We learn further from TGRABJ/2/200 (paraphrased) that the mind is indeed a wonderful instrument for investigating the laws of nature and the relationship of cause and effect in the physical world. However, its powers are limited when applied to things of the spirit. The use of the mind in that way can lead to incorrect conclusions, as well as retarding the soul’s development of its faculties.
God has created laws to be applied to conditions of both the material world and the spiritual world. But the laws that apply to the operations of the material world may not apply to the operations of the spiritual world. Knowledge of the laws pertaining to the natural will not automatically supply knowledge of the laws pertaining to the spiritual. So to spiritually progress, humans need to become acquainted with the relevant spiritual laws.
The soul is to the spiritual things of God what the mind is to the material things of God. Therefore, it is a mistake to attempt to learn spiritual things through the powers of the material mind. Rather, it is necessary to exercise the soul perceptions which will come as one’s soul develops. These perceptions are just as real as the five senses of the mind, though most people are not aware of them. Once their existence is understood and they begin to be exercised, the development of these soul faculties or perceptions will progress with success and certainty.
In TGRABJ/2/337, we learn of a process that leads from the revelation of truth to the development of faith. When a discovered or revealed truth is recognized as reality based on experience, it is then put into action. This leads to belief of the mind, which in turn leads to faith with longings and aspirations at the soul level. The object of faith becomes real (of substance) which then leads to knowledge with conviction, and as a result, one can speak with authority as Jesus did. Such was the process by which Jesus became the possessor and authentic expositor of the great spiritual truths that had never before been known and declared by any person.
These steps leading to knowledge and internalization of truth must be followed gradually and with confidence. The help and influence of the Father are necessary in this, and come only in response to sincere prayer from the soul. This is the only means to obtain deep spiritual knowledge – it is always by grace. All knowledge of spiritual things coming in any other way cannot be relied on, for there is only one source of such knowledge out of which the real spiritual truths of God emanate.
In sum, naturally, through the human mind, it is impossible to understand spiritual things or arrive at correct conclusions regarding spirit matters. The higher spiritual truths can only be grasped through soul perceptions or the soul-mind. As one receives more of the Divine Love through the Holy Spirit, the individual becomes aware of their soul faculties which will further develop as more of the Divine Love finds lodgement in the soul. The development of soul perceptions results in a deeper understanding of the higher spiritual truths and our relationship with God.