91. And the seven lampstands which thou sawest are the seven churches. That this signifies all those who are in the New Heaven and in the New Church is evident from the signification of the seven lampstands, as being the New Heaven and the New Church (concerning which, see above, n. 62); and from the signification of the seven churches, as denoting those who are in truths from good, or in faith from charity (concerning which, see also above, n. 20). It is therefore clear, that by the seven lampstands, and the seven churches, are signified all those who will be in the New Heaven and in the New Church. All things that are treated of in the Apocalypse have respect to what is signified by the seven lampstands, that is, the New Heaven and the New Church, as to their end and conclusion; the last chapters, therefore, treat of them; all the other things which intervene are such as stand in the way, and are to be removed, as the things related concerning the dragon, and the beasts of Babylon, which being removed, or no longer in the way, the New Heaven and the New Church rise up and are manifest.