247. Be zealous therefore, and repent. That this signifies that they may have charity is evident from the signification of being zealous as being to act from spiritual affection, for this is zeal in the spiritual sense; and because charity is that affection itself, therefore it is said, be zealous and repent, by which is signified that they may have charity. Moreover, no one is let into spiritual temptation, unless he is in the spiritual affection that is called charity; for unless he is in that, there is no combat with falsities and evils, because no zeal for truths and goods. Because by temptation not only are evils mastered and falsities' removed, but also in their place truths are implanted, and these are conjoined with the good of charity, so that they become one; therefore by being zealous and repenting, is signified that they may have charity.