Sunday, July 06, 2014

HH 329 - little children in heaven; HH 341 - genuine innocence

HH 329
It is a belief of some
that only such children as are born within the church
go to heaven,
and that those born out of the church do not,
and for the reason
that the children within the church are baptized
and by baptism are initiated into faith of the church.
Such are not aware
that no one receives heaven or faith through baptism;
for baptism is merely for a sign and memorial
that a person should be regenerated,
and that those born within the church
can be regenerated because the Word is there,
and in the Word are the Divine truths
by means of which regeneration is effected,
and there the Lord who regenerates is known.
Let them know therefore
that every child, wherever he is born,
whether within the church or outside of it,
whether of pious parents or impious,
is received when he dies by the Lord
and trained up in heaven,
and taught in accordance with Divine order,
and imbued with affections for what is good,
and through these with knowledges of what is true;
and afterwards
as he is perfected in intelligence and wisdom
is introduced into heaven and becomes an angel.
Everyone who thinks from reason can be sure 

that all are born for heaven and no one for hell,
and if a person comes into hell he himself is culpable;
but little children cannot be held culpable.

HH 341
Genuine innocence is wisdom,
since so far as any one is wise
he loves to be led by the Lord;
or what is the same,
so far as any one is led by the Lord
he is wise.

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