Arcana Coelestia # 342
342. That the second born of the Church is charity becomes clear from the things which the Church conceives and gives birth to, which are nothing other than faith and charity. The first of those born to Leah by Jacob had a similar meaning. Reuben meant faith; Simeon, faith expressed in action; Levi, charity, Genesis 29:32-34. This also was why the tribe of Levi assumed the function of the priesthood and became representative of the shepherd of the flock. Being the second born of the Church, charity is referred to as 'a brother. and is called 'Abel'.
#177 If...
Napsal(a) Jonathan S. Rose
Title: If
Topic: Salvation
Summary: We ponder the mysteries of predestination and freewill through the use of the word "if" in Scripture and passages about free choice.
Use the reference links below to follow along in the Bible as you watch.
References:
Romans 8:28,31
Ephesians 1:3, 9, 11
Revelation 7:4, 9-10
Genesis 4:7
Exodus 19:3-6
Leviticus 26:3, 14, 27, 40
Deuteronomy 30:10, 17, 19
Joshua 24:15
1 Samuel 12:24-25
2 Samuel 24:11-13
Psalms 119:30
Proverbs 1:28-31; 3:31
Isaiah 1:16, 19-20; 56:4
Jeremiah 7:3-7
Matthew 6:14-15; 19:16-17, 21
Luke 10:41-42
John 15:6-7, 10, 14
Romans 8:13; 11:22
Philippians 1:22
James 2:8-9
2 Peter 1:5, 8, 10
Jeremiah 17:19-27
Zechariah 6:9-15