Sacrifice

Christianity has removed its adherents far from the days of the "burnt offering." By enlightening them on the true nature of God and man, and as to what men call sin, Christianity, as interpreted by Christian Science, has given mankind the correct meaning of the term "sacrifice," has indeed shown them of what sacrifice really consists. It might be noted that the teaching of Christianity on the question of sacrifice was more than anticipated by the Hebrew seers; for we find the Psalmist referring to it after the manner of Christian teaching, in the words, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."

The sacrifice, then, which is primarily demanded of men by Christianity is "a broken and a contrite heart." Translated into common parlance, this simply means that what, first of all, is required of us as followers of Christ Jesus and worshipers of the living and true God, is contrition and repentance. Immediately this is seen, the question of where one stands morally and spiritually presents itself. And no question is more urgent, because one's moral and spiritual status is of far greater importance than any other consideration.

How is one to determine where he stands morally and spiritually? Obviously, he must have a standard of reference to judge by. This standard Christian Science gives; and it is nothing less than perfection. Christian Science reveals the truth that God is infinitely good or perfect, and that the real man, being the image and likeness of God, is also perfect. That is the standard which Christian Science holds aloft before every one of its adherents. It cannot lower it; it dare not lower it. And who would have it lowered, once he has gained some understanding of it? Certainly no one who has proved its value in his own experience.

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Admission to The Mother Church
February 19, 1927
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