The New Life of Spiritual Liberty – Urantia Book 170:2.2–2.8
In this passage, The Urantia Book reveals that Jesus’ gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven was not only a spiritual awakening but also a liberating force that transformed human experience. His teachings freed mankind from the "age-long bondage of animal fear" and introduced a new way of living, characterized by courage, hope, moral renewal, and an eternal perspective.
Let’s explore each of these seven points in depth.
1. The Possession of New Courage and Augmented Spiritual Power
"The gospel of the kingdom was to set man free and inspire him to dare to hope for eternal life." (170:2.2)
Freedom from Fear and the Gift of Strength
Before Jesus' teachings, fear dominated human life—fear of death, suffering, divine wrath, and the unknown.
His message of God’s Fatherhood removed this fear, replacing it with faith, love, and assurance of divine protection.
The "new courage" Jesus spoke of was not just physical bravery, but a spiritual boldness—the confidence to live righteously, serve others, and trust in divine guidance.
🔹 Augmented Spiritual Power
By recognizing the indwelling spirit of God, people gained inner strength to rise above suffering, resist evil, and transform the world.
This courage enabled them to hope for eternal life, understanding that earthly existence is just the beginning of an everlasting spiritual journey.
2. The Gospel Carried a Message of New Confidence and True Consolation for All, Even the Poor
"The gospel carried a message of new confidence and true consolation for all men, even for the poor." (170:2.3)
Breaking the Chains of Social and Economic Despair
Before Jesus, many believed wealth and social status were signs of divine favor, while poverty and suffering were seen as punishment.
Jesus shattered this belief, declaring that God loves all His children equally, regardless of material circumstances.
His gospel provided comfort and dignity to the downtrodden, teaching that true value comes from spiritual character, not wealth or power.
🔹 New Confidence
Jesus’ teachings uplifted the poor and marginalized, offering them a sense of self-worth beyond societal rankings.
He taught that God is closest to those who suffer, and that their reward is not in this world, but in the eternal Kingdom.
🔹 True Consolation
Unlike material wealth, which is temporary and uncertain, faith in God’s love is a lasting source of peace and hope.
This teaching abolished the old fears of being abandoned by God and replaced them with the assurance of divine care.
3. A New Standard of Moral Values – A Higher Ethical Yardstick
"It was in itself a new standard of moral values, a new ethical yardstick wherewith to measure human conduct. It portrayed the ideal of a resultant new order of human society." (170:2.4)
Spiritual Morality Over Traditional Laws
Before Jesus, morality was often based on external rules (e.g., religious laws, rituals, punishments).
Jesus internalized morality, shifting focus from mere rule-following to heart-based righteousness.
His teachings provided a new, higher ethical standard:
Love over law
Service over selfishness
Forgiveness over revenge
🔹 The Ideal of a New Society
Jesus envisioned a world where people lived by love and truth rather than fear and control.
This concept challenged existing religious and political systems, which relied on hierarchy, inequality, and power.
4. The Preeminence of the Spiritual Over the Material
"It taught the preeminence of the spiritual compared with the material; it glorified spiritual realities and exalted superhuman ideals." (170:2.5)
A Radical Shift in Priorities
Jesus redefined success, teaching that spiritual growth is far more important than earthly wealth and power.
He taught that seeking God first leads to true fulfillment, while materialism leads to disappointment and emptiness.
🔹 Glorifying Spiritual Realities
Spiritual values like truth, love, faith, mercy, and righteousness were elevated above material concerns.
Superhuman ideals—such as perfecting one's character, seeking divine wisdom, and aspiring to eternal service—were held up as the highest goals.
5. Spiritual Attainment as the True Goal of Living
"This new gospel held up spiritual attainment as the true goal of living. Human life received a new endowment of moral value and divine dignity." (170:2.6)
What is the Purpose of Life?
Jesus redefined human purpose, teaching that life is not just about survival, pleasure, or social status, but about spiritual growth and transformation.
He encouraged people to pursue righteousness, develop their soul, and become more like God.
🔹 Divine Dignity of Human Life
Jesus’ teachings uplifted all individuals, teaching that each person is a child of God with an eternal destiny.
This rejected the belief that people were merely insignificant beings in a vast universe.
Instead, Jesus taught that every human life has divine value and a sacred purpose.
6. Eternal Realities as the Reward of Righteous Earthly Striving
"Jesus taught that eternal realities were the result (reward) of righteous earthly striving. Man’s mortal sojourn on earth acquired new meanings consequent upon the recognition of a noble destiny." (170:2.7)
The Link Between Earthly Life and Eternal Destiny
Jesus taught that what we do in this life matters eternally.
Righteous living, service, and spiritual growth prepare the soul for the next phase of existence in the afterlife.
🔹 Life’s New Meaning
Earthly life is not meaningless or random—it is a training ground for higher spiritual realities.
The struggles and lessons of life serve a divine purpose, shaping the soul for eternal service in the universe.
7. Human Salvation as Part of a Far-Reaching Divine Purpose
"The new gospel affirmed that human salvation is the revelation of a far-reaching divine purpose to be fulfilled and realized in the future destiny of the endless service of the salvaged sons of God." (170:2.8)
Salvation is More Than Personal Redemption
Traditional teachings focused on salvation as an escape from sin or hell.
Jesus expanded this view, teaching that salvation is the first step in an eternal adventure.
God’s plan is not just to save individuals but to prepare them for higher spiritual service in the universe.
🔹 Endless Service in God’s Universe
The “salvaged sons of God” are not just rescued sinners, but future cosmic citizens, destined to serve in higher spiritual capacities.
This teaching elevates the purpose of salvation, making it a call to eternal progress and divine participation.
Final Thoughts – The Power of Jesus’ New Gospel
Jesus' revolutionary teachings did not just offer hope for the afterlife—they transformed the meaning of life itself.
Freedom from fear → Courage & power
Social inequality → Universal brotherhood
Moral law → Higher ethical ideals
Materialism → Spiritual priorities
Life’s purpose → Eternal service
His gospel was not just a message—it was a path to spiritual freedom and eternal destiny.
2025. University Of Salvington
