10131. And this is what thou shalt offer upon the altar. That this signifies that which in general concerns the reception of the Lord in heaven and in the church, is evident from the signification of “this is what thou shalt offer upon the altar,” as being that which in general concerns the reception of the Lord in the heavens. For by “the altar” is signified the Divine of the Lord in the heavens (see n. 10129); thus also the reception of Him; and by “this thou shalt offer upon it” is signified that which in general concerns it. For there follows the subject of the daily burnt-offerings, and by these is represented in general that which concerns the reception of the Lord; for by “lambs” is signified the good of innocence, and the good of innocence is the only thing that receives the Lord, because without the good of innocence love to the Lord is not possible, nor charity toward the neighbor, nor faith that has life in it, nor in general any good in which is the Divine (see the plac es cited in n. 10021). Hence it is that by “this thou shalt offer upon the altar,” is signified that which in general concerns the reception of the Lord in heaven and in the church. When heaven is spoken of, the church is also meant, for the heaven of the Lord on earth is the church; and in whomsoever the church is, in him also is heaven; for the Lord is in him; and where the Lord is, there is heaven. Moreover, the church makes one with heaven, for the one depends upon the other by an indissoluble connection. It is the Word which conjoins; in the Word is the Lord, and the Lord is the Word (John 1:1, and following verses).