In 2 Corinthians 12:1–6, Paul describes a shift in awareness. Through Neville Goddard’s teachings, we can understand this as living from a new assumption — a new identity that exists beyond our current limitations. These verses show how inner transformation happens when we remain committed to the state of the wish fulfilled.
2 Corinthians 12:1
“As it is, it is not good for me to take pride: but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.”
Paul reminds us that spiritual growth isn’t about showing off. Instead, progress happens through inner experience — our imagined end. These “visions and revelations” are the assumptions we accept as real. When we look within and assume what we desire, we rise above external appearances.
2 Corinthians 12:2 NIV
“I have knowledge of a man in Christ… who was taken up to the third heaven.”
The “man in Christ” originates from Genesis 1:26, and represents the new identity we choose by assumption. It doesn’t matter how the experience appears — whether physical or imagined — because the imagination is the creative power. The “third heaven” symbolises the fulfilment of the desired state — where the assumption is fully accepted as true.
2 Corinthians 12:3–4 KJV
“And I have knowledge of such a man… taken up into Paradise… which man may not put into words.”
The man here is the new state of consciousness. When we live from our assumption, we enter “Paradise” — the realised imagination. The “secret things” refer to how imagination works silently and invisibly. The old identity cannot understand the process, but the new identity lives in its results.
2 Corinthians 12:5
“On account of such a one I will have glory: for myself I will take no glory…”
Paul chooses not to identify with the old version of himself. He “glories” only in the new state — the assumption. This is Neville’s teaching: do not argue for your limitations. Honour the new you, even if nothing has changed outwardly yet.
2 Corinthians 12:6
“For if I had a mind to take glory to myself… I would be saying what is true…”
Paul explains that declaring the new identity isn’t boasting — it’s simply affirming the truth of the assumption. There is no need to seek approval from others. The change will show itself automatically. The new state expresses itself in time.
The Double Dreams: Joseph and “God Only Knows”
Joseph’s repeated dreams show the importance of staying loyal to the desired end. Repetition builds belief.
Likewise, Paul repeating “God only knows” reinforces that the subconscious (God) fulfils what we assume. We do not need to know how it will happen — we only keep accepting the new identity. When the assumption is the only reality, the result becomes inevitable.
Conclusion: Living From the Assumed State
These verses reveal a practical message: inner identity determines outward experience. To “glory” in the assumption is to live from the end — without needing outside confirmation.
The “man in Christ” is the chosen identity, free from old limitations. When we stay faithful to this inner state, we rise into our own “third heaven” — the fulfilled desire. The transformation happens within first, and then expresses in the world.