Salvation through understanding divine Truth; sin and sickness are illusions
Christian Science teaches that salvation comes through awakening to spiritual reality and understanding divine Truth. Sin, sickness, and death are not real entities but illusions of mortal mind that dissolve when one grasps the omnipresence and perfection of God. Salvation is not forensic or transactional but a process of spiritual enlightenment.
There is no concept of personal election by God, nor of baptismal regeneration through water. Instead, inward spiritual purification comes through the study and practice of Christian Science. All are inherently saved in the sense that divine Love embraces all, and spiritual progress is continuous; the doctrine of eternal damnation is rejected as incompatible with an infinite, loving God.
Key Distinctions
- Justification means:
- salvation = awakening to spiritual reality; sin and disease are unreal illusions to be overcome
- Election type:
- no personal God electing individuals; divine Love embraces all
- Baptismal regeneration:
- no water baptism — inward spiritual purification only
- Eternal security:
- spiritual progress is ongoing; no concept of eternal damnation
Scripture References
Sources
- Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy
- Mary Baker Eddy, Miscellaneous Writings