Article February 21, 1953 Issue

THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST HEALS

SYDNEY HERBERT HASSELL

What is it that heals in Christian Science? Mary Baker Eddy discerned that "it was the living, palpitating presence of Christ, Truth, which healed the sick" (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 351). And on the same page we read, "When we lose faith in God's power to heal, we distrust the divine Principle which demonstrates Christian Science, and then we cannot heal the sick." This statement, which shows that it is God's power which heals through the Christ, refutes completely any suggestion that healing in Christian Science is brought about by the so-called human mind.

In Moffatt's translation of the Scriptures we read (Ps. 16:11), "Thou wilt reveal the path to life, to the full joy of thy presence, to the bliss of being close to thee for ever." It is this divine presence, the presence of omnipotent Love, which destroys the darkness of error by freeing us from fear, the source of our troubles. Through the prayer of understanding faith, which acknowledges the present perfection of God's creation, instead of asking God to improve His own work we realize this divine presence. Our Leader realized God's ever-presence and says in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 263), "Always bear in mind that His presence, power, and peace meet all human needs and reflect all bliss."

The prophets of old were conscious of that presence at times. Moses heard a voice saying (Ex. 33:14 ), "My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." Christ Jesus declared (John 16:32), "I am not alone, because the Father is with me." Christian Science shows us that this divine presence can be as real to us today as it was to the prophets of old and that we can realize it through prayer and love. Those who obtain this realization know what it is to dwell "in the secret place of the most High" (Ps. 91:1). In that divine state of consciousness there can be no ignorance or false belief called evil.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Poem
HOME
February 21, 1953
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit