"If you bring forth what is within you,
what you bring forth will save you.
If you do not bring forth what is within you,
what you do not bring forth will destroy you."
~~ Gospel of Thomas
Many interpretations are given for the above verse.
One is that it points to the divinity of man,
so if one does not realise that Man is in fact divine,
he will not live well.
This is not orthodox Christianity as orthodox Christians
believe that only the Triune God, and angels, are divine.
Hence, as we all know, the Gospel of Thomas
is not considered Biblical canon.
Still, it is not impossible for orthodox Christians to agree with this verse,
because Luke 17:21 says, "The kingdom of God is within you."
If 'what is within us' is interpreted loosely as 'the kingdom of God',
then this verse can be accepted and even appreciated by orthodox Christians.
We should obviously bring forth the kingdom of God.
I interpret it more metaphorically as one's individual talent, his calling.
If he does not fulfill his calling, he will be destroyed.
This falls in line with another verse from The Gospel of Thomas:
"Do not do what you hate."
In other words, doing what you love is the most important thing
in the world, and that will be fulfilling your calling.
Not fulfilling your calling will be the greatest sin.
Still, there are other parts of the Gospel of Thomas
that are impossible to either understand or agree. Example:
"I am the light that is over all.
I am the All. The All come forth from Me.
And to me the All has come.
Split a piece of wood - I am there.
Lift the stone, and you will find me there."
This hints at the Hindu concept that All is One.
The name 'Thomas' was given a bad reputation
because the canonical Gospel of John depicts
a 'doubting Thomas' who needed to feel
Jesus physically to be convinced of his resurrection.
It is not certain if the Thomas who wrote this ancient document
was the same 'doubting Thomas'.
The author himself claims to be 'Didymos Judas Thomas',
which means 'twin brother'.
The name itself is a metaphor that the author uses
to identify with Jesus as his twin brother.
This implies that we can all be 'One' with Jesus
if we know ourselves and our calling.
It is time for me to fulfill my calling.
I have waited too long.
In fact, I might be already be too late.
