Arcana Coelestia # 137
137. THE INTERNAL SENSE
The first three chapters of Genesis deal in general with the Most Ancient Church, which is called Man, from its earliest down to its final period when it perished. The foregoing section of this chapter dealt with it in its absolute prime when it was a celestial man. The present section deals with those people, and their descendants, who set their heart on the proprium.
Apocalypse Explained # 15
15. And keep the things which are written therein, signifies from the love of truth. This is evident from the signification of "observing" and "keeping," as being to perceive, to will, and to do according thereto, here according to the doctrine of heaven; and from the signification of "the things which are written therein," as being, from the love of truth, or from the delight of that love; for what is done from love is done from delight; delight is from no other source. This is signified by "the things which are written therein," because the things contained in the doctrine of heaven are written on the heart, and thus on the life, of those here described; and things written on the heart and life are written on the love; for "heart" in the Word signifies love (Arcana Coelestia 7542, 9050, 10336). The love of truth is meant, because these things are said of the doctrine of heaven, and the doctrine of heaven is from truths. In the Word frequent mention is made of observing and keeping the precepts, the commandments, the words, and the law: and by observing and keeping is there signified to understand, to will, and to do, as in Matthew:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you (Matthew 28:20);
in Luke:
Blessed are they that hear the Word of God and keep it (Luke 11:28);
in John:
Verily, verily, I say unto you, if anyone keep My word he shall never see death (John 8:51);
in the same:
If any one love Me he will keep My word: He that loveth Me not, keepeth not My words (John 14:15, 23-24);
and in the same:
If ye keep My commandments ye shall abide in My love. Ye are My friends if ye do the things which I command you (John 15:10, 14).
To do is to will, and to will is to do; because in deeds the will is everything.
