Editorial July 28, 1923 Issue

Christian Ministry

Albert F. Gilmore

Nowhere in the New Testament is the purpose of Christ Jesus' ministry set forth more definitely than in the third chapter of the first epistle of John. Briefly, but explicityly, he declares, "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil." There can be not the slightest doubt about the meaning of this passage. To destroy "the works of the devil"! No discrimination by word or implication is made as to the specific forms of evil to which he gave attention; the "works of the devil," all the claims of evil of whatsoever type or character which he destroyed, are certainly included.

Mrs. Eddy's statement on page 18 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" greatly clarifies the situation. "Jesus," she declares, "acted boldly, against the accredited evidence of the sense, against Pharisaical creeds and practices, and he refuted all opponents with his healing power." Our Leader placed no limitation upon the healing works of the Master. "All opponents" must include every form of evil, whatever seems to be arrayed against the truth about God and His universe of perfect ideas.

The inclusive character of these statements raises an important train of thought as to what constitutes Christian ministry. From the explicit injunctions which Christ Jesus gave his disciples one can scarcely conclude that less than following precisely in his footsteps—doing the works which he did, effacign error and exalting the Father—comprises the destruction of the works of evil.

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