgment cannot be directed toward yourself, because you are not your own creation.** You can, however, apply it meaningfully and at any time to everything you have made, and retain in your memory only what is creative and good. This is what your right-mindedness must dictate. The purpose of time is solely to “give you time” to achieve this judgment. It is your own perfect judgment of your own perfect creations. When everything you retain is lovable, there is no reason for fear to remain with you. This is your part in the Atonement.

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*Apocalypse – the end of the ego world, symbolizing the resurrection and the Last Judgment, the final emergence of truth and light in all. Hallelujah!