Explaining the Inner Meaning of Mark 16
Verses 1, 2. THAT the LORD'S resurrection early in the morning involves in it the arising of a New Church, both in general and in particular, yea, also in singular; thus that He rises again daily, yea, every moment, in the minds of the regenerate.
Verses 3, 4, and first part of 5. On which occasion they who are in the affection of good and truth experience the removal of all false principles, so that celestial good and truth are made manifest.
Verses 6, 7. By which they are led into holy adoration, and are admonished that the LORD'S Humanity was made Divine, and is continually present to guide them.
Verses 8, 9. Yet they are afraid to publish this admonition, until it is further enforced by the LORD'S visible manifestation of Himself to the humble and the penitent.
Verses 10-15. Nevertheless it is still doubted, until it is further enforced by His visible manifestation to those who had been instructed in the doctrine of truth.
Verses 15, 16. To whom a charge is given to announce to the humble and the penitent the manifestation of God in the flesh in the person of JESUS CHRIST, and that heaven and eternal life are opened to all those who believe in this manifestation and do the work of repentance, but are closed against those who do not believe.
Verses 17, 18. They are further taught that by a right belief all false principles of every kind are cast out; the doctrinals of the New Church are received; security is given against infestation from the hells, and the infection of wickedness; at the same time by communication and conjunction with heaven, thus with the LORD, spiritual diseases are healed.
Verse 19-20. Thus the sum and substance of all evangelical truth is to be found in the acknowledgement that the LORD has Divine Omnipotence even as to His Humanity, and that He is continually at work in the minds of the humble and the penitent to confirm this acknowledgement.
