Every activity of the Christian Science movement is based upon the example and teachings of Christ Jesus. Mary Baker Eddy established her Church upon the Rock, Christ; hence spiritual baptism in the light of Jesus' teachings is fundamental in the lives of Christian Scientists.
Such baptism is the gentle unfoldment of spiritual ideas, which purify the human consciousness and cause it to yield to the divine; it consists of moments of consecration to God and much searching of the human heart, during which mortal sense lays down its earth weights, and spiritual sense unfurls the banner of light. True baptism is not a mere ritual; it is the purification of the human heart of all materialism.
The great Master, before being baptized by John, said, "Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness" (Matt. 3:15). This concession to matter, however, was not the whole of his baptism, because the Bible tells us further, "And, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: and lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." By submitting to the custom of the day, Jesus prepared the thoughts of those around him to discern the presence of "the Spirit of God."
