Article December 31, 1932 Issue

In Christ's Name

CLARA SCHRADER STREETER

When Jesus imparted an understanding of the Science of healing to his followers and sent them forth to spread the gospel of the kingdom of heaven and to heal all manner of disease, he authorized them to do so in his name. In this way he differentiated his doctrine from all other teachings of the times. His fame having spread throughout Syria, wherever he went great multitudes followed him. It was necessary that his faithful disciples, in learning to do the healing work, should know the spiritual nature and origin of the gospel he proclaimed. Jesus demonstrated the Christ, the divine idea of God, thus establishing in human consciousness the recognition of man's oneness with the Father. His healing works followed as a natural sequence of his teaching. The gospel, or good tidings about the kingdom of heaven, which he plainly revealed to his disciples, was unique and could not be attached to any creed or dogma. In the fulfilling of prophecy, it must stand alone and proclaim its divine nature. It declared Immanuel—"God with us"—and was to be known, through demonstration, as the gospel of Jesus Christ and be protected from misrepresentation.

As Christ Jesus identified his word and works with the Father, saying, "The Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works," so his followers were to acknowledge him as "the author and finisher" of their faith. This recognition of the Christ enabled them to look away from personal efforts to prove their faith by their works and to claim grace and ability according to the gift of Christ.

Explaining the agreement of Science with Christianity, Mrs. Eddy, in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 135), says, "Christianity as Jesus taught it was not a creed ... it was the demonstration of divine Love casting out error and healing the sick, not merely in the name of Christ, or Truth, but in demonstration of Truth, as must be the case in the cycles of divine light." Today we gratefully acknowledge Christian Science, the discovery of Mary Baker Eddy, as the revelation of the Christ, as the Comforter, coming, as was promised, to lead "into all truth." Mrs. Eddy authorized the use of her name in connection with the mention of her teachings in order that this divinely inspired revelation of Truth might be known and demonstrated in its pristine purity and power, and transmitted intact to future generations.

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