901. For their works do follow with them. That this signifies that they have spiritual life, which is the life of the angels of heaven, is evident from the signification of works, as denoting spiritual life, such as the angels of heaven enjoy, of which we shall speak presently; and from the signification of following with them, as denoting to be in them. For that which follows with any one, when it is said of his life, is in him, and is, as it were, himself; therefore it is said, "to follow with them," and not "to follow them."
The reason why works signify the life of man is, that they constitute his life. For a man has thought and will, and action from both of these. What is in a man's thought and not in the will is not yet in him. What is in the thought and in the will, and not in the act, indeed enters the man, and is a beginning of his life; but still it passes away and disappears, not yet having any termination. But what is in the will, and thence in the act, this constitutes his life, and remains, whether it be evil or good. That thought alone does not constitute a man's life, is evident from this, that a man can think many things which he does not will, because he does not love them.
The reason why a man's thought and will, without action, do not constitute his life is, that the will in this case is not fixed and certain; and a will not fixed and certain is like water that evaporates; for it is easily changed by opposing love.
From these things it is evident that by works, which are acts of the will, man's life is signified. That works, love, will, act, and a man's life make one, may be seen above (n. 842).
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