n e w c h u r c h l i f e : j u ly / au g u s t 2 0 1 7
taught and understood naturally and
rationally. For this reason, Swedenborg
reveals, “I was introduced by the Lord
first into the natural sciences and thus
prepared; and indeed from the year
1710 to 1744 when heaven was opened
to me.” (Letter to Oetinger, Ibid., 571)
The human race as a whole was
reaching adult status and attaining
scientific rationality. That is why new
revelation was needed. The human race
was ready and needed to hear Divine
truth on a plane that was not fully
opened before. That is why a man like
Swedenborg was chosen – a scientist
and a highly rational man. The Divine
love and the Divine wisdom were now
to be revealed on the rational plane.
God was to be with us in His glorified Human.
Because the Writings were to be a rational revelation, the Lord willed that
Swedenborg understand the new doctrines to be revealed. Therefore, before he
became a revelator he underwent a lifetime of preparation.
First he was led toward spiritual truth through science and philosophy.
Then, when he was ready, the Lord appeared to him, revealing the use that was
to be his role and honor. But then there were still years of preparation.
His spiritual eyes were opened only gradually, and at first he saw the light
of heaven dimly. At the same time he read the literal Word and the universals of
its spiritual sense were unfolded to him. For four years this spiritual education
continued. More and more the nature of the spiritual world was revealed to
him. By experience he came to know the truths of heaven and the glory behind
the clouds.
It was only when he had a real grasp of the heavenly doctrines, of
correspondences and of the nature of the other world that he was permitted to
enter into his role as revelator. Then, when the Arcana Coelestia was started,
the Lord began to reveal the Writings to mankind. And it was the Lord who
did this.
Thus Swedenborg says: “As for myself, I have not been allowed to take
anything from the mouth of any spirit, nor from the mouth of any angel, but
from the mouth of the Lord alone.” (Verbo 29e)
Many spirits and angels spoke to him. But through interior perception
given to Swedenborg the Lord chose what was to be used in the Writings; it
Because the Writings
were to be a rational
revelation, the Lord
willed that Swedenborg
understand the new
doctrines to be revealed.
Therefore, before he
became a revelator he
underwent a lifetime
of preparation.
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