What the Bible says...
Summaries and References
The series of articles on What the Bible Says is useful as an introduction to some of the basic teachings of the Bible. These articles are designed for people who see the Bible as a source of truth. If you are skeptical about the teachings of the Bible, this may not be the place for you to start. Some Christians believe that everything in the Bible is literally true. They may be suspicious of the New Church approach to the Bible, which involves looking for hidden, spiritual meanings. In this series of pamphlets, I have explained many key New Church teachings using the literal meaning of the Bible as my only authority. My hope is that Christians who have placed their trust in the plain teachings of God's revelation will be able to see the truth there while retaining their trust in God's Word.
Each of the articles in the series addresses at least one key New Church teaching that is in conflict with an "orthodox" Christian view. The list below shows the main point of each pamphlet and an orthodox doctrine it exposes. In addition, I have included some introductory references for those who want to read what Swedenborg says on each subject.
Note: The links to Swedenborg's writings in this document will redirect you to the NewSearch98 web site, which contains all Swedenborg's Theological Writings. Where a series of passages is referenced, the hyperlink will take you to the first passage in the series. You will be able to continue reading by pressing the button for the next number at the top of the NewSearch window. To return here, use the BACK arrow on your browser.
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Orthodox Idea: If you just believe, God will overlook all your sins. God punishes unbelievers, even if they are caring, good people.
- New Church Idea: God's mercy involves helping us become better people. God is willing to forgive everyone, and is more concerned how we live than with what we believe.
- References from Swedenborg:
Heavenly Secrets 8393,
Heavenly Secrets 9443-9454,
True Christian Religion 611-614
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Orthodox Idea: God is Three Persons. Jesus is Son of God, a separate Person from the Father.
- New Church Idea: God is One Person: Jesus Christ. The Father is the Soul, the Son is the Body, and the Holy Spirit is the Activity of the One Divine Person.
- References from Swedenborg: True Christian Religion 81-133,
Doctrine of the Lord 29-36,
45-46,
55-60,
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Orthodox Idea: The Holy Spirit is the Third Person in the Trinity.
- New Church Idea: The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus Christ. It is the regenerating and enlightening influence of Jesus Christ, not of some third person.
- References from Swedenborg:
True Christian Religion 138
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Orthodox Idea: We are saved instantly just by believing that Jesus died for our sins. We don't need to put any effort into our salvation.
- New Church Idea: Faith alone is not enough. We must actively resist evil, while acknowledging that the effort to resist comes from God.
- References from Swedenborg: Doctrine of Life 92-107,
True Christian Religion 596-600
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Orthodox Idea: We are saved instantly as soon as we believe in Jesus, without effort or good works.
- New Church Idea: Regeneration is a gradual process taking many years, involving effort, love, good works.
- References from Swedenborg: Heavenly Secrets 4063,
True Christian Religion 601-614.
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Orthodox Idea: Celibacy is better than marriage.
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New Church Idea: Marriage love is heavenly, spiritual, holy, pure and clean.
- References from Swedenborg:
Married Love 155-156
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Orthodox Idea: The husband is the head of the wife.
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New Church Idea: Husband and wife are equals before God.
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References from Swedenborg:
Married Love 125-127
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Orthodox Idea: Adam and Eve were actual people.
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New Church Idea: Adam and Eve were symbols of the Lord and His Church.
- References from Heavenly Secrets Chapters 1-3.
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Orthodox Idea: Blood means death; Jesus saved us by dying a bloody death.
- New Church Idea: Blood means Life and Truth; Jesus saves us by giving us life and truth.
- References from Swedenborg: True Christian Religion 132,
Heavenly Secrets 9127
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Orthodox Idea: God punishes people, bad things are a result of His will.
- New Church Idea: The Lord wills only good, but permits bad things for the sake of our freedom.
- References from Swedenborg:
Divine Providence 275-284
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Orthodox Idea: Angels are a superior race, created before humans
- New Church Idea: Angels are people who have died and gone to heaven.
- References from Swedenborg:
Heaven and Hell 311-317
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Orthodox Idea: This planet will be destroyed by wars and disasters, and Jesus will appear in the clouds to save the true believers.
- New Church Idea: Jesus comes as the Spirit of Truth, bringing about spiritual change.
- References from Swedenborg: True Christian Religion 753-791.
- Orthodox Idea: True believers will be caught up in the air when Jesus comes.
- New Church Idea: Jesus' coming will elevate our minds to a higher level, not our bodies.
- References from Swedenborg: True Christian Religion 753-791.
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Orthodox Idea: After death a person will remain asleep in the ground until the end of the world, when the body will rise.
- New Church Idea: We rise into the spiritual world immediately after death, and never assume our earthly bodies again.
- References from Swedenborg: Heaven and Hell 453-460, Last Judgment 14-27.
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Orthodox Idea: Satan was created as an angel, then rebelled.
- New Church Idea: Satan is all of the people in hell working as a unit.
- References from Swedenborg: Heaven and Hell 311-317.