Article September 22, 1923 Issue

Christian Science maintains that the works of Jesus are...

Lester B. McCoun, Committee on Publication for the State of Nebraska,—Seward

Independent Democrat

Christian Science maintains that the works of Jesus are the outstanding proofs of the presence and divinity of Christ, and stand as the supreme evidence of the power and goodness of God. Christ Jesus once announced his mission in these words: "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." Certainly the proofs he gave in the overcoming of sin, disease, and death through spiritual means alone, were and are of vital importance in making plain his conception of eternal Life. The above statement by the Master occurs in the tenth chapter of John; and in this same chapter, when the Jews questioned the truthfulness of his preaching, Jesus is recorded as saying: "If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works." As given in the fourteenth chapter of John, Jesus used the same argument with the twelve disciples when they expressed some doubt about him.

It seems evident that the Master regarded the works as of primary rather than of secondary importance. When he sent out the twelve and the seventy he admonished them regarding the works they were to do. In the sixteenth chapter of Mark it is recorded how he told of the signs (or works) that should follow those who believe; and in the fourteenth chapter of John are these words: "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also." In keeping with the methods of the humble Nazarene, which require visible proofs of the righteousness born of God, Mrs. Eddy has written in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures"(p. 241), in a spirit of love and helpfulness for all, "The error of the ages is preaching without practice." Regarding the relative significance of the words and works of the Master, she says in the same book (p. 350): "His words were the offspring of his deeds, both of which must be understood. Unless the works are comprehended which his words explained, the words are blind."

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