Editorial December 20, 1941 Issue

"If any man . . . open the door"

ALFRED PITTMAN

"Behold , I stand at the door, and knock," declares the "one like unto the Son of man" in the Apocalypse; and he continues, "If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."

This stirring passage, Christian Scientists recognize, refers to the true idea of being, which was so outstandingly exemplified by Christ Jesus. It is this that stands at the door — the door of human consciousness everywhere and at all times — knocking for admission. This idea, as the student of Christian Science soon sees, is not just an intellectual concept, not just a human thought which one may have about being. It is itself the evidence of true being as revealed in Science, the direct and substantial expression of the Mind, Life, and Love which are God; and this expression, as one begins to understand it, is seen to be inseparable from one's true selfhood. It is consciousness of the perfection of all reality, consciousness of infinity and of unqualified dominion; and this consciousness is found, step by step, to be one's own. Hence, as one admits the true idea, life as it has seemed to be changes for him, as do mind and love also. They take on the Godlike characteristics of illimitability, harmony, satisfaction, eternality. Ignorance gives place to understanding, ineptitude to adroitness, sickness to health, and restlessness and anxiety to peace and joy.

What is meant therefore by the condition attached to the promise, expressed in the words, "If any man hear my voice, and open the door," becomes a matter of much interest. What is it that these words point to? How does one open to the true idea and let it come in and remain with him?

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