571. Chapter 10: Reformation and Regeneration

Now that repentance has been treated, the next topic in order is our reformation and regeneration. These two both follow our repentance and are moved forward by it.

There are two states that we all inevitably enter into and go through if we are to turn from an earthly person into a spiritual person. The first state is called reformation, the second is called regeneration. In the first state we look from our earthly self toward having a spiritual self; being spiritual is what we long for. In the second state we become someone who is both spiritual and earthly. The first state is brought about by truths (these have to be truths related to faith); through these truths we aim to develop goodwill. The second state is brought about by good actions that come from goodwill; through these actions we come [more deeply] into truths related to faith.

To put it another way, the first state is a state of thought that occurs in our intellect; the second state is a state of love that occurs in our will. As the second state begins and progresses, a change takes place in our minds. There is a reversal, because then the love in our will flows into our intellect and leads and drives it to think in agreement and harmony with what we love. As good actions that come from love take on a primary role, and the truths related to faith are relegated to a secondary role, we become spiritual and are a new creation [2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15]. Then our actions come from goodwill and our words come from faith; we develop a sense of the goodness that comes from goodwill and a perception of the truth that is related to faith; and we are in the Lord and in a state of peace. In brief, we are reborn.

[2] If we begin the first state while we are in this world, we can be brought into the second state after we die. If we do not begin the first state while we are in this world, we cannot be brought into the second state or be reborn after we die.

These two states can be compared to the increase of light and heat that occurs as the day progresses in springtime. The first state is like the early light before dawn, when the rooster crows. The second state is like the dawn and the morning. The further development within the second state is like the increase of light and heat as the day progresses toward noon.

These two states can also be compared with the growth of grain crops. In the first stage they are like grass; after that they develop ears or fruiting spikes; and finally the grain itself grows within those structures.

These two states can also be compared with the growth of a tree. It begins as a sprout growing out of a seed in the ground. This then becomes a shoot. Then branches form and are adorned with leaves. Then the tree blossoms and fruit begins to grow in the heart of the flowers. As the fruit grows and develops, it produces new seeds, which are in effect the tree's offspring.

The first state, the state of reformation, can be compared to the state of a silkworm when it draws silky threads out of itself and wraps itself in them. After all its hard work [of transformation], it becomes able to fly in the air and feeds no longer on leaves as before but on the nectar of flowers.

20. 18. Because of Jehovah thy God, and because of the Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 55:5).

Let the wicked return to Jehovah, and He will have mercy upon him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon (Isaiah 55:7).

Jehovah of Hosts is His name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; the God of the whole earth shall He be called (Isaiah 54:5).

We have transgressed against Jehovah, and have departed from following our God (Isaiah 59:13).

They shall bring thy sons from far; silver and gold with them, for the name of Jehovah thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 60:9).

Jehovah shall be to thee for an everlasting light, and thy God for thy glory (Isaiah 60:19).

(Ye shall be called priests of Jehovah, ministers of our God (Isaiah 61:6).)

In being glad I will be glad in Jehovah, my soul shall exult in my God (Isaiah 61:10).

Arise and shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of Jehovah is risen upon thee. And nations shall walk to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising (Isaiah 60:1-3). The Lord is treated of throughout the chapter. See the section on the consummation.

The Spirit of the Lord Jehovih is upon Me, because Jehovah hath anointed Me to tell good tidings to the poor. He hath sent Me to bind up the broken-hearted, to foretell liberty to the captives, and to those in bonds and to the blind; to proclaim the year of good pleasure, and the day of vengeance of God; to console all that mourn (Isaiah 61:1-2). Throughout that chapter the Lord's advent is treated of.

To proclaim the year of the good pleasure of Jehovah and the day of vengeance of our God (Isaiah 61:2).

The Lord Jehovih will cause justice and praise to spring forth before all the nations (Isaiah 61:11). Concerning the Lord.

Jehovah hath sworn by His right hand, and by the arm of His strength (Isaiah 62:8).

Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold thy salvation cometh; behold His reward is with Him, and the recompense of His work before Him (Isaiah 62:11).

Who is this that cometh from Edom, with sprinkled garments from Bozrah, marching in the multitude of His strength, great to save? (Isaiah 63 seq.) Concerning the battle of the Lord against the hells, and of their subjugation and thus the redemption of the faithful; wherefore it is said, the day of vengeance is in Mine heart, and the year of My redeemed is come. So He became a Savior to them. Then the angel of the faces of Jehovah freed them, and He redeemed them (verses 4, 8-9).