Article October 14, 1933 Issue

For a long time mankind has looked forward expectantly...

Albert E. Lombard,

Graham News

For a long time mankind has looked forward expectantly to the "kingdom of heaven," and has raised eyes hopefully to the beauty and gladness to be found there. Contemplating the God-controlled conditions where supply and demand are in perfect balance and where health and peace are ever present, it has anticipated freedom from sickness, sorrow, and poverty in that millennial estate. Thus it has pictured for the future the happy situation presented metaphorically in the Scriptures.

But why do men and women limit their lives by thinking that this heavenly realm is to be enjoyed only hereafter? Christ Jesus recognized that God's kingdom is within us, and he encouraged his disciples to proclaim, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand." Then how can heaven be a distant place to be occupied only in the future? Would not our thinking be more like the Master's if we admitted that the kingdom of God is a condition to be gained at the present moment? Mary Baker Eddy, a deep student of the Bible, defines "kingdom of heaven" thus in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 590): "The reign of harmony in divine Science; the realm of unerring, eternal, and omnipotent Mind; the atmosphere of Spirit, where Soul is supreme."

As men and women overcome hatred, fear, selfishness, and other lawless qualities, and grow in patience, faith, honesty, and loving-kindness, this harmonious realm unfolds in their lives. By enlarging the spiritual understanding of its adherents the Christian Science church inspires and strengthens them to take these progressive steps.