HEAVENLY joy, heavenly peace, heavenly harmony—how greatly does the human heart yearn to be aware of the ever-presence, the ever-nearness, of these glorious qualities and conditions! Human life seems so beset by disappointments, so filled with sorrow and trials, that to thought as yet untouched by spiritual illumination the divine fact that heaven in all its radiant perfection is present here and now seems to be incredible and beyond understanding. Nevertheless, however unattainable it may seem, and however little acknowledged, all have the desire for the perfect harmony which is heaven. Everyone would like to be assured beyond the shadow of doubt of immortal security and happiness.
Paul wrote, "As we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly." Christ Jesus declared, "The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." The teaching of Christian Science regarding heaven is in exact accord with that of the Master, who said plainly that the kingdom of God— the heavenly estate —"cometh not with observation;"' that is, it can never be seen with the physical eyes or known to material sense, but is tangible and knowable to spiritual sense. It is within the consciousness of spiritual reality, the understanding of God as perfect and illimitable Mind, and of man in the image and likeness of Mind.
In the textbook of Christian Science, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, the revelation of the nature and presence of real existence is presented so clearly and logically that all who read in a humble and teachable spirit may begin now to partake of its beauty, peace, and joy. Through an understanding of the priceless teachings of the Bible and the textbook, each one may learn that his true selfhood is the immortal, spiritual child of God. He can perceive that matter is not what it appears to be, but is a misconception of or false belief regarding God's creation; for, as God is Spirit, Mind, His creation cannot possibly be non-intelligent and material; it must be intelligent and spiritual.
