Tuesday, December 31, 2013
AC 9103 - interior & exterior good
AC 9103
Interior good is that good which is called charity
in the interior person;
and exterior good is charity in the exterior person.
The latter good must live from the former,
for the good of charity in the interior person
is the good of spiritual life;
and the good of charity in the exterior person
is the good of the derivative natural life.
The latter good comes to the sensation of a person as delight;
but the former good does not come to sensation,
but to perception that so it ought to be,
and makes a contented mind.
Interior good is that good which is called charity
in the interior person;
and exterior good is charity in the exterior person.
The latter good must live from the former,
for the good of charity in the interior person
is the good of spiritual life;
and the good of charity in the exterior person
is the good of the derivative natural life.
The latter good comes to the sensation of a person as delight;
but the former good does not come to sensation,
but to perception that so it ought to be,
and makes a contented mind.
Portions: Revelation 19 - 22
I saw heaven standing open
and there before me was a white horse,
whose rider is called Faithful and True.
With justice he judges and makes war.
(Revelation 19:11)
I saw thrones on which were seated those
who had been given authority to judge.
And I saw the souls of those
who had been beheaded
because of their testimony for Jesus
and because of the word of God.
They had not worshiped the beast or his image
and had not received his mark
on their foreheads or their hands.
They came to life
and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
(Revelation 20:4)
I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem,
coming down out of heaven from God,
prepared as a bride
beautifully dressed for her husband.
I did not see a temple in the city,
because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb
are its temple.
(Revelation 21:2,22)
There will be no more night.
They will not need
the light of a lamp or the light of the sun,
for the Lord God will give them light.
And they will reign for ever and ever.
(Revelation 22:5)
and there before me was a white horse,
whose rider is called Faithful and True.
With justice he judges and makes war.
(Revelation 19:11)
I saw thrones on which were seated those
who had been given authority to judge.
And I saw the souls of those
who had been beheaded
because of their testimony for Jesus
and because of the word of God.
They had not worshiped the beast or his image
and had not received his mark
on their foreheads or their hands.
They came to life
and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
(Revelation 20:4)
I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem,
coming down out of heaven from God,
prepared as a bride
beautifully dressed for her husband.
I did not see a temple in the city,
because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb
are its temple.
(Revelation 21:2,22)
There will be no more night.
They will not need
the light of a lamp or the light of the sun,
for the Lord God will give them light.
And they will reign for ever and ever.
(Revelation 22:5)
Monday, December 30, 2013
AC 9096 - bonds
AC 9096
. . . the Lord flows into those things in a person
which are known to him,
but not into those things which are unknown to him.
By "keeping in bonds" is meant to prevent, and to restrain.
In the spiritual sense bonds are nothing else
than the affections of love,
for these are what lead a person,
and what restrain him.
If the affections of evil lead him,
there must be affections of truth from good to restrain him.
Internal bonds in a person
are affections of truth and of good.
These are also called the "bonds of conscience."
But external bonds are the affections
of the love of self and of the love of the world,
for these lead a person in external things.
If the latter affections descend from internal bonds,
which are affections of truth and of good,
they are good,
for then the person loves himself and the world
not for the sake of self and the world,
but for the sake of good uses from himself and the world.
But if the affections of the love of self and of the love of the world
do not descend from internal bonds,
the affections are evil, and are called "cupidities;"
for then the person loves himself for the sake of himself,
and the world for the sake of the world.
. . . the Lord flows into those things in a person
which are known to him,
but not into those things which are unknown to him.
By "keeping in bonds" is meant to prevent, and to restrain.
In the spiritual sense bonds are nothing else
than the affections of love,
for these are what lead a person,
and what restrain him.
If the affections of evil lead him,
there must be affections of truth from good to restrain him.
Internal bonds in a person
are affections of truth and of good.
These are also called the "bonds of conscience."
But external bonds are the affections
of the love of self and of the love of the world,
for these lead a person in external things.
If the latter affections descend from internal bonds,
which are affections of truth and of good,
they are good,
for then the person loves himself and the world
not for the sake of self and the world,
but for the sake of good uses from himself and the world.
But if the affections of the love of self and of the love of the world
do not descend from internal bonds,
the affections are evil, and are called "cupidities;"
for then the person loves himself for the sake of himself,
and the world for the sake of the world.
Portions: Revelation 15 - 18
I saw in heaven another great and marvelous sign:
seven angels with the seven last plagues -
last, because with them God's wrath is completed.
(Revelation 15:1)
The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air,
and out of the temple came a loud voice from the throne,
saying, "It is done!"
Then there came flashes of lightning,
rumblings, peals of thunder
and a severe earthquake.
No earthquake like it has ever occurred
since man has been on earth,
so tremendous was the quake.
(Revelation 16:17-18)
Then the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a desert.
There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast
that was covered with blasphemous names
and had seven heads and ten horns.
(Revelation 17:3)
"When the kings of the earth
who committed adultery with her and shared her luxury
see the smoke of her burning,
they will weep and mourn over her.
(Revelation 18:9)
seven angels with the seven last plagues -
last, because with them God's wrath is completed.
(Revelation 15:1)
The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air,
and out of the temple came a loud voice from the throne,
saying, "It is done!"
Then there came flashes of lightning,
rumblings, peals of thunder
and a severe earthquake.
No earthquake like it has ever occurred
since man has been on earth,
so tremendous was the quake.
(Revelation 16:17-18)
Then the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a desert.
There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast
that was covered with blasphemous names
and had seven heads and ten horns.
(Revelation 17:3)
"When the kings of the earth
who committed adultery with her and shared her luxury
see the smoke of her burning,
they will weep and mourn over her.
(Revelation 18:9)
Sunday, December 29, 2013
AC 9094 - the things the angels see
AC 9094
How the case is
with the things contained in this verse
in the internal sense
can with difficulty be unfolded to the understanding.
They are such as can be comprehended by the angels,
and only in some measure by people.
For the angels see the arcana (secrets) of the Word
in the light which is from the Lord,
in which light innumerable things are presented to view
that do not fall into the words of speech,
and not even into the ideas of thought,
with people so long as they live in the body.
[2] Nevertheless a person comes into such wisdom
after the laying aside of the body, that is, after death;
but only the person who has received in the world
the life of faith and charity from the Lord;
for the capacity of receiving angelic wisdom
is in the good of faith and of charity.
How the case is
with the things contained in this verse
in the internal sense
can with difficulty be unfolded to the understanding.
They are such as can be comprehended by the angels,
and only in some measure by people.
For the angels see the arcana (secrets) of the Word
in the light which is from the Lord,
in which light innumerable things are presented to view
that do not fall into the words of speech,
and not even into the ideas of thought,
with people so long as they live in the body.
[2] Nevertheless a person comes into such wisdom
after the laying aside of the body, that is, after death;
but only the person who has received in the world
the life of faith and charity from the Lord;
for the capacity of receiving angelic wisdom
is in the good of faith and of charity.
Portions: Revelation 10 - 14
Then I saw another mighty angel
coming down from heaven.
He was robed in a cloud,
with a rainbow above his head;
his face was like the sun,
and his legs were like fiery pillars.
He was holding a little scroll,
which lay open in his hand.
He planted his right foot on the sea
and his left foot on the land,
and he gave a loud shout like the roar of a lion.
When he shouted,
the voices of the seven thunders spoke.
(Revelation 10:1-3)
Then God's temple in heaven was opened,
and within His temple was seen the ark of His covenant.
And there came flashes of lightning,
rumblings, peals of thunder,
an earthquake and a great hailstorm.
(Revelation 11:19)
Then the dragon was enraged at the woman
and went off to make war
against the rest of her offspring -
those who obey God's commandments
and hold to the testimony of Jesus.
(Revelation 12:17)
And the dragon stood on the shore of the sea.
And I saw a beast coming out of the sea.
He had ten horns and seven heads,
with ten crowns on his horns,
and on each head a blasphemous name.
Men worshiped the dragon
because he had given authority to the beast,
and they also worshiped the beast and asked,
"Who is like the beast?
Who can make war against him?"
(Revelation 13:1,4)
I looked, and there before me was a white cloud,
and seated on the cloud was one "like the Son of Man"
with a crown of gold on his head
and a sharp sickle in his hand.
(Revelation 14:14)
coming down from heaven.
He was robed in a cloud,
with a rainbow above his head;
his face was like the sun,
and his legs were like fiery pillars.
He was holding a little scroll,
which lay open in his hand.
He planted his right foot on the sea
and his left foot on the land,
and he gave a loud shout like the roar of a lion.
When he shouted,
the voices of the seven thunders spoke.
(Revelation 10:1-3)
Then God's temple in heaven was opened,
and within His temple was seen the ark of His covenant.
And there came flashes of lightning,
rumblings, peals of thunder,
an earthquake and a great hailstorm.
(Revelation 11:19)
Then the dragon was enraged at the woman
and went off to make war
against the rest of her offspring -
those who obey God's commandments
and hold to the testimony of Jesus.
(Revelation 12:17)
And the dragon stood on the shore of the sea.
And I saw a beast coming out of the sea.
He had ten horns and seven heads,
with ten crowns on his horns,
and on each head a blasphemous name.
Men worshiped the dragon
because he had given authority to the beast,
and they also worshiped the beast and asked,
"Who is like the beast?
Who can make war against him?"
(Revelation 13:1,4)
I looked, and there before me was a white cloud,
and seated on the cloud was one "like the Son of Man"
with a crown of gold on his head
and a sharp sickle in his hand.
(Revelation 14:14)
Saturday, December 28, 2013
AC 9091, 9092 - the gift of understanding
AC 9091
. . . the intellectual is a person's internal sight,
without which sight the will is blind;
and therefore when the evil which is of the will
passes into the intellectual,
it passes from thick darkness into light.
AC 9092
. . . the understanding has been given to a person
that he may see evil,
and may then repress it.
. . . the intellectual is a person's internal sight,
without which sight the will is blind;
and therefore when the evil which is of the will
passes into the intellectual,
it passes from thick darkness into light.
AC 9092
. . . the understanding has been given to a person
that he may see evil,
and may then repress it.
Portions: Revelation 5 - 9
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth
and under the earth and on the sea,
and all that is in them, singing:
"To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor
and glory and power,
for ever and ever!"
(Revelation 5:13)
I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals.
Then I heard one of the four living creatures
say in a voice like thunder, "Come!"
(Revelation 6:1)
All the angels were standing around the throne
and around the elders and the four living creatures.
They fell down on their faces before the throne
and worshiped God, saying:
"Amen!
Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks
and honor and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever.
Amen!"
(Revelation 7:11-12)
When He opened the seventh seal.
there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.
(Revelation 8:1)
The rest of mankind that were not killed by these plagues
still did not repent of the work of their hands;
they did not stop worshiping demons,
and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood
- idols that cannot see or hear or walk.
Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts,
their sexual immorality or their thefts.
(Revelation 9:20-21)
and under the earth and on the sea,
and all that is in them, singing:
"To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor
and glory and power,
for ever and ever!"
(Revelation 5:13)
I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals.
Then I heard one of the four living creatures
say in a voice like thunder, "Come!"
(Revelation 6:1)
All the angels were standing around the throne
and around the elders and the four living creatures.
They fell down on their faces before the throne
and worshiped God, saying:
"Amen!
Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks
and honor and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever.
Amen!"
(Revelation 7:11-12)
When He opened the seventh seal.
there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.
(Revelation 8:1)
The rest of mankind that were not killed by these plagues
still did not repent of the work of their hands;
they did not stop worshiping demons,
and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood
- idols that cannot see or hear or walk.
Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts,
their sexual immorality or their thefts.
(Revelation 9:20-21)
Friday, December 27, 2013
AC 9051 - exterior & interior understanding; AC 9061 - external & internal agreement
AC 9051
A person has an exterior understanding,
and an interior understanding.
The exterior understanding
is where the thought is that comes to perception;
but the interior understanding
is where the thought is that does not come to perception;
nevertheless it does come to the perception of angels.
This latter understanding is that
which is enlightened by the Lord
when a person receives faith,
for it is in the light of heaven,
and in it is the spiritual life of a person,
which is not so clear to him in the world,
but is clear in the other life,
when a person becomes an angel
among the angels in heaven.
Meanwhile this life lies hidden
within the thought of the exterior understanding,
and produces therein a holy and reverent feeling for the Lord,
for love and faith in Him, for the Word,
and for all other things of the church.
The reason why "the eye" denotes the understanding,
is that the eye corresponds to the understanding,
for the understanding sees by virtue of the light of heaven,
but the eye by virtue of the light of the world.
AC 9061
The internal of a person cannot live a spiritual life
unless the external of a person is in agreement;
and therefore a person cannot be regenerated
unless the natural person also is regenerated.
A person has an exterior understanding,
and an interior understanding.
The exterior understanding
is where the thought is that comes to perception;
but the interior understanding
is where the thought is that does not come to perception;
nevertheless it does come to the perception of angels.
This latter understanding is that
which is enlightened by the Lord
when a person receives faith,
for it is in the light of heaven,
and in it is the spiritual life of a person,
which is not so clear to him in the world,
but is clear in the other life,
when a person becomes an angel
among the angels in heaven.
Meanwhile this life lies hidden
within the thought of the exterior understanding,
and produces therein a holy and reverent feeling for the Lord,
for love and faith in Him, for the Word,
and for all other things of the church.
The reason why "the eye" denotes the understanding,
is that the eye corresponds to the understanding,
for the understanding sees by virtue of the light of heaven,
but the eye by virtue of the light of the world.
AC 9061
The internal of a person cannot live a spiritual life
unless the external of a person is in agreement;
and therefore a person cannot be regenerated
unless the natural person also is regenerated.
Portions: Revelation 1 - 4
"I am the Alpha and the Omega,"
says the Lord God,
"Who is,
and Who was,
and Who is to come,
the Almighty."
(Revelation 1:8)
"He who has an ear,
let him hear
what the Spirit says to the churches."
(Revelation 2:29)
"Those whom I love
I rebuke and discipline.
So be earnest,
and repent."
(Revelation 3:19)
"You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for You created all things,
and by Your will they were created
and have their being."
(Revelation 4:11)
says the Lord God,
"Who is,
and Who was,
and Who is to come,
the Almighty."
(Revelation 1:8)
"He who has an ear,
let him hear
what the Spirit says to the churches."
(Revelation 2:29)
"Those whom I love
I rebuke and discipline.
So be earnest,
and repent."
(Revelation 3:19)
"You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for You created all things,
and by Your will they were created
and have their being."
(Revelation 4:11)
Thursday, December 26, 2013
AC 9049 - the law of order known as The Golden Rule
AC 9049
'You shall pay soul for soul'
(Exodus 21:23)
means the law of order
that you shall do to your neighbor
as you wish him to do to you,
and therefore that it shall be done to you
as you do to another.
. . . The reason why this law was given
to the children of Israel was
that a similar law exists in the spiritual world.
Anyone there who does good to another
with all his heart
receives good in like measure;
and therefore one who does evil to another
with all his heart
receives evil in like measure.
For good done with all one's heart
carries its own reward together with it,
and evil done with all one's heart
carries its own punishment together with it.
So it is that heaven is the reward for good people,
and hell the punishment for evil ones.
. . . The situation with both groups is as follows:
With someone who does good with all his heart
good is flowing in from heaven on every side
into his heart and soul
and inspiring him greatly to act as he does.
At the same time love and affection for the neighbor
to whom he does the good is increasing,
and with this love and affection
a delight that is heavenly delight, beyond description.
The reason why all this happens is
that the good of love from the Lord
reigns everywhere in heaven,
flowing in unceasingly in the same measure
as it is being given out to another.
Similarly with someone evil
who does evil to another with all his heart.
Evil on every side is flowing in from hell into his heart
and spurring him on greatly to act as he does.
At the same time selfish love and affection is increasing,
and with them the delight born of hatred and vengeance
against those unsubmissive to him.
The reason why all this happens is
that the evil of self-love reigns everywhere in hell,
flowing in unceasingly
in the same measure as it is given out to another.
When this happens
those who punish are immediately present,
and they deal roughly with the evil-doer.
In this way evil along with its delight is kept in check.
[2] These things are so
because the laws of order in the next life
are not learned from books
and then stored away in the memory,
as they are with people in the world.
Rather they are laws written on the heart,
laws of evil on the heart of those who are evil,
and laws of good on the heart of those who are good.
For everyone takes with him into the next life
that which has been fixed in his heart by his life in the world,
that is to say evil in the case of evil people
and good in the case of good ones.
[3] The law of order from which these things follow is
that which the Lord has taught in Matthew,
All things whatever you wish people to do to you,
do also to them;
this is the Law and the Prophets.
(Matthew 7:12; Luke 6:31)
Order arises out of Divine Truth which comes from the Lord.
In heaven the laws of order are truths springing from good,
but in hell they are truths separated from good.
They are said to be separated
not on account of what the Lord does
but of what a person does.
Good is separated when it is unreceived.
'You shall pay soul for soul'
(Exodus 21:23)
means the law of order
that you shall do to your neighbor
as you wish him to do to you,
and therefore that it shall be done to you
as you do to another.
. . . The reason why this law was given
to the children of Israel was
that a similar law exists in the spiritual world.
Anyone there who does good to another
with all his heart
receives good in like measure;
and therefore one who does evil to another
with all his heart
receives evil in like measure.
For good done with all one's heart
carries its own reward together with it,
and evil done with all one's heart
carries its own punishment together with it.
So it is that heaven is the reward for good people,
and hell the punishment for evil ones.
. . . The situation with both groups is as follows:
With someone who does good with all his heart
good is flowing in from heaven on every side
into his heart and soul
and inspiring him greatly to act as he does.
At the same time love and affection for the neighbor
to whom he does the good is increasing,
and with this love and affection
a delight that is heavenly delight, beyond description.
The reason why all this happens is
that the good of love from the Lord
reigns everywhere in heaven,
flowing in unceasingly in the same measure
as it is being given out to another.
Similarly with someone evil
who does evil to another with all his heart.
Evil on every side is flowing in from hell into his heart
and spurring him on greatly to act as he does.
At the same time selfish love and affection is increasing,
and with them the delight born of hatred and vengeance
against those unsubmissive to him.
The reason why all this happens is
that the evil of self-love reigns everywhere in hell,
flowing in unceasingly
in the same measure as it is given out to another.
When this happens
those who punish are immediately present,
and they deal roughly with the evil-doer.
In this way evil along with its delight is kept in check.
[2] These things are so
because the laws of order in the next life
are not learned from books
and then stored away in the memory,
as they are with people in the world.
Rather they are laws written on the heart,
laws of evil on the heart of those who are evil,
and laws of good on the heart of those who are good.
For everyone takes with him into the next life
that which has been fixed in his heart by his life in the world,
that is to say evil in the case of evil people
and good in the case of good ones.
[3] The law of order from which these things follow is
that which the Lord has taught in Matthew,
All things whatever you wish people to do to you,
do also to them;
this is the Law and the Prophets.
(Matthew 7:12; Luke 6:31)
Order arises out of Divine Truth which comes from the Lord.
In heaven the laws of order are truths springing from good,
but in hell they are truths separated from good.
They are said to be separated
not on account of what the Lord does
but of what a person does.
Good is separated when it is unreceived.
The man who saw it has given testimony,
and his testimony is true.
He knows that he tells the truth,
and he testifies so that you also may believe.
These things happened
so the scriptures would be fulfilled . . ."
(John 19:35-36)
Jesus did many other miraculous signs
in the presence of His disciples,
which are not recorded in this book.
But these are written
that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ,
the Son of God,
and that by believing
you may have life in His name.
(John 20:30)
Jesus did many other things as well.
If everyone one of them were written down,
I suppose that even the whole world
would not have room
for the books that would be written.
(John 21:25)
and his testimony is true.
He knows that he tells the truth,
and he testifies so that you also may believe.
These things happened
so the scriptures would be fulfilled . . ."
(John 19:35-36)
Jesus did many other miraculous signs
in the presence of His disciples,
which are not recorded in this book.
But these are written
that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ,
the Son of God,
and that by believing
you may have life in His name.
(John 20:30)
Jesus did many other things as well.
If everyone one of them were written down,
I suppose that even the whole world
would not have room
for the books that would be written.
(John 21:25)
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
AC 9034 - how the literal serves the spiritual
AC 9034 [3]
How the truth of the literal sense of the Word
serves spiritual truth, shall be briefly told.
A member of the Church
first of all learns truth from the literal sense of the Word.
This is general truth
suited to the understanding of the external person,
who dwells in natural light.
That truth is received by an external route,
which is that of hearing,
and is stored in the external person's memory,
where there are also various pieces of knowledge
gained from the world.
Later on matters stored in this memory
come under the vision or gaze of the internal person,
who sees things in the light of heaven.
The internal person selects and summons from among them
truths that are in agreement with the good
which flows in from the Lord by way of the soul
and which the person has accepted.
There the Lord joins the truths to the good.
The truths joined in that way in the internal person
are called spiritual truths,
and the good to which the truths have been joined
is called spiritual good.
This good, given form by the truths,
constitutes the person's spiritual life.
The actual truths there are called the truths of faith,
and the good is called the good of charity.
The good in which the truths have been implanted in that way
is the Church with that person.
How the truth of the literal sense of the Word
serves spiritual truth, shall be briefly told.
A member of the Church
first of all learns truth from the literal sense of the Word.
This is general truth
suited to the understanding of the external person,
who dwells in natural light.
That truth is received by an external route,
which is that of hearing,
and is stored in the external person's memory,
where there are also various pieces of knowledge
gained from the world.
Later on matters stored in this memory
come under the vision or gaze of the internal person,
who sees things in the light of heaven.
The internal person selects and summons from among them
truths that are in agreement with the good
which flows in from the Lord by way of the soul
and which the person has accepted.
There the Lord joins the truths to the good.
The truths joined in that way in the internal person
are called spiritual truths,
and the good to which the truths have been joined
is called spiritual good.
This good, given form by the truths,
constitutes the person's spiritual life.
The actual truths there are called the truths of faith,
and the good is called the good of charity.
The good in which the truths have been implanted in that way
is the Church with that person.
Portions: John 15 - 18
"I am the true vine,
and My Father is the gardener.
He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit,
while every branch that does bear fruit
He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful."
(John 15:1-2)
"If the world hates you,
keep in mind that it hated Me first.
If you belonged to the world,
it would love you as its own.
As it is, you do not belong to the world,
but I have chosen you out of the world.
That is why the world hates you."
(John 15:18-19)
". . . the Father Himself love you
because you have loved Me
and have believed that I came from God.
I came from the Father
and entered the world;
now I am leaving the world
and going back to the the Father."
"I have told you these things,
so that in Me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart!
I have overcome the world."
(John 16:27-28;33)
"All I have is Yours,
and all You have is Mine."
(John 17:10)
Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world.
If it were, My servants would fight to prevent
My arrest by the Jews.
But now My kingdom is from another place."
(John 18:36)
and My Father is the gardener.
He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit,
while every branch that does bear fruit
He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful."
(John 15:1-2)
"If the world hates you,
keep in mind that it hated Me first.
If you belonged to the world,
it would love you as its own.
As it is, you do not belong to the world,
but I have chosen you out of the world.
That is why the world hates you."
(John 15:18-19)
". . . the Father Himself love you
because you have loved Me
and have believed that I came from God.
I came from the Father
and entered the world;
now I am leaving the world
and going back to the the Father."
"I have told you these things,
so that in Me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart!
I have overcome the world."
(John 16:27-28;33)
"All I have is Yours,
and all You have is Mine."
(John 17:10)
Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world.
If it were, My servants would fight to prevent
My arrest by the Jews.
But now My kingdom is from another place."
(John 18:36)
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
AC 9030 - "spiritual truth" and "memory-truth"
AC 9030
That is called "spiritual truth"
which together with good
makes the life of the internal person,
but that is called "memory-truth"
which makes the life of the external person.
This truth is from the literal sense of the Word,
but spiritual truth is from the internal sense of the Word,
thus also from the genuine doctrine of faith of the church,
for this doctrine is the doctrine of the internal sense.
That is called "spiritual truth"
which together with good
makes the life of the internal person,
but that is called "memory-truth"
which makes the life of the external person.
This truth is from the literal sense of the Word,
but spiritual truth is from the internal sense of the Word,
thus also from the genuine doctrine of faith of the church,
for this doctrine is the doctrine of the internal sense.
Portions: John 11 - 14
Then the chief priests and the Pharisees
call a meeting of the Sanhedrin.
"What are we accomplishing?" they asked.
"Here is this Man performing many miraculous signs.
If we let Him go on like this,
everyone will believe in Him,
and then the Romans will come
and take away both our temple and our nation."
(John 11:47-48)
"Now My heart is troubled,
and what shall I say?
'Father, save Me from this hour'?
No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.
Father, glorify Your name!"
Then a voice came from heaven,
"I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."
The crowd that was there and heard it
said it had thundered;
others said an angel had spoken to Him.
(John 12:27-29)
Simon Peter asked Him,
"Lord, where are you going?"
Jesus replied,
"Where I am going,
you cannot follow now,
but you will follow later."
(John 13:36)
"If you love Me,
you will obey what I command."
(John 14:15)
call a meeting of the Sanhedrin.
"What are we accomplishing?" they asked.
"Here is this Man performing many miraculous signs.
If we let Him go on like this,
everyone will believe in Him,
and then the Romans will come
and take away both our temple and our nation."
(John 11:47-48)
"Now My heart is troubled,
and what shall I say?
'Father, save Me from this hour'?
No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.
Father, glorify Your name!"
Then a voice came from heaven,
"I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."
The crowd that was there and heard it
said it had thundered;
others said an angel had spoken to Him.
(John 12:27-29)
Simon Peter asked Him,
"Lord, where are you going?"
Jesus replied,
"Where I am going,
you cannot follow now,
but you will follow later."
(John 13:36)
"If you love Me,
you will obey what I command."
(John 14:15)
Monday, December 23, 2013
AC 9007 - "man"; AC 9014 - forgiveness of sins
AC 9007
. . . in heaven no attention is paid to person,
or to anything of person;
but to things abstracted from person;
consequently where "a man" is mentioned in the Word,
they do not perceive a man, because a man is a person;
but instead they perceive that faculty of his
by virtue of which he is a man,
namely, the intellectual faculty;
and when they perceive this faculty,
they perceive the truth of faith,
because the truth of faith belongs to it,
and not only enlightens it, but also forms it.
And as by "a man" [vir]
there is perceived in heaven the intellectual of man,
so by "a man" [homo]
there is perceived his will;
because man is man [homo] from the will;
but is man [vir] from the understanding.
And as the will is the man himself,
therefore the good of love is the man,
for this belongs to the will,
and perfects, and makes it.
AC 9014 [2,3]
. . . in spiritual things, deceit, that is, hypocrisy,
cannot be forgiven.
The reason is that deceit is like poison,
for it penetrates even to the interiors,
and kills everything of faith and charity,
and destroys the remains,
which are the truths and goods of faith and charity
stored up by the Lord in the interiors of a person,
which being destroyed
nothing of spiritual life any longer survives.
It is believed by many within the church
that the forgiveness of sins
is the wiping out and washing away of them,
as of filth by water;
and that after forgiveness they go on their way
clean and pure.
Such an opinion prevails
especially with those who ascribe
everything of salvation to faith alone.
But be it known
that the case with the forgiveness of sins is quite different.
The Lord forgives everyone his sins,
because He is mercy itself.
Nevertheless they are not thereby forgiven
unless the person performs serious repentance,
and desists from evils,
and afterward lives a life of faith and charity,
and this even to the end of his life.
When this is done,
the person receives from the Lord spiritual life,
which is called new life.
When from this new life
the person views the evils of his former life,
and turns away from them,
and regards them with horror,
then for the first time are the evils forgiven,
for then the person is held in truths and goods by the Lord,
and is withheld from evils.
From this it is plain what is the forgiveness of sins,
and that it cannot be granted within an hour,
nor within a year.
That this is so the church knows,
for it is said to those who come to the Holy Supper
that their sins are forgiven
if they begin a new life by abstaining from evils
and abhorring them.
. . . in heaven no attention is paid to person,
or to anything of person;
but to things abstracted from person;
consequently where "a man" is mentioned in the Word,
they do not perceive a man, because a man is a person;
but instead they perceive that faculty of his
by virtue of which he is a man,
namely, the intellectual faculty;
and when they perceive this faculty,
they perceive the truth of faith,
because the truth of faith belongs to it,
and not only enlightens it, but also forms it.
And as by "a man" [vir]
there is perceived in heaven the intellectual of man,
so by "a man" [homo]
there is perceived his will;
because man is man [homo] from the will;
but is man [vir] from the understanding.
And as the will is the man himself,
therefore the good of love is the man,
for this belongs to the will,
and perfects, and makes it.
AC 9014 [2,3]
. . . in spiritual things, deceit, that is, hypocrisy,
cannot be forgiven.
The reason is that deceit is like poison,
for it penetrates even to the interiors,
and kills everything of faith and charity,
and destroys the remains,
which are the truths and goods of faith and charity
stored up by the Lord in the interiors of a person,
which being destroyed
nothing of spiritual life any longer survives.
It is believed by many within the church
that the forgiveness of sins
is the wiping out and washing away of them,
as of filth by water;
and that after forgiveness they go on their way
clean and pure.
Such an opinion prevails
especially with those who ascribe
everything of salvation to faith alone.
But be it known
that the case with the forgiveness of sins is quite different.
The Lord forgives everyone his sins,
because He is mercy itself.
Nevertheless they are not thereby forgiven
unless the person performs serious repentance,
and desists from evils,
and afterward lives a life of faith and charity,
and this even to the end of his life.
When this is done,
the person receives from the Lord spiritual life,
which is called new life.
When from this new life
the person views the evils of his former life,
and turns away from them,
and regards them with horror,
then for the first time are the evils forgiven,
for then the person is held in truths and goods by the Lord,
and is withheld from evils.
From this it is plain what is the forgiveness of sins,
and that it cannot be granted within an hour,
nor within a year.
That this is so the church knows,
for it is said to those who come to the Holy Supper
that their sins are forgiven
if they begin a new life by abstaining from evils
and abhorring them.
Portions: John 8 - 10
"Who are you?" they asked.
"Just what I have been claiming all along," Jesus replied.
"I have much to say in judgment of you.
But He who sent Me is reliable,
and what I have heard from Him
I tell the world."
(John 8:25-26)
"While I am in the world,
I am the light of the world."
(John 9:5)
"I and the Father are One."
(John 10:30)
"Just what I have been claiming all along," Jesus replied.
"I have much to say in judgment of you.
But He who sent Me is reliable,
and what I have heard from Him
I tell the world."
(John 8:25-26)
"While I am in the world,
I am the light of the world."
(John 9:5)
"I and the Father are One."
(John 10:30)
Sunday, December 22, 2013
AC 8995 - the end use
AC 8995 [3]
When gain or honor is regarded as a means to an end,
and not as the end,
the gain or honor is not regarded,
but the end,
which is use.
As for example he who desires and procures for himself
riches for the sake of use,
which he loves above all things,
is not in this case
delighted with riches for the sake of riches,
but for the sake of uses.
When gain or honor is regarded as a means to an end,
and not as the end,
the gain or honor is not regarded,
but the end,
which is use.
As for example he who desires and procures for himself
riches for the sake of use,
which he loves above all things,
is not in this case
delighted with riches for the sake of riches,
but for the sake of uses.
Portions: John 6 - 7
"But as I told you,
you have seen Me
and still you do not believe."
(John 6:36)
"Has not Moses given you the law?
Yet not one of you keeps the law.
Why are you trying to kill me?"
(John 7:19)
you have seen Me
and still you do not believe."
(John 6:36)
"Has not Moses given you the law?
Yet not one of you keeps the law.
Why are you trying to kill me?"
(John 7:19)
Saturday, December 21, 2013
AC 8989 - "a door"
AC 8989 [11]
That by "a door" is signified communication,
appears like a metaphorical way of speaking,
or like a comparison;
but in the Word there are no metaphorical expressions
or comparisons,
but real correspondences.
Even the comparisons made there
are by such things as correspond,
as can be seen from what has been said about a door,
namely, that doors actually appear in heaven
with angels and spirits,
and that their opening and shutting
are according to the communications.
And so in everything else.
That by "a door" is signified communication,
appears like a metaphorical way of speaking,
or like a comparison;
but in the Word there are no metaphorical expressions
or comparisons,
but real correspondences.
Even the comparisons made there
are by such things as correspond,
as can be seen from what has been said about a door,
namely, that doors actually appear in heaven
with angels and spirits,
and that their opening and shutting
are according to the communications.
And so in everything else.
Portions: John 1 - 5
In Him was life,
and that life was the light of men.
The light shines in the darkness,
but the darkness has not understood it.
He came to that which was His own,
but His own did not receive Him.
Yet to all who received Him,
to those who believed in His name,
He gave the right to become children of God -
children born not of natural descent,
nor of human decision or a husband's will,
but born of God.
(John 1:4-5;11-13)
Now while He was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast,
many people saw the miraculous signs He was doing
and believed in His name.
But Jesus would not entrust Himself to them,
for He knew all men.
He did not need man's testimony about man,
for He knew what was in a man.
(John 2:23-24)
"I have spoken to you of earthly things
and you do not believe;
how then will you believe
if I speak of heavenly things?"
(John 3:13)
Jesus answered,
"Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again,
but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst.
Indeed, the water I give him
will become in him
a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
(John 4:13-14)
"If you believed Moses,
you would believe Me,
for he wrote about me.
But since you do not believe what he wrote,
how are you doing to believe what I say?"
(John 5:46-47)
and that life was the light of men.
The light shines in the darkness,
but the darkness has not understood it.
He came to that which was His own,
but His own did not receive Him.
Yet to all who received Him,
to those who believed in His name,
He gave the right to become children of God -
children born not of natural descent,
nor of human decision or a husband's will,
but born of God.
(John 1:4-5;11-13)
Now while He was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast,
many people saw the miraculous signs He was doing
and believed in His name.
But Jesus would not entrust Himself to them,
for He knew all men.
He did not need man's testimony about man,
for He knew what was in a man.
(John 2:23-24)
"I have spoken to you of earthly things
and you do not believe;
how then will you believe
if I speak of heavenly things?"
(John 3:13)
Jesus answered,
"Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again,
but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst.
Indeed, the water I give him
will become in him
a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
(John 4:13-14)
"If you believed Moses,
you would believe Me,
for he wrote about me.
But since you do not believe what he wrote,
how are you doing to believe what I say?"
(John 5:46-47)
Friday, December 20, 2013
AC 8987, 8988 - the good of life corresponding with the truths of faith
AC 8987 [4]
. . . good of life corresponding with the truths of faith . . .
AC 8988
To act from truths, and not from good,
is to act solely from the intellectual part;
for truths bear relation to the intellectual part,
and goods to the will part;
and to act from the intellectual part,
and not from the will part,
is to act from that which stands without and serves,
because the understanding
has been given to a person to receive truths,
and to introduce them into the will,
that they may become goods;
for truths are called goods when they become of the will.
[2] But to serve the Lord,
by doing according to His commandments,
and thus by obeying Him,
is not to be a servant,
but is to be free,
for the veriest freedom of a person consists
in being led of the Lord,
because the Lord inspires into the very will of a person
the good from which he is to act,
and though it is from the Lord,
still it is perceived as if it were from self,
thus from freedom.
This freedom is possessed by all who are in the Lord,
and it is conjoined with inexpressible happiness.
. . . good of life corresponding with the truths of faith . . .
AC 8988
To act from truths, and not from good,
is to act solely from the intellectual part;
for truths bear relation to the intellectual part,
and goods to the will part;
and to act from the intellectual part,
and not from the will part,
is to act from that which stands without and serves,
because the understanding
has been given to a person to receive truths,
and to introduce them into the will,
that they may become goods;
for truths are called goods when they become of the will.
[2] But to serve the Lord,
by doing according to His commandments,
and thus by obeying Him,
is not to be a servant,
but is to be free,
for the veriest freedom of a person consists
in being led of the Lord,
because the Lord inspires into the very will of a person
the good from which he is to act,
and though it is from the Lord,
still it is perceived as if it were from self,
thus from freedom.
This freedom is possessed by all who are in the Lord,
and it is conjoined with inexpressible happiness.
Portions: Luke 20 - 24
Some of the teaches of the law responded,
"Well said, Teacher!"
And no one dared to ask Him any more questions.
(Luke 20:39-40)
Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple,
and each evening
He went out to spend the night
on the hill called the Mount of Olives,
and all the people came early in the morning
to hear Him at the temple.
(Luke 21:37-38)
Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives,
and His disciples followed Him.
On reaching the place, He said to them,
"Pray that you will not fall into temptation."
He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them,
knelt down and prayed,
"Father, if You are willing,
take this cup from Me,
Yet not My will, but Yours be done."
An angel from heaven appeared to Him
and strengthened Him.
And being in anguish,
He prayed more earnestly,
and His sweat was like drops of blood
falling to the ground.
(Luke 22:39-44)
So Pilate asked Jesus,
"Are You the King of the Jews?"
"Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.
(Luke 23:3)
When He had lead them out to the vicinity of Bethany,
He lifted up His hands and blessed them.
While He was blessing them,
He left them and was taken up into heaven.
They they worshiped Him
and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.
And they stayed continually at the temple,
praising God.
(Luke 24:50-53)
"Well said, Teacher!"
And no one dared to ask Him any more questions.
(Luke 20:39-40)
Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple,
and each evening
He went out to spend the night
on the hill called the Mount of Olives,
and all the people came early in the morning
to hear Him at the temple.
(Luke 21:37-38)
Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives,
and His disciples followed Him.
On reaching the place, He said to them,
"Pray that you will not fall into temptation."
He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them,
knelt down and prayed,
"Father, if You are willing,
take this cup from Me,
Yet not My will, but Yours be done."
An angel from heaven appeared to Him
and strengthened Him.
And being in anguish,
He prayed more earnestly,
and His sweat was like drops of blood
falling to the ground.
(Luke 22:39-44)
So Pilate asked Jesus,
"Are You the King of the Jews?"
"Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.
(Luke 23:3)
When He had lead them out to the vicinity of Bethany,
He lifted up His hands and blessed them.
While He was blessing them,
He left them and was taken up into heaven.
They they worshiped Him
and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.
And they stayed continually at the temple,
praising God.
(Luke 24:50-53)
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Portions: Luke 16 - 19
"What is highly valued among men
is detestable in God's sight."
(Luke 16:15)
Once, having been asked by the Pharisees
when the kingdom of God would come,
Jesus replied,
"The kingdom of God
does not come with your careful observation,
nor will people say,
'Here it is,' or 'There it is,'
because the kingdom of God is within you.
(Luke 17:20-21)
People were also bringing babies to Jesus
to have Him touch them.
When the disciples saw this,
they rebuked them.
But Jesus called the children to Him and said,
"Let the little children come to me,
and do not hinder them,
for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
I tell you the truth,
anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God
like a little child
will never enter it."
(Luke 18:15-17)
When He came near the place
where the road goes down the Mount of Olives,
the whole crowd of disciples
began joyfully to praise God in loud voices
for all the miracles they had seen:
"Blessed is the King
who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Peace in heaven
and glory in the highest!"
(Luke 19:37-38)
is detestable in God's sight."
(Luke 16:15)
Once, having been asked by the Pharisees
when the kingdom of God would come,
Jesus replied,
"The kingdom of God
does not come with your careful observation,
nor will people say,
'Here it is,' or 'There it is,'
because the kingdom of God is within you.
(Luke 17:20-21)
People were also bringing babies to Jesus
to have Him touch them.
When the disciples saw this,
they rebuked them.
But Jesus called the children to Him and said,
"Let the little children come to me,
and do not hinder them,
for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
I tell you the truth,
anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God
like a little child
will never enter it."
(Luke 18:15-17)
When He came near the place
where the road goes down the Mount of Olives,
the whole crowd of disciples
began joyfully to praise God in loud voices
for all the miracles they had seen:
"Blessed is the King
who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Peace in heaven
and glory in the highest!"
(Luke 19:37-38)
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
AC 8974 - charity & faith
AC 8974 [3]
. . . . an almost total ignorance
prevails within the church
of what the truth of faith
effects toward salvation,
and what the good of charity
effects.
Indeed, it is not known what charity is,
or that charity and faith must marry together
for anything of the church to exist in a person;
for the marriage of good and truth
is the church itself,
because it is heaven in a person.
. . . . an almost total ignorance
prevails within the church
of what the truth of faith
effects toward salvation,
and what the good of charity
effects.
Indeed, it is not known what charity is,
or that charity and faith must marry together
for anything of the church to exist in a person;
for the marriage of good and truth
is the church itself,
because it is heaven in a person.
Portions: Luke 13 - 15
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
you who kill the prophets
and stone those sent to you,
how often I have longed to gather your children together,
as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings,
but you were not willing!
Look, your house is left to you desolate.
I tell you, you will not see Me again until you say,
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord."
(Luke 13:34-35)
"He who has ears to hear,
let him hear."
(Luke 14:34)
"'My son,' the father said,
'you are always with me,
and everything I have is yours.
But we had to celebrate and be glad,
because this brother of yours was dead
and is alive again;
he was lost
and is found.'"
(Luke 15:31-32)
you who kill the prophets
and stone those sent to you,
how often I have longed to gather your children together,
as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings,
but you were not willing!
Look, your house is left to you desolate.
I tell you, you will not see Me again until you say,
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord."
(Luke 13:34-35)
"He who has ears to hear,
let him hear."
(Luke 14:34)
"'My son,' the father said,
'you are always with me,
and everything I have is yours.
But we had to celebrate and be glad,
because this brother of yours was dead
and is alive again;
he was lost
and is found.'"
(Luke 15:31-32)
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
AC 8972 - commandments, judgments, statutes & the circle between angels & people
AC 8972 [2]
The laws which were enacted and commanded
the sons of Israel by the Lord were distinguished
into "commandments," "judgments," and "statutes."
Those were called "commandments" which belonged to life;
those "judgments" which belonged to the civil state;
and those "statutes" which belonged to worship.
. . . the man of the Christian Church
is not bound to observe in their external form
those things which are called "judgments" and "statutes,"
but in their internal form.
Nevertheless holiness abides in them,
because they contain holy things within them,
as do also all and each of the things
commanded in the Word about sacrifices.
Although these things have been abrogated (repealed),
they nevertheless are holy things of the Word
by reason of the Divine things which are in them,
and which they represented.
For when they are read by a Christian person,
the Divine things that are within them,
and that were represented,
are perceived in the heavens,
and fill the angels with that which is holy,
and at the same time by influx from the angels
they fill the person who reads,
especially if he himself then thinks
of the Divine things that are within them.
From this it is plain that the Word
even of the Old Testament
is most holy.
The laws which were enacted and commanded
the sons of Israel by the Lord were distinguished
into "commandments," "judgments," and "statutes."
Those were called "commandments" which belonged to life;
those "judgments" which belonged to the civil state;
and those "statutes" which belonged to worship.
. . . the man of the Christian Church
is not bound to observe in their external form
those things which are called "judgments" and "statutes,"
but in their internal form.
Nevertheless holiness abides in them,
because they contain holy things within them,
as do also all and each of the things
commanded in the Word about sacrifices.
Although these things have been abrogated (repealed),
they nevertheless are holy things of the Word
by reason of the Divine things which are in them,
and which they represented.
For when they are read by a Christian person,
the Divine things that are within them,
and that were represented,
are perceived in the heavens,
and fill the angels with that which is holy,
and at the same time by influx from the angels
they fill the person who reads,
especially if he himself then thinks
of the Divine things that are within them.
From this it is plain that the Word
even of the Old Testament
is most holy.
Portions: Luke 10 - 12
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered,
"you are worried and upset about many things,
but only one thing is needed.
Mary has chosen what is better,
and it will not be taken away from her."
(Luke 10:41-42)
As Jesus was saying these things,
a woman in the crowd called out,
"Blessed is the mother
who gave You birth and nursed You."
He replied,
"Blessed rather are those
who hear the word of God
and obey it."
(Luke 11:27-28)
"And do not set your heart on
what you will eat or drink;
do not worry about it.
For the pagan world runs after all such things,
and your Father knows that you need them.
But seek His kingdom,
and these things will be given to you as well."
(Luke 12:29-31)
"you are worried and upset about many things,
but only one thing is needed.
Mary has chosen what is better,
and it will not be taken away from her."
(Luke 10:41-42)
As Jesus was saying these things,
a woman in the crowd called out,
"Blessed is the mother
who gave You birth and nursed You."
He replied,
"Blessed rather are those
who hear the word of God
and obey it."
(Luke 11:27-28)
"And do not set your heart on
what you will eat or drink;
do not worry about it.
For the pagan world runs after all such things,
and your Father knows that you need them.
But seek His kingdom,
and these things will be given to you as well."
(Luke 12:29-31)
Monday, December 16, 2013
AC 8959, 8961 - temptations
AC 8959
Temptations are spiritual combats in a person.
For they are combats
between the evil that is in him from hell,
and the good that is in him from the Lord.
AC 8961
The evil that wishes to have dominion
is in the natural or external person,
but the good is in the spiritual or internal person;
so it is
that in Temptations
that which is dealt with
also relates to the dominion of the one over the other;
if evil conquers,
the natural person has dominion over the spiritual;
if good conquers,
the spiritual person has dominion over the natural.
Temptations are spiritual combats in a person.
For they are combats
between the evil that is in him from hell,
and the good that is in him from the Lord.
AC 8961
The evil that wishes to have dominion
is in the natural or external person,
but the good is in the spiritual or internal person;
so it is
that in Temptations
that which is dealt with
also relates to the dominion of the one over the other;
if evil conquers,
the natural person has dominion over the spiritual;
if good conquers,
the spiritual person has dominion over the natural.
Portions: Luke 8 - 9
After this,
Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another,
proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God.
The Twelve were with him,
and also some women
who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases:
Mary (called Magdalene)
from whom seven demons had come out;
Joanna the wife of Cusa,
the manager of Harod's household;
Susanna; and many others.
These women were helping to support them
out of their own means.
(Luke 8:1-3)
When Jesus had called the Twelve together,
He gave them power and authority
to drive out all demons and to cure diseases,
and He sent them out to preach the kingdom of God
and to heal the sick. He told them:
"Take nothing for the journey -
no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic.
Whatever house you enter,
stay there until you leave that town."
(Luke 9:1-4)
Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another,
proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God.
The Twelve were with him,
and also some women
who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases:
Mary (called Magdalene)
from whom seven demons had come out;
Joanna the wife of Cusa,
the manager of Harod's household;
Susanna; and many others.
These women were helping to support them
out of their own means.
(Luke 8:1-3)
When Jesus had called the Twelve together,
He gave them power and authority
to drive out all demons and to cure diseases,
and He sent them out to preach the kingdom of God
and to heal the sick. He told them:
"Take nothing for the journey -
no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic.
Whatever house you enter,
stay there until you leave that town."
(Luke 9:1-4)
Sunday, December 15, 2013
AC 8939 - eternal happiness; Ac 8941, 8943 - from the Word alone
AC 8939 [3]
. . . let him who wishes to be eternally happy
know and believe that he will live after death.
Let him think of this and keep it in mind,
for it is the truth.
Let him also know and believe
that the Word is the only doctrine
which teaches how a person must live in the world
in order to be happy to eternity.
AC 8941 [2]
The truths from which the Lord is to be worshiped
are to be taken solely from the Word,
for in every detail of the Word
there is life from the Divine.
When truths are taken from one's own,
they regard and have as their end
dignity and eminence over all in the world,
and likewise earthly possessions and wealth above all men,
and therefore they have in them
the love of self and of the world,
thus all evils in the complex.
But truths which are from the Word
regard and have as their end eternal life,
and have in them love to the Lord
and love toward the neighbor,
thus all goods in the complex.
When truths are hatched from one's own,
or from self-intelligence,
they rule over the truths which are from the Divine,
because these are applied to confirm them;
when yet the . . . truths from the Divine should rule,
and those which are from self-intelligence should serve.
Those which are from one's own, or from self-intelligence,
are called truths,
but they are not truths;
they only appear as truths in the external form,
for they are rendered like truths by means of applications
from the literal sense of the Word,
and by reasonings,
while in the internal form they are falsities.
AC 8943
. . . that which is from the Word
is alone serviceable for Divine worship,
because it is in itself alive.
For within everything of the Word there is a spiritual sense,
which treats of the Lord's kingdom;
and within this sense is the Divine,
because the Word in its inmost sense treats of the Lord alone;
from this is the sanctity and the life of the Word,
and not from any other source.
The Word is like a Divine man;
the literal sense is as it were his body,
but the internal sense is as it were his soul . . .
. . . let him who wishes to be eternally happy
know and believe that he will live after death.
Let him think of this and keep it in mind,
for it is the truth.
Let him also know and believe
that the Word is the only doctrine
which teaches how a person must live in the world
in order to be happy to eternity.
AC 8941 [2]
The truths from which the Lord is to be worshiped
are to be taken solely from the Word,
for in every detail of the Word
there is life from the Divine.
When truths are taken from one's own,
they regard and have as their end
dignity and eminence over all in the world,
and likewise earthly possessions and wealth above all men,
and therefore they have in them
the love of self and of the world,
thus all evils in the complex.
But truths which are from the Word
regard and have as their end eternal life,
and have in them love to the Lord
and love toward the neighbor,
thus all goods in the complex.
When truths are hatched from one's own,
or from self-intelligence,
they rule over the truths which are from the Divine,
because these are applied to confirm them;
when yet the . . . truths from the Divine should rule,
and those which are from self-intelligence should serve.
Those which are from one's own, or from self-intelligence,
are called truths,
but they are not truths;
they only appear as truths in the external form,
for they are rendered like truths by means of applications
from the literal sense of the Word,
and by reasonings,
while in the internal form they are falsities.
AC 8943
. . . that which is from the Word
is alone serviceable for Divine worship,
because it is in itself alive.
For within everything of the Word there is a spiritual sense,
which treats of the Lord's kingdom;
and within this sense is the Divine,
because the Word in its inmost sense treats of the Lord alone;
from this is the sanctity and the life of the Word,
and not from any other source.
The Word is like a Divine man;
the literal sense is as it were his body,
but the internal sense is as it were his soul . . .
Portions: Luke 5 - 7
While Jesus was in one of the towns,
a man came along who was covered with leprosy.
When he saw Jesus,
he fell with his face to the ground and begged Him,
"Lord, if You are willing,
You can make me clean."
Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man.
"I am willing," He said.
"Be clean!"
And immediately the leprosy left him.
(Luke 5:12-13)
"Why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord,'
and do not do what I say?
(Luke 6:46)
Then Jesus said to her,
"Your sins are forgiven."
The other guests began to say among themselves,
"Who is this who even forgives sins?"
Jesus said to the woman,
"Your faith has saved you;
go in peace."
(Luke 7:48-50)
a man came along who was covered with leprosy.
When he saw Jesus,
he fell with his face to the ground and begged Him,
"Lord, if You are willing,
You can make me clean."
Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man.
"I am willing," He said.
"Be clean!"
And immediately the leprosy left him.
(Luke 5:12-13)
"Why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord,'
and do not do what I say?
(Luke 6:46)
Then Jesus said to her,
"Your sins are forgiven."
The other guests began to say among themselves,
"Who is this who even forgives sins?"
Jesus said to the woman,
"Your faith has saved you;
go in peace."
(Luke 7:48-50)
Saturday, December 14, 2013
AC 8928 - in the light; AC 8931 - where angels dwell
AC 8928 [3,4]
. . . he who is in light never doubts, still less denies,
that love to the Lord and charity toward the neighbor
are essentials of the church,
and that upon them are based all the truths of the Word,
consequently all the truths of faith.
. . . it is known to everyone
that the Divine is never in darkness,
but in light,
for the Divine is light itself . . ..
AC 8931 [2]
Be it known
that heaven is not in any certain and determinate place,
thus not, according to the common opinion, on high;
but heaven is where the Divine is,
thus with everyone and in everyone
who is in charity and faith;
for charity and faith are heaven,
because they are from the Divine,
and there also the angels dwell.
. . . he who is in light never doubts, still less denies,
that love to the Lord and charity toward the neighbor
are essentials of the church,
and that upon them are based all the truths of the Word,
consequently all the truths of faith.
. . . it is known to everyone
that the Divine is never in darkness,
but in light,
for the Divine is light itself . . ..
AC 8931 [2]
Be it known
that heaven is not in any certain and determinate place,
thus not, according to the common opinion, on high;
but heaven is where the Divine is,
thus with everyone and in everyone
who is in charity and faith;
for charity and faith are heaven,
because they are from the Divine,
and there also the angels dwell.
Portions: Luke 2 - 4
When Joseph and Mary had done everything
required by the Law of the Lord,
they returned to Galilee
to their own town of Nazareth.
And the Child grew and became strong;
He was filled with wisdom
and the grace of God was upon Him.
(Luke 2:39-40)
The people were waiting expectantly
and were all wondering in their hearts
if John might possibly be the Christ.
John answered them all,
"I baptize you with water.
But One more powerful than I will come,
the thongs of whose sandals I am unworthy to untie.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
(Luke 3:15-16)
All the people in the synagogue were furious
when they heard this. They got up,
drove Him out of the town,
and took Him to the brow of the hill
on which the town was built,
in order to throw Him down the cliff.
But He walked right through the crowd
and went on His way.
(Luke 4:28-30)
required by the Law of the Lord,
they returned to Galilee
to their own town of Nazareth.
And the Child grew and became strong;
He was filled with wisdom
and the grace of God was upon Him.
(Luke 2:39-40)
The people were waiting expectantly
and were all wondering in their hearts
if John might possibly be the Christ.
John answered them all,
"I baptize you with water.
But One more powerful than I will come,
the thongs of whose sandals I am unworthy to untie.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
(Luke 3:15-16)
All the people in the synagogue were furious
when they heard this. They got up,
drove Him out of the town,
and took Him to the brow of the hill
on which the town was built,
in order to throw Him down the cliff.
But He walked right through the crowd
and went on His way.
(Luke 4:28-30)
Friday, December 13, 2013
AC 8925 - "the fear of God"
AC 8925
As regards the holy fear
which is signified in the Word by "the fear of God,"
be it known that this fear is love,
but love such as is the love
of little children toward their parents,
of parents toward their children,
of married couples toward each other,
who fear to do anything which displeases,
thus which in any way does injury to love.
Such fear is insinuated into love
during a person's regeneration.
As this fear is in agreement with love,
and can be within
and actually is within or united to love,
it is for this reason called holy fear,
and is the fear of sinning or doing contrary
to the commandments,
thus contrary to the Lord.
As regards the holy fear
which is signified in the Word by "the fear of God,"
be it known that this fear is love,
but love such as is the love
of little children toward their parents,
of parents toward their children,
of married couples toward each other,
who fear to do anything which displeases,
thus which in any way does injury to love.
Such fear is insinuated into love
during a person's regeneration.
As this fear is in agreement with love,
and can be within
and actually is within or united to love,
it is for this reason called holy fear,
and is the fear of sinning or doing contrary
to the commandments,
thus contrary to the Lord.
Portions: Mark 15 - 16; Luke 1
With a loud cry, Jesus breathed His last.
The curtain of the temple
was torn in two from top to bottom.
And when the centurion,
who stood there in front of Jesus,
heard His cry and saw how He died, he said,
"Surely this man was the Son of God!"
(Mark 15:37-39)
"Don't be alarmed," he said.
"You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene,
who was crucified.
He has risen!
He is not here.
See the place where they laid Him.
But go, tell His disciples and Peter,
'He is going ahead of you into Galilee.
There you will see Him,
just as He told you.'"
(Mark 16:6-7)
Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him,
standing at the right side of the altar of incense.
When Zechariah saw him,
he was startled and was gripped with fear.
But the angel said to him:
"Do not be afraid, Zechariah;
your prayer has been heard.
Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son,
and you are to give him the name John."
Zechariah asked the angel,
"How can I be sure of this?
I am an old man and my wife is well along in years."
The angel answered,
"I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God,
and I have been sent to speak to you
and to tell you this good news."
(Luke 1:11-13;18-19)
In the sixth month,
God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth,
a town in Galilee,
to a virgin pledged to be married
to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David.
The virgin's name was Mary.
The angel went to her and said,
"Greetings, you who are highly favored!
The Lord is with you!"
(Luke 1:26-28)
The curtain of the temple
was torn in two from top to bottom.
And when the centurion,
who stood there in front of Jesus,
heard His cry and saw how He died, he said,
"Surely this man was the Son of God!"
(Mark 15:37-39)
"Don't be alarmed," he said.
"You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene,
who was crucified.
He has risen!
He is not here.
See the place where they laid Him.
But go, tell His disciples and Peter,
'He is going ahead of you into Galilee.
There you will see Him,
just as He told you.'"
(Mark 16:6-7)
Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him,
standing at the right side of the altar of incense.
When Zechariah saw him,
he was startled and was gripped with fear.
But the angel said to him:
"Do not be afraid, Zechariah;
your prayer has been heard.
Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son,
and you are to give him the name John."
Zechariah asked the angel,
"How can I be sure of this?
I am an old man and my wife is well along in years."
The angel answered,
"I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God,
and I have been sent to speak to you
and to tell you this good news."
(Luke 1:11-13;18-19)
In the sixth month,
God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth,
a town in Galilee,
to a virgin pledged to be married
to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David.
The virgin's name was Mary.
The angel went to her and said,
"Greetings, you who are highly favored!
The Lord is with you!"
(Luke 1:26-28)
Thursday, December 12, 2013
AC 8910 - coveting (concupiscence)
AC 8910
. . . all concupiscence is of some love;
for nothing is coveted [concupiscitur] unless it is loved,
and therefore concupiscence [or "coveting"]
is the continuous of love,
in this case of the love of self or of the world,
and is as it were the life of its breath.
For that which an evil love breathes
is called "concupiscence,"
but that which a good love breathes
is called "desire."
Love itself belongs to the other part of the mind,
which is called the will,
for whatever a person loves he wills;
but concupiscence belongs
to both the will and the understanding,
though it is properly of the will in the understanding.
From all this it is evident that what it is that by the words,
"thou shalt not covet the things that are thy neighbor's,"
is signified that one must beware lest they become of the will;
for the things which become of the will
are appropriated to the person,
because the will is the person himself.
[2] . . . the things which enter into the thought of a person,
and not through the thought into the will,
do not defile him;
but the things which enter through the thought into the will.
These things defile him
because they are then appropriated to him,
and become his;
for the will, as already said, is the person himself.
[3] . . for a person cannot stand apart from thinking evil,
but from doing it.
. . . all concupiscence is of some love;
for nothing is coveted [concupiscitur] unless it is loved,
and therefore concupiscence [or "coveting"]
is the continuous of love,
in this case of the love of self or of the world,
and is as it were the life of its breath.
For that which an evil love breathes
is called "concupiscence,"
but that which a good love breathes
is called "desire."
Love itself belongs to the other part of the mind,
which is called the will,
for whatever a person loves he wills;
but concupiscence belongs
to both the will and the understanding,
though it is properly of the will in the understanding.
From all this it is evident that what it is that by the words,
"thou shalt not covet the things that are thy neighbor's,"
is signified that one must beware lest they become of the will;
for the things which become of the will
are appropriated to the person,
because the will is the person himself.
[2] . . . the things which enter into the thought of a person,
and not through the thought into the will,
do not defile him;
but the things which enter through the thought into the will.
These things defile him
because they are then appropriated to him,
and become his;
for the will, as already said, is the person himself.
[3] . . for a person cannot stand apart from thinking evil,
but from doing it.
Portions: Mark 12 - 14
"He had One left to send,
a Son, whom He loved.
He sent Him last of all, saying,
'They will respect My Son.'
"But the tenants said to one another,
'This is the heir. Come, let's kill Him,
and the inheritance will be ours.'
So they took Him and killed Him,
and threw Him out of the vineyard."
(Mark 12:6-8)
"Heaven and earth will pass away,
but My words will never pass away."
(Mark 13:31)
"But after I have risen,
I will go ahead of you into Galilee."
(Mark 14:28)
a Son, whom He loved.
He sent Him last of all, saying,
'They will respect My Son.'
"But the tenants said to one another,
'This is the heir. Come, let's kill Him,
and the inheritance will be ours.'
So they took Him and killed Him,
and threw Him out of the vineyard."
(Mark 12:6-8)
"Heaven and earth will pass away,
but My words will never pass away."
(Mark 13:31)
"But after I have risen,
I will go ahead of you into Galilee."
(Mark 14:28)
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
AC 8907, 8908 - a lie
AC 8907
Thou shalt not
answer against thy neighbor the witness of a lie,
(Exodus 20:13)
signifies that good is not to be called evil,
nor truth falsity;
thus conversely,
neither is evil to be called good,
nor falsity truth.
AC 8908 [2]
Those with whom there reigns the love of self
or the love of the world, that is,
who have as their end eminence,
or honors, or wealth, or gain,
do not hesitate to say and persuade others
that what is just is unjust,
and that what is unjust is just,
and thus to act the part of witnesses of a lie.
The reason why they are of such a character
is that their will is wholly subject to these loves
and their cupidities,
and is wholly occupied and possessed by them;
and then the understanding,
which is the other part of the mind,
is indeed able to see what is just and what is unjust;
but is not willing to see,
because the will prevails over the understanding,
and by means of influx persuades it,
and at last also blinds it.
These same persons neither have conscience,
nor do they know
that it belongs to conscience to call
that just which is just,
for no other reason than because it is just,
that is, from the love of what is just.
Thou shalt not
answer against thy neighbor the witness of a lie,
(Exodus 20:13)
signifies that good is not to be called evil,
nor truth falsity;
thus conversely,
neither is evil to be called good,
nor falsity truth.
AC 8908 [2]
Those with whom there reigns the love of self
or the love of the world, that is,
who have as their end eminence,
or honors, or wealth, or gain,
do not hesitate to say and persuade others
that what is just is unjust,
and that what is unjust is just,
and thus to act the part of witnesses of a lie.
The reason why they are of such a character
is that their will is wholly subject to these loves
and their cupidities,
and is wholly occupied and possessed by them;
and then the understanding,
which is the other part of the mind,
is indeed able to see what is just and what is unjust;
but is not willing to see,
because the will prevails over the understanding,
and by means of influx persuades it,
and at last also blinds it.
These same persons neither have conscience,
nor do they know
that it belongs to conscience to call
that just which is just,
for no other reason than because it is just,
that is, from the love of what is just.
Portions: Mark 9 -11
They left that place and passed through Galilee.
Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were,
because He was teaching His disciples.
He said to them,
"The Son of Man is going to be betrayed
into the hands of men. They will kill Him,
and after three days He will rise."
But they did not understand what He meant
and were afraid to ask Him about it.
(Mark 9:30-32)
Jesus then left that place
and went into the region of Judea
and across the Jordan.
Again crowds of people came to Him,
and as was His custom,
He taught them.
(Mark 10:1)
"And when you stand praying,
if you hold anything against anyone,
forgive him,
so that your Father in heaven
may forgive you your sins."
(Mark 11:25)
Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were,
because He was teaching His disciples.
He said to them,
"The Son of Man is going to be betrayed
into the hands of men. They will kill Him,
and after three days He will rise."
But they did not understand what He meant
and were afraid to ask Him about it.
(Mark 9:30-32)
Jesus then left that place
and went into the region of Judea
and across the Jordan.
Again crowds of people came to Him,
and as was His custom,
He taught them.
(Mark 10:1)
"And when you stand praying,
if you hold anything against anyone,
forgive him,
so that your Father in heaven
may forgive you your sins."
(Mark 11:25)
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
AC 8905, 8906 - stealing
AC 8905
Thou shalt not steal,
(Exodus 20:13)
signifies that no one's spiritual goods
must be taken away from him,
and that those things which belong to the Lord
are not to be attributed to self.
AC 8906 [4]
For the truths and goods of faith,
being from the Lord,
are in a free state,
and serve the Lord alone;
but when they are cast off,
they then come into a servile state,
for they serve any evil
of the love of self or of the love of the world . . ..
Thou shalt not steal,
(Exodus 20:13)
signifies that no one's spiritual goods
must be taken away from him,
and that those things which belong to the Lord
are not to be attributed to self.
AC 8906 [4]
For the truths and goods of faith,
being from the Lord,
are in a free state,
and serve the Lord alone;
but when they are cast off,
they then come into a servile state,
for they serve any evil
of the love of self or of the love of the world . . ..
Portions: Mark 6 - 8
Immediately He spoke to them and said,
"Take courage!
It is I. Don't be afraid."
(Mark 6:50)
"Are yo so dull?" He asked.
"Don't you see that nothing
that enters a man from the outside
can make him 'unclean'?
For it doesn't go into his heart
but into his stomach,
and then out of his body."
(In saying this, Jesus declared all foods "clean.")
(Mark 7:18-19)
The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus.
To test Him, they asked Him for a sign from heaven.
He sighed deeply and said,
"Why does this generation ask for a miraculous sign?
I tell you the truth, no sign will be given to it."
Then He left them,
got back into the boat
and crossed to the other side.
(Mark 8:11-13)
"Take courage!
It is I. Don't be afraid."
(Mark 6:50)
"Are yo so dull?" He asked.
"Don't you see that nothing
that enters a man from the outside
can make him 'unclean'?
For it doesn't go into his heart
but into his stomach,
and then out of his body."
(In saying this, Jesus declared all foods "clean.")
(Mark 7:18-19)
The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus.
To test Him, they asked Him for a sign from heaven.
He sighed deeply and said,
"Why does this generation ask for a miraculous sign?
I tell you the truth, no sign will be given to it."
Then He left them,
got back into the boat
and crossed to the other side.
(Mark 8:11-13)
Monday, December 09, 2013
AC 8903, 8904 - thou shalt not commit adultery
AC 8903
Thou shalt not commit adultery,
(Exodus 20:13)
signifies that those things which are
of the doctrine of faith and of charity
are not to be perverted;
thus that the Word is not to be applied
to confirm evils and falsities;
also that the laws of order are not to be upset.
AC 8904 [2]
The love which flows in from the Lord
and which exists between good and truth in heaven,
is turned into conjugial love on the earth,
and this by correspondence.
So it is
that the falsification of truth is "whoredom,"
and the perversion of good is "adulteration,"
in the internal sense.
So it also is
that they who are not in the good and truth of faith
cannot be in genuine conjugial love;
and also that those who find the delight of life in adulteries
can no longer receive anything of faith.
I have heard it said by the angels
that as soon as anyone commits adultery on the earth
and takes delight in it, heaven is closed to him,
that is, he refuses any longer to receive from heaven
anything of faith and charity.
That at this day in the kingdoms where the church is,
adulteries are made light of by very many persons,
is because the church is at its end,
and thus there is no longer any faith,
because there is no charity;
for the one corresponds to the other.
Thou shalt not commit adultery,
(Exodus 20:13)
signifies that those things which are
of the doctrine of faith and of charity
are not to be perverted;
thus that the Word is not to be applied
to confirm evils and falsities;
also that the laws of order are not to be upset.
AC 8904 [2]
The love which flows in from the Lord
and which exists between good and truth in heaven,
is turned into conjugial love on the earth,
and this by correspondence.
So it is
that the falsification of truth is "whoredom,"
and the perversion of good is "adulteration,"
in the internal sense.
So it also is
that they who are not in the good and truth of faith
cannot be in genuine conjugial love;
and also that those who find the delight of life in adulteries
can no longer receive anything of faith.
I have heard it said by the angels
that as soon as anyone commits adultery on the earth
and takes delight in it, heaven is closed to him,
that is, he refuses any longer to receive from heaven
anything of faith and charity.
That at this day in the kingdoms where the church is,
adulteries are made light of by very many persons,
is because the church is at its end,
and thus there is no longer any faith,
because there is no charity;
for the one corresponds to the other.
Portions: Mark 2 - 5
Then He said to them,
"The Sabbath was made for man,
not man for the Sabbath.
So the Son of Man is Lord
even of the Sabbath."
(Mark 2:27-28)
Whenever the evil (unclean) spirits saw Him,
they fell down before Him and cried out,
"You are the Son of God."
But He game them strict orders
not to tell who He was.
(Mark 3:11-12)
He said to them,
"Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed?
Instead, don't you put it on its stand?
For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed,
and whatever is concealed
is meant to be brought out into the open.
If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."
(Mark 4:21-23)
As Jesus was getting into the boat,
the man who had been demon-possessed
begged to go with Him.
Jesus did not let him, but said,
"Go home to your family and tell them how much
the Lord has done for you,
and how He has had mercy on you."
So the man went away
and began to tell in the Decapolis
how much Jesus had done for him.
And all the people were amazed.
(Mark 5:18-20)
"The Sabbath was made for man,
not man for the Sabbath.
So the Son of Man is Lord
even of the Sabbath."
(Mark 2:27-28)
Whenever the evil (unclean) spirits saw Him,
they fell down before Him and cried out,
"You are the Son of God."
But He game them strict orders
not to tell who He was.
(Mark 3:11-12)
He said to them,
"Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed?
Instead, don't you put it on its stand?
For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed,
and whatever is concealed
is meant to be brought out into the open.
If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."
(Mark 4:21-23)
As Jesus was getting into the boat,
the man who had been demon-possessed
begged to go with Him.
Jesus did not let him, but said,
"Go home to your family and tell them how much
the Lord has done for you,
and how He has had mercy on you."
So the man went away
and began to tell in the Decapolis
how much Jesus had done for him.
And all the people were amazed.
(Mark 5:18-20)
Sunday, December 08, 2013
AC 89002 - holding someone in hatred
AC 8902
Thou shalt not kill.
(Exodus 20:13)
That this signifies not to take away spiritual life from anyone,
also not to extinguish faith and charity,
as also not to hold the neighbor in hatred,
is evident from the signification of "killing,"
as being to deprive of spiritual life.
That "killing" means this in the internal sense,
is because in this sense
spiritual life, or the life of heaven with a person,
is treated of;
and spiritual life, or the life of heaven with a person,
is the life of faith and of charity;
therefore by "not to kill" is signified also
not to extinguish faith and charity in anyone.
The reason why "not to kill" is also in the internal sense
not to hold the neighbor in hatred,
is that he who holds in hatred
continually wishes to kill,
and also would kill in act
unless prevented by the fear of the penalty,
of the loss of life, of reputation, and the like.
For hatred is of evil,
is contrary to charity,
and breathes nothing but the murder of him whom it hates:
in the world the murder of his body;
in the other life the murder of his soul.
Thou shalt not kill.
(Exodus 20:13)
That this signifies not to take away spiritual life from anyone,
also not to extinguish faith and charity,
as also not to hold the neighbor in hatred,
is evident from the signification of "killing,"
as being to deprive of spiritual life.
That "killing" means this in the internal sense,
is because in this sense
spiritual life, or the life of heaven with a person,
is treated of;
and spiritual life, or the life of heaven with a person,
is the life of faith and of charity;
therefore by "not to kill" is signified also
not to extinguish faith and charity in anyone.
The reason why "not to kill" is also in the internal sense
not to hold the neighbor in hatred,
is that he who holds in hatred
continually wishes to kill,
and also would kill in act
unless prevented by the fear of the penalty,
of the loss of life, of reputation, and the like.
For hatred is of evil,
is contrary to charity,
and breathes nothing but the murder of him whom it hates:
in the world the murder of his body;
in the other life the murder of his soul.
Portions: Matthew 27 - 28; Mark 1
When He was accused by the chief priests and the elders,
He gave no answer.
(Matthew 27:12)
Then Jesus came to them and said,
"All authority in heaven and on earth
has been given to Me.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
and teaching them to obey everything
I have commanded you.
And surely I am with you always,
to the very end of the age."
(Matthew 28:18-20)
And so John came,
baptizing in the desert region
and preaching a baptism of repentance
for the forgiveness of sins.
(Mark 1:4)
He gave no answer.
(Matthew 27:12)
Then Jesus came to them and said,
"All authority in heaven and on earth
has been given to Me.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
and teaching them to obey everything
I have commanded you.
And surely I am with you always,
to the very end of the age."
(Matthew 28:18-20)
And so John came,
baptizing in the desert region
and preaching a baptism of repentance
for the forgiveness of sins.
(Mark 1:4)
Saturday, December 07, 2013
AC 8897 - Honor thy father and thy mother.
AC 8897
Honor thy father and thy mother.
(Exodus 20:12)
That this signifies love for good and truth,
in the supreme sense for the Lord and for His kingdom,
is evident from the signification of "honoring," as being to love,
for in the spiritual sense "to honor" denotes to love,
for the reason that in heaven one loves another,
and when he loves he also honors,
for in honor there is love.
AC 8899
But be it known that the commandments of the Decalogue
are rules of life both for those who are in the world
and for those who are in heaven
- the sense of the letter or the external sense
being for those who are in the world,
and the spiritual or internal sense
for those who are in heaven -
and consequently both senses,
external as well as internal,
are for those who while they are in the world are also in heaven,
that is, for those who are in the good of life
according to the truths of doctrine.
Honor thy father and thy mother.
(Exodus 20:12)
That this signifies love for good and truth,
in the supreme sense for the Lord and for His kingdom,
is evident from the signification of "honoring," as being to love,
for in the spiritual sense "to honor" denotes to love,
for the reason that in heaven one loves another,
and when he loves he also honors,
for in honor there is love.
AC 8899
But be it known that the commandments of the Decalogue
are rules of life both for those who are in the world
and for those who are in heaven
- the sense of the letter or the external sense
being for those who are in the world,
and the spiritual or internal sense
for those who are in heaven -
and consequently both senses,
external as well as internal,
are for those who while they are in the world are also in heaven,
that is, for those who are in the good of life
according to the truths of doctrine.
Portions: Matthew 24 - 26
"Heaven and earth will pass away,
but My words will never pass away."
(Matthew 24:35)
"'I tell you the truth,
whatever you did not do for one of the least of these,
you did not do for Me.'"
(Matthew 25:45)
Going a little farther,
He fell with His face to the ground and prayed,
"My Father,
if it is possible,
may this cup be taken from Me.
Yet not as I will,
but as You will."
(Matthew 26:39)
but My words will never pass away."
(Matthew 24:35)
"'I tell you the truth,
whatever you did not do for one of the least of these,
you did not do for Me.'"
(Matthew 25:45)
Going a little farther,
He fell with His face to the ground and prayed,
"My Father,
if it is possible,
may this cup be taken from Me.
Yet not as I will,
but as You will."
(Matthew 26:39)
Friday, December 06, 2013
AC 8891 - the first chapter in Genesis - a review
AC 8891 [3]
When the first chapter of Genesis is read,
the angels do not perceive any other creation
than the new creation of a person,
which is called regeneration.
This regeneration is described in that history;
by paradise the wisdom of the person
who has been created anew;
by the two trees in the midst thereof,
the two faculties of that person,
namely, the will of good by the tree of life,
and the understanding of truth by the tree of knowledge.
And that it was forbidden to eat of this latter tree,
was because the person who is regenerated,
or created anew,
must no longer be led by the understanding of truth,
but by the will of good,
and if otherwise, the new life within him perishes.
Consequently by Adam, or man, and by Eve his wife,
was there meant a new church,
and by the eating of the tree of knowledge,
the fall of that church from good to truth,
consequently from love to the Lord and toward the neighbor
to faith without these loves,
and this by reasoning from their own intellectual,
which reasoning is the serpent.
When the first chapter of Genesis is read,
the angels do not perceive any other creation
than the new creation of a person,
which is called regeneration.
This regeneration is described in that history;
by paradise the wisdom of the person
who has been created anew;
by the two trees in the midst thereof,
the two faculties of that person,
namely, the will of good by the tree of life,
and the understanding of truth by the tree of knowledge.
And that it was forbidden to eat of this latter tree,
was because the person who is regenerated,
or created anew,
must no longer be led by the understanding of truth,
but by the will of good,
and if otherwise, the new life within him perishes.
Consequently by Adam, or man, and by Eve his wife,
was there meant a new church,
and by the eating of the tree of knowledge,
the fall of that church from good to truth,
consequently from love to the Lord and toward the neighbor
to faith without these loves,
and this by reasoning from their own intellectual,
which reasoning is the serpent.
Portions: Matthew 21 - 23
Jesus entered the temple area
and drove out all who were buying and selling there.
He overturned the tables of the money changers
and the benches of those selling doves.
"It is written," He said to them,
"'My house will be called a house of prayer,'
but you are making it a 'den of robbers'."
(Matthew 21:12-13)
"Teacher,
which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"
Jesus replied:
"'Love the Lord your God
with all your heart
and with all your soul
and with all your mind.'
This is the first and greatest commandment.
The second is like it:
'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
All the Law and the Prophets
hang on these two commandments."
(Matthew 22:36-40)
"You blind guides!
You strain out a gnat
but swallow a camel."
(Matthew 23:24)
and drove out all who were buying and selling there.
He overturned the tables of the money changers
and the benches of those selling doves.
"It is written," He said to them,
"'My house will be called a house of prayer,'
but you are making it a 'den of robbers'."
(Matthew 21:12-13)
"Teacher,
which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"
Jesus replied:
"'Love the Lord your God
with all your heart
and with all your soul
and with all your mind.'
This is the first and greatest commandment.
The second is like it:
'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
All the Law and the Prophets
hang on these two commandments."
(Matthew 22:36-40)
"You blind guides!
You strain out a gnat
but swallow a camel."
(Matthew 23:24)
Thursday, December 05, 2013
AC 8879, 8880 - the Lord bestows
AC 8879
. . . for the Lord in mercy
bestows such things
as belong to eternal life and happiness . . .
AC 8880
Of them that love Me.
(Exodus 20:6)
That this signifies who receive the good of love . . .
for those who love the Lord
do not love from themselves
but from the Lord;
for all good flows in from Him,
and those love
who desist from evil,
because evil stands in the way and rejects
the influx of good from the Lord.
. . . for the Lord in mercy
bestows such things
as belong to eternal life and happiness . . .
AC 8880
Of them that love Me.
(Exodus 20:6)
That this signifies who receive the good of love . . .
for those who love the Lord
do not love from themselves
but from the Lord;
for all good flows in from Him,
and those love
who desist from evil,
because evil stands in the way and rejects
the influx of good from the Lord.
Portions: Matthew 16 - 20
Jesus turned and said to Peter,
"Get behind me, Satan!
You are a stumbling block to Me;
you do not have in mind the things of God,
but the things of men."
(Matthew 16:23)
After six days Jesus took with Him
Peter, James and John the brother of James,
and led them up on a high mountain
by themselves.
There He was transfigured before them.
His face shone like the sun,
and His clothes became as white as the light.
(Matthew 17:1-2)
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked,
'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
He called a little child and had him stand among them.
And He said: "I tell you the truth,
unless you change and become like little children,
you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child
is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
(Matthew 18:1-4)
Now a man came up to Jesus and asked,
"Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?"
"Why do you ask Me about what is good?"
Jesus replied.
"There is only One who is good.
If you want to enter life,
obey the commandments."
(Matthew 19:16-17)
Jesus had compassion on them
and touched their eyes.
Immediately they received their sight
and followed Him.
(Matthew 20:34)
"Get behind me, Satan!
You are a stumbling block to Me;
you do not have in mind the things of God,
but the things of men."
(Matthew 16:23)
After six days Jesus took with Him
Peter, James and John the brother of James,
and led them up on a high mountain
by themselves.
There He was transfigured before them.
His face shone like the sun,
and His clothes became as white as the light.
(Matthew 17:1-2)
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked,
'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
He called a little child and had him stand among them.
And He said: "I tell you the truth,
unless you change and become like little children,
you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child
is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
(Matthew 18:1-4)
Now a man came up to Jesus and asked,
"Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?"
"Why do you ask Me about what is good?"
Jesus replied.
"There is only One who is good.
If you want to enter life,
obey the commandments."
(Matthew 19:16-17)
Jesus had compassion on them
and touched their eyes.
Immediately they received their sight
and followed Him.
(Matthew 20:34)
Wednesday, December 04, 2013
AC 8864 - "I am Jehovah thy God" (Exodus 20:2)
AC 8864
I am Jehovah thy God.
(Exodus 20:2)
That this signifies the Lord as to the Divine Human
universally reigning in each and all things of good and truth,
is evident from the fact that in the Word
no other than the Lord is meant by "Jehovah" . . .
that the Lord is called "Jehovah" from the Divine good,
which is the Divine Being,
but "God" from the Divine truth,
which is the Divine Coming-forth.
That it is the Divine Human of the Lord
which is here meant by "Jehovah God,"
[2] That the Divine Human of the Lord
is meant by "Jehovah God,"
is because the Divine Itself
which is in the Lord
cannot be seen in heaven, and not even perceived,
thus cannot be received in faith and love,
but the Divine Human only.
That the Divine Itself cannot
be communicated to the angels in heaven,
and still less to men on earth,
except through the Divine Human,
is known in the churches
from the words of the Lord in the Evangelists,
where He says that He is the "door,"
that He is the "mediator,"
that "no one can come to the Father but through Him,"
that "no one knows the Father but He,"
and that "no one hath seen the Father,"
not even any "shape" of Him.
From this it is plain that it is the Lord
who is here meant by "Jehovah God."
That it is He also who redeemed the human race
and liberated it from hell
is likewise known.
This is signified by the words which follow:
"who brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt,
out of the house of servants."
From all this it is now plain
that Jehovah God who spoke from Mount Sinai
denotes the Lord as to the Divine Human.
[3] That this is the first thing
which is said by the Lord from Mount Sinai,
is because this ought to reign universally
in each and all things that follow;
for what is said first
must be kept in the memory in the things that follow,
and must be regarded as the universal thing that is in them.
. . . The things said by the Lord are all of this nature,
namely, that the things said first
are to reign in the things which follow,
and are to involve them,
and so successively the things that follow in the series.
The things which follow in this chapter
are the commandments of the Decalogue,
which are internal truths,
and then the statutes,
which are external truths.
In both of these the Lord must reign as to the Divine Human,
for they are from Him, and are Himself,
because all truths that are truths proceed from Him,
and the things which proceed from Him are Himself.
That the Lord as to the Divine Human
must reign in each and all things of faith,
is also known in the churches, for it is there taught
that without the Lord there is no salvation,
and that all the truth and good of faith are from Him.
Thus as He is the source of faith,
He is the faith with a person,
and if the faith, He is also every truth
that is contained in the doctrine of faith,
which is from the Word.
From this also it is that the Lord is called "the Word."
I am Jehovah thy God.
(Exodus 20:2)
That this signifies the Lord as to the Divine Human
universally reigning in each and all things of good and truth,
is evident from the fact that in the Word
no other than the Lord is meant by "Jehovah" . . .
that the Lord is called "Jehovah" from the Divine good,
which is the Divine Being,
but "God" from the Divine truth,
which is the Divine Coming-forth.
That it is the Divine Human of the Lord
which is here meant by "Jehovah God,"
[2] That the Divine Human of the Lord
is meant by "Jehovah God,"
is because the Divine Itself
which is in the Lord
cannot be seen in heaven, and not even perceived,
thus cannot be received in faith and love,
but the Divine Human only.
That the Divine Itself cannot
be communicated to the angels in heaven,
and still less to men on earth,
except through the Divine Human,
is known in the churches
from the words of the Lord in the Evangelists,
where He says that He is the "door,"
that He is the "mediator,"
that "no one can come to the Father but through Him,"
that "no one knows the Father but He,"
and that "no one hath seen the Father,"
not even any "shape" of Him.
From this it is plain that it is the Lord
who is here meant by "Jehovah God."
That it is He also who redeemed the human race
and liberated it from hell
is likewise known.
This is signified by the words which follow:
"who brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt,
out of the house of servants."
From all this it is now plain
that Jehovah God who spoke from Mount Sinai
denotes the Lord as to the Divine Human.
[3] That this is the first thing
which is said by the Lord from Mount Sinai,
is because this ought to reign universally
in each and all things that follow;
for what is said first
must be kept in the memory in the things that follow,
and must be regarded as the universal thing that is in them.
. . . The things said by the Lord are all of this nature,
namely, that the things said first
are to reign in the things which follow,
and are to involve them,
and so successively the things that follow in the series.
The things which follow in this chapter
are the commandments of the Decalogue,
which are internal truths,
and then the statutes,
which are external truths.
In both of these the Lord must reign as to the Divine Human,
for they are from Him, and are Himself,
because all truths that are truths proceed from Him,
and the things which proceed from Him are Himself.
That the Lord as to the Divine Human
must reign in each and all things of faith,
is also known in the churches, for it is there taught
that without the Lord there is no salvation,
and that all the truth and good of faith are from Him.
Thus as He is the source of faith,
He is the faith with a person,
and if the faith, He is also every truth
that is contained in the doctrine of faith,
which is from the Word.
From this also it is that the Lord is called "the Word."
Portions: Matthew 13 - 15
That same day
Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake.
Such large crowds gathered around Him
that He got into a boat and sat in it,
while all the people stood on the shore.
Then He told them many things in parables . . .
(Matthew 13:1-3)
And He directed the people to sit down on the grass.
Taking the five loaves and two fish
and looking up to heaven,
He gave thanks and broke the loaves.
Then He gave them to the disciples,
and the disciples gave them to the people.
(Matthew 14:19)
He told the crowd to sit down on the ground.
Then He took the seven loaves and the fish,
and when He had given thanks,
He broke them and gave them to the disciples,
and they in turn to the people.
(Matthew 15:35-36)
Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake.
Such large crowds gathered around Him
that He got into a boat and sat in it,
while all the people stood on the shore.
Then He told them many things in parables . . .
(Matthew 13:1-3)
And He directed the people to sit down on the grass.
Taking the five loaves and two fish
and looking up to heaven,
He gave thanks and broke the loaves.
Then He gave them to the disciples,
and the disciples gave them to the people.
(Matthew 14:19)
He told the crowd to sit down on the ground.
Then He took the seven loaves and the fish,
and when He had given thanks,
He broke them and gave them to the disciples,
and they in turn to the people.
(Matthew 15:35-36)
Tuesday, December 03, 2013
AC 8861 - "And God spoke all these words, saying" (Exodus 20:1)
AC 8861
And God spake all these words, saying.
(Exodus 20:1)
. . . the things which God speaks
are nothing else than truths.
From this also truth Divine is called "the Word,"
and "the Word" is the Lord, according to John 1:1,
for the reason that when the Lord was in the world
He was the Divine truth itself,
and afterward when He was glorified
He became the Divine good,
and from that time forward
all Divine truth proceeds from Him.
This Divine truth is light to the angels,
which light is also that which illuminates our internal sight,
which is that of the understanding.
[2] As this sight does not see natural, but spiritual things,
it has for its objects in the spiritual understanding
the truths which are called the truths of faith;
but in the natural understanding
it has for its objects truths of the civil state
which relate to what is just,
and also truths of the moral state
which relate to what is reputable,
and lastly natural truths
which are conclusions from the objects of the external senses,
especially of the sight.
From all this it can be seen in what order truths follow,
and that all and each have their origin from truths Divine,
which are the internal beginnings of all things.
. . . for truth Divine is the highest essential,
and is the only substantial through which all things are.
And God spake all these words, saying.
(Exodus 20:1)
. . . the things which God speaks
are nothing else than truths.
From this also truth Divine is called "the Word,"
and "the Word" is the Lord, according to John 1:1,
for the reason that when the Lord was in the world
He was the Divine truth itself,
and afterward when He was glorified
He became the Divine good,
and from that time forward
all Divine truth proceeds from Him.
This Divine truth is light to the angels,
which light is also that which illuminates our internal sight,
which is that of the understanding.
[2] As this sight does not see natural, but spiritual things,
it has for its objects in the spiritual understanding
the truths which are called the truths of faith;
but in the natural understanding
it has for its objects truths of the civil state
which relate to what is just,
and also truths of the moral state
which relate to what is reputable,
and lastly natural truths
which are conclusions from the objects of the external senses,
especially of the sight.
From all this it can be seen in what order truths follow,
and that all and each have their origin from truths Divine,
which are the internal beginnings of all things.
. . . for truth Divine is the highest essential,
and is the only substantial through which all things are.
Portions: Matthew 9 - 12
While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house,
many tax collectors and "sinners"
came and ate with Him and His disciples.
When the Pharisees saw this,
they asked His disciples,
"Why does your Teacher eat
with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"
On hearing this, Jesus said,
"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick."
(Matthew 9:10-12)
He called His twelve disciples to Him
and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits
and to heal every disease and sickness.
These are the names of the twelve apostles:
first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew:
James son of Zebedee, and his brother John;
Philip and Bartholomew;
Thomas and Matthew the tax collector;
James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;
Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot who betrayed Him.
(Matthew 10:1-4)
"Come to Me,
all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me,
for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.
For My yoke is easy
and My burden is light."
(Matthew 11:28-30)
"The good man brings good things
out of the good stored up in him,
and the evil man brings evil things
out of the evil stored up in him."
(Matthew 12:35)
many tax collectors and "sinners"
came and ate with Him and His disciples.
When the Pharisees saw this,
they asked His disciples,
"Why does your Teacher eat
with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"
On hearing this, Jesus said,
"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick."
(Matthew 9:10-12)
He called His twelve disciples to Him
and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits
and to heal every disease and sickness.
These are the names of the twelve apostles:
first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew:
James son of Zebedee, and his brother John;
Philip and Bartholomew;
Thomas and Matthew the tax collector;
James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;
Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot who betrayed Him.
(Matthew 10:1-4)
"Come to Me,
all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me,
for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.
For My yoke is easy
and My burden is light."
(Matthew 11:28-30)
"The good man brings good things
out of the good stored up in him,
and the evil man brings evil things
out of the evil stored up in him."
(Matthew 12:35)
Monday, December 02, 2013
AC 8838 - sanctify: to veil over or cover with a veil
AC 8838
For unless they were veiled over,
the Divine would penetrate and destroy,
because the presence of the Divine
is like a consuming fire to those who are not veiled over.
So it is that even the angels are veiled over with a cloud.
From all this it can be seen what is meant by being veiled over.
That this is signified by "being sanctified"
is because when they are veiled over
they appear in holiness,
for then the Divine can flow in
and present there a state of good
and a form of truth,
which cannot be effected without a veiling over.
For unless they were veiled over,
the Divine would penetrate and destroy,
because the presence of the Divine
is like a consuming fire to those who are not veiled over.
So it is that even the angels are veiled over with a cloud.
From all this it can be seen what is meant by being veiled over.
That this is signified by "being sanctified"
is because when they are veiled over
they appear in holiness,
for then the Divine can flow in
and present there a state of good
and a form of truth,
which cannot be effected without a veiling over.
Portions: Matthew 5 - 8
Now when He saw the crowds,
He went up on a mountainside and sat down.
His disciples came to Him,
and He began to teach them, saying:
"You have heart that it was said,
Love your enemies
and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be sons of your Father in heaven."
(Matthew 5:1-2,43-45)
"The eye is the lamp of the body.
If your eyes are good,
your whole body will be full of light.
But if your eyes are bad,
your whole body will be full of darkness.
If then the light within you is darkness,
how great is that darkness!"
(Matthew 6:22-23)
"Which of you,
if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?
Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?
If you then, though you are evil,
know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your Father in heaven
give good gifts to those who ask Him?
So in everything,
do to others what you would have them to do you,
for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."
(Matthew 7:9-12)
When He came down from the mountainside,
large crowds followed Him.
A man with leprosy came and knelt before Him and said,
"Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean."
Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man.
"I am willing," He said. "Be clean!"
Immediately he was cured of his leprosy.
Then Jesus said to him,
"See that you don't tell anyone.
But go, show yourself to the priest
and offer the gift Moses commanded,
as a testimony to them."
(Matthew 8:1-4)
He went up on a mountainside and sat down.
His disciples came to Him,
and He began to teach them, saying:
"You have heart that it was said,
Love your enemies
and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be sons of your Father in heaven."
(Matthew 5:1-2,43-45)
"The eye is the lamp of the body.
If your eyes are good,
your whole body will be full of light.
But if your eyes are bad,
your whole body will be full of darkness.
If then the light within you is darkness,
how great is that darkness!"
(Matthew 6:22-23)
"Which of you,
if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?
Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?
If you then, though you are evil,
know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your Father in heaven
give good gifts to those who ask Him?
So in everything,
do to others what you would have them to do you,
for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."
(Matthew 7:9-12)
When He came down from the mountainside,
large crowds followed Him.
A man with leprosy came and knelt before Him and said,
"Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean."
Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man.
"I am willing," He said. "Be clean!"
Immediately he was cured of his leprosy.
Then Jesus said to him,
"See that you don't tell anyone.
But go, show yourself to the priest
and offer the gift Moses commanded,
as a testimony to them."
(Matthew 8:1-4)
Sunday, December 01, 2013
AC 8814 - truth in the clouds; AC 8823 - truth sounding the trumpets
AC 8814
. . . the signification of "a cloud,"
as being truth accommodated to those
who are about to receive . . .
they did not understand internal things,
nor were they willing to understand them,
because these were contrary to their loves,
which were
- that they might be the most exalted
of all peoples in the world,
- and also the most opulent of all,
- and that all other nations might be as nothing
in comparison with them.
Where these loves are,
there heavenly loves cannot be received,
for these are extinguished and suffocated
by the worldly loves.
This is the reason why Jehovah, that is, the Lord,
appeared to them in a dense and heavy cloud,
in like manner
as is the case in the other life,
where they who are in falsities from evil
are encompassed with a dense and black cloud
in accordance with the quality and the amount of the falsities.
This appears to everyone there before the eyes,
and yet the Sun there is continually shining.
Speaking generally,
the Divine in the other life appears to everyone
according to the quality of his faith and love.
AC 8823
. . . the signification of "the voice of the trumpet,"
as being heavenly or angelic truth
conjoined with what is Divine,
thus what is general of revelation;
for truth Divine is revelation,
and that which is made clear
through the medium of heaven
is general
relatively to the truth Divine itself in heaven . . ..
For the case herein is as it is with sound which is on high,
where the atmosphere is purer,
and the sound is silent;
but when it descends to lower regions
where the atmosphere is denser,
it becomes louder and more sonorous.
So it is with Divine truth and Divine good,
which in the highest are peaceful
and cause no disturbance whatever;
but when they descend toward lower things
they gradually become unpeaceful,
and finally tumultuous.
This is what is so described by the Lord
in the first book of the Kings
to Elijah, when he was in Horeb:
Go forth, and stand on the mountain before Jehovah;
behold Jehovah is passing by;
so that there was a great and strong wind
rending the mountains, and breaking in pieces
the rocks before Jehovah;
Jehovah was not in the wind.
Then after the wind an earthquake;
yet Jehovah was not in the earthquake.
After the earthquake a fire;
Jehovah was not in the fire.
Lastly after the fire a still small voice.*
(1 Kings 19:11, 12)
* The Latin has "a still thin voice" (vox silentii tenuis).
. . . the signification of "a cloud,"
as being truth accommodated to those
who are about to receive . . .
they did not understand internal things,
nor were they willing to understand them,
because these were contrary to their loves,
which were
- that they might be the most exalted
of all peoples in the world,
- and also the most opulent of all,
- and that all other nations might be as nothing
in comparison with them.
Where these loves are,
there heavenly loves cannot be received,
for these are extinguished and suffocated
by the worldly loves.
This is the reason why Jehovah, that is, the Lord,
appeared to them in a dense and heavy cloud,
in like manner
as is the case in the other life,
where they who are in falsities from evil
are encompassed with a dense and black cloud
in accordance with the quality and the amount of the falsities.
This appears to everyone there before the eyes,
and yet the Sun there is continually shining.
Speaking generally,
the Divine in the other life appears to everyone
according to the quality of his faith and love.
AC 8823
. . . the signification of "the voice of the trumpet,"
as being heavenly or angelic truth
conjoined with what is Divine,
thus what is general of revelation;
for truth Divine is revelation,
and that which is made clear
through the medium of heaven
is general
relatively to the truth Divine itself in heaven . . ..
For the case herein is as it is with sound which is on high,
where the atmosphere is purer,
and the sound is silent;
but when it descends to lower regions
where the atmosphere is denser,
it becomes louder and more sonorous.
So it is with Divine truth and Divine good,
which in the highest are peaceful
and cause no disturbance whatever;
but when they descend toward lower things
they gradually become unpeaceful,
and finally tumultuous.
This is what is so described by the Lord
in the first book of the Kings
to Elijah, when he was in Horeb:
Go forth, and stand on the mountain before Jehovah;
behold Jehovah is passing by;
so that there was a great and strong wind
rending the mountains, and breaking in pieces
the rocks before Jehovah;
Jehovah was not in the wind.
Then after the wind an earthquake;
yet Jehovah was not in the earthquake.
After the earthquake a fire;
Jehovah was not in the fire.
Lastly after the fire a still small voice.*
(1 Kings 19:11, 12)
* The Latin has "a still thin voice" (vox silentii tenuis).
Portions: Matthew 1 - 4
All this took place to fulfill
what the Lord had said through the prophet:
"The virgin will be with child
and will give birth to a son,
and they will call Him "Immanuel"
- which means, "God with us."
(Matthew 1:22)
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea,
during the time of King Herod,
Wise Men from the east
came to Jerusalem and asked,
"Where is He that is born king of the Jews?
We have seen His star in the east
and have come to worship Him."
(Matthew 2:1-2)
Jesus replied,
"Let it be so now;
it is proper for us to do this
to fulfill all righteousness."
Then John consented.
As soon as Jesus was baptized,
He went up out of the water.
At that moment heaven was opened,
and he saw the Spirit of God
descending like a dove and lighting on Him.
And a voice from heaven said,
"This is my Son, whom I love;
with Him I am well pleased."
(Matthew 3:15-17)
Jesus went throughout Galilee,
teaching in their synagogues,
preaching the good new of the kingdom,
and healing every disease and sickness
among the people.
News about Him spread all over Syria . . ..
Large crowds from Galilee,
the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea
and the region across the Jordan followed Him.
(Matthew 4:23-24,25)
what the Lord had said through the prophet:
"The virgin will be with child
and will give birth to a son,
and they will call Him "Immanuel"
- which means, "God with us."
(Matthew 1:22)
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea,
during the time of King Herod,
Wise Men from the east
came to Jerusalem and asked,
"Where is He that is born king of the Jews?
We have seen His star in the east
and have come to worship Him."
(Matthew 2:1-2)
Jesus replied,
"Let it be so now;
it is proper for us to do this
to fulfill all righteousness."
Then John consented.
As soon as Jesus was baptized,
He went up out of the water.
At that moment heaven was opened,
and he saw the Spirit of God
descending like a dove and lighting on Him.
And a voice from heaven said,
"This is my Son, whom I love;
with Him I am well pleased."
(Matthew 3:15-17)
Jesus went throughout Galilee,
teaching in their synagogues,
preaching the good new of the kingdom,
and healing every disease and sickness
among the people.
News about Him spread all over Syria . . ..
Large crowds from Galilee,
the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea
and the region across the Jordan followed Him.
(Matthew 4:23-24,25)
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