The Bible

 

Matthew 7:23

Study

       

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Commentary

 

Good

  
To Charity, by João Zeferino da Costa

It seems rather circular to say that “good” in the Bible represents good, but in a general sense it's true! The case is this: The Lord is love itself given form and expression as wisdom itself, and that Divine Love and Divine Wisdom flow down into us, into the world and into the Bible in an unending stream with endless variety. Divine Love gives rise to our loves, our affections, our desires for good and the joy we can feel; Divine Wisdom gives rise to facts, knowledge, intelligence, understanding and human wisdom. And the more we can bring those two aspects of our lives into harmony, the more elevated we can become -- which will in turn make us happier, more useful, and ultimately more angelic.

From Swedenborg's Works

 

Scriptural Confirmations #87

  
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87. 5. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you (Matthew 7:7-8).

Of the sower also this; he who received the seed on stony places, the same is he that heareth the Word and straightway with joy receiveth it. He hath no root, but dureth for a while (Matthew 13:20-21; Mark 4:5, 16; Luke 8:13).

Jesus said to the disciples, Ye are they who have followed Me in the regeneration (Matthew 19:28).

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