1327. They said, however, that they had suffered persecutions for the sake of the Faith and the Gospel. And because they were then in a state such as they had been during the life of their body, they were asked whether they had suffered for the sake of the Faith, thus for the sake of the Lord? Was it not for the sake of themselves, that they might sit upon twelve thrones and judge the twelve tribes? Was this for the sake of the Lord's Kingdom? Was it not for the sake of their own kingdom? Was it for the sake of faith in the Lord, thus for the sake of the truth of faith, when it is repugnant to the truth that they should suffer for the sake of their own glory, in order that they might be saved by virtue of their own merit? They were unable to deny this for it was what they had believed, and it was shown them that since it was for the sake of their own glory, thus not for the sake of the truth, that they were no different from those who suffer on account of heresies and like causes. As to their having believed, although their faith was not true, but nevertheless they had taught aright, this is common enough, and it is well known that men can preach truths but live contrary to them. They also wanted to refer to their life, how they had condemned men and had arrogated to themselves the power of excommunicating and of liberating, that is, of closing and opening heaven; it was not, however, permitted to refer to any particulars of their life whatsoever. As to their saying that they had believed no otherwise than that it was for the sake of the true faith and thus for the sake of the Lord, the reply was made that everyone lives as he believes, thus the quality of one's faith can be concluded from his life. It was also said that many suppose that they believe or have faith when yet they have none, for their life shows what faith they have. When they had carefully considered these things they could make no reply to them. It was said only that the Lord reserves some good for those who think that they believe, although they do not.
1327 1/2. They were therefore instructed in regard to the interior sense of the Lord's words that those who suffer persecution and who are miserable would attain the Heavenly Kingdom, namely, that it means those who suffer persecution when it is for the true faith, and when they are in the true faith, caring nothing for corporeal and worldly things. By the "miserable" and "poor" are meant those who are spiritually miserable and poor, and this whether in the world they have been rich or poor, in great dignity, kings or beggars, thus all who are spiritually miserable and poor. Those also are meant who suffer persecutions from things which are false and evil and endure them, as in temptations, thus those who fight against the devil's crew. All these things are thus to be understood in the spiritual sense.
This page is part of 
© 2000-2001 The Academy of the New Church