Many today believe that death is a friend that will lead to a much better life. Yet the overcoming of death is basic to the teachings of Christianity, and there would surely be no reason to destroy a friend. Christ Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" And also, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death."John 10:10; 8:51.
Having life "more abundantly" is central to Jesus' example. There were several occasions when he overcame for others death and its effects. His own triumph over death is infinitely compelling and stands as the ideal triumph. Jesus didn't only rise from the grave; he rose away from everything of mortality it represents. He proved that death has, in a sense, already been abolished because it's no part of divine reality. He proved that God's reflection, man, isn't born into matter or held hostage by mortality, but is the very expression of infinite Spirit, immortal Life. This ideal man is divine Spirit's reflection.
The ideal man is animated by Life, not physicality. We must prove these truths for ourselves. It's much easier to move forward, however, when there is an example, someone who has already walked the path. And understanding Jesus' example, keeping it very close to our hearts, gives us a conviction that we can accomplish all that he expected of his followers. In speaking of his immediate disciples, Science and Health states: "Jesus' students, not sufficiently advanced fully to understand their Master's triumph, did not perform many wonderful works, until they saw him after his crucifixion and learned that he had not died. This convinced them of the truthfulness of all that he had taught."Science and Health, pp. 45-46.
