TRUTH'S standard is coincident with true existence, and all that constitutes God's creation is embraced in this standard and upheld by it. The standard of God, divine Principle, is everlastingly set up, obeyed, and nothing has lowered or can lower it. Consequently there is no other absolute standard, for if there existed anything less than that which is spiritual and true, less than that which is perfect and everlasting, such a condition would be standardless. Mrs. Eddy writes (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 470): "The standard of perfection was originally God and man. Has God taken down His own standard, and has man fallen?" Christian Science makes it clear that there is no fallen man because there is no fallen God.
Since Truth's standard is unchallenged and in full operation, one may naturally ask how it is that imperfection and limitation seem to be the rule rather than the exception in human experience; how it is that freedom seems so remote and bondage so near. To this question Christian Science replies with authority and loving-kindness. It teaches that the bewilderment and suffering endured by humanity are due solely to its ignorance of God and man, and that this ignorance and its consequences are remediable. The material images and vain phases of idolatry which engross humanity have touched neither God nor His image and His creation; and it is comforting to observe that, one by one, they are being blotted out of human thought through progress and spiritual enlightenment. As through human teachableness pride of opinion, narrow conservatism, religious and all material prejudices yield to spiritual sense and spiritual vision, the standard of God is increasingly glimpsed. So the divine nature gradually dawns in human thought and releases it from the old chains.
The doctrine of fallen man, deduced from material evidence and accompanied by a train of misery, is the pernicious lie from which the revelation of Christian Science sets one free. As this false doctrine is mentally rejected and the truth is imbibed, the impeccable righteousness of God's likeness is glimpsed and called into expression. So was Isaiah led to utter the prophecy, "Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people."
