For those endeavoring to demonstrate the healing power of Christian Science, it is important that a clear differentiation be made between the so-called healing processes of material elements and the metaphysical process of Christian Mind-healing. The word healing, as it is generally used by those unacquainted with Christian Science, implies a series of physical changes said to be induced by the material phenomena called nature or by the action of material elements one upon another. This process of physical change, which requires time, is considered necessary to the restoration of health or well-being.
Jesus' works of healing were, of course, accomplished through his knowledge of the spiritual and mental nature of life and his application of spiritual law to human problems. His works were not dependent upon the processes of time or gradual physical change.
On one occasion Jesus said (John 8:32), "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." This simple yet all important statement shows the process of Christian healing to be mental. Jesus did not say, "Ye shall know the truth, and this will set physical processes to work that will make you free." In Mark's account of the Master's healing of the daughter of Jairus we read (Mark 5:41, 42): "And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment." Jesus' clear realization of the perfection of man in God's likeness and the illusory nature of human discord straightway dissipated the error in human consciousness. Then the damsel was restored immediately. The illusion of death gave way to the realization of Life.
