Commentary

 

#44 What to Think and Do during Temptations

By Jonathan S. Rose

Title: What to Think and Do During Temptations

Topic: Salvation

Summary: This bible study outlines five things to think and five things to do during the suffering of spiritual temptations.

Use the reference links below to follow along in the Bible as you watch.

References:
Exodus 14
James 1:13-14
Matthew 4:1-11
Psalms 107
Isaiah 24
Jeremiah 5:14-18
Nahum 2:1-2
Psalms 34:15; 37:24; 118:17-18; 119:71

Play Video
Spirit and Life Bible Study broadcast from 6/8/2011. The complete series is available at: www.spiritandlifebiblestudy.com

The Bible

 

Isaiah 24:12

Study

       

12 In the city is left desolation, and the gate is smitten with destruction.

From Swedenborg's Works

 

Arcana Coelestia #1106

Study this Passage

  
/ 10837  
  

1106. VASTATIONS

There are many people who, when they were in the world, out of simplicity and ignorance absorbed falsities in respect to religious faith, but who possessed a kind of conscience that was in keeping with the basic assumptions of their faith. They did not live as others - hating, getting revenge, and committing adultery. In the next life those people cannot be admitted into heavenly communities as long as they are under the influence of falsity, for in that condition they would pollute those communities. They are detained therefore on the lower earth for a considerable length of time so as to get rid of those false assumptions. The length of time they stay there, long or short, depends on the nature of the falsity and of the life acquired from it, and on the extent to which those assumptions have been confirmed with them. Some there suffer quite severely, others not so. The experiences they undergo are called vastations, which receive considerable mention in the Word. When the period of vastation is completed they are carried into heaven and as newcomers receive instruction in the truths of faith, which is given by the angels who receive them.

  
/ 10837  
  

Thanks to the Swedenborg Society for the permission to use this translation.