Article June 2, 1951 Issue

FREEDOM FROM SELF-CONDEMNATION

ELIZABETH H. MARSHMAN

One of the great blessings which Christian Science brings to this age is its teaching, based on a true understanding of the Bible, that once one has acknowledged and forsaken sin, he need not be plagued by it any more, because God is infinite Love, the source of all comfort, forgiveness, redemption, and healing.

The experience of the Apostle Paul, as recorded in the book of Acts, is illustrative of this truth. For years he persecuted the Christians mercilessly, believing that by so doing he could stop the progress of their work. He continued in this persecution until through spiritual enlightenment and the healing of his blindness he saw his mistake and perceived that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, who had brought the way of salvation for all mankind. Then he turned rightabout-face and exerted every energy to spreading the gospel of God's ever-present kingdom.

Paul was just as enthusiastic in helping the Christians as he had formerly been in persecuting them. He wasted no time in self-condemnation; he did not spend endless days in remorse; instead, acknowledging that his former actions were due to false education and misunderstanding, he hastened to change his course. He preached the truths which Christ Jesus had brought to humanity, not only to the Jews, but also to the Gentiles, even as far as imperial Rome. Paul also repented for having sanctioned the stoning of Stephen, but he did not condemn himself eternally. Rather did he go forward, assured of divine appointing and anointing from that day on.

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