To Light a Thousand Lamps - The Theosophical Society

Karma and/or Grace / 77
about the injury done to others through one’s brutal and
thoughtless acts? From the standpoint of human, let alone
divine justice, it is unthinkable to countenance the remission
of sins through God’s forgiveness, and this only for
believers to boot; it is opposed to all that humanity deems
ethical and fair. Interpreted, however, within the context of
Jesus’ injunction, ‘‘go, and sin no more,’’ the verse from
Mark becomes profoundly significant, the more so when
linked with Jesus’ statement to Nicodemus that ‘‘Except a
man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’’
Except a man be born of water, and of the Spirit, he
cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born
of the flesh, is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit, is
spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born
again. — John 3:3, 5‒7 (Authorized Version)
The story of Saul of Tarsus is an example in point.
Reared in the traditions of his people, he found the burden
of guilt for past sin becoming intolerable, so much so that
he could not identify with his God. As a Hebrew he knew
he must earn God’s acceptance through moral rectitude and
the fulfillment of his commandments. So distraught was he
that he took out his anger and despair on those who followed
this stranger, Jesus. Then one day while en route to
Damascus a light suddenly enveloped Saul, shining with
such intensity that he fell down blinded, and he heard the
Lord calling to him. After three days he was ‘‘a new creature,’’
his sight was restored, the past gone, even in time his
name. Had his strong yearning to find meaning in life
momentarily opened his soul to his own inner light?