IN "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 547) Mrs. Eddy writes: "The Scriptures are very sacred. Our aim must be to have them understood spiritually, for only by this understanding can truth be gained. The true theory of the universe, including man, is not in material history but in spiritual development." Christian Science has uncovered the true meaning of the Scriptures and furnished the earnest seeker for Truth with the "key" wherewith he may unlock the hidden treasures of the Bible. Availing ourselves of this priceless privilege, we may enjoy the blessings which flow from the right interpretation of the Word of God, and from the consequent application in our own lives of the spiritual understanding gained by this study.
Before thought is illumined through Christian Science we may be inclined to consider the Old Testament narratives as the record of material creation, followed by the material history of the Hebrew people; but our Leader tells us on page 139 of Science and Health how "a mortal and material sense stole into the divine record, with its own hue darkening to some extent the inspired pages." Having, however, its source in God, inspiration can never be lost; and divine Love is ever at hand to enlighten thought which is watching for the dawn, hungering and thirsting after righteousness.
Christ Jesus, the great Exemplar and faithful interpreter of the Word of God, said for our comfort and guidance, "Every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." Our Way-shower had himself taken every intermediate step leading to conscious unity with God. He therefore knew by demonstration that before we can receive the truth, we must pray for the spiritual understanding of Christ, Truth; that, in order to find eternal life, we must seek constantly and diligently to understand God as Life, abandoning the belief in a material and therefore perishable sense of life and happiness. He knew that, before we can enter the open door of divine Love, we must knock persistently for admission by holding to loving thoughts, speaking friendly words, and letting our deeds attest the selflessness of our aims.
