10302. Holy. That this signifies free from the falsity of evil, is evident from the signification of “holy,” as being the Divine truth that proceeds from the Lord (see n. 6788, 7499, 8302, 8330, 9229, 9818, 9820); hence that is called “holy” which is free from the falsity of evil. It is said “the falsity of evil,” because there is falsity without evil, as in the case of some good people among the nations outside the church, and also with some among Christians within the church. But in itself the falsity that is defiled by evil is evil, for it is from evil; whereas the falsity with those who are in good is not defiled by evil, but is purified from it. Therefore also such falsity is accepted by the Lord almost as truth, and is also easily turned into truth, for they who are in good are inclined to receive truth. (Concerning falsity, both that from evil, and that not from evil, see at the places cited in n. 9304, 10109)

9820. To sanctify him. That this signifies thereby a representative of the Divine truth in this kingdom, is evident from the signification of “to be sanctified,” as being to be imbued with Divine truth from the Lord; for the Divine truth that proceeds from the Lord is what is called “holy” in the Word, for the reason that the Lord alone is holy, thus whatever proceeds from Him (see n. 9680). From this it is that the holiness which proceeds from Him is called “the Holy Spirit” (as shown just above, n. 9818, and on which subject see also what was adduced in the passages cited in n. 9229).

[2] From this it is plain how it is to be understood that angels, prophets, and apostles are called “holy” (“holy angels” in Matthew 25:31 Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26; “holy prophets” in Revelation 16:6; 18:20; and “holy apostles” in Revelation 18:20), that is, not that they were holy from themselves, but from the Lord; “holy angels” because these are receptions of the Divine truth which is from the Lord, and therefore by them in the Word are signified truths Divine, and in general something of the the Lord, (n. 1925, 2821, 4085, 4295); “holy prophets” because by these is signified the Word which is Divine truth, and specifically doctrines derived from the Word (n. 2534, 3652, 7269); and “holy apostles” because by these is signified all the truth of faith and all the good of love in the complex (n. 3488, 3858, 6397).

[3] That the Divine truth which proceeds from the Lord is holiness itself, thus the Lord, from whom is this holiness, is evident from many passages in the Word, of which may now be adduced only the words of the Lord in John:

Father, sanctify them in Thy truth; Thy Word is truth. For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified in the truth (John 17:17, 19);

from this it is evident that it is the Lord who sanctifies man, spirit, and angel, because He alone is holy (Revelation 15:4), and that they are holy only insofar as they receive of the Lord, that is, insofar as they receive from Him of faith and love to Him.