The declaration of Christian faith that God is All-in-all, is so inclusive in its meaning, so conclusive and satisfactory in its answer to philosophic inquiry, and so inspiring and helpful to the awakening spiritual sense, that it may be reckoned the corner-stone of religious truth.
Many vain endeavors have been made to distort its meaning, and those who have inscribed it high upon their banners are not infrequently misunderstood and consequently misrepresented as pantheistic in the tendency of their thought, if indeed they do not identify God with the sum total of the universe. The true metaphysical sense of the declaration is, however, rapidly finding its way to the inner heart of the people, and days of Pentecost will surely result, for its apprehension is the basis of that practical demonstration over sickness and sin which alone is satisfying and determinative to the seeker after Truth.
The deepest, broadest truth can but be the most potential and efficient, and when Jesus declared that the knowledge of the Truth would set men free, his thought must have embraced the ultimate foundation of all science or knowledge; viz., a right apprehension of the nature of God and his relation to the universe, including man.
In saying that God is All-in-all, we have expressed a declaration of absolute science which is, of course, but faintly apprehended even by the most spiritually minded, for it is not only the antecedent of all things but the explanation of all things, the central fact and consummation of all history. (I Corinthians,15:28.)
To begin thus with God, and adhere to God, Mind, as abiding Principle and causation, in our thought of the universe, is but to return to that primitive spiritual concept which, for so long a time, has been relegated to obscurity by materialistic philosophy and science, so-called. It is to find an adequate basis of inquiry and deductive procedure, and it is to honor and maintain the first great commandment and place ourselves under the tutorship of Jesus.
The complete demonstration of the proposition in consciousness will fill the annals of eternity, but every lesser and preparatory solution is in evidence of the correctness of its assumption, and will nourish and stimulate that "tendency and drift away from matter and toward spirit," which is the most promising feature of modern religious thought.
The meaning of this declaration is greatly enriched, its practical significance vastly increased in Christian Science; and this results from the fact that it is here brought into immediate touch with individual life. However impressive and philosophically satisfying the apprehension of the allness of God may prove, upon the metaphysical plane, the inspiration, the quickening power of the thought is not measured until one has realized in some expanding degree, what it means to him, individually,—his nature, estate, normal condition, possibilities, and destiny. I may clearly see that the proposition, "God is All-in-all," must be true of a universe which is inexplicable if it be not included in the manifestation of omnipresent and omnipotent Mind, and yet wholly fail to realize the regenerating, uplifting power of that sense of sonship, sovereignty, and spiritual exaltation which attends the knowledge of God as "All-in-all" to me. As I awaken to the truth that God is the Principle of my being, the eternal Life, Truth, Love, which is expressed in me, the dignity, the splendor, the amplitude, the opportunity of my life begins to dawn upon me and I begin to understand, as we are taught, how "The admission to one's self that man is God's own likeness, sets one free to master the infinite idea" (Science and Health, p. 256).
The earthly and sensual now lose their attraction, for I am called to nobler and higher things. My resources are seen to be infinite, my career divinely planned. I am God's child and representative, an ambassador of Heaven. "I live; yet not I, but Christ," the perfect idea of God, "liveth in me." His ministry is mine. His spirit impels and guides me. His works it is mine to do. "This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God."
The overcoming now becomes simple and easy; for sin, separation from God, is no longer winsome but repellent. Fear is cast out, love is enthroned. The commandments are no longer mandates but privileges, doors opened to the spontaneity of a budding life. I am not called to duty, for I find my joy in the largest opportunity of service. When God is all, to me, I have left the husks and the swine and have come home.
When I have thus come to realize the infinite Love as my "all," the "in all" is revealed. Experience, environment, nature, the faces of men, all are newly interpreted, for I am dwelling "in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord" as I have not perceived it before. The good, beautiful, and true are more discoverable, more defined; spiritual values are more easily recognized; common events have become newly suggestive; the atmosphere is more sunny; life's landscape has been retinted for me.
And this enrichment I may not hoard. The apprehension of God and my true selfhood shapes, gives character to expression, and qualifies my life work. "Right thought begets right man." and I am prompted to nobler endeavor.
I am a truer brother; a more faithful friend; a wiser, more loving counsellor; a better servant. I have more repose, more sympathy, more love. Where I was once absorbent and found my satisfactions in being ministered unto, I have become radiant. I am unselfish, I am most glad when I have set my brother free. "It is God that worketh in" me "to will and to do of his good pleasure." My past whilom ideal has come to its realization.
When I reach this plane, I shall have found the high land of Christian Science, where God is All-in-all. Here the air is purer, more bracing; the vision broader, more glorious; the water-springs more limpid and refreshing.
The climb-up is not altogether easy, but every effort and struggle brings its sweet recompense, and the heights are nearer heaven.
