Heavenly Doctrine (Tafel) n. 179

Previous Number Next Number Next Translation See Latin 

179. Every one has an internal, and an external man: the internal man is what is called the spiritual man, and the external man, what is called the natural man. Each of these has to be regenerated, in order that a man may be regenerate. With a man who is not regenerate, the external, that is, the natural man rules, and the internal man is subservient; but with the regenerate man, the internal, that is, the spiritual man rules, and the external man is subservient. From this it is evident that from birth the order of life with a man is inverted; namely, that what ought to rule is subservient, and what ought to be subservient rules. This order has to be inverted in order that a man may be saved; and this inversion can never have place except through regeneration by the Lord.


This page is part of the Writings of Emanuel Swedenborg

© 2000-2001 The Academy of the New Church