In the Christian Science Bible Lesson April 9, 2012 Issue

Designed to teach the nature of God

For the lesson titled "Doctrine of Atonement" from April 9-15, 2012

Michael Hamilton

Even though the word doctrine simply means “something that is taught,” it might be tempting to wonder whether it’s really worthwhile to learn a doctrine, whether religious or political. Looking at it from a different angle, however, what we learn determines much of what we are and what we do. Learning of our inseparability from God equips us to follow Christ Jesus and to heal the sick through spiritual understanding. This week’s Bible Lesson, “Doctrine of Atonement,” is designed to teach the nature of God as Principle, Mind, Soul, Spirit, Life, Truth, and Love—with one synonym for God highlighted in each of the seven sections—and the practical effect of this doctrine on health and morality.

The Lesson begins with this promise from Second John: “He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son” (1:9, Golden Text). The New International Version translates it this way: “Whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.” This continuity is beautifully illustrated by the metaphor of the vine, the “husbandman” or gardener, the branches and their fruit (see John 15:1–5, 8, 9, Responsive Reading). With it, Jesus gives a plan for continuous growth. 

The Bible references in the Lesson are drawn from both the Old and New Testaments, and a number of New Testament citations are by, or about, the Apostle Paul. Science and Health provides a concise summary of his career (see p. 324, cit. 17); its nexus, Paul’s encounter with Christ on the Damascus road, anchors the center section (see Acts 9, cit. 13). At the beginning of the account, Saul (later, Paul) is acting as an agent for the Sanhedrin, or Jewish Council, arresting “disciples of the Lord,” even outside Palestine. Overpowered by “a light from heaven,” Saul’s mission is first disrupted, and then redirected into Christ’s channels. Saul’s healer in his hour of need was Ananias—his name means “whom Jehovah has graciously given”—who later tradition recalled as a martyr. 