Article June 20, 1977 Issue

Passage of time not necessary

Instantaneous Healing-Always the Ideal

LEON I. MAXSON

Christ Jesus healed instantaneously. He understood the operation of the one, universal law, the perfect law of God. Christian Scientists strive to emulate his character and work, including his instantaneous healings. Jesus said, "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." John 14:12; This promise was not restricted to any specific time, place, or persons. Yet Jesus attached the condition that we believe on him, that we understand, accept, and express the Christ-power.

Since Jesus promised that his followers could also avail themselves of the Christ-power to perform similar healing works, we may ask why those who practice Christian Science sometimes fail to bring about visible healing results immediately. Matthew records that Jesus immediately healed a boy who was suffering from epilepsy, after his disciples failed to cure him. When they asked Jesus the reason for their failure, he replied, "Because of your unbelief ..., " and continued significantly, "Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting." Matt. 17:20,21; Throughout his ministry the Master himself spent many hours in prayer—in persistent, unselfed communion with his heavenly Father—and in fasting, not in the usual sense, but in abstinence from limited, material thinking.

Our petitions in Christian Science are not for God to change a physical condition but for a firmer faith and clearer spiritual understanding of Truth's omnipresence and omnipotence. Our insistent affirmations of God's allness and man's perfection bring healing naturally.

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The Actuality of God
June 20, 1977
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