1. 前言:新天國與新教會的信仰

首先, 將本書中所講述的真實的基督徒信仰, 也就是新天國和新教會的信仰, 分別以總體和具體的形式概要地說明。作為接下來全書的引言, 或作為進入聖殿的大門, 又或作為詳細內容的概要。此信仰被稱為新天國和新教會的信仰, 因為天人(angel)組成的天國和世人組成的教會, 如同一個人的靈魂與肉體, 內外一致,行動如一。因此, 若教會之人活在良善與真理之中, 對於思想內在而言, 他就是天國的一名天人。在肉身死後, 他便進入天國, 照著良善與真理在他裡面聯合的狀態在那裡安享極樂。當知道, 在主現在正建立的新天國中, 這樣的信仰是新天國的引言,入門和概要。

73. And out of His mouth a sharp two-edged sword going forth, signifies the dispersion of falsities by the Word. This is evident from the signification of "going forth out of the mouth," as being, in reference to the Lord, Divine truth, thus the Word, for the Word goes forth out of the Lord's mouth. This is evident also from the signification of "the long sword," or the "sword," as being truth combating; and as truth, when it combats, disperses falsities, therefore a "long sword" also signifies the dispersion of falsities. The long sword is called "two-edged and sharp," because truth completely disperses. (That "long sword" or "sword" signifies truth combating against falsities and destroying them, see Arcana Coelestia 2799, 6353, 8294.) As "the long sword" is frequently mentioned in the following pages (as in chap. 2:12, 16; 6:4, 8; 13:10, 14; 19:15, 21), passages from the Word illustrating and showing that it signifies truth combating and dispersing falsities, will here be omitted. This will be illustrated and shown in those places.