Spiritual Experiences (Odhner) n. 2946

Previous Number Next Number Next Translation See Latin 

2946. It is also a truth of faith that good is not ascribed to such a one, either, for it is the Lord Who Alone works goodness, so it cannot be ascribed to the person. For those who claim goodness to themselves want to be saved by their own merits, when yet they can do nothing of themselves. As for the reward promised to one who does good, this comes by way of pure mercy to those whom the Lord leads, for no one can merit anything of good from self, but the Lord gives it to the person from Himself, because from His Mercy, and on account of Himself, because He is mercy Itself. 1748, 27 Aug. These words [were written] in the presence of those who had been of the doctrine of this faith, but not with inward conviction. So they could not deny, because from their doctrine they could not deny. But if they had dared to from inward conviction, then they would have resisted, which also shows how a person was persuaded of a truth from doctrine alone, or faith by knowledge. I judge, however, that of those who were present, some belonged in part to faith of the understanding.


This page is part of the Writings of Emanuel Swedenborg

© 2000-2001 The Academy of the New Church