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The life that is eternal

An expanded understanding of life as forever sustained by God comforts, heals, and uplifts.

  • By Susan Tish

Christian Science Perspective audio edition
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A few weeks ago some friends were debating the question, “If you knew tomorrow was your last day on earth, what would you do differently?” As I listened, I found myself mulling over a very different idea that I’ve often pondered: “If you understood that Life is eternal, what would you do differently?”

Years ago, I read something in “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” the textbook of Christian Science, that really gave me pause. Author Mary Baker Eddy wrote, “Life is eternal. We should find this out, and begin the demonstration thereof” (p. 246).

This isn’t the easiest thing to take in when we’re grieving, or when the headlines tell us of the pain and suffering of others who have lost loved ones. But Christ Jesus proved that true life is eternal on more than one occasion in his healing ministry, including through his own resurrection. He didn’t do this just for his own benefit or his immediate disciples’ edification, but as an example for all of us.

Life is eternal because God is infinite Life itself, and because God’s creation follows the pattern outlined in the first chapter of Genesis, where God declares man – which includes all of us – to be created in His image and likeness. In other words, as spiritual, perfect, and eternal, not mortal and limited.

This expanded idea of life means that our true, spiritual identity never had a beginning, and will never have an end. We need not accept any expiration date of goodness for anyone. An eternal life can never dim, but will be ever fresh. As the definition of “eternal” implies, the possibilities are endless.

I may not have fully grasped what “Life is eternal” means, but as the days pass, broadening my understanding of life as forever sustained by God has brought a fearlessness and a fuller sense of life to my prayers, my experiences, and my relationships with others. Each of us can strive to do everything we can to demonstrate more limitless life every day, and to know that this everlasting life is true for everyone else at the same time.

Adapted from the May 30, 2022, Christian Science Daily Lift podcast.

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