THE only begotten Son, the beloved of the Father, is the eternal Christ, which was before Abraham, and which has become better understood as the ideal man through the ministry of Jesus. He ushered in the Christian era by living according to the Christ-principle himself and by teaching others so to live.
The Science of Christianity, which has appeared in the fullness of time as Christian Science, makes plain the distinction between the human Jesus and the incorporeal Christ. It provides a basis for a comprehensive study of the teachings of the Saviour and of the methods employed by him in making these teachings practical. This knowledge fits the student to interpret intelligently his words and to emulate his example.
Jesus of Nazareth presented the spiritual idea of sonship by both precept and practice. He taught the oneness of God and man, man's likeness to God, his utter dependence on Him, and stated his unequivocal position by saying that he could do nothing of himself, but did only that which he saw the Father do. He vindicated this by relying implicitly on Him, whether the need was money with which to pay taxes, strength to resist the satanic temptations of mortal mind, courage to endure the crucifixion, or the need was to provide food, give comfort, bring healing, or restore life to others. His consistent demonstrations of divine power, annulling every discordant condition he encountered, justified his full faith in God.
