Arcana Coelestia (Elliott) n. 10302

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10302. 'Holy' means devoid of the falsity of evil. This is clear from the meaning of 'holy' as Divine Truth emanating from the Lord, dealt with in 6788, 7499, 8302, 8330, 9229, 9818, 9820, so that the word 'holy' is used to describe that which is devoid of the falsity of evil. The expression 'the falsity of evil' is used because falsity can exist devoid of evil, as it does with some upright people among nations outside the Church, and even with some among Christians within the Church. But falsity defiled by evil is in itself evil, since it arises from evil. Falsity however existing with those governed by good has not been defiled by evil; rather it has been purified from it. For this reason also such falsity is accepted by the Lord, almost as truth, and is also easily changed into truth; for those governed by good are eager to receive the truth. Regarding the two kinds of falsity, that which arises from evil and that which does not arise from evil, see in the places referred to in 9304, 10109.


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