Article April 21, 2014 Issue

God's voice in the vocal studio

Patti C. Christopher

In biblical times, the Hebrew priests who stood in the inner court of the temple had a unique function: They were the ones to whom worshippers brought sacrifices so that they could perform the traditional burnt offerings to God. But the High Priest, who could go into the Holy of Holies, was the only priest who had direct communication with God. It was only there, behind the veil in the Holy of Holies, that intercession was made for the forgiveness of the sins of the people.

When Christ Jesus embarked on his ministry, he communicated with God continuously, healed instantaneously, and forgave men and women their sins. When he was crucified, the veil that separated the Holy of Holies from the inner court was rent, or torn (see Matthew 27:51). This was no small feat because the veil was, according to early Jewish tradition, woven several inches thick so that it could not be torn. It was also deeply symbolic: The torn veil in effect told humanity that there was no longer any need for ritual intercession since Christ Jesus had shown the way to turn directly to God for healing and the forgiveness of sins.

With the discovery of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy was able to show that anyone who understands the laws of God can commune with Him to find healing. Yet even so, today many people rely upon others to intercede for them—to commune with God on their behalf. They may have grown accustomed to seeing themselves as unable to commune directly with God. I remember feeling this way before I came into Christian Science.