The Bible

 

John 1:2

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2 The same was in the beginning with God.

Commentary

 

Explanation of John 1:2

By Brian David

This stained glass window, at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Charleston, S.C., USA, shows the Word of God being shared with followers of Jesus.

This verse reinforces points in the first verse: that the divine truth was not created by or created after the divine love which it expresses. The two are one: Love has to express itself as truth to have form; truth has to express love to have substance. Love without truth is not really love at all; it’s just a feeling and a potential. Truth without love is not really truth; it’s just a concept with no goal, no use, no purpose.

"God" here represents the Lord’s desire for good; this verse then reinforces that perfect truth and perfect good were together from the beginning.

It’s also worth noting that along with the ultimate "beginning," there are also "beginnings" for each of us, marking the moments when we choose to turn away from evil and open ourselves to the Lord. This verse, then, reassures us that when we make such a beginning, the Lord’s love and the Lord’s truth will be there for us. And it also tells us that if we want to make a real beginning, we need to find that truth and cling to it as the best way to receive the Lord’s love.

From Swedenborg's Works

 

Scriptural Confirmations #2

  
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2. 2. Of those who transform themselves into apostles, as Satan into an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

The torments and evils endured by Paul are recounted (2 Corinthians 11:24-27, 32, 33).

Paul was in the third heaven and heard ineffable things (2 Corinthians 12:2-4).

The messenger of Satan received Paul with blows (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).

The coming of the Lord according to the working of Satan in signs and lying miracles (2 Thessalonians 2:9).

False Christs shall arise, and shall show signs and prodigies (Matthew 24:24-25; Mark 13:22).

By the prince of the demons, Beelzebub, He casts out demons (Mark 3:22; Luke 11:15, 17, 19).

That they would not hearken to miracles even if one rose from the dead. Abraham to the rich man in hell (Luke 16:29-31).

The coming of the Lord is in signs and lying miracles (2 Thess. 2:1-11).

  
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Thanks to the Swedenborg Foundation for their permission to use this translation.