Readings

Since angels do not perceive an invisible Divine Being (which they call a formless Divine) but a visible divine being in human form, it is common practice for them to say that only the Lord is a person, and that they are people because of Him. They also say that each of us is human in proportion to our acceptance of Him. By "accepting the Lord" they understand accepting what is good and true that comes from Him, because the Lord is present in everything good and true that comes from Himself. Angels call this wisdom and intelligence. They say everyone knows that intelligence and wisdom are what make us human, not simply the outward form by itself. (Heaven and Hell 80)

Since heaven in its entirety and in its parts does reflect a person because of the Lord’s divine human, angels say that they are "in the Lord" and even that they are "in His body," meaning that they are in the very substance of His love. This is also what the Lord is teaching us when He says, "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me; for without Me you can do nothing. Abide in My love. If you keep My precepts, you will abide in My love" (John 15:4–10). (Heaven and Hell 81)

Since this is how the divine being is perceived in the heavens, it is instinctive in everyone who accepts any inflow from heaven to think of the Lord in a human guise. The ancients did so and even modern people do, both outside and inside the church. (Heaven and Hell 82)

Reflection

How did you picture the Lord when you were a child? How do you picture Him now?

What do you believe are the core qualities of God? Have you always felt this way or has your concept evolved?

Frequently Asked Question

Q. What is the New Church perspective on the Trinity?
A. God is one. Within the human of Jesus was the Divine itself. Throughout His lifetime Jesus gradually got rid of what was merely human and took on more and more of the Divine within Him until He made His human completely Divine. This means God is one, within whom is the Divine Trinity, and He is the Lord God the Savior Jesus Christ (True Christianity 3.2). Just as we all have a soul, a body and the actions of our life (and are one person) so it is with God. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are names given for the soul, body and activity of the one God. One God, one divine person.

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