Article April 19, 1930 Issue

Victory over "the last enemy"

IRVING C. TOMLINSON

Jesus in his resurrection and ascension gave a glorious, mighty example of the overcoming of death. Too long has mankind ignored the Science of Life which ends mortality. Mrs. Eddy, in her textbook of Christian Science, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," plainly shows how Jesus triumphed over "the last enemy." Moreover, her revelation of Truth discloses the fact that Jesus' life and works—even his victory over the grave—were more than a spectacle to strike mankind with awe; they were, rather, an example for all to imitate. The Christian Scientist realizes that it is as imperative for him to rise out of his own materialistic sense of self as it is for him to heal the sick friend who turns to him for aid. He sees clearly that here and now is the time to know the truth and live it, for he recalls the words of his revered Leader (Science and Health, p. 427), "The tenor of the Word shows that we shall obtain the victory over death in proportion as we overcome sin."

The Bible and Mrs. Eddy's writings abound with rules, both explicit and implicit, for gaining the victory over sin. Thus God has not left mankind ignorant of how to overcome death. His witness, Christ Jesus, voiced the rules, lived them, and won the victory. His messenger, Mary Baker Eddy, rediscovered the rules, plainly stated them, practiced them, codified them in church By-Laws, and founded the institutions that are endeavoring to carry them into effect. To the extent that we use the rules given of God through these two witnesses we shall enter into life eternal.

Jesus' whole life was a preparation for putting death to rout. His first rule was fidelity to his Father's business. Even when he was a boy in the temple courts, from which later he drove out dishonest merchandising with a scourge, Jesus said to his anxious mother, "Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" No other enterprise than the Father's ever concerned Jesus. His capital was the substance of Spirit; his salesmanship the dispensing of truth; his wares were Mind's ideas. His exchanges were intelligence for ignorance, the genuine for the counterfeit, truth for error. He proved that production comes only from Spirit, that "the flesh profiteth nothing;" and he reaped the abundance of good. Yet, like Jacob, Jesus had to wrestle with error. "In all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin," he showed himself a prince that had power with God and prevailed. To him every place was a Peniel, for he constantly saw God face to face—he clearly realized the truth of being.

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