The symbol of a ladder leading heavenward has been used in the book of Genesis (28:12), where it is recorded that Jacob dreamed, "and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it." To one lost in the wilderness of mortal thinking, it is helpful to know that there is indeed a practical way out of his problems, a sturdy ladder upon which he may steadily progress toward the realization of heaven, harmony.
With his first glimpse of this ladder, Jacob was on his way to regeneration. Later on at Peniel, he was forced to rise higher in the scale of being when he struggled all night with mortal sense and finally achieved victory. Then an angel of God enlightened his consciousness, and his nature was so transformed that the angel gave him a new name in these words (32:28): "Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed."
The spiritual progress of each student of Christian Science might well be likened to the climbing of a ladder. Some students may have begun the climb long ago and have made good progress in the study of Christian Science. Others may be just starting on their upward journey, while still others, having made a start, may feel they have slipped back a few rungs.
