In the Christian Science Bible Lesson July 7, 2014 Issue

Active participation, active love

For the Lesson titled "Sacrament" from July 7 - 13, 2014

Kathy Fitzer

Exploring this week’s Christian Science Bible Lesson, “Sacrament,” I realized that to fully experience the sacraments of baptism and communion requires active participation. We must give up old ways, be washed clean, and care for one another.

The Golden Text and Responsive Reading identify what is required to “stand in his holy place” (Psalms 24:3) and “be filled with all the fulness of God” (Ephesians 3:19). The first three sections of the Lesson develop the requirement for “clean hands, and a pure heart” (Psalms 24:4)—i.e., baptism. The idea of “walk[ing] in love” (Ephesians 5:2) by following
Jesus’ example (i.e., communion) is amplified in the final three sections.

Although, as John the Baptist pointed out, Jesus would baptize (purify) others with the Holy Ghost, Jesus came to John to be baptized with water. As Jesus emerged from the water, God announced, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17, citation 7). This blessing is available to all who are willing to be purified “from all error” (Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 35, cit. 8).