Apocalypse Revealed (Whitehead) n. 815

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815. For the fine linen is the just deeds of the saints, signifies that through truths from the Word those who are of the Lord's church have the goods of life. By "fine linen" are signified genuine truths, which are truths from the Lord through the Word, as just above (n. 814). By "just deeds" are signified the goods of life with those who are in truths (n. 668). By "the saints" are signified those who are of the Lord's church (n. 173, 586). That "just deeds" are the goods of life with those who are in truths, is because no one can be called just, unless he lives according to truths; for in the natural sense everyone is called just who lives well according to the civil and moral laws; but in the spiritual sense he is called "just" who lives well according to the Divine laws, and the Divine laws are truths from the Word. He who believes himself to be just, consequently in the good of life, without the truths according to which he should live, is much deceived; for a man cannot be reformed and regenerated, consequently become good, except by truths, and by life according to them. Hence it is manifest, that by "the fine linen is the just deeds of the saints," is signified that those who are of the Lord's church have the goods of life through truths from the Word. This is plainly manifest from the angels of heaven; the more they are in truths and in life according to them they appear clothed in the brighter garments; the reason is, that they are in brighter light.


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