There is no eternal time any more than there is spiritual matter. Like Spirit and matter, eternity and time are opposites. Eternity is spiritual; time is a material measure. Eternity is not a stretching of time. In the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health, Mrs. Eddy says: "Eternity, not time, expresses the thought of Life, and time is no part of eternity. One ceases in proportion as the other is recognized. Time is finite; eternity is forever infinite." Science and Health, pp. 468-469.
Through the study of Christian Science we can begin to see man in his absolute and only nature—God's spiritual image or idea, without beginning or end. The characteristics of man as God's likeness are timeless. Pure, perfect, wise, harmonious, complete, vital, loving, flawless man is at home in eternity. Man always exemplifies, reflects, and expresses the supreme attributes of God.
This is in sharp contrast to mortal history. There is nothing eternal about fleeting pleasures and temporary rewards alternated with illness, deprivation, and wrongdoing. Over the course of years, we may have stored up many temporal experiences that have given rise to blame and resentment. It would be so helpful to be able to cancel these through forgiveness! Can an understanding of eternity show the way?
