Article February 17, 1906 Issue

Salvation is not through Mere Belief

Alfred Farlow

Boston Times

Our critic declares that he finds nothing in the 8th chapter of Romans to justify the teaching of Christian Science that Spirit is the only real Life. What shall we do with such texts as the following? "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." "So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." "Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live." Do not these declarations confirm the teaching of Christian Science that sin, sickness, and even death are consequent upon serving the flesh, while salvation from these is to be found in spiritual living? The same chapter declares, "The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." The carnal mind referred to in the text is the same that Mrs. Eddy denominates mortal mind. If it has nothing to do with the divine will, it certainly is no part of God's creation, and since God is the only creator it must be without foundation.

The gentleman asks for an explanation of the text, "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God." Through spiritual enlightenment only are we made aware of the fact that we are "the children of God." Spiritual truths are discerned spiritually. In the text above quoted, Paul refers to the spiritual nature as the witness of one's kinship with God. The material mortal nature would declare that there is no God. The text, "For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now," refers to the fact that the whole creation is held by human concept in the same false sense, and that the same understanding of Truth which liberates one must liberate all. Since Jesus alone taught and practised that which is absolutely correct, absolute freedom could not begin until he had taught and demonstrated his particular understanding.

The text, "And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body" refers to the fact that though we may have gained a glimpse of the truth, our deliverance is not yet entirely accomplished, but we are still watching, waiting, and toiling for complete redemption. Paul probably had in mind the fact that salvation could not come through a mere belief, but that one must work out his salvation by understanding and applying the truth.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

Wages war on Worry