AC 2129 - Two Conversations

AC 2129 [3-4]

The matters which they reasoned about were chiefly these:
whether it is to be understood according to the letter
that the twelve apostles are to sit upon twelve thrones
and judge the twelve tribes of Israel;
also, whether any others are to be admitted into heaven
than those who have suffered persecutions and miseries.
Each one reasoned according to his fantasy,
which he had caught in the life of the body.
But some of them
who had been brought back into communion and order,
were afterwards instructed
that the statement concerning the apostles
is to be understood in an entirely different manner;
namely, by the "apostles" are not meant apostles,
nor by "thrones," thrones,
nor by "tribes," tribes,
nor in fact by "twelve," twelve;
but by all these terms --
"apostles," "thrones," "tribes," and also by "twelve,"
are signified the primary things of faith;
and it is from these and according to them
that judgment is effected upon everyone.
It was further shown
that the apostles cannot judge even one man,
but that all judgment is of the Lord alone. 

As regards the second point which they reasoned about,
neither is this to be understood as meaning
that those only are to come into heaven
who have suffered persecutions and miseries;
but that the rich will enter heaven just as much as the poor,
those posted in dignity
just as much as those in low condition;
and that the Lord has mercy on all,
especially on those who have been in
spiritual miseries and temptations,
which are persecutions by the evil --
thus on those who acknowledge
that of themselves they are wretched,
and who believe that it is solely of the Lord's mercy
that they are saved.