50. The Church’s Body of Teaching Is to Be Drawn from the Literal Meaning of the Word and Is to Be Supported by It

THE preceding chapter was devoted to showing that in its literal meaning the Word is in its fullness, holiness, and power; and since the Lord is the Word (because he is everything in the Word), it follows that the Lord is most present in that meaning and that he teaches and enlightens us through it.

I need to present this, though, in the following sequence.

1. The Word is not understandable without a body of teaching.

2. A body of teaching must be drawn from the literal meaning of the Word.

3. However, the divine truth that a body of teaching should have can be seen only when we are being enlightened by the Lord.

The 'city of Judah,' as in Isaiah 40:9, signifies the doctrine of love towards the Lord and love towards our neighbor.

(Referenser: Apocalypse Explained 850)