Continuing the theologically themed lessons of recent weeks, Sunday’s Bible lesson Sermon is on “Everlasting Punishment”. While that sounds like it might be the ultimate downer, the “Golden Text” sets the bright tone of the whole lesson:

…behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

Our salvation – or the saving from sickness and sin – removes any need for punishment. The Bible verses in the first section of the lesson tell us of God’s everlasting mercy, love and righteousness.

So what of  punishment? The second  section explains: “Sin is its own punishment” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy page 537:14) and this is illustrated in lesson with the parable of the prodigal son and patient Father. This parable helps us understand the Third Tenet better:

Science and Health page 497:9

3.  We acknowledge God’s forgiveness of sin in the destruction of sin and the spiritual understanding that casts out evil as unreal. But the belief in sin is punished so long as the belief lasts.

The lesson also contains the reformation of the tax-collector Zacchaeus, and the healing of the man at the pool of Bethesda.

And (as if we need anything more to talk about in our class on Sunday!), the last section returns to the Golden Text, revealing the new heaven and new earth as present possibilities.

Look forward to seeing you this Sunday!