20. HEAVEN IS DISTINGUISHED INTO TWO KINGDOMS
As there are infinite varieties in heaven, and no one society nor even any one angel is exactly like any other, 1 there are in heaven general, specific and particular divisions. The general division is into two kingdoms, the specific into three heavens and the particular into innumerable societies. The details will be treated of in what now follows. They are termed kingdoms because heaven is called the kingdom of God.
Footnotes:
1. [Swedenborg's footnote] There is infinite variety and nowhere anything the same as another (Arcana Coelestia 7236, 9002). Also, in the heavens there is infinite variety (Arcana Coelestia 684, 690, 3744, 5598, 7236); and those varieties are varieties of good (Arcana Coelestia 3744, 4005, 7236, 7833, 7836, 9002); and thus all the societies in the heavens and every angel in a society are distinguished from each other (Arcana Coelestia 690, 3245, 3519, 3804, 3986, 4067, 4149, 4263, 7236, 7833, 7836); but still all make one by love from the Lord (Arcana Coelestia 457, 3986).
