In her book "Retrospection and Introspection," our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, makes the arresting statement (p. 58): "With our Master, life was not merely a sense of existence, but an accompanying sense of power that subdued matter and brought to light immortality, insomuch that the people 'were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.' " Hundreds have felt this "accompanying sense of power" regenerating their lives as their study of Christian Science has brought them enlarged capacities, health, and increased opportunities for service to humanity. It is a refreshing, inspiring, zestful experience to awaken from the commonly accepted notion of life as a period between time limits to the recognition that life is spiritual, empowered by God, infinite, omnipotent good! To realize this truth is to bring the healing influence of His power to bear in all our daily affairs.
Whence came this spiritual concept of Life which Christian Science teaches us? Like all of its teachings, it is based on the Bible. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 27) Mrs. Eddy states, "That Life is God, Jesus proved by his reappearance after the crucifixion instrict accordance with his scientific statement: 'Destroy this temple [body], and in three days I [Spirit] will raise it up.' " Since Life is identical with God, all that manifests this Life must be at one with God and evidence His omnipotence and omnipresence. It cannot be caused by human birth, circumscribed by physical or finite forms, or cut off by death.
A student of Christian Science, struggling with a problem which seemed stubbornly to resist his best efforts, found great strength in the realization that every statement of truth, declared and understood, carries the dynamic influence of Life, God, and accomplishes a healing result. Even though to appearances he was not making any progress, he vigorously affirmed his wholeness and completeness as the harmonious reflection of God. As the different phases of error were uncovered by the truth he declared, they were denounced, and he reaffirmed the supreme and final power of the spiritual fact he was employing. With this came the realization that he could be grateful for each measure of healing as it came to him, and a warm sense of gratitude replaced a sense of worry over the prolongation of his final deliverance. This line of thought brought him courage and willingness to follow the direction of God, divine Mind, as inspiration pointed out the errors which needed to be denied and cast out. The healing was soon complete, and a joyous realization of the finality of the power of Life filled the student's consciousness.
