Arcana Coelestia (Elliott) n. 9708

Previous Number Next Number Next Translation See Latin 

9708. For the external man to be brought into true order it must become subordinate to the internal; and it is subordinate when it acts in obedience to the internal. To the extent that this happens, the external man too is wise. This is what is meant when it is said that a person's old self and its passions must die, in order that he may become 'a new creature'.a

Notes

a This saying is ultimately Pauline, see for example 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:24.


This page is part of the Writings of Emanuel Swedenborg

© 2000-2001 The Academy of the New Church