Article September 17, 1984 Issue

God's chosen people

KATHLEEN PURDY SMITH

Has God actually chosen some to reap His blessings and others to be excluded from His bounty? Are only a select few His chosen people?

The question, left unanswered, can take on "have" versus "have-not" connotations reminiscent of the Jew versus Gentile question of Jesus' day or a possible Christian Scientist versus non-Christian Scientist feeling today.

In the textbook of Christian Science, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, we read, "The vital part, the heart and soul of Christian Science, is Love."^{Science and Health, p. 113.} The term "Love," when capitalized, refers to God. Recognizing God as infinite Love helps us understand His comforting, fathering and mothering care for each of His children. God's love embraces all, leaving none out. The disciple Peter proclaimed: "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him."^{Acts 10:34, 35.} Anyone "that feareth [reverences] him, and worketh righteousness" can feel God's loving and sustaining presence.