In Christian Science we learn that resurrection is a gradually ascending state of consciousness rather than a sudden transformation of a material body from death to life. To the inspired thought of Mrs. Eddy, resurrection was a progressive experience, purely mental and spiritual. In the Christian Science textbook, she defines "resurrection" as, "Spiritualization of thought; a new and higher idea of immortality, or spiritual existence; material belief yielding to spiritual understanding" (p. 593). We attain this "higher idea of immortality" not through dying and being raised humanly to life but through spiritual awakening and growth.
There must be a daily striving to attain the spiritual stature of the Christ, which Jesus exemplified, and by the power of it he rose above matter in the so-called resurrection and ascension. It was his awareness that God and man are inseparable as divine Principle and idea that proved the bonds of materiality to be void, powerless, unreal.
The earthly appearance of the Master after his crucifixion and burial caused glad surprise to the disciples. Even though he had told them that he would be with them again, doubt mingled with their hope. Thomas had to feel Jesus' wounds before becoming convinced of his presence among them. The resurrection must have seemed natural and logical to Jesus. Had he not been preparing for this event throughout his whole earthly life?
