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Gospel of Thomas · 85 of 114 · tr. Thomas O. Lambdin

Logion 85

Jesus said, "Adam came into being from a great power and a great wealth, but he did not become worthy of you. For had he been worthy, he would not have experienced death."
Themes
Emanation Hierarchycosmology

A chain of divine beings or principles flowing downward from a single transcendent source (the One or the Father), each level less perfect than the one above.

Adam 'came into being from' a power, indicating a derivation from a higher source.

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Separation From Sourcesoteriology

The felt condition of exile from one's divine origin — Rumi's reed flute torn from its bed, Plotinus's 'we have forgotten,' the Gnostic forgetfulness; the affective wound that complements return_to_source and gives the return its motive.

The passage contrasts Adam's origin from great power with his current state of death and unworthiness, highlighting a condition of exile.

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Divine Sparkscosmology

Fragments of divine light or spirit trapped inside material bodies, awaiting liberation and return to their source.

[auto] Adam originates from 'great power and wealth' (divine source) but is trapped in death due to unworthiness.

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