91. And the seven golden ¹ lampstands which thou sawest are the seven churches, signifies that all such are in the new heaven and in the new church. This is evident from the signification of the "seven lampstands," as being the new heaven and the new church (See above, n. 62); and also from the signification of the "seven churches," as being those who are in truths from good or in faith from charity (See also above, n. 20). From this it is clear that by the "seven lampstands are the seven churches" all who will be in the new heaven and in the new church are signified.

All things in Revelation have regard to that which is signified by the "seven golden lampstands," that is, to the new heaven and the new church, as to their end and conclusion; consequently, these are treated of in the final chapters. The remaining things that come between are such things as stand in the way, and are to be removed, as what is said of the "dragon" and of the "beasts of Babylon." When these no longer oppose, or when they are removed, the new heaven and the new church come forth and are manifest.

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