Holiness is a state of consciousness which each individual may claim as his own. The Bible makes this clear in the message which Moses received from God (Lev. 19:2), "Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy."
In effect Christ Jesus repeated this demand to his followers in his Sermon on the Mount. He said (Matt. 5:48), "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." In Science and Health, Mrs. Eddy writes of this instruction of the Master (pp. 253, 254): "The divine demand, 'Be ye therefore perfect,' is scientific, and the human footsteps leading to perfection are indispensable. Individuals are consistent who, watching and praying, can 'run, and not be weary;... walk, and not faint,' who gain good rapidly and hold their position, or attain slowly and yield not to discouragement."
The necessity to be holy has been maintained through the ages. In this present age Christian Scientists are called upon to be especially obedient to the full intent of the Master's application of holiness or perfection, for in Christian Science the concept of perfect health is inseparable from the spiritual state of holiness. This is clearly demonstrated in the Master's actions in healing the sick.
