In the Christian Science Bible Lesson October 21, 2013 Issue

Growing Godward

For the Lesson titled "Probation After Death” from October 21 - 27, 2013

Abby Fuller Innes

This week’s Bible Lesson, titled “Probation After Death,” asks us to ponder deep questions about life after death. While some may believe they are destined to go directly to a place called heaven or hell after death, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy speaks of a probationary time and ultimate salvation for all: “Universal salvation rests on progression and probation, and is unattainable without them.” “As death findeth mortal man, so shall he be after death, until probation and growth shall effect the needed change” (p. 291, citations 7 and 5). None of us is ever condemned to eternal suffering. Instead, we will all be saved.

As we continue to progress and grow Godward, we experience what we may call “heaven” and “hell” moments. Our growing time can be like what it says in Isaiah: “For precept must be upon precept, … line upon line, … here a little, and there a little” (28:10, cit. 5). We can celebrate our heaven moments, “Sing unto the Lord, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day” (Psalms 96:2, cit. 6). And we are encouraged to be patient and to persevere: “If your endeavors are beset by fearful odds, and you receive no present reward, go not back to error, nor become a sluggard in the race” (Science and Health, p. 22, cit. 10).

Hellacious moments are times to lean on what we have already learned. Understanding divine Life, we can thank God, even before we see the evidence of God’s presence and love. In the story of Lazarus’ death and resurrection—before Lazarus was resurrected—Jesus gave thanks to God: “Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always” (John 11:41, 42, cit. 13). In my family, as I was growing up, this was our dinner grace, reminding us to give God thanks continually and to remember that God always hears us no matter what the circumstance.

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