Christ Jesus' crucifixion was the consummate self-sacrifice made in behalf of humanity. Without question, if Jesus had not faced and conquered death, as he did on Calvary and in the tomb, the world would be without this decisive, guiding example of the reality of everlasting life.

In humble gratitude to the Saviour, Christ Jesus, modern-day disciples are roused to inquire about the deeper significance not only of his crucifixion but of his resurrection as well. Christian Science explains that the Master presented for our benefit a spiritual exemplification of man's God-given dominion over death, of man's immortal being and life. Viewed in this light, resurrection signifies spiritualized thinking transcending and superseding material belief about man. As metaphysically interpreted in the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health by Mary Baker Eddy, "resurrection" is: "Spiritualization of thought; a new and higher idea of immortality, or spiritual existence; material belief yielding to spiritual understanding." ^{Science and Health, p. 593.}

Our task today as Christians is to demonstrate resurrection through the progressive spiritualization of thought. Victory over corporeality is won by our becoming conscious of man's perfection in Spirit, thereby overcoming aches and pains; physical overaction, inaction, and reaction; and ultimately even death itself. Reaching a higher view of the Christ, we begin to comprehend the immortality of Life, God, and apply this glorious perception of infinite being to ourselves and others. Resurrection, therefore, leads to salvation from all evil, including redemption from any consciousness of existence that is less than Godlike.

Christ, the power of God manifest in Christian Science, declares mortal misconceptions of life to be invalid because contrary to the law of Spirit. Science wrests thought free of the seeming morass of mortality, lifting it above the belief of life and death in matter that seems so solidly real in human consciousness. In so doing, Christian Science fulfills the office of the Holy Comforter, resurrecting humanity from sin, sickness, and death.

The individual does have his own task and responsibilities in all this. Christ Jesus said, "He that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it." ^{Matt. 10:38, 39.} Taking up the cross involves healing works, as well as renouncing unchristly characteristics such as selfishness, jealousy, hatred, pride, criticism, and other mortal idiosyncrasies. Our aim should be heavenly consciousness, that sense of at-one-ment with Soul, God, that ensures we have that Mind in us "which was also in Christ Jesus." ^{Phil. 2:5.}

Are we carrying our cross as Christ Jesus said we should? "The cross is the central emblem of history," states Science and Health. "It is the lodestar in the demonstration of Christian healing,—the demonstration by which sin and sickness are destroyed." ^{Science and Health, pp. 238-239.} Are we striving to spiritualize our lives? If so, our thinking will transcend corporeality, uplifting our experience. If not, we have the textbook's warning: "Unimproved opportunities will rebuke us when we attempt to claim the benefits of an experience we have not made our own, try to reap the harvest we have not sown, and wish to enter unlawfully into the labors of others." ^{Ibid., p. 238.}

Jesus epitomized resurrection—spiritualization of thought—in his triumph of Spirit over matter in the tomb. If his experience on Calvary was to end his life, his entire mission on earth would flounder and fail. But how best could he demonstrate immortality to materialistic mankind? By allowing human hate to vent its wrath upon him through the attempted destruction of his mortal body, Jesus could give mankind the example of undying life it needed.

The Master's rising from the sepulcher alive proved that, despite testimony of materialism to the contrary, man's life is immortal. The mortal dream is destined to fade away as the reality of God's universe is revealed to enlightened, spiritualized thought.

Throughout all time, the pronouncement of Christ rings out through cities and crossroads, households and countrysides: "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die." ^{John 1 1:25, 26.}

Should not you and I hold Christ Jesus' mastering of the crucifixion and rising from the sepulcher as a law unto ourselves? While we feel unspeakable joy over Love's vital gift of everlasting life, we also understand the demand upon us all to demonstrate resurrection ourselves. Resurrection should even now be a forwarding spirit in our lives. To further our progress Spiritward, we should drink of the Master's cup and so experience Christly victories for ourselves. As we overcome limitations and mistakes of mortal belief, Christian healing will come in all its promise and fulfillment.

Should resurrection begin now? Are we ready? Or do we see resurrection as dependent upon some final day of judgment? Doubtless, each individual will satisfy his own conscience on this point through speaking intimately with his heavenly Father-Mother God. Nonetheless, divine Science, the Comforter, assures us in Science and Health, "No final judgment awaits mortals, for the judgment-day of wisdom comes hourly and continually, even the judgment by which mortal man is divested of all material error." ^{Science and Health, p. 291.} These words induce the individual who is tenaciously adhering to the spirit of resurrection to pray that he might now perceive more of the kingdom of God within. This blessed desire is indeed the holiest of prayers to an ever-listening God.

Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world,
even from everlasting to everlasting,
thou art God.

Psalms 90:1,2