Article October 17, 1925 Issue

The Open Door

CONSTANCE CHOISY

The common belief of mankind in the limitations and fetters of material existence places them in a prison house of merciless restrictions and penalties. In the world's opinion there is only one way out of this condition, and that is by death, which is thus considered the open door to a wider life—"heaven," in fact. And yet the shrinking of men from this dark experience, and the daily fight to put off the evil hour, show that, instinctively, they do not desire that portal to the kingdom of heaven, though all would say they long for heavenly peace and bliss.

Jesus said, "Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." He overcame death, and then he ascended to his Father with the full understanding of Life eternal. Would he have raised Jairus' daughter, the widow's son, and Lazarus, if they were to gain heaven through dying? Surely he would not have wished to bring them back to earth if that had been the case! Jesus said, "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." Therefore, it is by following his example that mankind can here and now rejoice in the kingdom of heaven.

The truth that our Master lived and taught is here for all to learn and understand; and the way it dawns on human consciousness is by revelation. No superhuman effort needs to be made. The desire for further spiritual enlightenment breaks down the walls of mystery and ignorance, which seem to form a veritable prison for humanity.

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