Page:The Swedenborg Library Vol 3.djvu/223

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NOT GOD BUT MAN SHUTS HEAVEN.
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with those in whom the will and conduct are also true and good, the Lord's presence is both general and particular, or both internal and external.

They who merely understand and talk about truth and good, are like the foolish virgins who had lamps but no oil; while they who not only understand and talk about them, but also favor them in will, and practise them, are the wise virgins who were admitted to the wedding, while the former stood at the door and knocked but were not admitted, Matt. xxv. 1-12.

From this it is manifest that the Lord is present and opens heaven to those who approach the Holy Supper worthily; and that He is also present with those who approach it unworthily, but does not open heaven to them.

But yet it must not be supposed that the Lord closes heaven to those who approach unworthily. This He does to no man, even to the last of his life in the world; but the man closes heaven to himself, which he does by the rejection of faith and by wickedness of life. But still man is held constantly in a state of possible repentance and conversion, inasmuch as the Lord is constantly present and urging to be received; for He says, "I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him and he with me," Rev. iii. 20. Therefore the man himself, who does not open the door, is in fault. (T. C. R. 699-725.)

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