The awakening of human thought to glimpse something of its potential has resulted in remarkable discoveries in the realm of natural science and in the development of marvelous inventions for the benefit of mankind. Yet regardless of the strenuousness with which humanity strives to gain complete freedom from the restrictive bonds of materiality, ultimate freedom can be attained only through the exercise of spiritual power. And since spiritual power is inherent in man's God-given dominion over all the earth, every individual is capable of realizing and utilizing it.
A consecrated study of the Bible is essential if one is to gain an understanding of God's power over sin and disease. Through this study all may become familiar with the teachings of Christ Jesus and learn to practice Christian healing. The spiritual meaning of the Bible inspires human thought and lifts it to behold and understand the Christ, Truth.
Mrs. Eddy writes in Miscellany (p. 190), "Jesus gave his disciples (students) power over all manner of diseases; and the Bible was written in order that all peoples, in all ages, should have the same opportunity to become students of the Christ, Truth, and thus become God-endued with power (knowledge of divine law) and with 'signs following.'"
One may ask why one needs an understanding of the Christ to prove God's healing power. The Christ, as the activity of God in human consciousness, acts upon this consciousness, rousing it from the false, mortal sense of existence. The penetrating spiritual beam of Christ, Truth, can enlighten even the most discouraged, discordant, and morbid mentality with the intelligence and radiance of divinity. The Christ reaches each individual who is seemingly under the mesmeric influence of mortal mind but who evidences a sincere desire to awaken from the dream of sin and sickness, pain and pleasure, life and death in matter, to know the indestructible nature and glory of man as God's beloved son.
Jesus presented the Christ so fully that his life and works prove him to be the truest exponent of God's power. Both by the spoken word and by his healing ministry, Jesus taught that the power he manifested was derived from God. On one occasion a man brought his son to the Master, beseeching Jesus to heal the lad, saying that the disciples could not cure him. Jesus thereupon pointed out the faithlessness of the people and requested the man to bring the son to him. Then "Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father. And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God" (Luke 9:42, 43).
Since the spiritual power to heal is entirely God-derived, it is always available to those who earnestly pray to understand God and diligently put this understanding into practice. Many present-day followers of Christ Jesus have felt the transforming might of Truth and have glimpsed some measure of the divine power and glory in their moments of uplifted consciousness. As these exalted moments are cherished, they expand into an abiding consciousness of God's presence, accompanied by a growing sense of spiritual conviction.
Christian Science treatment, which consists solely of prayer that acknowledges and affirms God's omnipotence and omnipresence and the present perfection of man, His spiritual image, or reflection, naturally excludes and denies all that would claim to contradict these truths. Speaking of prayer in Christian Science, Mrs. Eddy says (No and Yes, p. 39), "Such prayer humiliates, purifies, and quickens activity, in the direction that is unerring." And she adds this comment regarding the effect of true prayer on human consciousness: "Prayer begets an awakened desire to be and do good. It makes new and scientific discoveries of God, of His goodness and power."
Jesus expected his followers to emulate his healing work and thus bring to suffering humanity the comfort and compassion of the Christ, healing sickness as well as sin. Regarding Jesus' statement concerning the practice of Christian healing by his followers, Mrs. Eddy says (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 193), "'He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do,' is a radical and unmistakable declaration of the right and power of Christianity to heal; for this is Christlike, and includes the understanding of man's capabilities and spiritual power." One can expect to do the works that Jesus did only if one is willing to do the work that Jesus did!
Today's Christian is "God-endued with power" to the extent that he brings his thinking, and consequently his life, into accord with God's irresistible will. He can do so by acknowledging the absolute authority of divine law, through which God enforces His loving control over all human conditions and circumstances. Yes, right now, everyone who would follow the Master's command to practice spiritual healing can dedicate his thought anew to this purpose and find the fulfillment of the promise of divine power in his experience.
