Article July 19, 1919 Issue

In order to understand the true meaning of the Bible it...

Robert G. Steel

Augusta (Mich.) Beacon

In order to understand the true meaning of the Bible it must be interpreted spiritually, since it was written from the spiritual standpoint. To scholastic theology, viewing the Bible through the lens of materiality, the atonement has always proved a most difficult problem. That no solution wholly satisfactory to such theology has as yet been found is evident from the fact that there are several doctrines on the subject, all claiming to be orthodox. Christian Science, on the other hand, based as it is on the Bible and interpreting it spiritually, will be found in strict accord with its teachings and the precepts and example of Christ Jesus.

Were the theological statement true that through Jesus' sacrifice all sin was destroyed, one might be pardoned for wondering at the necessity for the activities of what is known as organized Christianity, since they are devoted almost entirely to saving man from sin in order that his hereafter may be one of heavenly bliss. Christian Science, while bidding Godspeed to such endeavors, teaches a full salvation not alone from sin but from sickness as well. It accepts the divine method of the Master through which sin is not forgiven unless forsaken. It shows that this complete salvation is a present possibility, to be attained here and now by all those who understand God and apply His unerring law. Jesus said, "This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."

Probably the clearest, most scientific and comprehensive definition of atonement ever formulated is that by Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, on page 18 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," and is as follows: "Atonement is the exemplification of man's unity with God, whereby man reflects divine Truth, Life, and Love." This definition indicates the conformity of Christian Science with the Bible teaching of God as Spirit; of man in God's image and spiritual likeness, reflecting all that God is,—not the material mortal counterfeit called man, or Adam. It points to Christ Jesus as the Way-shower out of the bondage of materiality to a conscious union with God, here and now. It makes plain that the sufferings of another can in no way relieve us from the responsibility of working out our own salvation. Christian Science teaches us how this may be done through the application and operation of the same supreme spiritual law employed by the Master in his many demonstrations of God's power; for the ability to do the works which he did was promised to all who believed (understood) him.

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