"People in hell burn with the desire to punish each other." Mind blow moment here. Jesus says: "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you..." (instead of: if you burn with desire to punish them), "...your heavenly Father will also forgive you." Matthew 6:14-15 Our heavenly Father never burns with desire to punish us, only we do. And whenever we do, either before or after death, we are in hell. "But if you do not forgive others their sins..." (if you keep burning with desire to punish them) "...your Father will not forgive your sins." Because he honors my free will to burn. My wonderful Father wants me to stop burning, and He sends His angels to help me stop. Oh wow. Praise God!
@@donnelladams340 Nope! The video does a great job of explaining. there is also a great video from this channel about Judgement Day that is a very different take.
So excellent. Seems that when looking from the perspective of evil that the limitations appear imposed from the outside, whereas when viewing from a heavenly perspective the limitations on one's self are self-imposed. My favorite part was the comment that we each naturally choose our distance from either polarity.
This is a great episode. Still, I like every episode and look forward to each and every one. I understand this way of thinking. The discussion prompts me to examine myself daily. God holds my hand daily; otherwise, I would be completely lost. When I see rageful people, I know they are under attacks from hell. When you become aware as to where chaos and selfishness comes from, you want God leading you and not the stupidities of rage, anger, deceit, all of which, are hate.
Please watch "23 Minutes in Hell by Bill Weise" for TRUE Biblical account of Hell. This Swedenborg rubbish preaches sugar to the ear. There is a reason Satan is calles the father of LIES. Dont be deceived. Be informed.
@@phillipmoolmannewinchrist4708 yes. Sounds like a cult waiting to be formed. What about Jesus? Why did He sacrifice his life? What about "absent from the body, present with the Lord"? Where do mercy and forgiveness fit in? Sorry, but this is major heresy.
Some spirits choose to go to hell but is there still hope for them to change their behaviour and love of falsity and be moved to heaven I hope so . Jesus visited hell and saved many souls . I hope this is still happening now
Jesus visited hell because he lived there ...its Earth the many souls were the 10,000 followers heaven is right here right now, go within surrender , love and light to you all xxx
Margaret, the Lord always provides opportunities for spirits in hell to experience heaven -- but it is rather a matter of whether or not that spirit can truly be happy in a place where selfishness does not exist, and mutual love reigns. But the Lord's love and mercy is always extending to those in both heaven and hell.
Jesus did not visit hell and save people in hell this is misinterpreted this is talking about the people who perished in the flood of Noah_ Noah was preaching to these people for 120 years that it took him to build the Ark, they saw what Noah was doing that was a witness in itself that there was a judgment to come , but and also Noah in the Spirit of Jesus Christ preached to these people this is what it meant that Jesus preached to the people that are in hell. But Jesus did go through an Eternity in hell whilst He was on the cross for 3 hours from 12 noon to 3 p.m. (Christ could do this because He was from eternity past present and future) it was dark all over the land and Jesus cried out "'my God, my God, why have you forsaken Me" _ can you imagine God forsaken God? God the Father could not look upon Sin, and Jesus bore all of our sins in His body on the cross, He had no sins of himself this is how He could have done this. ❣🌿 people in Hell have no way of escaping hell and they are without excuse. Qhen we all stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ there will be no excuses. Jesus said, "' if I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin."' God tells us through Paul in the Book of Romans _ " the wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities_ His eternal power and divine Nature_ have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, So That Men Are Without Excuse." ☞📖 the Word of God the Holy Bible is the voice of God in a book given to us_ "men of old wrote as God the Holy Spirit carried and move them to write."
Listened to this again....my first item of "to do" in my quest to improve my inner self. The health of our souls is dependent upon the health of our hearts and minds. For these things, we open ourselves to God. Wishing you all great joy and happiness today and everyday.
We sure love how you express things, Helene. “The health of our souls is dependent upon the health of our hearts and minds.” So true!!! Wishing you much joy and happiness, too. God bless!
Emanuel supposedly had psychic powers. Mouth to mouth was 1st done in 1740 when he was still alive. I wondr if he got the info from resuscitated people. In present times someone had a near death experience n said God doesn't judge u, u judge yourself. Emanuel said the same by sayin you're drawn 2 heaven or hell. Dr. George Ritchie had an NDE in present times n said there r different hells like Emanuel.
IF it is not from LORD GOD is from the Fallen One. "He has never obeyed the truth. There is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his natural language. He does this because He is a liar. He is the father of lies." John 8:44
Please watch "23 Minutes in Hell by Bill Weise" for TRUE Biblical account of Hell. This Swedenborg rubbish preaches sugar to the ear. There is a reason Satan is called the father of LIES!! Dont be deceived. Be informed!
Great question! Swedenborg was a devout reader of the Bible, and believed his works were showing the rest of us what he learned to be the inner meanings contained in scripture! It sounds a little crazy, we know, so we have an episode that explains more about who Swedenborg was and how he came to have his spiritual experiences, "Was Swedenborg Crazy?" ua-cam.com/video/K_ZP30NFYf8/v-deo.html the Bible tells us it contains an inner meaning, and here are some quotes that indicate this: “All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them.” -Matthew 13:34 “These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; but the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but I will tell you plainly about the Father.” -John 16:25 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now” (John 16:12). “If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?” (John 3:12). If you would like to learn more about how Swedenborg read and understood the Bible (what it meant to him) check out our episode, "What the Bible Is," ua-cam.com/video/v0mE8IDLynE/v-deo.html And finally, Swedenborg was shown that there are many ways we can connect with God and many legitimate forms of revelation here on earth in addition to the Bible, and that there are many different faiths coexisting in heaven. Check out, "The Spiritual Reality Behind All Faiths," ua-cam.com/video/Y-US1qib37g/v-deo.html
The writings of the Bible were written by several men, claiming that they were inspired by God/Highest Power. (A lot of writings were omitted from the canon, because those didn't fit the thinking of other men who came many years after them.) Swedenborg claimed inspiration by God, too. This is no different. All these different ways of thinking about afterlife is BELIEF until we leave this earth and find out the truth. No one really knows what happens until they "die."
Man wrote the bible to control man many centuries ago. Jesus in a channeling said 80 % of it is inaccurate. He came to teach love and forgiveness and about the next life and to move on past religion.
If near death experiences n Swedenborg r sayin the same thing then that is what we can believe. One person who had an NDE said God doesn't judge you, you judge yourself. Swedenborg said when u go 2 heaven or hell God doesn't send u there you're drawn there. Dr. George Ritchie talked about different kinds of hells. Swedenborg said there r different kinds.
Actually about what Dr. George Ritchie said.... he described the hells he saw as different than Swedenborg but they were different kinds. In two videos Swedenborg talks about reuniting..."What happens immediately after you die - Swedenborg & Life" n "5 Reunions in the afterlife" both by Offthelefteye. I know of a few near death experiences where this happened.
Hi Knowing THE TRUTH! We share your reverence for Jesus! Please see my other response to this same question you posted elsewhere. Hope it clarifies some things!
I think this is a very useful episode. I think it will help dispel fears in a lot of people's hearts and minds. I really like the idea that resisting the temptation to fall into self serving actions can help mitigate the suffering in hell. I have had dreams where I was entrenched in rage and couldn't pull myself out of it. It's such a terrible feeling. I feel a lot of pain for the people in hell who are constantly feeling horrible like that, even though they are choosing it freely. I guess it's like a parent watching their child head down a destructive path. Even if that's what the child wants, it grieves the parent. If I feel that grief, imagine how much more the Lord must feel it.
How often do we choose to stew in rage, hatred, jealousy, etc...even though it makes us miserable? People choose hell all the time while on Earth. Why would it be any different after death?
Amen, Chris Shupe. We have to choose to avoid those feelings - that is choosing heaven. You might like this clip, "How to Connect With God When Hell Feels Closer," ua-cam.com/video/nHHEsvydkE4/v-deo.html for some tips on getting out of Hell's Stew!
I became interested in an FBI memo 6751 dated 1947 describing Tala & Loka planes. It was identified as Brahmanical literature concept. It said that there were 7 "Earths" all nested, comingled and interpenetrating. That concept took a few months to "simmer". Then amazingly I became able to identify what Tala (more material) or Loka (more spiritual) plane anyone I met was actually associated with. We see each other outwardly but the inner state of being is knowable. I only identify 7 Tala planes (but others my have up to 9) and 14 Loka planes. It is an amazing perspective.
Fascinating, Jahlea. Never heard the terms Tala or Loka before, but I certainly resonate with the concept! it does seem to me that we are a complex mix of material and spiritual, each in an individual way. Thanks for adding to the conversation!
THANK YOU so much for this wonderful video! It's a relief to see it, and you both state these teachings so beautifully! Having been brought up in a fundamentalist church where even bad thoughts could constitute infractions bad enough to "be thrown into Hell," it lifts a heavy burden of fear to hear these explanations! Unfortunately the fear card is used in almost every category, and I've concluded that it's for the purpose of power and control. And if God is Love, He would not delight in punishing people, but in bringing them to His love. The false teachings using fear have done damage to a lot of people; I've seen it in my own family. In fact, I read in a book about The Four Agreements recently that fear is the King of the Underworld. Many, many thanks! P.S. I also loved the visuals!
That's why we're so passionate about these teachings -- they reconcile some harmful labels people have put on God: that he is angry, judgmental and will damn you to hell. This couldn't be further from the truth! God is smiling at you, my friend. He is patient and doing whatever He can to bring heaven into your heart, while respecting your freedom to choose Him or not. May each day bring you more clarity on His unceasing love for you.
Swedenborg's writings, even on hell, give me a sense of a God that is fair and patient and smart and strong. This hell makes sense to me, and this video is so well made and entertaining. Can't wait for #WhatTheHeaven
@Kaushik Bardhan Yes, absolutely! Read Matthew 25:31-46. Jesus is saying that everyone who reaches out to help others is connecting with Him, and connecting with heaven. That goes for people of all earthly religions!
Just read a good translation like YLT. you will find complete expression without Swedengorganism as an influence. Swedenborg's concepts can cause one to become confused with the Bible's message. I have read Swedenborg as a comparison and found this to be a truth.
I love this video. I can see you all put a lot of people and resources together to make this one. Not only that but you are totally organized in your delivery of this important and misunderstood topic. Bravo 👏 Way to go guys! I’m loving it.
We do indeed spend much time and energy into producing these shows -- and it's all in the attempt to spread these revolutionary teachings! I'm so glad you've found resonance with them -- may they bring more love into your life, and give you a better sense of God's unceasing love for you!
Please watch "23 Minutes in Hell by Bill Weise" for TRUE Biblical account of Hell. This Swedenborg rubbish preaches sugar to the ear. There is a reason Satan is calles the father of LIES. Dont be deceived. Be informed.
Swedenborgs description makes sense and is making my existential dread of life and how I’m living and how it will effect me in death. Now I’m like just love myself and my kids and be happy and when I die I’ll be okay still :-) I’m so happy right now yall
What a relief, eh, Lily? Yes -- just going through life looking to be loving and kind is a good path to walk, even if we sometimes make mistakes. On the other side, we will CHOOSE our eternal home, the place that best fits our deepest motivations and intentions. So we'll be OK, no matter what!
Swedenborg was the first writer who ever gave me a logical understanding of the concept of Hell within the context of a loving God and his plan for humanity. I was blown away the first time I read 'Awaken from Death'.
This Video was very interesting however why is their no mention of Jesus Christ as our Savior and only way to escape hell? We don’t get to Heaven by being “good” or by focusing more on the “good” Being forgiven through the blood of Christ is the only way to Heaven, while the material in this video was great it never mentioned Jesus Christ. That makes me very skeptical of false teaching. I looked up Swedenborg and his biography says he was Christian, which is a follower of Christ...anyone have any thoughts on this?
Hi Lisa! Yes, Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772) was a Swedish scientist and theologian who was raised in the Lutheran tradition. He was a devout reader and scholar of the Bible, called himself a servant of "The Lord Jesus Christ," and claimed his spiritual visions began with a visit from Jesus himself. See this short clip, “Swedenborg’s Bible Vision Explained” ua-cam.com/video/bmxe3DobuAE/v-deo.html or you might like this short clip; “Do You Have To Worry that Swedenborg Might Be A Deceiver?” ua-cam.com/video/oPyoczMgNTo/v-deo.html Swedenborg's writings are full of Bible quotes to back up his ideas, but we don't always share them in our episodes, because there are so many! If you want to learn more about Swedenborg, check out our short clip here, "Who Was Swedenborg?" ua-cam.com/video/HEa0e8AcS78/v-deo.html If you'd be at all interested in hearing how the ideas in this show are grounded in the Bible, I recommend the recorded episodes of this Bible study: www.spiritandlifebiblestudy.com/or our episode, "What The Bible Is," ua-cam.com/video/v0mE8IDLynE/v-deo.html Swedenborg believed in a loving, merciful God, who reveals Himself to people all over the world in different ways, through different paths to the one Divine. This is why Swedenborg wrote, “People born outside the [Christian] church are just as human as people born within it. They come from the same heavenly source. They are equally living and immortal souls. They have religions as well, religions that enable them to believe that God exists and that they should lead good lives; and all of them who do believe in God and lead good lives become spiritual on their own level and are saved” - Emanuel Swedenborg, “Divine Providence” #330, subsection 5c After 27 years of direct spiritual experiences, Swedenborg came to believe that the most important determinant of our final resting place (heaven or hell) are the intentions that shape our actions - what we love and believe in our hearts, and how that directs our actions. He was actually very critical of the idea of being saved by faith only as opposed to good works - as was Jesus himself, as you can see from the Bible quotes below: "Judge not, that you be not condemned. Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?" (Matthew 7:1, 3) The disciple James put it this way: "There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?" (James 4:1) “And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” (Luke 18:9-14) “And a certain teacher of the law got up and put him to the test, saying, Master, what have I to do so that I may have eternal life? And he said to him, What does the law say, in your reading of it? And he, answering, said, Have love for the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and for your neighbour as for yourself. And he said, You have given the right answer: do this and you will have life.” (Luke 10:25-28) The Good Samaritan ”But he, desiring to put himself in the right, said to Jesus, And who is my neighbour? And Jesus, answering him, said, A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he got into the hands of thieves, who took his clothing and gave him cruel blows, and when they went away, he was half dead. And by chance a certain priest was going down that way: and when he saw him, he went by on the other side. And in the same way, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, went by on the other side. But a certain man of Samaria, journeying that way, came where he was, and when he saw him, he was moved with pity for him, And came to him and put clean linen round his wounds, with oil and wine; and he put him on his beast and took him to a house and took care of him. And the day after he took two pennies and gave them to the owner of the house and said, Take care of him; and if this money is not enough, when I come again I will give you whatever more is needed. Which of these three men, in your opinion, was neighbour to the man who came into the hands of thieves? And he said, The one who had mercy on him. And Jesus said, Go and do the same.” (Luke 10:29-37) "Let us love one another, for love is of God, and every one who loves is born of God and knows God. God is love, and anyone who abides in love abides in God, and God in him." (1 John 4:7-11) Jesus said, "Not every one who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven." (Matthew 7:21) "He shall reward every one according to his works." (Matthew 16:27) "Those who have done good," He says, will go "to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation." (John 5:29) "Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you: depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'" (Matthew 27:22-23, Luke 13:25-27) Jesus said, "Inasmuch as you have ministered to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me." (Matthew 25:40) "Though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." (1 Corinthians 13:2) "Love believes all things." (1 Corinthians 13:7) "He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God." (3 John 1:11) Thank you for sharing your concerns! It's so important to look deeper into spiritual content and see if it resonates, and we understand that Swedenborg's message is not for everyone! We wish you well along your journey! God bless. If you do watch any clips, please let us know how they resonate with you!
I apologize for my long questions, I am very interested in this topic, and I am sincerely seeking answers. I really appreciate this video, despite my confusions, this video has sent me a message that is genuinely kind, encouraging, and supportive. 5:33 Can I understand this part as there is no right choice or wrong choice between choosing heaven or hell? To put it differently, if voluntarily choosing hell is wrong, what are the consequences of choosing evil when that person is actually in the place where he or she feels the highest degree of freedom? If a person devotes his or her life into an absolute evil endeavor, wouldn't the final destination of hell be a sort of blessing for that person? 11:31 In other words, what makes the choice of insisting on acting from evil desires a bad choice WHEN that is the ONLY choice that gives the actor pleasure? Although you may say that the bad consequence is that the actor feels he or she is in fire (he or she burns himself or herself by insisting on doing evil), my question remains as to the concern that when a person loves evil, doing good may not bring pleasure to that person, so in this situation, feeling the burn in hell becomes more desirable than going to heaven, where they just simply "cannot stand (5:01)." So I guess what I am really trying to find out is HOW DOES IT WORK for someone who enjoys evil to TRANSFORM to someone that enjoys love? What kind of rehabilitation will eventually restore the crippled evil soul to a healthy loving soul? What I am afraid of the most is that when evil is a voluntary choice, a natural craving for certain people, a rehabilitation for them seems to be a torment against their free will, so for them, the invitation from heaven paradoxically becomes a curse from hell, and it seems unfair for them to have the natural craving for evil to begin with. I know your response here is that they should blame themselves for choosing evil to begin with, but I am more curious about how god can help them to let go their cravings for evil. In addition, if god can in fact help them to eventually let go their evil desires, why god has not acted earlier to prevent them from choosing evil in the first place? Thank you!
Hi Siqi Xu! I appreciate your questions, and thank you for kindly including the links to the part you were wondering about! Saved me a lot of time! I have a long answer to you, I hope that's okay! So, I think it’s fair to say that choosing hell is DEFINITELY the wrong choice. Hell is, basically, the absence of God. This means the absence of love, the absence of joy, the absence of community and harmony. It is like an addiction, or as Jonathon puts it, “cravings.” People choose it, it may be the happiest they can be - or perhaps better stated as most aligned with what they prioritize and want for themselves. But it’s not a happy state, it’s not a loving state. It’s pretty miserable. You are correct, though, that it is a blessing. It doesn’t sound great to me, (at least I hope not!), but there are those who repeatedly make evil choices in life, distancing themselves from the love of God and of others. It’s truly what they want. So hell is the place where they can be themselves, and be in freedom to live the way they want to. Their misery comes from the fact that they are limited from fully pursuing what they love - because the Lord does not let people in hell destroy themselves or each other, even though they want to. So they experience those limitations that actually keep them alive, but feel very frustrating and unpleasant to them. The fact that they reject God or what God is (love and wisdom) and still get to exist away from God is a mercy from God, because God’s love is infinite and unconditional. If God did not put limits on them, they would reject God so much that they would cease to exist, for God is the essence of all things and without God we cannot exist at all. Swedenborg describes the people of hell as insane, and it makes sense. Choosing hell is like saying we don’t want food or water. We can’t exist without them! It would be insane to reject nourishment, and yet spiritually, we can and do! I love your question about rehabilitation. Swedenborg doesn’t say much about this. He doesn’t have explicit examples of rising up from hell to heaven, and at times even seems to say that hell is eternal. However, he contradicts this in other passages, so we are left in some freedom to ponder that. What Swedenborg DOES say is that the Lord is constantly, eternally trying to lead us back to Divinity - back to love and wisdom, because the Lord always loves us and wants to bring us closer, so that we can experience that love too! And because Swedenborg is clear that God is love itself, and love can do nothing but love (and therefore forgive, be merciful, be open) and share itself - it stands to reason that any individual who wants to change his or her state of being would have the opportunity to do so, and rise up with God’s blessing! Swedenborg has also stated in passages that some spirits in hell are punished because it’s the only possible way they can learn and change their behaviors. To me, there’s a clear implication that these punishments are a last resort designed not just as barriers to bad behavior but to help educate people - to show them that their behaviors will only cause them misery, and hopefully they can face that and change their behaviors. So I think even in the afterlife, even after we choose hell, we still have some mercy to make changes. We did an episode once that I think of often - it was a passage from Swedenborg’s unpublished journal of his visions, “Spiritual Experiences,” in which he witnessed angels reviving a half-dead spirit. There is not much context to this explanation, and the passages around it don’t seem to add any information. But in my heart, I suspect that this poor spirit may have been in hell, and chosen evil so thoroughly that he almost destroyed himself completely (this is the inevitable result of a hellish state of being!). Rather than let him die, the angels were sent by God to save him, and the passage states that afterward, he seemed like a brand new being. I imagine this could be a spiritual second chance? Perhaps because this spirit was so close to death he barely had enough life for free will, saving him doesn’t violate his free will, but instead gives him a fresh start. So God can help us when we are so far gone we couldn’t possibly help ourselves - our minds cannot fathom any other choice and are so poisoned. In a way, we can see this sort of thing in drug addicts who have sought freedom from addiction and found a profound, new vision of life and the world - often with a great deal of hard earned spirituality! They must hit rock bottom before they are willing to ask for or accept help. Seems this happens in the other world as well. I don’t have any solid answers about it, but it’s something I think of often and wonder about. Check it out and tell me what you think. ua-cam.com/video/DagEDAjgrUU/v-deo.html Finally, Swedenborg also talked of the world of spirits - a place between heaven and hell where we sort through who we were on earth, and through a sort of healing or detox process, we become our most authentic selves. Those of us who had good intentions but bad information will learn good information and make the necessary changes before we move on to heaven, so we can fully be receptive to a heavenly state. Those of us who truly loved evil but pretended otherwise will shed any pretense and become authentically evil before we go to hell. So the world of spirits does seem like another mercy, another chance, where we can face who we are and adjust if possible or necessary. Many people did not get a chance to learn all they needed to, many did not get the love or care they needed and so their choices and lives may not look like heaven - but their hearts may have been doing the best good they were capable of. The Lord can work with any inkling of love in us and bring us as far up in heaven as we are able and willing to go (and spiritual growth is a continuous process even in heaven and hell!). Here are some episodes about the world of spirits you might find interesting! One short and two long; “Welcome to the World of Spirits,” ua-cam.com/video/8RcfriDRPX4/v-deo.html and full length; “What the World of Spirits Is,” ua-cam.com/video/UQPy8WamcAE/v-deo.html and “The World of Spirits,” ua-cam.com/video/qoaPwhzDHWM/v-deo.html So I will just finish up by saying, I think there is always hope, and always potential, for us to become better beings, here or in the next life. But it does take a great deal of work, desire, and open hearts and minds from us to be led to love and freedom in heaven! In other words - repentance. [See “Repentance: How to be in Heaven Now” ua-cam.com/video/5_-zxnqG_sg/v-deo.html]. But it seems to me that with God being infinite love, we will have many chances to eternity to rise up and become better people! That's my take! - Melissa
Please dont be deceived by this! Watch 23 minutes in Hell by Bill Weise. ua-cam.com/video/AKniy8CCKgs/v-deo.html For a TRUE and accurate Biblical account of Hell. There is a reason Satan is called the Father of LIES! Dont be deceived. Be informed!
Ok, I have a question. Mainly because my daughter says we don't go anywhere when we die until the lord comes back. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Isaiah 26:19 Can you tell me what that verse means.
I really appreciate your inquiry, Angelina. What Swedenborg observed may be surprising to you! Here's our entire epsiode devoted to exploring the last judgement of the Lord. ua-cam.com/video/1aatSnt0ahc/v-deo.html
@@offTheLeftEye - so often people seem to ask questions, which you take and time and trouble to reply to, and not respond. Not even with a 'like'. Bui you carry on regardless and that is a lesson for us. :)
@@DrumBragg Are you saying that we respond and sometimes in other places people do not get a response, or even a like? Yes, that is our goal, to take people seriously, (well not too seriously, we like humor too) and to make this a conversation rather than a lecture. Welcome, DrumBragg!
1 Corinthians 15:22 (KJV) For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. The point of the S-word is very sharp to deliver every one of them that were held hostage to a flesh body that death can touch. ........and able restore them to a body of light that is not touched by its shadow. Oh shadow death where is your effect of darkness now.....only an empty grave yard for your testimony of power. It is the evil spirits who refuse to define the meaning of the Word... shall ALL be made alive. Jesus Christ is a life force of light and far more powerful than the death force of darkness.
Ecclesiastes 9: 5: “...But the dead know nothing, they have nothing for their labour, their very memory is forgotten, their love has vanished with their hate and jealousy” Ecclesiastes 9: 10 “Throw yourself into any pursuit that may appeal to you, for there is no pursuit, no plan, no knowledge or intelligence within the grave where you are going.” James Moffatt Bible. Psalms 146: 3: “when their breath goes they return to the dust, and on that day their projects perish.” James Moffatt Bible. John 3: 13 “And no one has ascended into HEAVEN, except the SON OF MAN who descended from heaven” Emphatic Diaglott. So is this true, that the dead are all UNCONSCIOUS, and we have been told LIES about the dead? Is Christ the only one to ascend to heaven, while the rest of the dead are unconscious? Times moved along. Some of those in Revelation 20: 4-6 were raised in the heavens earlier in the Lord's Day Revelation 1; 10. But the numbers are incomplete, because there are some of these still alive upon the earth. Micah 4: 1-7 Matthew 24: 31. But BILLIONS of the dead await the resurrection seen in Revelation 20:13, one page from the end of the Bible, a future event. [We're not there yet; still a lot to see!] Do these people get raised up to be killed again, as some people say? NO. Christ died in their places Romans 6: 23. They have already paid the penalty for sin when they died Ezekiel 18: 4. It would not be lawful to punish them twice for the same things. Even in the law of men that would not be legal. They are Judged, in God's Kingdom for the things they do AFTER they are raised up in a newness of life. They come back to the ones who love them at a time of great happiness Matthew 5: 4. Even ecstasy for those who receive their dead loved ones back at the time of the resurrection Mark 5: 42. They now have the opportunity to experience the benefits of the ransom sacrifice of Christ Jesus; when His death weighed in the scales against Adam's sin; and this freed man from the sin and death we inherited from Adam. This is applied in God's Kingdom Paradise Luke 23: 43 on earth Daniel 2: 44 when the Great tribulation arrives, and the kings from the rising of the sun Revelation 16: 12 Jehovah God and Christ Jesus are performing the biggest rescue of faithful mankind John 3: 16 Romans 10: 13-15 in all history. These 'sheep-like' true Christians are already inside God's Kingdom at the moment of Christ's appearance 'in power and great glory' Matthew 25: 31, 34 Matthew 24: 29, 30 at the appearance of the sunrise Malachi 4: 2 very soon. The Great tribulation has to run its course, lasting five months Matthew 24: 37 Genesis 7: 24 Revelation 9: 5, 10. Then, when the WICKED are destroyed Psalms 92; 7 the Great tribulation is OVER. God's Kingdom, also called Judgement Day Matthew 10: 15 and called the Paradise Luke 23: 43 is the happiest time for man in all history. Everything Christ taught and demonstrated is fulfilled in God's Kingdom. Matthew 24: 14. The resurrection of the righteous and the unrighteous of former times Acts 24 15, is this fruitage from Christ's ransom sacrifice as the mercy of Jehovah. The dead are raised in an orderly manner, and they gradually come to perfection over a period of 1,000 years Revelation 20: 4-6. At this time, the resurrection has been completed, and there are very many who have attained to everlasting life John 17: 3. So the time comes when even 'death' and 'the grave' are 'thrown into a lake of fire' Revelation 20: 14. There are an unknown number who fail to discern the magnificence of Jehovah, so they fail to achieve life. 'This is the second death'. It is seen by this that the 'lake of fire' is a symbol of everlasting destruction. It is not to be taken literally. How can 'death' be thrown into a fire? Christ Jesus died to make this time of resurrection possible. He will heal those like us who have not yet died, but we are still called 'the dead', in the Bible, because we are under condemnation due to the inherited sin and death of Adam. Romans 5: 12. Now, when the ransom sacrifice is applied to the ones like us who are alive; though we are sick with old age disease and imperfections; we will experience the healing found in prophecy. Isaiah 35 4-7, Isaiah 33: 23,24. Christ bring this 'healing' in metaphor when He arrives with the sunrise. The information about the Kingdom was given to God's slaves the prophets Revelation 10: 6, 7 Revelation 11: 15. Those who don't understand this Kingdom, don't speak about it. Why do some religions say we all go to heaven, when the Bible says only Christ has ascended to heaven? And also the Bible says the dead are 'unconscious'? In the times of the past the Kingdom wasn't understood. The 'complete knowledge' arrived in modern times. 1 Corinthians 13: 9. When I was a girl in my 20's a church minister belonging to Christendom told me 'Don't bother to try to understand the Bible'. He certainly didn't. But now I am 66 y.o. And I have a splendid understanding of the Bible. I have associated with God's slaves the prophets Micah 4: 1-7 Revelation 12: 17. YOU can hear a detailed Scriptural discourse about the Great tribulation, and when you look up all the Scriptures, you will be very satisfied.
Thanks for sharing your perspective on this. I'm glad you love and honor the Bible, because we do, too! For our perspective that the Bible itself demonstrates that the words "death" and "life" in Scripture are often used to mean spiritual death and life rather than physical death and life, see our episode "Why Does the Bible Say the Dead Know Nothing?" ua-cam.com/video/2GNzmofUnxM/v-deo.html Wishing you well, and God bless!
Revelation 20:10 ESV And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
Well done! The execution of the political 'wild beast' Revelation 19: 11, 19-21, and then the time when Satan and his demons are abyssed for 1,000 years Revelation 20: 1-3 followed by their execution Revelation 20: 10 is one of my essays. And of course, when the WICKED are destroyed Psalms 92: 7 the Great tribulation is OVER. God's Kingdom is the place where the 'sheep-like' true Christians are Matthew 25: 31, 34 from the arrival of Christ 'in power and great glory' Matthew 24: 29. 30 This comes with the sunrise Malachi 4: 2, which is imminent. Iran bombs Israel Daniel 11: 44, 45. There is a worldwide financial meltdown Psalms 46: 4-6. [If I discuss this matter in full, there is not enough room on this page ] Cheers! Kay.
Luke 13:28 “There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God, but you yourselves are cast out.”
I'm really looking forward to seeing this episode! I just now got done watching the " what is heaven really like" and I just love! How it was explained and put together. I love all of your Videos! All of them are so informative.. I just sent the reminder you have here to remind myself when it will be airing 😊 thank you again so much for everything you and your Team do for us all! Much love & thanks! 🙏🌈
The comments here are mostly wonderful. I love sensing the sheer relief in folks when the ES texts about the nature of God's love are relayed. A secondary and somewhat distressing reaction arises from those who can't fathom a God who doesn't have a mean streak. I love the patient and kind answers y'all leave for us all . Paz y luz. 🐾💫🙏💜
Thank you for this beautiful show and explanation! Concentrating on God is the solution, God works through a lot of situations and people and always surprises, I thank him deeply for that. Be blessed by the name and blood of Jesus Christ, amen.
Hi Alÿce -- This music, like most of our music, is created by our friend Reade McCardell. Unfortunately, the only way to access his music for our shows is to watch our shows! For now, anyway -- we may have opportunities for access in the future.... Thanks for asking!
I dreamed of visiting hell once and the angle that accompanied me told me when in a cavern overlooking a lake of fire full of people that no one brought them here. After watching your video I now have a better understanding of my dream and freewill.
I love how you present the topic and learning from them is so crucial to our understanding. It doesn't have to be scary or any having to fear. But when we are armed with true wisdom, we know we have nothing to fear.
Please watch "23 Minutes in Hell by Bill Weise" for TRUE Biblical account of Hell. This Swedenborg rubbish preaches sugar to the ear. There is a reason Satan is called the father of LIES!! Dont be deceived. Be informed!
Hello Friends, I like the way this show demonstrates that Hell is not the dark pit of eternal damn nation that many people believe it is. I think is was also interesting, that God does not put us in hell, we place ourselves there instead. I think this serves to rebuke the myth about God being angry and vengeful God to rest. We control our fate based on how we chose to act. A very positive message even about hell. Good show. Thank you!!
It sounds like this episode helped cement for you some important clarifications about the nature of hell. That's awesome, Randy! From my understanding of Swedenborg, anyone in hell who desires to enter heaven may be granted the chance by God -- but when you commit to entering hell, you fully buy into the reality there which is all about selfishness. For those in hell that experience heaven, it becomes toxic and they quickly leave. The idea of heaven for them is appealing, but the reality of heaven -- mutual love and usefulness towards others -- that's a hard pill to swallow. What do you think?
Thsnks guys, i was just thinking an email soul might grow tired of hell and evolve to something better, but I see your point, souls in hell are driven to hell by their selish desires. Nice to know God leaves some breathing room. Thanks fot insight. All best Guys.
@@randydiluzio8269 One thing for certain is that if there ANY desire AT ALL for anyone, human on earth or spirit in the afterlife, to progress toward the life of heaven, God will provide a way. Because God wants nothing more than to bring everyone into heaven!
Ooof this has video has given me so much relief. I have suffered very badly lately worrying about souls going to hell. The thoughts of everlasting torment and suffering of souls just hurts me so badly and makes me fear God irrationally. God help us that this version of hell is true and their is HOPE even in hells midst. Thank you for this and God Bless you!
"Hope even in hell's midst" -- a great way to put it, Brian. So glad you found some comfort in these ideas. God is Love and Mercy Itself, and would never hurt anyone. In fact, Swedenborg says that God can't even look at us with a frown. God creates us to be angels, and mercifully doesn't MAKE us be angels if we don't want to be -- he gives us the freedom to choose. Wishing you continued healing from the pain and worry of imagining horrible things. Blessings to you!
I share your sentiment emensely.. that you were sympathetic for all the really amazing good hearted people who just don't happened to follow the fundamentalists dogma.. what amazes me is how all these fundamentalists almost seem gleeful when they tell others who don't share their beliefs that they are going to hell.. they do all this as they cult worship Donald Trump. So astonishing.
This is such a fun video, you all did a fantastic job! I first encountered Swedenborg through Kant's "Dreams of a Spirit Seer" and didn't pay any mind until I read "Nothing Dies" by a British philosopher called J.W. Dunne who basically tried to prove his theory of time and oneiric prophecy using quantum mechanics (went a bit over my head in all honesty) but what interested me was J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis wrote of these dream/time theories with a more Christian theological perspective, God being outside of space and time so I guess communicating these events to the dreamer via "angelic messengers"? So now i'm very interested in Swedenborg and here to learn about his work! I'm really enjoying this channel, thank you for all the content.
Hi neoprincess, thanks for trying us on! I'm so glad you're enjoying the content! Maybe you'd like some of our episodes that sort of outline a little about Swedenborg's history and worldview as you delve into these ideas! Here are a few I would suggest to get you started: For a short introduction to Swedenborg, see "Who Was Swedenborg?" swedenborg.com/emanuel-swedenborg/about-life/ Here's another short clip about Swedenborg's concept of the afterlife, "What Are Heaven & Hell?" ua-cam.com/video/cCizOSUw6yw/v-deo.html Here is a full length introduction episode called "Swedenborg 101: The Basic Nature of Everything." ua-cam.com/video/3Q14EcEwQVQ/v-deo.html Let me know what you think!
@@offTheLeftEye Thank you for such a helpful reply, I'll watch those right away and then watch everything else you've made, too! I already have a swedenborg foundation "sampler" book, which I'm enjoying but quickly realised it's definitely not some pop philosophy or intellectual empty calories! It's tough stuff for me and there's a lot to think about and I have lots of questions, so i'm very thankful for what you're doing on this channel! I'm interested in actually buying and reading through Swedenborg's books (or at least whatever I can get my hands on in england), and I was wondering what order would you recommend reading them in as a beginner? (I've bumbled into this from a sort of calvinistic perspective and noticed predestination was mentioned briefly in your 101 video, too, so I'm sorry for all the questions!)
neoprincess, don't be sorry for asking questions! That's what we're here for! I'm so jazzed you're fired up by Swedenborg, it's a pleasure to talk about this stuff with interested people! My advice is to check out the Swedenborg Foundation's website. They are the place to buy or download books (many of which are available for free download), and they even have a blog post called "Where to Start," here's the link: swedenborg.com/bookstore/where-do-i-start/ Swedenborg is dense, but it's worth the effort (and it helps to have a community to discuss and dissect the information too!). Good luck in your research!
@@offTheLeftEye Wowee that's a helpful link, thanks! You guys are really on the ball, I appreciate all the help. I don't really have anyone to discuss with so I'm thankful for your replies also I hope to catch your live stream soon and join the lovely community you've built here!
I really don’t know how you do it! A presentation style great for children (not my personal favourite) but with content and real-life associations that can speak to the most worldly and experienced adult. So I’m always hooked by your videos!
I am Catholic and we have a tradition to pray for the souls in Hell and purgatory, and I wonder what Swedenborg would say about that practice. Here is one such prayer - O gentle Heart of Jesus, ever present in the Blessed Sacrament, ever consumed with burning love for the poor captive souls in Purgatory, have mercy on them. Be not severe in Your judgments, but let some drops of Your Precious Blood fall upon the devouring flames. And, Merciful Saviour, send Your angels to conduct them to a place of refreshment, light and peace. Amen.
That prayer expresses the kinds of feelings Swedenborg says the angels have toward those in hell and those going through vastations or temptations - loving wishes that they will find relief, improvement, healing and peace!
Please dont be deceived by this! Watch 23 minutes in Hell by Bill Weise. ua-cam.com/video/AKniy8CCKgs/v-deo.html For a TRUE and accurate Biblical account of Hell. There is a reason Satan is called the Father of LIES! Dont be deceived. Be informed!
I crave beauty peace and love. I look forward to a pretty loving place to rest where my body doesn't hurt and can move easily. I also long to be with my family, (only happy) and my pets.
So, if someone like me, who would like to believe, studies the Bible, but just cannot seem to fully believe and struggle with “faith” may not burn in hell even if I’m not a believer? I’m tortured by the fear of not believing vs being banished to hell.
Red Dawn, Swedish scientist and mystic Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772) wrote many volumes after 27 years of direct spiritual experiences, similar to NDEs. The core of what he learned from these messages is simple: God loves us all infinitely, mercifully, and unconditionally, and never banishes ANYONE to hell. What dictates our afterlife is what we loved, how we loved, and what we intended. In other words, what matters MOST is not what you believed, your faith or your labels - but whether or not you were a kind, loving, person, who strives to be a useful, good human being to others, and believes in some kind of greater good. I would say a life like that is a God-driven life, because Swedenborg learned that God IS love. As for hell, people go to hell by their own choice, because it's the place that matches the spiritual state they want to be in. It's full of people who reject God, care more about themselves than others, and focus on material or superficial things, attaining power, or anything that allows them to "succeed" at the expense of or in spite of others. People choose hell because they enjoy their own misery or the misery of others - the punishment is more about the misery they subject themselves to, not God's wrath or judgment. Anyway, that's how I understand it. So whatever you believe about the next life - focus on love, and you will be just fine, no matter what your faith is or isn't. Here are some episodes about faith that might interest you - "Real Faith Is Simply Recognizing That Something Is True," ua-cam.com/video/dAHxkubNzJo/v-deo.html and a short clip, "What Makes Faith Real?" ua-cam.com/video/OBbfOtkdkt4/v-deo.html Let me know how all that resonates with you!
offTheLeftEye Thank you for your thought provoking reply. I cannot say I believe there is a “God” based on some of the stories in the Bible. Just doesn’t seem logical. I believe, well, rather I hope, there is some higher being. But some of the biblical stories are the stuff of fables. They teach good moral lessons, so I see the benefit for parables and teaching purposes but it’s supposed to be true. That is where I am unable to have “faith”. I’ve done a fair amount of reading on many religions. All expect faith. All claim to be the “right” religion. I’m a moral, kind and patient person. I will always follow the good. I am always trying to be a better person. That’s why I hope what you’re teaching is accurate. Because as far as I’ve read and been told by my extended family (uncle/aunt) if I don’t accept the catholic way I am surely going to end up in the hot place.
Yes and man did a horrible job trying to explain himself besides the fact that 2000 years ago he was living in hell himself. We have evolved and moved past all that. We aren't barbaric thinking anymore. Don't worry about your beliefs, the angels straighten you out once you cross that you've just believed in a false night mare.........wake up!!!
amen, brother, I don't have a clue where these wackos came from but we still need to love them and pray for them and their souls. whats bad will become good and what's good will become bad. God shows me more every day.
@@ronaldadamsjr3434 Amen! Very cult like indeed in how they try to exalt Swedenborg's name higher than the name of Jesus. No man knows more than the father. Also disturbing how the "Dr." in this video said not to take the Bible that literal. Satanists will always cover their right eye. It has become a popular symbol in the cult circles of Hollywood, hence the name of this channel "off the left eye". Curtis Childs also worked on a film called Swampfoot. It glorifies "a giant beast and a beautiful mysterious swamp girl."
Jim Crowfeathers Did you also think that off the left eye could also mean uncovering the right eye, we must look at things everyway not just one way. Don’t know if you ever read or watched Dolores Cannon, but she did not believe in hell either she quoted Why would a loving god send he’s own people to hell.If your child dose something wrong would you burn them to punish them. Of course not so it makes sense that you go there by your own choice in life
Great question, Simon! Swedenborg does say hell is eternal, so long as people continue to choose it. Whether people STAY for eternity, I don't know. Swedenborg never gives any account, that I have found, of a spirit leaving hell. However, he does say many things that lead me to believe that any spirit who decides he or she would rather be good and live in harmony with God could have that option. Overall, what Swedenborg learned about God, is that God's Divine Providence is always working to lead us closer to the Divine. ALWAYS. God's love and mercy are infinite and unconditional, and so if we want a relationship with God, at any time, we can have it. Swedenborg also talks about how punishment is only used as a last resort in hell for spirits who cannot learn to change their behavior through any other means. To me, this indicates that the goal of punishments is reformation, to help spirits learn that they can change and become better and thus happier. So personally, I do think that people who want to leave hell can do so, but would need to do a great deal of work to learn how to love God and be of service to others, and this would be difficult for them. But I do not have an explicit example of this in Swedenborg's writings. As for making evil spirits' bad behavior go dormant, God does have the power to change us, but because of His infinite love, He doesn't. He lets us choose what we love and what we want to do. If we lost this freedom to choose our paths, we wouldn't be ourselves at all, but would be more like Robot Angels. Short clips: [this one talks about the purpose of punishment, I think] Can Evil Spirits Be Reborn to have a Second Chance on Earth? ua-cam.com/video/LwBP1XpIdPU/v-deo.html and Is There Suffering in Hell? ua-cam.com/video/xW-7kF3r55w/v-deo.html Full episode: [about how the Lord always leads us to Divinity] Divine Providence ua-cam.com/video/wFuGb3G2ZVw/v-deo.html [why we have to choose between good and evil, and why it's better to not be robots] Why Bad Things Happen ua-cam.com/video/_F3Gokp44Qo/v-deo.html So those are my thoughts. Let me know how that resonates with you!
can spirits of Heaven leave heaven for a short amount of time if they only talk about God all the time and it gets annoying are they allowed allowed to get away from it
Heaven isn't just talking about God all the time, RainbowDragons. It's a vibrant life of doing some useful work, having some recreation, having some home time, community involvement. Here are a couple of videos that paint the picture of what Swedenborg experienced the afterlife to be like. “A Day in the Life of an Angel” - ua-cam.com/video/D3BmPm7DPv0/v-deo.html What Angels Do in Heaven - ua-cam.com/video/P6yYKR_-xkw/v-deo.html
Ya know, RainbowDragons, some people think that is a possibility, in the long haul of eternity. My read of what Swedenborg says is that we don't find our eternal home until we are truly "all one thing" -- that is, all in for love and kindness, or all in for evil and self-centeredness. So we don't even "go to heaven or hell" until we're completely sure about that in our own hearts. That indicates to me that we wouldn't WANT to change. But people point out that God is always loving everybody, and maybe there could be a genuine change of heart down the road.... Thoughts?
Excellent! Lively and well explained with great visuals. But I have two negative points: one is the use of 'her or his' (it brings me up out of the narrative - not least because rhythmically it is clumsy); the other is the music chosen to accompany Hell. Okay - listening to it for an eternity in a lift, say, WOULD BE Hell ;) - but here it seems inappropriate (too light and 'jolly'). These are but my opinions of course. Apart from these two points - I really enjoyed this and trust I can continue to learn to be more Heavenly. I think you've answered a lot of 'our' questions. Thank you once again! And I hope you are fine with me speaking my mind. Cheers.
Tim, of course we’re fine with you speaking your mind! We totally encourage that kind of thing. And your points are well received. I’m glad this episode helped to answer some of your questions!
Great question! Those living in hell find the greatest joy in participating in their evils -- because of that dynamic, they wouldn't necessarily get bored, but most likely try to become better at their craft. What do you think?
Nice to know that hell might not be waiting for all of us ignorant ppl but seriously,..why can't God clarify it to everybody himself ?...lots of pain, suffering and tyranny could be avoided...Why must God rely on "fallible " humans to teach his truths to others.?
These are really important questions. I highly recommend you checking out our episode on "What God Can't Do" for some concrete answers via Swedenborg. ua-cam.com/video/IlXJLOkOi1A/v-deo.html
Please watch "23 Minutes in Hell by Bill Weise" for TRUE Biblical account of Hell. This Swedenborg rubbish preaches sugar to the ear. There is a reason Satan is called the father of LIES!! Dont be deceived. Be informed!
Isaiah 53:5, But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes, we are healed. For salvation, people just need to follow the way they did it in Acts? They were baptized in the water and of the spirit. Here's why! The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. If we are to follow him, we must do the same thing. Death= repentance, Burial = baptism, and resurrection = being filled with the Holy Ghost and rising again from the dead. That's what Acts 2:38 is. We must obey the gospel, 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that OBEY NOT THE GOSPEL of our Lord Jesus Christ... Matthew 7:21-23, Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that DOETH THE WILL OF MY FATHER which is in Heaven. St John 3:3-5, EXCEPT a man be born of WATER AND OF THE SPIRIT, he cannot enter into the kingdom of GOD. We can't come up with our own gospel. Galatians 1:8-9, But though we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. Don't be cursed. One way for all people. Jews, Gentiles, and Samaritan. Our salvation has to match-up with the scriptures and no scriptures on the subject can be taken away. Eternity is TOOO long to be WRONG! st John 5:39, Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. The gospels show what Christ has done on the cross for us. The book of Acts shows us the beginning of Christ's Church and how to enter the Church, obeying Acts 2:38. The letters were written to the Church to show us how to behave now that we are born again into the Church. It's better to walk alone than to walk with a crowd going in the wrong direction. Are we supposed to follow the teachings of the apostles? Acts 2:42, They continued steadfastly in the apostle's doctrines. Ephesians 2:20, We are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone. If you believe in this message, help spread it in the name of Jesus Christ. God bless you!
Hello rossdaboss, thank you for your thoughts and for sharing so much of the Lord's words here! The Lord's love and mercy are for everyone, and the Bible is one excellent way to have a relationship with God and a path to Heaven, although Emanuel Swedenborg was shown that there are many forms of revelation and paths to the Divine, so that all people on earth have the same chance to go to Heaven and be with God, even if they were not exposed to the Bible in particular. Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772) was a devout scholar of the Bible and through spiritual experiences was shown that much of the Bible contains inner meanings that add layers to the spiritual truths of the literal sense. Some quotes below from the Bible tell us these things: “All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them.” -Matthew 13:34 “These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; but the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but I will tell you plainly about the Father.” -John 16:25 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now” (John 16:12). “If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?” (John 3:12). If you are interested in who Swedenborg was, check out this short video "Who Was Swedenborg?" ua-cam.com/video/HEa0e8AcS78/v-deo.html I'm curious, did our episode resonate with you? I would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks for being here, friend!
@C H Thank you for your well wishes. We too read and love the bible, and have asked God for wisdom. The answers he gives us are in alignment with what Swedenborg says and it brings us closer to God. We have no desire to argue with you but we too wish you every blessing on your path. God is leading us all.
Jesus did mention those things, Tess. It's hard for me to imagine that that's what an all-loving God wants for most of us. Our videos are based on the discoveries of the scientist and mystic, Emanuel Swedenborg. He had decades of "near death experiences" and wrote extensively about what he learned. Swedenborg was very devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ, and claims all his spiritual experiences came to him while reading the Word. So he does have a unique combination of spiritual experience, given to him by the Lord and the angels, he claims, and Bible-based teaching -- though he was shown a deeper meaning within the literal sense that is about our own spiritual progress. Here's a short video about him, if you're interested: ua-cam.com/video/HEa0e8AcS78/v-deo.html . And of course, take what you like and leave the rest!
Exactly Tess weeping and gnashing of teeth and the Lake of fire. Curtis what is the lake of fire, I'm only asking for clarification not to create division or disruption
@@donnelladams340 The "lake of fire" is symbolic language meaning the passions of hatred, revenge, greed, etc. that people immerse themselves in. In the afterlife, those passions connect them with similar kinds of people, which makes for a lot of misery, because they all want to hurt each other through arguments, attacks, cruelty, deceit, etc. That misery is being expressed in language like "weeping and gnashing of teeth."
He didn't make it for us. He made it for his devil and hisangels. It wasn't for us,but the devil trick eve to the apple.then we knew knowledge and now we have a choice of hell or heaven . So , hell is real. You're making hell not as scary ,but its going to be way worse how you're describing .
Frankly, just coming to an earthlike setting, stuck in a series of bad jobs and relationships would be hell to me. I think a decent guy doing his best will get into the heavenly realm, how far "up" would of course depend on the karma he generated in life. I surmise that negative spirits play role in everyone's life, and these entities will drop off when a soul passes to the ethereal side, so people aren't influenced to do wrong in heaven.
For those who follow Swedenborg's writings, I wouldn't encourage others to read Dr. Michael Newton's books. Heaven to him is all about unicorns and rainbows for every soul, no matter what life they led, which I found a little too hard to believe as much as I admired Newton's books. I do think Swedenborg is providing an outlook through his own particular filter, which then passes through other filters teaching his work. I say this not for debate, only my opinion. Peace and light.
This was so heavy ! I feel like that is where I am living now... and I’m so terrified of going there after my life here. I don’t go to a good place when I dream, so I definitely have work to do. This was amazing, thank you.
I relate very much to what you are saying, but I actually don't think those fears are grounded in reality. I don't think bad dreams are anything at all to worry about! They are no indication of your spiritual state. We all have work to do and God understands that. I think if you care about whether or not you go to hell, you are already on the right path. Only people who voluntarily reject love and don't want to be in a place of mutual love go to hell. I have those same fears, but I actually I think the evil spirits want to stir up terror of going to hell so that we miss out on the joy and peace God wants us to have. I hope you can find some kindness for yourself, the same way God has kindness for you.
i have to laugh when youtube puts topics like this in my recommended videos....not because im subscribed and of course i wouldnt miss it.....but because they know its important that I KNOW what hell is REALLY like lol .... half laughing...half tightening up my act lol
@@MichelleNagir I'm so sorry for your loss, Michelle. I'm glad you are finding some peace on our channel, and we're here to support you in any way that we can!
I have a question how would we know where we would wind up ? if our greatest desire, and our greatest Love is to be reunited with our parents again, and to also live back together again with our spouse that we had here on earth. This is their greatest love and desire. But on the flip side, they have a general hatred for most people, and do not wish to be around people. But they truly desire to be reunited with their family again and live happily ever after with them. Where would they go to, heaven or to hell ?
That's a challenging question to answer. First, I should start by saying that God desires and is unceasingly working towards your place in heaven. And each day is a new opportunity to embrace His goal for you! I do wonder about your mention of a general hatred for most people. Where does that come from? Looking forward to chatting with you more, Azraelina.
@@offTheLeftEye The hatred has mostly come from being " bullied " all of my life by people. Not only as a child but as an adult as well. Also it has to do with when there are very happy and over joyous people who laugh out loud, the sound of their loud laughter bothers me to the point that I want to kill him, just to shut them up. I have always been introverted all of my life and I am an only child from my now deceased parents. I am not sure if that answers your question about me, but it's how I feel. But I really do not want to go to hell, I want to be together again with my husband and with my parents.
@@azraelinarakoczy7862 I can certainly understand pain that comes from being a victim of bullying. You will not go to hell, but you will need help to let go of that hatred, so that it will not burden you anymore, or block deeper happiness, or hinder your progress toward heaven. I'm sure that both your parents and husband would want you to be free of that burden! Try watching our episode "Rediscovering Forgiveness" and see if there are any helpful ideas there for you.
@Fuck Everybody Good spirits don't mind at all! They are not concerned about hiding anything, and they welcome learning the truth about themselves so that they can understand how to develop and improve. The way everyone looks in the afterlife shows the state of their heart and mind. Angels can look at a person and help them know themselves better. Good spirits know that it is like learning from a doctor what problems are going on in their bodies in order to know how to improve their health. Good spirits want to know what problems there are in their spirits (their hearts and minds) so that they can understand how to improve their spiritual health. Evil spirits don't want their true selves to be seen. They don't want to improve, because they enjoy the thrills of hatred, revenge, greed, deceit etc. and don't want to give them up. The nature of their hearts causes them to look very ugly, and they want to stay in illusion instead of seeing the truth. Evil spirits don't like it when angels look at them, because even though angels only look at people with love, wanting to help, they also see the truth about a person's heart, and evil spirits don't want to acknowledge the reality of the ugliness in their own hearts. Did I understand your question correctly? Did this answer your question?
Superb video, really REALLY enjoyed watching and found it very education. Loving your channel, keep up the excellent work. Liked and subscribed :) Can't wait for the next episode. Best Regards - Neil
I didn't really believe that a loving benevolent God would condemn people to eternal torture. The bible is full of threats of this punishment. I've long suspected that this was put there by religious leaders for the sake of their own agenda. For example. Control over their followers.
Yes, Keith -- that's a long-standing theory about the image of hell: an effort to control the masses. And it does seem to be emphasized by some for that purpose. Swedenborg learned that the Bible's use of terms like "hell" and "death" are about the spiritual states that result when we choose to turn away from God. It's "spiritual death," because there's no love and wisdom present. But it's of our own choosing. The fact that you believe in a loving, benevolent God is a gift -- there are sooo many people who don't! Thanks for joining the conversation!
I agree. If someone was raised without parents, and grew up on the streets, and was taught by the older kids to be a drug dealer at a young age to feed himself. Maybe he owned weapons, bc he was always in danger. Maybe he went to prison young for selling drugs and then he became a dangerous person in prison. Is he evil, or was he conditioned by his difficult life? I believe that Jesus can transform anyone from any background.
Mark 9:43-48 ESV And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’
Hi! I have a question. Im a loving guy with love for humans and animals. But from time to time I also like to go on psycadelic journys. And one time I felt as if I was going to hell for doing drugs. Can this be correct? I was scared to my bones by the thought of goin to hell, becouse I thought I was dead (ego death and no logic/ visuals of physical body). Someting gave me a choice tho, I just had to admit my mistake (taking the LSD in the first place), and then the universe started to laugh and saying it loves me and is giving me a new chance, and that it always does. It told me that it loves me no matter what, and was asking me if I wanted to go back to my life at earth and physical body. And as soon as I told the voice yes, things started to come back and suddenly I was back on the couch. It asked me further what Friends I was with at the time when I took the LSD, and i responded, and then the universe responded and placed everything back to start. The most crazy experience I've had. And I've had a couple! Sorry if my english is bad, it's my second language.
Interesting experience, O. Gkobsen. What determines our eternal spiritual home is WHAT WE CARE ABOUT most deeply. Do we care about other people, or are we totally absorbed with ourselves? Do we want to be helpful to others, or do we just want to control everything? Will we thrive in a community of mutual love and service to others, or will we find that kind of atmosphere oppressive or unbearable? Swedenborg puts a lot of importance in our freedom and our rationality, the two main tools we have for choosing our spiritual path. Anything that impinges on rationality might present some challenges. But it comes down to who we are, deep in our hearts, and whether we want to turn toward God's ways or away from them. And one more thought: Swedenborg learned that the happiness of heaven comes from USEFULNESS to those around us. One choice in our life won't determine our spiritual future forever, but we CAN start practicing in this world to be heaven-like -- helpful, kind, and useful to other people. Just a few thoughts! Blessings to you!
@@offTheLeftEye thank you so much! I viewed a lot of your video's in the last week....very good and informative. I have been in a spiritual battle in the last two years....very interesting ....I understand more now...
@@marijkevandermeer2772 If our videos can help you get more clarity on your own spiritual journey, we are deeply glad! We're here to support you in any way that we can.
Adrian, I agree with Carolyn's response. We are only responsible for the choices and motivations we carry when they are developed in freedom. When our mind has barriers to that level of freedom, the Lord would never assign us responsibility in an eternal sense for any misguidings. We would have the opportunity to be free of those barriers in the afterlife, and make fundamental choices about who we want to become there. Does that make sense?
It most certainly is! At the Swedenborg Foundation website, you can either download free pdf files of Swedenborg's books, or buy printed copies: swedenborg.com/bookstore/swedenborgs-writings/
My take is they haven't interpreted Swedenborg accurately. My personal experience is that there is also another dimension which has not been covered, such as the experience of torment inhabitants have inflicted on others while still alive, which is a powerful torment coming back to them over which they have little control. Some of the torment is that their action cannot be undone. (See my chapter in "Visas of Infinity" - "The Afterlife of a Suicide Somber"). I referred to this aspect in my book as "consequential entanglement", where you become the subject of the pain inflicted on others, because you are suddenly subject to an open system of negative energies against which you have no defenses. The second thing I want to query is the interpretation that in hell everybody looks to each other "normal", which is absolutely not the case. I say this with the uttermost cofindence because I have visited these realms during OBEs and documented these as well. People actually take on the appearance of monsters as described n various forms of disfigurement, and they look like this even to each other, not just to the "angels". I would say that the correct interpretation is that their exterior has been normalized towards each other. It is as if they have grown used to these. Their disfigurements are real, consensually. They are not a pretty sight, not even to each other. I have seen them forming and disappearing. Sadly, I have spend a fair share of time in these dark places and they are not all underground either. I went there to study the underlying psychology taking these people into their hells, while remaining immune and at times invisible to these entities. I think Swedenborg is right though the interpretation is not quite accurate. The presenters in this video doing a great job with their presentation, though thankfully for them they have obviously not first hand experience, so some of their interpretation of Swedenborg's writing are a bit off the mark. But I did enjoy the presentation.
Sounds like you've had some intense experiences, Jurgen! Thanks for sharing your interpretation of these points, and I'm glad you enjoyed the presentation, even if you have different views. We are open to people expressing their different views! Wishing you blessings and safety!
@@offTheLeftEye Thank you for the response. It's such fantastic platform you are providing. I appreciate the work you all put into this, making the work of this great man accessible again to so many for our modern time. Perhaps now could be the time to take into account the testimonies of the many other experiencers who are coming forward in order to firm up the work by bringing into focus a greater consensus, to make it more than an academic or scholary documentation. Swedenborg's documentation relied much on Christian reference system. What else was there at that time? Much of what Swedenborg described are metaphors, like the levels of below, on and above the ground etc. Since the 1700s we had psychology, also the work of the theosophist a hundred years ago, which cannot be dismissed as it supports much of what Swedenborg said. Now, an increasing number of researchers are coming forward widening the field and expanding our knowledge of the greater consciousness. Prof. Dr. Christopher Bache is one of those people obtaining first hand information. There are many others. Although the foundation is doing an excellent job, the right interpretation of the texts could greatly benefit from the additional light shone on the subject by current day experiencers and explorers in addition to the scholars already employed. This is serious work you are doing, thank you. After all, truth and reality knows no bias and consciousness is an ocean of infinite dimensions we are only just discovering after we were limited by dogma and beliefs for so long.
@@jurgenziewe9125 I hear you, Jurgen, and that is a major reason why we are trying to get Swedenborg's writings out there into mainstream conversation, so that people can begin to compare and contrast with other sources of information. Though our main focus has to be researching and sharing what is contained in Swedenborg's books (because there are not many people worldwide doing that) we do have many episodes in our library of videos in which we interview people in the fields of science and psychology, and people who have had direct spiritual experiences. And we always encourage viewers to post their own stories, so that the learning keeps growing. I hope you will feel free to post your own stories whenever you feel so moved! Many people read through the comments.
Please dont be deceived by this! Watch 23 minutes in Hell by Bill Weise. ua-cam.com/video/AKniy8CCKgs/v-deo.html For a TRUE and accurate Biblical account of Hell. There is a reason Satan is called the Father of LIES! Dont be deceived. Be informed!
What about those who are "not good enough for heaven, but not bad enough for hell" go? And even if one goes to hell, what if the person changes their ways? If you can have free will in heaven, but what about in hell? Does hell even have to be eternal?
I think you will like our episode about the World of Spirits, where we work through exactly these things. We take whatever time we need to fully realize what we love the most in life, and what kind of people we want to be and be with - once that process is done, we go to heaven or hell, to the level that suits us. We can take as long as we need to accomplish this! We do have free will - people in hell have free will, but also have limitations. I recall, for example, Swedenborg describing a society in hell that loved to physically beat and torture other people. But they resisted this urge, because they knew if they did it to someone else, than it would be allowed to be done back to them. I suppose the recourse for them was that if one of them couldn't resist and indulged in hurtful behavior, then the rest of them got to do the same back. It's a twisted sort of pleasure, and they have free will to do what they want, but just like in our physical lives, there are natural consequences to our behaviors. See, "How You End Up in Heaven or Hell" ua-cam.com/video/H-wnqBqa6xM/v-deo.html or "The World of Spirits" ua-cam.com/video/qoaPwhzDHWM/v-deo.html for more on those ideas! I hope that's helpful!
Revelation 21: 8 “ But as for the cowardly, the ones without faith, the detestable, as for the murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death”. Matthew 10:28 “ Do not fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell”. Matthew 25:46 “and these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” I do not post this to upset anyone, but to share the light of truth. There is a place with a lake of fire and eternal torment for those dying in sin. I encourage you to have faith in Jesus, who took upon himself the sin of the world. His sacrifice alone brings atonement and eternal life. It is not anything we do but have faith and relationship with him.for “Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so no one can boast,”Ephesians2:9. “God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only son, that whoever BELIEVES IN HIM shall not Perish but have everlasting life”. John 3 vs. 16. “The price we pay for sin is death, but the GIFT of God is eternal life in CHRIST JESUS our Lord.” Romans 6:23 When you confess Jesus as your Lord and Savior you are” BORN AGAIN”. In this new life it does not matter if you are Jew or Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized slave or free,Christ is all that matters., and he lives in all of us.” Colossians 3:11. Jesus said, “ whoever desires to follow me must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me, for whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What does it profit a person if he gains the whole world, but forfeits his soul? What can a an give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man ( Jesus, God in flesh)will come into His Father’s glory with His angels and then He will repay each one according to what he has done”.Matthew10:37-39, Mark 8:34-38, Luke 9:23-27. I say this in love. Confess Jesus as savior. Repent ( which means to be remorseful of sin and to turn from committing sin. Read the Bible. Start in New Testament , which is the Testament of Jesus. Talk to him. ( That is prayer) Love to all. See you on the other side!
Ha ha, is that the flashlight Curtis used to see spirits true natures? They come free in the afterlife, Laura! Hard to find them here unless you have friends who are also animators... (=
What is your opinion of Dantes vision of hell? My friend who thinks Dante also had Divine revelation says that it was so but his work is not as accurate as Swedenborgs ...
Interesting question, yellow. I read Dante's Inferno many years ago, and I remember feeling like there were a lot of parallels with Swedenborg's description, though I'm afraid I can't recall the details at this point. What do you think of the comparison?
@@offTheLeftEye What I think is that Dantes poetry showed some things not quite as true as Swedenborg but there is power in his "imagery". And yes clearly if both are Divine revelations they have to be based on truth of some level ,depending on the understanding of the person having the revelation- in this comparison Dante and Swedenborg.
Good question, John. Thanks for asking it! Swedenborg learned that hell is made up of a whole crowd of people who have chosen to disconnect from God. He called these people satans and devils. This is one way in which his take on Scripture diverges from a traditional interpretation commonly based on a literal reading of the text. "Is the Devil Real?" ua-cam.com/video/ljR4_gs0Tek/v-deo.html "Angelic Love, Dialogue, and How to Chase Away Devils" ua-cam.com/video/_L6r6ujjCew/v-deo.html "It is Damaging to Take the Bible Literally" ua-cam.com/video/g2HMeLVgRI4/v-deo.html
Thanks for your effort to give us better understanding of what hell is like. Just curious if Swedenborg say how each monstrous looking spirit such as faceless represents. How come some people with ghost eyes can see them in the physical world as they are supposed to be in their hell? For spirits going into heaven, does it mean they cannot be seen by the people with ghost eyes?
Thanks, fooklamtsang, for letting us know you appreciate some different perspectives on hell. Your questions kind of stump me though -- sometimes Swedenborg comments on why spirits look the way they do, and sometimes he doesn't go into detail. You might enjoy reading the book "Heaven and Hell" or even searching for "evil spirits" or something like that on newchristianbiblestudy.org. The term "ghost eyes" doesn't ring a bell for me -- was it used in this video? If you can point me to a time stamp, I can perhaps jog my memory! ~Chara
@@offTheLeftEye When I said people with ghost eyes, I mean medium who can see ghosts. It’s not any term mentioned in the video. Sorry for the confusion. I wonder if those monstrous looking spirits can come out from hell freely as they wish while the medium can see them. What do you think?
I trust that God keeps monstrous beings and evil spirits safely out of reach. He protects us from harm and as it says in the bible "Love never sleeps". I do not know much about mediums, though or their abilities. Here is a video about Is Everyone a Child of God? which explores some of these questions. ua-cam.com/video/9bAzAF-PZcY/v-deo.html Thanks for the conversation, fooklamtsang.
I would say that at any moment we can choose to serve others or to serve the self, just as we make those choices right now. Staying on either path would lead one far away from where they started.
Earth is what hell is being referred to by Swedenborg jesus etc serve others now on this Earth for second coming 12steps surrender,dont waste your time with these muppets read my comment at top channelled directly from Swedenborg himself xxx love n light @@openrealm
Really ? that's your choice I thought most people on a channel such as this would believe god and divine creatures not choose to believe people satan n such who have been to hell???,bit harsh, is it not !@@lindalai9092
That's a great question, Mary! The Lord provides opportunities for spirits in hell to experience heaven if they want -- but it is a matter of whether or not that spirit can truly be happy in a place where selfishness does not exist, and mutual love reigns. But the Lord's love and mercy is always extending to those in both heaven and hell.
I'm afraid I don't know of any examples of the top of my mind, Aa A, and a brief search through Swedenborg's writings on newchristianbiblestudy.org didn't yield much (you are welcome to go look there though!). Something that comes to mind, though, is that in the afterlife, Swedenborg talks more about being useful. I think trying to imagine specific "jobs" keeps us earth bound, and I'm not sure that what we think of us as jobs here translate literally into the spiritual world. What I do know carries over is the idea of being useful, of making a contribution; and that what we do there reflects what we love more authentically than we could imagine here! So I tend to imagine our time spent with things that reflect our talents and interests, that benefit others, so that may be like a job here or it may be something different. Since people in hell don't value what is useful, they may play a part that they didn't choose or intend, with the Lord's guidance. For example, Swedenborg says that evil spirits who make our lives challenging actually serve a vital use. Without them, we would never know what it is in us that needs work -- we would believe ourselves perfect were we not shown the truth, which is that we all have room for growth and improvement! Evil spirits can reveal this very effectively! See our episode, "Despair Can Be Helpful" ua-cam.com/video/k-pCXSzSp_w/v-deo.html for more! I wish I had some more specific examples, but I hope that this is useful to you! God bless!
I love your channel and I feel I'm hearing truth. A question I have is the passage in the Bible where the rich man is in hell and Abraham (I think) was looking down from heaven at him..he asked Abraham for a few drops of water and to contact his family and tell them not to come to hell..can you explain...if hell is not fire then why this passage?
Hi Susanna! So glad it resonates with you - and great question! I don't recall that passage number but I did a little research into "hell fire" and "burning" generally in Swedenborg's writings. Here's what I found in the book "Secrets of Heaven" (called "Arcana Coelestia" in Latin) about a similar passage: §10038. "....The reason why 'being burned with fire' means being consumed by the evils of self-love is that that love consumes every good or truth of faith. Scarcely anyone at the present day knows that self-love does this, nor consequently that this love constitutes hell with a person and that it is what should be understood by hell-fire." Further, he adds that "There are two fires of life that exist with a person; one is self-love, the other is love to God. Those in whom self-love predominates cannot be governed by love to God, for those loves are opposites." And explains that broadly speaking, fire is what we love: "Anybody who stops to reflect may know that everyone's love is the fire of his life - for without love there is no life, and the character of the love determines that of the life - and therefore that self-love gives rise to evils of every kind, doing so in the measure that he has only himself in view, that is, self-love reigns in him." Hell fire really refers to hellish loves, which, being obsessive, addictive cravings, consume the people who chase them. Those are just excerpts, but you can read more here: newchristianbiblestudy.org/exposition/translation/arcana-coelestia-elliott/ex-29/100380 I'm guessing the story you refer to is Lazarus and the Rich Man, from Luke 16? I found some commentary on that from Swedenborg, in the same book, §1861:12 (again I have just extracted some of the whole section, but the link is below if you want to read the whole thing): "...These references show what hell-fire is, that it is nothing other than hatred, revenge, and cruelty, or what amounts to the same, self-love, which passes into such a visible form. As long as a person is in his bodily life, no matter how different his outward appearance might seem to be, he cannot be seen by the angels, when they look at him closely, in any other way than this; that is, his hatred is not seen by them except as 'flaming torches' nor the falsities coming from it except as 'smoking furnaces'." Further down, he quotes from Luke 16 as an example: " 'Send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am tormented in this flame.' (Luke 16:24). Here the meaning is similar. People who have no knowledge of the arcana [secrets] of the Lord's kingdom imagine that the Lord sends the wicked down into hell, that is, into the kind of fire which, as has been stated, is the manifestation of hatred. But the truth of the matter is altogether different, for it is the person himself, or the devil-spirit himself, who casts himself down. Yet because it appears as though the Lord casts down, it has been spoken of in the Word in that way - according to the appearance, indeed according to the illusions of the senses. This was especially necessary with the ancient Hebrews, who were totally unwilling to accept anything if it did not coincide with their own sensory perceptions, no matter what illusions these might entail." newchristianbiblestudy.org/exposition/translation/arcana-coelestia-elliott/gen-15/18610 Swedenborg describes people in hell as wanting to be there - loving the atmosphere of hell, in fact. It suits them, it contains what they want for themselves. So, the idea that the rich man is begging Abraham to warn his relatives is met with little enthusiasm from Abraham, who tells him "they have Moses and the prophets, let them read them." He's not being dismissive - he's acknowledging that some people don't want to find the truth, and their lives represent this. They have access to good things, but don't love them. Those teachings, therefore, are meaningless. If Lazarus did indeed visit these rich men, at best he would force them to believe, which is a faith based on fear and not on love. As such, they would never retain it given the choice. True faith is based on love, and embracing ideas of spirituality into one's heart and mind. Fear-based faith is just a survival skill, employed when necessary but without care or sincerity. At worst, the men would simply rationalize the vision of Lazarus as an anomaly or coincidence, and thus ignore it altogether. So hell fire truly is a burning love for hellish things, which is what the people in hell want for themselves. For more on this, see "Evil Rejects God's Protection from Hell" ua-cam.com/video/NGGvOYLHiHc/v-deo.html or, "The Good Thing About Hell" ua-cam.com/video/EpCWOpiTVds/v-deo.html I hope that makes sense! Let me know what you think!
@@offTheLeftEye Thank you so much for this in depth info..I would have to agree. God is pure love and does not want anyone to be in hell. People chose this path...it is having a reprobate mind as the Bible talks about. Those people have crossed a line and are not likely to return although God keeps trying. God is orderly..on earth as in heaven. So many things are becoming more clear for me now. Blessings to you all
Thanks for your help to bring about deeper understanding of such an important subject as this. May God to bless you for your efforts in revealing the truths discovered by Swedenborg. These are desperately needed by so many people!! 😔 Love to all of you ....❤️
Please watch "23 Minutes in Hell by Bill Weise" for TRUE Biblical account of Hell. This Swedenborg rubbish preaches sugar to the ear. There is a reason Satan is called the father of LIES!! Dont be deceived. Be informed!
Did this video not include any references, Necroman? Here is a video with some in it. ua-cam.com/video/gSLNZrNv4oA/v-deo.html Also you can download the book Heaven and Hell from our website, www.swedenborg.com. We are glad you want to hear the scriptural support. Here is a list of wonderful videos that depend entirely on biblical quotes, and are offered in harmony with Swedenborgian ideas. spiritandlifebiblestudy.com/
Well, there are many different branches of Christianity, and the views can be different. Here is a Wikipedia page describing some of those views: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_views_on_Hell In this video that you are commenting under, we are sharing a Swedenborgian perspective on hell. Did you have a chance to watch it? If so, we would love to know how that compares to your own beliefs!
Hi, Ken! I understand your concern and hear in your tone a fierce love and loyalty to the Bible. On our channel we too believe it is the source of divine truth from the Lord, Jesus Christ. We also firmly believe that in order not to misinterpret its truth, we need an aid to understand the deeper layer of meaning available to us under the literal words. Jesus himself teaches us that there is more to learn beyond words: "All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them.” -Matthew 13:34 “These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; but the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but I will tell you plainly about the Father.” -John 16:25 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now” (John 16:12). “If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?” (John 3:12). “To you it’s been given to know the mysteries of God’s kingdom, but to the rest, in parables, so that seeing, they would not see, and hearing, they would not hear” (Luke 8:10) “Our competence is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of letter but of spirit; for the letter kills, but the spirit gives life.” (2 Corinthians 3:5-6) “Give ear, my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old” (Psalm 78:1-2). If you would like to learn more about how Swedenborg read and understood the Bible, check out this short clip, "It Is Damaging To Take The Bible Literally." ua-cam.com/video/eXUXZ8BigDk/v-deo.html Or this episode at minute marker 1:55: "There is a Science to Your Connection to Heaven" ua-cam.com/video/HNZNOMH4_DE/v-deo.html We share this information for anyone who is interested, but we also respect that everyone is on their own spiritual path, and in their own relationship with the Word and with God. We respect your right to decide for yourself whether to accept what Swedenborg learned, or not. Thank you for sharing your perspective on all this, and we are wishing you well!
I have just 1 question. Is it possible for a person to leave hell and return to heaven if they think they dont want to be in hell anymore. Please reply. I never really liked the idea of a eternal hell even if its not full of constant torture. Edit: Like the story of Howard Storm and other negative NDE survivors. They were saved as soon as they asked God to help them. So is this possible or once you get to hell you are stuck there??. Pleas help me clear my doubts and misconceptions 😔. I will be greatful.
Thank you for the question, Atri. The idea rests on there not being enough opportunity in this life to freely choose. Our understanding is that God gives each of us a lifetime of chances to want goodness. It is not the result of a single mistake. Over and over and over we have to repeatedly refuse love, and reject God to end up in heaven. Yet your question comes from mercy, and God is a God of absolute mercy. If it helps you to hold hell that way, perhaps that makes sense. These are questions that will unfold in the afterlife. Love God as you understand him to be. Believe that people can change. Above all, make those loving choices yourself now, over and over.
Swedenborg's description of the hells still leaves a lot of question marks, I think. According to him, what largelly makes the hells hellish is the wish of all the inhabitants to come out on top and the hatred they feel towards anyone who stand in their way, or in other words, everyone else. This seems to fit the character description of someone who we perhaps might call an extroverted narcissist, but what about all the other kinds of evil that exists? I'm thinking mainly about those obsessed by perverse forms of lust. Such people don't necessarily feel a compulsion to rage against others, to win at every cardgame or to hurt anyone (at least not non-conseually). On the contrary in most cases. But obviously, they still don't belong in the heavens since they are driven by a compulsive wish to indulge in sin and wrongdoing for the sake of pleasure. Are there other kinds of hells for these people? On a second note, I really don't understand what Swedenborg means by the word "falsity". What does it mean to have a love of what is false? I don't get it.
I really appreciate your thoughtful inquiries! Swedenborg actually reported 3 different levels of hell, each distinct from one another in the quality of selfishness exhibited by the inhabitants there. Point being, hell is organized by the type of evil that people love there. There are communities that form based on certain lusts, and others based on certain desires for power or control of others. Here's a short clip that briefly outlines these levels: ua-cam.com/video/sSOOUPPGXJs/v-deo.html
@@somerandomvertebrate9262 You're very welcome! Oh, and regarding that question about what Swedenborg means by the word "falsity" - think in terms of deceit and justifications. Loving lies because lies can be used to manipulate people. And loving false information that justifies negative and harmful ways of life.
Hi, Mary! I happened to send you a link on this very topic! I hope you find it useful! In the meantime, here's a tidbit. Swedenborg says that some people are taken right into heaven or hell because they need no sorting process to discover their true home; they already know. Most of us need more time to learn in the World of Spirits, up to what may feel to us like 30 years in the world.
The perpetual question, C X! Swedenborg says that we don't go to our eternal home until we are THOROUGHLY "purified," choosing the atmosphere of heaven (love and kindness and helpfulness) or the atmosphere of hell (self-absorbed power struggles and cruelty) -- implying that we have every chance to change our mind along the way, but when we make the choice, that's our choice. Our deepest loves draw us to the place for us. And you can see the mercy in that: if people can't stand to be in the love and light of heaven, they have somewhere else to be! But it's something people debate, because God is Love and eternity is a reallllllly long time! Our channel's mission is to share what Swedenborg learned on these spiritual topics, and the above idea is what I see as his main message, but there are a few statements that indicate there may possibly be some movement at times. The main thing is, God created all of us for heaven, because he loves us all, but he lets us OPT OUT, if that's what we really want. God doesn't throw anyone into hell -- we ourselves dive in whole-heartedly, if that's our choice. And we don't make that final choice till we're COMPLETELY clear about it. So.... would we WANT to repent and choose love instead, down the line? I don't know. What are your thoughts?
@@offTheLeftEye This along with all the other afterlife questions are always hard to venture a guess, as we are not wise enough to know the real answer. I know one of the things that keep people from Christianity is the concept of eternal hell/punishment for bad deeds done in a finite lifetime. Seems like the eternal punishment does not align with the finite "crime". The God Swedenborg describe is the most kind/merciful deity of all religious teachings, so I would think he is just and would do everything he can to save/bring people to them if there is an inkling of goodness in their heart (similar to Luke Skywalker saving Darth Vader???) So that's why I am wondering for people in hell from their own chosing, would there be a point in eternity that they finally realize they don't want to be in that state anymore, is there a chance for them to truly change their way and leave hell? Otherwise this could imply that people's hearts/soul are eternally set and can't be changed through experience? Looking at this from the other side, would there be a chance for anyone in heaven to grow to be less virtueous and be rejected? (aka Lucifer from the Bible)?
@@08trader great thoughts and questions! Yes, I think Darth Vader's redemption is a great example of what is possible - and yes, an eternally loving Divine Being would surely find a way to help us free ourselves from our misery, if we decide we want lucidity and love in our lives! This is one of my favorite quotes from Swedenborg: "The Lord shows mercy to everyone, loves everyone, and wants to make everyone happy forever." (Secrets of Heaven §904:2) To me - that says it all. "Forever." God will always help us, IF we seek help. But we have to want it! That's what feels true to me, anyway! Swedenborg said that even angels experience ups and downs - although I don't think they ever choose hell after time in heaven (I suppose they could, if they wanted to!). Once in heaven's atmosphere, your downs aren't really too bad, not like the suffering of earth! Check out our episode, "Angels Have Good Days and Bad Days," ua-cam.com/video/PfTKBbXC4NU/v-deo.html for more on that idea. You might also like our episode about Lucifer: "Was Lucifer Really an Angel Who Fell From Heaven?" ua-cam.com/video/V7JMUhYqgHs/v-deo.html Hope that's useful to you!
This is so important, thank you. It took me a while to get over my misconceptions but now I am at peace, thank you Lord Jesus!
"People in hell burn with the desire to punish each other." Mind blow moment here.
Jesus says: "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you..." (instead of: if you burn with desire to punish them), "...your heavenly Father will also forgive you." Matthew 6:14-15
Our heavenly Father never burns with desire to punish us, only we do. And whenever we do, either before or after death, we are in hell.
"But if you do not forgive others their sins..." (if you keep burning with desire to punish them) "...your Father will not forgive your sins." Because he honors my free will to burn.
My wonderful Father wants me to stop burning, and He sends His angels to help me stop. Oh wow. Praise God!
Your message has blown my mind! What a profound series of thoughts, and with such truth! Thank you for sharing this :)
AMEN!! I Do Agree 100% With You. GOD Is Good.
@@offTheLeftEye so when we die do our souls sleep until judgement day. Also is hell a burning place where satan will burn as well.
Wow, thanks for sharing this. Praise God. Amen.
@@donnelladams340 Nope! The video does a great job of explaining. there is also a great video from this channel about Judgement Day that is a very different take.
This honestly gives me so much inner peace. Thank you.
I'm so glad, Lucas! Thank you for watching!
Why?
So excellent. Seems that when looking from the perspective of evil that the limitations appear imposed from the outside, whereas when viewing from a heavenly perspective the limitations on one's self are self-imposed. My favorite part was the comment that we each naturally choose our distance from either polarity.
12 steps surrender suffering you are on the right path
Wonderfully stated, Open Realm! Thanks for being here with us :)
This is a great episode. Still, I like every episode and look forward to each and every one. I understand this way of thinking. The discussion prompts me to examine myself daily. God holds my hand daily; otherwise, I would be completely lost. When I see rageful people, I know they are under attacks from hell. When you become aware as to where chaos and selfishness comes from, you want God leading you and not the stupidities of rage, anger, deceit, all of which, are hate.
I really like the way you frame this, Helene. And your statement about God holding your hand daily really resonated with me, too. God bless you!
Gen-X Ennial that’s one of the best assignments one can put oneself to 👍 Respect.
Please watch "23 Minutes in Hell by Bill Weise" for TRUE Biblical account of Hell. This Swedenborg rubbish preaches sugar to the ear. There is a reason Satan is calles the father of LIES. Dont be deceived. Be informed.
@@phillipmoolmannewinchrist4708 yes. Sounds like a cult waiting to be formed. What about Jesus? Why did He sacrifice his life? What about "absent from the body, present with the Lord"? Where do mercy and forgiveness fit in? Sorry, but this is major heresy.
Some spirits choose to go to hell but is there still hope for them to change their behaviour and love of falsity and be moved to heaven I hope so . Jesus visited hell and saved many souls . I hope this is still happening now
Jesus visited hell because he lived there ...its Earth the many souls were the 10,000 followers heaven is right here right now, go within surrender , love and light to you all xxx
@@allieknox1622 I think it was in reference to this verse 1 Peter 3:18-20
Captain Zane yes it was thank You for noticing that
Margaret, the Lord always provides opportunities for spirits in hell to experience heaven -- but it is rather a matter of whether or not that spirit can truly be happy in a place where selfishness does not exist, and mutual love reigns. But the Lord's love and mercy is always extending to those in both heaven and hell.
Jesus did not visit hell and save people in hell this is misinterpreted this is talking about the people who perished in the flood of Noah_ Noah was preaching to these people for 120 years that it took him to build the Ark, they saw what Noah was doing that was a witness in itself that there was a judgment to come , but and also Noah in the Spirit of Jesus Christ preached to these people this is what it meant that Jesus preached to the people that are in hell.
But Jesus did go through an Eternity in hell whilst He was on the cross for 3 hours from 12 noon to 3 p.m. (Christ could do this because He was from eternity past present and future)
it was dark all over the land and Jesus cried out "'my God, my God, why have you forsaken Me" _ can you imagine God forsaken God?
God the Father could not look upon Sin, and Jesus bore all of our sins in His body on the cross, He had no sins of himself this is how He could have done this.
❣🌿
people in Hell have no way of escaping hell and they are without excuse.
Qhen we all stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ there will be no excuses.
Jesus said, "' if I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin."'
God tells us through Paul in the Book of Romans _ " the wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them.
For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities_ His eternal power and divine Nature_ have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, So That Men Are Without Excuse." ☞📖 the Word of God the Holy Bible is the voice of God in a book given to us_ "men of old wrote as God the Holy Spirit carried and move them to write."
This was SO informative and wonderfully done. Extremely appreciate you all putting this together for us. Love you ALL...❤
Your message made my day! I'm thrilled to hear that this was helpful to you, Donna :)
I love you too Donna because you are a beautiful child of God
Listened to this again....my first item of "to do" in my quest to improve my inner self. The health of our souls is dependent upon the health of our hearts and minds. For these things, we open ourselves to God. Wishing you all great joy and happiness today and everyday.
We sure love how you express things, Helene. “The health of our souls is dependent upon the health of our hearts and minds.” So true!!! Wishing you much joy and happiness, too. God bless!
I love the opening going through all the phases of life
Thanks for letting us know, Mary! I too was moved by that after our team created it.
Where does this information come from? These ideas, what is the source for them?
Hi there! Here's a short video explaining where this info comes from...let me know what you think! ua-cam.com/video/HEa0e8AcS78/v-deo.html
Exactly!
Emanuel supposedly had psychic powers. Mouth to mouth was 1st done in 1740 when he was still alive. I wondr if he got the info from resuscitated people.
In present times someone had a near death experience n said God doesn't judge u, u judge yourself. Emanuel said the same by sayin you're drawn 2 heaven or hell. Dr. George Ritchie had an NDE in present times n said there r different hells like Emanuel.
IF it is not from LORD GOD is from the Fallen One.
"He has never obeyed the truth. There is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his natural language. He does this because He is a liar. He is the father of lies." John 8:44
Please watch "23 Minutes in Hell by Bill Weise" for TRUE Biblical account of Hell. This Swedenborg rubbish preaches sugar to the ear. There is a reason Satan is called the father of LIES!! Dont be deceived. Be informed!
What about what “God” says(the Bible) instead of what “man” says(Swedenborg)?
Great question! Swedenborg was a devout reader of the Bible, and believed his works were showing the rest of us what he learned to be the inner meanings contained in scripture! It sounds a little crazy, we know, so we have an episode that explains more about who Swedenborg was and how he came to have his spiritual experiences, "Was Swedenborg Crazy?" ua-cam.com/video/K_ZP30NFYf8/v-deo.html
the Bible tells us it contains an inner meaning, and here are some quotes that indicate this: “All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them.” -Matthew 13:34 “These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; but the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but I will tell you plainly about the Father.” -John 16:25 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now” (John 16:12). “If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?” (John 3:12).
If you would like to learn more about how Swedenborg read and understood the Bible (what it meant to him) check out our episode, "What the Bible Is," ua-cam.com/video/v0mE8IDLynE/v-deo.html
And finally, Swedenborg was shown that there are many ways we can connect with God and many legitimate forms of revelation here on earth in addition to the Bible, and that there are many different faiths coexisting in heaven. Check out, "The Spiritual Reality Behind All Faiths," ua-cam.com/video/Y-US1qib37g/v-deo.html
The writings of the Bible were written by several men, claiming that they were inspired by God/Highest Power. (A lot of writings were omitted from the canon, because those didn't fit the thinking of other men who came many years after them.) Swedenborg claimed inspiration by God, too. This is no different. All these different ways of thinking about afterlife is BELIEF until we leave this earth and find out the truth. No one really knows what happens until they "die."
Man wrote the bible to control man many centuries ago. Jesus in a channeling said 80 % of it is inaccurate. He came to teach love and forgiveness and about the next life and to move on past religion.
If near death experiences n Swedenborg r sayin the same thing then that is what we can believe. One person who had an NDE said God doesn't judge you, you judge yourself. Swedenborg said when u go 2 heaven or hell God doesn't send u there you're drawn there.
Dr. George Ritchie talked about different kinds of hells. Swedenborg said there r different kinds.
Actually about what Dr. George Ritchie said.... he described the hells he saw as different than Swedenborg but they were different kinds. In two videos Swedenborg talks about reuniting..."What happens immediately after you die - Swedenborg & Life" n "5 Reunions in the afterlife" both by Offthelefteye. I know of a few near death experiences where this happened.
I keep coming back to this masterpiece. Thanks a lot guys!
You're welcome, Leah! So glad it keeps feeding you!
I heard no mention of Jesus being the only way to God, the truth and the life, maybe I skipped over that part?
Hi Knowing THE TRUTH! We share your reverence for Jesus! Please see my other response to this same question you posted elsewhere. Hope it clarifies some things!
I think this is a very useful episode. I think it will help dispel fears in a lot of people's hearts and minds. I really like the idea that resisting the temptation to fall into self serving actions can help mitigate the suffering in hell. I have had dreams where I was entrenched in rage and couldn't pull myself out of it. It's such a terrible feeling. I feel a lot of pain for the people in hell who are constantly feeling horrible like that, even though they are choosing it freely. I guess it's like a parent watching their child head down a destructive path. Even if that's what the child wants, it grieves the parent. If I feel that grief, imagine how much more the Lord must feel it.
Your reflection is both valuable and profound, Nadine. Thank you for being willing to share these thoughts with us :)
How often do we choose to stew in rage, hatred, jealousy, etc...even though it makes us miserable? People choose hell all the time while on Earth. Why would it be any different after death?
Amen, Chris Shupe. We have to choose to avoid those feelings - that is choosing heaven. You might like this clip, "How to Connect With God When Hell Feels Closer," ua-cam.com/video/nHHEsvydkE4/v-deo.html for some tips on getting out of Hell's Stew!
@@offTheLeftEye awesome, thanks!
I became interested in an FBI memo 6751 dated 1947 describing Tala & Loka planes. It was identified as Brahmanical literature concept. It said that there were 7 "Earths" all nested, comingled and interpenetrating. That concept took a few months to "simmer". Then amazingly I became able to identify what Tala (more material) or Loka (more spiritual) plane anyone I met was actually associated with. We see each other outwardly but the inner state of being is knowable. I only identify 7 Tala planes (but others my have up to 9) and 14 Loka planes. It is an amazing perspective.
Fascinating, Jahlea. Never heard the terms Tala or Loka before, but I certainly resonate with the concept! it does seem to me that we are a complex mix of material and spiritual, each in an individual way. Thanks for adding to the conversation!
THANK YOU so much for this wonderful video! It's a relief to see it, and you both state these teachings so beautifully! Having been brought up in a fundamentalist church where even bad thoughts could constitute infractions bad enough to "be thrown into Hell," it lifts a heavy burden of fear to hear these explanations! Unfortunately the fear card is used in almost every category, and I've concluded that it's for the purpose of power and control. And if God is Love, He would not delight in punishing people, but in bringing them to His love. The false teachings using fear have done damage to a lot of people; I've seen it in my own family. In fact, I read in a book about The Four Agreements recently that fear is the King of the Underworld. Many, many thanks! P.S. I also loved the visuals!
That's why we're so passionate about these teachings -- they reconcile some harmful labels people have put on God: that he is angry, judgmental and will damn you to hell. This couldn't be further from the truth! God is smiling at you, my friend. He is patient and doing whatever He can to bring heaven into your heart, while respecting your freedom to choose Him or not. May each day bring you more clarity on His unceasing love for you.
Swedenborg's writings, even on hell, give me a sense of a God that is fair and patient and smart and strong. This hell makes sense to me, and this video is so well made and entertaining. Can't wait for #WhatTheHeaven
Totally agree :)
I'm so glad these teachings on hell and also God make sense for you, Terra Ray! You rock :)
Absolutely God is fair true loving and severe
@Kaushik Bardhan Yes, absolutely! Read Matthew 25:31-46. Jesus is saying that everyone who reaches out to help others is connecting with Him, and connecting with heaven. That goes for people of all earthly religions!
Just read a good translation like YLT. you will find complete expression without Swedengorganism as an influence. Swedenborg's concepts can cause one to become confused with the Bible's message. I have read Swedenborg as a comparison and found this to be a truth.
I love this video. I can see you all put a lot of people and resources together to make this one. Not only that but you are totally organized in your delivery of this important and misunderstood topic. Bravo 👏 Way to go guys! I’m loving it.
We do indeed spend much time and energy into producing these shows -- and it's all in the attempt to spread these revolutionary teachings! I'm so glad you've found resonance with them -- may they bring more love into your life, and give you a better sense of God's unceasing love for you!
Not only that it falls in line with what NDE'S report. Thats huge confirmation.
Please watch "23 Minutes in Hell by Bill Weise" for TRUE Biblical account of Hell. This Swedenborg rubbish preaches sugar to the ear. There is a reason Satan is calles the father of LIES. Dont be deceived. Be informed.
@@phillipmoolmannewinchrist4708 your right, nothing in this video is true.hell is the place of burning in fire eternally
@@offTheLeftEye 99
Swedenborgs description makes sense and is making my existential dread of life and how I’m living and how it will effect me in death. Now I’m like just love myself and my kids and be happy and when I die I’ll be okay still :-) I’m so happy right now yall
What a relief, eh, Lily? Yes -- just going through life looking to be loving and kind is a good path to walk, even if we sometimes make mistakes. On the other side, we will CHOOSE our eternal home, the place that best fits our deepest motivations and intentions. So we'll be OK, no matter what!
Swedenborg was the first writer who ever gave me a logical understanding of the concept of Hell within the context of a loving God and his plan for humanity. I was blown away the first time I read 'Awaken from Death'.
That’s amazing! His teachings really do reconcile so much, and for so many! I’m truly glad to have you here with us, my friend.
@@offTheLeftEye Thanks! Me too :D
This Video was very interesting however why is their no mention of Jesus Christ as our Savior and only way to escape hell? We don’t get to Heaven by being “good” or by focusing more on the “good”
Being forgiven through the blood of Christ is the only way to Heaven, while the material in this video was great it never mentioned Jesus Christ. That makes me very skeptical of false teaching. I looked up Swedenborg and his biography says he was Christian, which is a follower of Christ...anyone have any thoughts on this?
Hi Lisa! Yes, Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772) was a Swedish scientist and theologian who was raised in the Lutheran tradition. He was a devout reader and scholar of the Bible, called himself a servant of "The Lord Jesus Christ," and claimed his spiritual visions began with a visit from Jesus himself. See this short clip, “Swedenborg’s Bible Vision Explained” ua-cam.com/video/bmxe3DobuAE/v-deo.html or you might like this short clip; “Do You Have To Worry that Swedenborg Might Be A Deceiver?” ua-cam.com/video/oPyoczMgNTo/v-deo.html
Swedenborg's writings are full of Bible quotes to back up his ideas, but we don't always share them in our episodes, because there are so many! If you want to learn more about Swedenborg, check out our short clip here, "Who Was Swedenborg?" ua-cam.com/video/HEa0e8AcS78/v-deo.html
If you'd be at all interested in hearing how the ideas in this show are grounded in the Bible, I recommend the recorded episodes of this Bible study: www.spiritandlifebiblestudy.com/or our episode, "What The Bible Is," ua-cam.com/video/v0mE8IDLynE/v-deo.html
Swedenborg believed in a loving, merciful God, who reveals Himself to people all over the world in different ways, through different paths to the one Divine. This is why Swedenborg wrote, “People born outside the [Christian] church are just as human as people born within it. They come from the same heavenly source. They are equally living and immortal souls. They have religions as well, religions that enable them to believe that God exists and that they should lead good lives; and all of them who do believe in God and lead good lives become spiritual on their own level and are saved” - Emanuel Swedenborg, “Divine Providence” #330, subsection 5c
After 27 years of direct spiritual experiences, Swedenborg came to believe that the most important determinant of our final resting place (heaven or hell) are the intentions that shape our actions - what we love and believe in our hearts, and how that directs our actions. He was actually very critical of the idea of being saved by faith only as opposed to good works - as was Jesus himself, as you can see from the Bible quotes below:
"Judge not, that you be not condemned. Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?" (Matthew 7:1, 3)
The disciple James put it this way: "There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?" (James 4:1)
“And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” (Luke 18:9-14)
“And a certain teacher of the law got up and put him to the test, saying, Master, what have I to do so that I may have eternal life? And he said to him, What does the law say, in your reading of it? And he, answering, said, Have love for the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and for your neighbour as for yourself. And he said, You have given the right answer: do this and you will have life.” (Luke 10:25-28)
The Good Samaritan
”But he, desiring to put himself in the right, said to Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
And Jesus, answering him, said, A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he got into the hands of thieves, who took his clothing and gave him cruel blows, and when they went away, he was half dead. And by chance a certain priest was going down that way: and when he saw him, he went by on the other side. And in the same way, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, went by on the other side.
But a certain man of Samaria, journeying that way, came where he was, and when he saw him, he was moved with pity for him, And came to him and put clean linen round his wounds, with oil and wine; and he put him on his beast and took him to a house and took care of him. And the day after he took two pennies and gave them to the owner of the house and said, Take care of him; and if this money is not enough, when I come again I will give you whatever more is needed. Which of these three men, in your opinion, was neighbour to the man who came into the hands of thieves? And he said, The one who had mercy on him. And Jesus said, Go and do the same.” (Luke 10:29-37)
"Let us love one another, for love is of God, and every one who loves is born of God and knows God. God is love, and anyone who abides in love abides in God, and God in him." (1 John 4:7-11)
Jesus said, "Not every one who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven." (Matthew 7:21)
"He shall reward every one according to his works." (Matthew 16:27)
"Those who have done good," He says, will go "to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation." (John 5:29)
"Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you: depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'" (Matthew 27:22-23, Luke 13:25-27)
Jesus said, "Inasmuch as you have ministered to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me." (Matthew 25:40)
"Though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." (1 Corinthians 13:2)
"Love believes all things." (1 Corinthians 13:7)
"He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God." (3 John 1:11)
Thank you for sharing your concerns! It's so important to look deeper into spiritual content and see if it resonates, and we understand that Swedenborg's message is not for everyone! We wish you well along your journey! God bless. If you do watch any clips, please let us know how they resonate with you!
I apologize for my long questions, I am very interested in this topic, and I am sincerely seeking answers. I really appreciate this video, despite my confusions, this video has sent me a message that is genuinely kind, encouraging, and supportive.
5:33 Can I understand this part as there is no right choice or wrong choice between choosing heaven or hell? To put it differently, if voluntarily choosing hell is wrong, what are the consequences of choosing evil when that person is actually in the place where he or she feels the highest degree of freedom? If a person devotes his or her life into an absolute evil endeavor, wouldn't the final destination of hell be a sort of blessing for that person? 11:31 In other words, what makes the choice of insisting on acting from evil desires a bad choice WHEN that is the ONLY choice that gives the actor pleasure? Although you may say that the bad consequence is that the actor feels he or she is in fire (he or she burns himself or herself by insisting on doing evil), my question remains as to the concern that when a person loves evil, doing good may not bring pleasure to that person, so in this situation, feeling the burn in hell becomes more desirable than going to heaven, where they just simply "cannot stand (5:01)."
So I guess what I am really trying to find out is HOW DOES IT WORK for someone who enjoys evil to TRANSFORM to someone that enjoys love? What kind of rehabilitation will eventually restore the crippled evil soul to a healthy loving soul? What I am afraid of the most is that when evil is a voluntary choice, a natural craving for certain people, a rehabilitation for them seems to be a torment against their free will, so for them, the invitation from heaven paradoxically becomes a curse from hell, and it seems unfair for them to have the natural craving for evil to begin with. I know your response here is that they should blame themselves for choosing evil to begin with, but I am more curious about how god can help them to let go their cravings for evil. In addition, if god can in fact help them to eventually let go their evil desires, why god has not acted earlier to prevent them from choosing evil in the first place?
Thank you!
Hi Siqi Xu! I appreciate your questions, and thank you for kindly including the links to the part you were wondering about! Saved me a lot of time! I have a long answer to you, I hope that's okay!
So, I think it’s fair to say that choosing hell is DEFINITELY the wrong choice. Hell is, basically, the absence of God. This means the absence of love, the absence of joy, the absence of community and harmony. It is like an addiction, or as Jonathon puts it, “cravings.” People choose it, it may be the happiest they can be - or perhaps better stated as most aligned with what they prioritize and want for themselves. But it’s not a happy state, it’s not a loving state. It’s pretty miserable.
You are correct, though, that it is a blessing. It doesn’t sound great to me, (at least I hope not!), but there are those who repeatedly make evil choices in life, distancing themselves from the love of God and of others. It’s truly what they want. So hell is the place where they can be themselves, and be in freedom to live the way they want to.
Their misery comes from the fact that they are limited from fully pursuing what they love - because the Lord does not let people in hell destroy themselves or each other, even though they want to. So they experience those limitations that actually keep them alive, but feel very frustrating and unpleasant to them.
The fact that they reject God or what God is (love and wisdom) and still get to exist away from God is a mercy from God, because God’s love is infinite and unconditional. If God did not put limits on them, they would reject God so much that they would cease to exist, for God is the essence of all things and without God we cannot exist at all.
Swedenborg describes the people of hell as insane, and it makes sense. Choosing hell is like saying we don’t want food or water. We can’t exist without them! It would be insane to reject nourishment, and yet spiritually, we can and do!
I love your question about rehabilitation. Swedenborg doesn’t say much about this. He doesn’t have explicit examples of rising up from hell to heaven, and at times even seems to say that hell is eternal. However, he contradicts this in other passages, so we are left in some freedom to ponder that.
What Swedenborg DOES say is that the Lord is constantly, eternally trying to lead us back to Divinity - back to love and wisdom, because the Lord always loves us and wants to bring us closer, so that we can experience that love too! And because Swedenborg is clear that God is love itself, and love can do nothing but love (and therefore forgive, be merciful, be open) and share itself - it stands to reason that any individual who wants to change his or her state of being would have the opportunity to do so, and rise up with God’s blessing!
Swedenborg has also stated in passages that some spirits in hell are punished because it’s the only possible way they can learn and change their behaviors. To me, there’s a clear implication that these punishments are a last resort designed not just as barriers to bad behavior but to help educate people - to show them that their behaviors will only cause them misery, and hopefully they can face that and change their behaviors. So I think even in the afterlife, even after we choose hell, we still have some mercy to make changes.
We did an episode once that I think of often - it was a passage from Swedenborg’s unpublished journal of his visions, “Spiritual Experiences,” in which he witnessed angels reviving a half-dead spirit. There is not much context to this explanation, and the passages around it don’t seem to add any information. But in my heart, I suspect that this poor spirit may have been in hell, and chosen evil so thoroughly that he almost destroyed himself completely (this is the inevitable result of a hellish state of being!). Rather than let him die, the angels were sent by God to save him, and the passage states that afterward, he seemed like a brand new being. I imagine this could be a spiritual second chance? Perhaps because this spirit was so close to death he barely had enough life for free will, saving him doesn’t violate his free will, but instead gives him a fresh start. So God can help us when we are so far gone we couldn’t possibly help ourselves - our minds cannot fathom any other choice and are so poisoned. In a way, we can see this sort of thing in drug addicts who have sought freedom from addiction and found a profound, new vision of life and the world - often with a great deal of hard earned spirituality! They must hit rock bottom before they are willing to ask for or accept help. Seems this happens in the other world as well. I don’t have any solid answers about it, but it’s something I think of often and wonder about. Check it out and tell me what you think. ua-cam.com/video/DagEDAjgrUU/v-deo.html
Finally, Swedenborg also talked of the world of spirits - a place between heaven and hell where we sort through who we were on earth, and through a sort of healing or detox process, we become our most authentic selves. Those of us who had good intentions but bad information will learn good information and make the necessary changes before we move on to heaven, so we can fully be receptive to a heavenly state. Those of us who truly loved evil but pretended otherwise will shed any pretense and become authentically evil before we go to hell. So the world of spirits does seem like another mercy, another chance, where we can face who we are and adjust if possible or necessary. Many people did not get a chance to learn all they needed to, many did not get the love or care they needed and so their choices and lives may not look like heaven - but their hearts may have been doing the best good they were capable of. The Lord can work with any inkling of love in us and bring us as far up in heaven as we are able and willing to go (and spiritual growth is a continuous process even in heaven and hell!).
Here are some episodes about the world of spirits you might find interesting! One short and two long; “Welcome to the World of Spirits,” ua-cam.com/video/8RcfriDRPX4/v-deo.html and full length; “What the World of Spirits Is,” ua-cam.com/video/UQPy8WamcAE/v-deo.html and “The World of Spirits,” ua-cam.com/video/qoaPwhzDHWM/v-deo.html
So I will just finish up by saying, I think there is always hope, and always potential, for us to become better beings, here or in the next life. But it does take a great deal of work, desire, and open hearts and minds from us to be led to love and freedom in heaven! In other words - repentance. [See “Repentance: How to be in Heaven Now” ua-cam.com/video/5_-zxnqG_sg/v-deo.html]. But it seems to me that with God being infinite love, we will have many chances to eternity to rise up and become better people! That's my take!
- Melissa
Please dont be deceived by this! Watch 23 minutes in Hell by Bill Weise.
ua-cam.com/video/AKniy8CCKgs/v-deo.html
For a TRUE and accurate Biblical account of Hell. There is a reason Satan is called the Father of LIES! Dont be deceived. Be informed!
@@offTheLeftEye - you invested a lot of time in this answer Melissa. The folk at OTLE seem to work tirelessly. Thank you.
@@DrumBragg That was from Chara and she is an absolute peach.
@@offTheLeftEye - Great - I also read a long answer from Melissa - my comments are for all of you who do this! :)
Ok, I have a question. Mainly because my daughter says we don't go anywhere when we die until the lord comes back. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
Isaiah 26:19
Can you tell me what that verse means.
I really appreciate your inquiry, Angelina. What Swedenborg observed may be surprising to you! Here's our entire epsiode devoted to exploring the last judgement of the Lord. ua-cam.com/video/1aatSnt0ahc/v-deo.html
amen to be absent from the body is to be PRESENT with the LORD. IF YOU KNOW HIM AS YOUR SAVOR.
@@offTheLeftEye - so often people seem to ask questions, which you take and time and trouble to reply to, and not respond. Not even with a 'like'. Bui you carry on regardless and that is a lesson for us. :)
@@ronaldadamsjr3434 He is our Savior indeed Ronald.
@@DrumBragg Are you saying that we respond and sometimes in other places people do not get a response, or even a like? Yes, that is our goal, to take people seriously, (well not too seriously, we like humor too) and to make this a conversation rather than a lecture. Welcome, DrumBragg!
So what's the point of Jesus sacrificing his life?
That's a really important question to ask! Here's our episode devoted entirely to exploring it: ua-cam.com/video/VqsbY9gRXxo/v-deo.html
1 Corinthians 15:22 (KJV)
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
The point of the S-word is very sharp to deliver every one of them that were held hostage to a flesh body that death can touch.
........and able restore them to a body of light that is not touched by its shadow.
Oh shadow death where is your effect of darkness now.....only an empty grave yard for your testimony of power.
It is the evil spirits who refuse to define the meaning of the Word... shall ALL be made alive.
Jesus Christ is a life force of light and far more powerful than the death force of darkness.
AMEN SISTER
Ecclesiastes 9: 5: “...But the dead know nothing, they have nothing for their labour, their very memory is forgotten, their love has vanished with their hate and jealousy” Ecclesiastes 9: 10 “Throw yourself into any pursuit that may appeal to you, for there is no pursuit, no plan, no knowledge or intelligence within the grave where you are going.” James Moffatt Bible. Psalms 146: 3: “when their breath goes they return to the dust, and on that day their projects perish.” James Moffatt Bible.
John 3: 13 “And no one has ascended into HEAVEN, except the SON OF MAN who descended from heaven” Emphatic Diaglott.
So is this true, that the dead are all UNCONSCIOUS, and we have been told LIES about the dead? Is Christ the only one to ascend to heaven, while the rest of the dead are unconscious? Times moved along. Some of those in Revelation 20: 4-6 were raised in the heavens earlier in the Lord's Day Revelation 1; 10. But the numbers are incomplete, because there are some of these still alive upon the earth. Micah 4: 1-7 Matthew 24: 31.
But BILLIONS of the dead await the resurrection seen in Revelation 20:13, one page from the end of the Bible, a future event. [We're not there yet; still a lot to see!] Do these people get raised up to be killed again, as some people say? NO. Christ died in their places Romans 6: 23. They have already paid the penalty for sin when they died Ezekiel 18: 4. It would not be lawful to punish them twice for the same things. Even in the law of men that would not be legal. They are Judged, in God's Kingdom for the things they do AFTER they are raised up in a newness of life. They come back to the ones who love them at a time of great happiness Matthew 5: 4. Even ecstasy for those who receive their dead loved ones back at the time of the resurrection Mark 5: 42. They now have the opportunity to experience the benefits of the ransom sacrifice of Christ Jesus; when His death weighed in the scales against Adam's sin; and this freed man from the sin and death we inherited from Adam. This is applied in God's Kingdom Paradise Luke 23: 43 on earth Daniel 2: 44 when the Great tribulation arrives, and the kings from the rising of the sun Revelation 16: 12 Jehovah God and Christ Jesus are performing the biggest rescue of faithful mankind John 3: 16 Romans 10: 13-15 in all history. These 'sheep-like' true Christians are already inside God's Kingdom at the moment of Christ's appearance 'in power and great glory' Matthew 25: 31, 34 Matthew 24: 29, 30 at the appearance of the sunrise Malachi 4: 2 very soon.
The Great tribulation has to run its course, lasting five months Matthew 24: 37 Genesis 7: 24 Revelation 9: 5, 10. Then, when the WICKED are destroyed Psalms 92; 7 the Great tribulation is OVER.
God's Kingdom, also called Judgement Day Matthew 10: 15 and called the Paradise Luke 23: 43 is the happiest time for man in all history. Everything Christ taught and demonstrated is fulfilled in God's Kingdom. Matthew 24: 14. The resurrection of the righteous and the unrighteous of former times Acts 24 15, is this fruitage from Christ's ransom sacrifice as the mercy of Jehovah. The dead are raised in an orderly manner, and they gradually come to perfection over a period of 1,000 years Revelation 20: 4-6. At this time, the resurrection has been completed, and there are very many who have attained to everlasting life John 17: 3. So the time comes when even 'death' and 'the grave' are 'thrown into a lake of fire' Revelation 20: 14. There are an unknown number who fail to discern the magnificence of Jehovah, so they fail to achieve life. 'This is the second death'. It is seen by this that the 'lake of fire' is a symbol of everlasting destruction. It is not to be taken literally. How can 'death' be thrown into a fire?
Christ Jesus died to make this time of resurrection possible. He will heal those like us who have not yet died, but we are still called 'the dead', in the Bible, because we are under condemnation due to the inherited sin and death of Adam. Romans 5: 12. Now, when the ransom sacrifice is applied to the ones like us who are alive; though we are sick with old age disease and imperfections; we will experience the healing found in prophecy. Isaiah 35 4-7, Isaiah 33: 23,24. Christ bring this 'healing' in metaphor when He arrives with the sunrise.
The information about the Kingdom was given to God's slaves the prophets Revelation 10: 6, 7 Revelation 11: 15. Those who don't understand this Kingdom, don't speak about it.
Why do some religions say we all go to heaven, when the Bible says only Christ has ascended to heaven? And also the Bible says the dead are 'unconscious'? In the times of the past the Kingdom wasn't understood. The 'complete knowledge' arrived in modern times. 1 Corinthians 13: 9.
When I was a girl in my 20's a church minister belonging to Christendom told me 'Don't bother to try to understand the Bible'. He certainly didn't. But now I am 66 y.o. And I have a splendid understanding of the Bible. I have associated with God's slaves the prophets Micah 4: 1-7 Revelation 12: 17.
YOU can hear a detailed Scriptural discourse about the Great tribulation, and when you look up all the Scriptures, you will be very satisfied.
Thanks for sharing your perspective on this. I'm glad you love and honor the Bible, because we do, too! For our perspective that the Bible itself demonstrates that the words "death" and "life" in Scripture are often used to mean spiritual death and life rather than physical death and life, see our episode "Why Does the Bible Say the Dead Know Nothing?" ua-cam.com/video/2GNzmofUnxM/v-deo.html Wishing you well, and God bless!
Revelation 20:10 ESV
And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
Well done! The execution of the political 'wild beast' Revelation 19: 11, 19-21, and then the time when Satan and his demons are abyssed for 1,000 years Revelation 20: 1-3 followed by their execution Revelation 20: 10 is one of my essays. And of course, when the WICKED are destroyed Psalms 92: 7 the Great tribulation is OVER. God's Kingdom is the place where the 'sheep-like' true Christians are Matthew 25: 31, 34 from the arrival of Christ 'in power and great glory' Matthew 24: 29. 30 This comes with the sunrise Malachi 4: 2, which is imminent. Iran bombs Israel Daniel 11: 44, 45. There is a worldwide financial meltdown Psalms 46: 4-6. [If I discuss this matter in full, there is not enough room on this page ]
Cheers! Kay.
There
is no Hell!
YOUR AWESOME AMEN JUST KEEP PRAYING HE'S ON HIS WAY.
Luke 13:28 “There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God, but you yourselves are cast out.”
Again, what might a deeper, spiritual level of this be talking about? A life without goodness and truth in our hearts?
amen girl
I'm really looking forward to seeing this episode! I just now got done watching the " what is heaven really like" and I just love! How it was explained and put together. I love all of your Videos! All of them are so informative.. I just sent the reminder you have here to remind myself when it will be airing 😊 thank you again so much for everything you and your Team do for us all! Much love & thanks! 🙏🌈
We're so grateful for your presence here! Looking forward to more chats after this episode airs :)
The people of Ukraine are living in it at the moment
The comments here are mostly wonderful. I love sensing the sheer relief in folks when the ES texts about the nature of God's love are relayed.
A secondary and somewhat distressing reaction arises from those who can't fathom a God who doesn't have a mean streak. I love the patient and kind answers y'all leave for us all .
Paz y luz. 🐾💫🙏💜
Peace to you as well, MortalClown. Agreed God is completely loving, with no mean streak!
Thank you for this beautiful show and explanation! Concentrating on God is the solution, God works through a lot of situations and people and always surprises, I thank him deeply for that. Be blessed by the name and blood of Jesus Christ, amen.
What a beautiful message. Amen!
What’s the music in the beginning ?
Hi Alÿce -- This music, like most of our music, is created by our friend Reade McCardell. Unfortunately, the only way to access his music for our shows is to watch our shows! For now, anyway -- we may have opportunities for access in the future.... Thanks for asking!
I dreamed of visiting hell once and the angle that accompanied me told me when in a cavern overlooking a lake of fire full of people that no one brought them here. After watching your video I now have a better understanding of my dream and freewill.
That must've been an intense and also confusing dream -- it sounds like these teachings helped unlock for you the inner meaning of that experience!
Angel
I love how you present the topic and learning from them is so crucial to our understanding. It doesn't have to be scary or any having to fear. But when we are armed with true wisdom, we know we have nothing to fear.
Well said! Truth and wisdom give us the tools to alleviate fear, and to trust in the infinite power of Divine Love. Thank you!
@@offTheLeftEye ,
Indeed... God bless you all 😇
Please watch "23 Minutes in Hell by Bill Weise" for TRUE Biblical account of Hell. This Swedenborg rubbish preaches sugar to the ear. There is a reason Satan is called the father of LIES!! Dont be deceived. Be informed!
Hello Friends, I like the way this show demonstrates that Hell is not the dark pit of eternal damn nation that many people believe it is. I think is was also interesting, that God does not put us in hell, we place ourselves there instead. I think this serves to rebuke the myth about God being angry and vengeful God to rest. We control our fate based on how we chose to act. A very positive message even about hell. Good show. Thank you!!
I thought of a question Friends. Given the way Hell is structured, does this mean everyone has chance to enter heaven by changing their behavior?
It sounds like this episode helped cement for you some important clarifications about the nature of hell. That's awesome, Randy! From my understanding of Swedenborg, anyone in hell who desires to enter heaven may be granted the chance by God -- but when you commit to entering hell, you fully buy into the reality there which is all about selfishness. For those in hell that experience heaven, it becomes toxic and they quickly leave. The idea of heaven for them is appealing, but the reality of heaven -- mutual love and usefulness towards others -- that's a hard pill to swallow. What do you think?
Thsnks guys, i was just thinking an email soul might grow tired of hell and evolve to something better, but I see your point, souls in hell are driven to hell by their selish desires. Nice to know God leaves some breathing room. Thanks fot insight. All best Guys.
@@randydiluzio8269 One thing for certain is that if there ANY desire AT ALL for anyone, human on earth or spirit in the afterlife, to progress toward the life of heaven, God will provide a way. Because God wants nothing more than to bring everyone into heaven!
@@offTheLeftEye PS. Since you covered what Hell is like. Will you do a show about Heaven as well? Thank you friends.
Ooof this has video has given me so much relief. I have suffered very badly lately worrying about souls going to hell. The thoughts of everlasting torment and suffering of souls just hurts me so badly and makes me fear God irrationally. God help us that this version of hell is true and their is HOPE even in hells midst. Thank you for this and God Bless you!
"Hope even in hell's midst" -- a great way to put it, Brian. So glad you found some comfort in these ideas. God is Love and Mercy Itself, and would never hurt anyone. In fact, Swedenborg says that God can't even look at us with a frown. God creates us to be angels, and mercifully doesn't MAKE us be angels if we don't want to be -- he gives us the freedom to choose.
Wishing you continued healing from the pain and worry of imagining horrible things. Blessings to you!
I share your sentiment emensely.. that you were sympathetic for all the really amazing good hearted people who just don't happened to follow the fundamentalists dogma.. what amazes me is how all these fundamentalists almost seem gleeful when they tell others who don't share their beliefs that they are going to hell.. they do all this as they cult worship Donald Trump. So astonishing.
This is such a fun video, you all did a fantastic job!
I first encountered Swedenborg through Kant's "Dreams of a Spirit Seer" and didn't pay any mind until I read "Nothing Dies" by a British philosopher called J.W. Dunne who basically tried to prove his theory of time and oneiric prophecy using quantum mechanics (went a bit over my head in all honesty) but what interested me was J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis wrote of these dream/time theories with a more Christian theological perspective, God being outside of space and time so I guess communicating these events to the dreamer via "angelic messengers"?
So now i'm very interested in Swedenborg and here to learn about his work!
I'm really enjoying this channel, thank you for all the content.
Hi neoprincess, thanks for trying us on! I'm so glad you're enjoying the content! Maybe you'd like some of our episodes that sort of outline a little about Swedenborg's history and worldview as you delve into these ideas!
Here are a few I would suggest to get you started: For a short introduction to Swedenborg, see "Who Was Swedenborg?" swedenborg.com/emanuel-swedenborg/about-life/
Here's another short clip about Swedenborg's concept of the afterlife, "What Are Heaven & Hell?" ua-cam.com/video/cCizOSUw6yw/v-deo.html
Here is a full length introduction episode called "Swedenborg 101: The Basic Nature of Everything." ua-cam.com/video/3Q14EcEwQVQ/v-deo.html
Let me know what you think!
@@offTheLeftEye Thank you for such a helpful reply, I'll watch those right away and then watch everything else you've made, too!
I already have a swedenborg foundation "sampler" book, which I'm enjoying but quickly realised it's definitely not some pop philosophy or intellectual empty calories! It's tough stuff for me and there's a lot to think about and I have lots of questions, so i'm very thankful for what you're doing on this channel!
I'm interested in actually buying and reading through Swedenborg's books (or at least whatever I can get my hands on in england), and I was wondering what order would you recommend reading them in as a beginner?
(I've bumbled into this from a sort of calvinistic perspective and noticed predestination was mentioned briefly in your 101 video, too, so I'm sorry for all the questions!)
neoprincess, don't be sorry for asking questions! That's what we're here for! I'm so jazzed you're fired up by Swedenborg, it's a pleasure to talk about this stuff with interested people!
My advice is to check out the Swedenborg Foundation's website. They are the place to buy or download books (many of which are available for free download), and they even have a blog post called "Where to Start," here's the link: swedenborg.com/bookstore/where-do-i-start/
Swedenborg is dense, but it's worth the effort (and it helps to have a community to discuss and dissect the information too!). Good luck in your research!
@@offTheLeftEye Wowee that's a helpful link, thanks! You guys are really on the ball, I appreciate all the help.
I don't really have anyone to discuss with so I'm thankful for your replies also I hope to catch your live stream soon and join the lovely community you've built here!
@@ne0princess We're so glad to have you join our online community! It's wonderful to have you here!
I really don’t know how you do it! A presentation style great for children (not my personal favourite) but with content and real-life associations that can speak to the most worldly and experienced adult. So I’m always hooked by your videos!
So glad the combination of it all works for you, Robin! Thanks for your kind affirmation!
Nice job presenting this very interesting information. Always appreciated.
I really appreciate your thoughts, Jeff! Thanks for being here, my friend.
@@offTheLeftEye ok
And you people are stupid
I am Catholic and we have a tradition to pray for the souls in Hell and purgatory, and I wonder what Swedenborg would say about that practice. Here is one such prayer - O gentle Heart of Jesus, ever present in the Blessed Sacrament, ever
consumed with burning love for the poor captive souls in Purgatory, have
mercy on them.
Be not severe in Your judgments, but let some drops of Your Precious Blood fall upon the devouring flames.
And, Merciful Saviour, send Your angels to conduct them to a place of refreshment, light and peace.
Amen.
That prayer expresses the kinds of feelings Swedenborg says the angels have toward those in hell and those going through vastations or temptations - loving wishes that they will find relief, improvement, healing and peace!
Please dont be deceived by this! Watch 23 minutes in Hell by Bill Weise.
ua-cam.com/video/AKniy8CCKgs/v-deo.html
For a TRUE and accurate Biblical account of Hell. There is a reason Satan is called the Father of LIES! Dont be deceived. Be informed!
I crave beauty peace and love. I look forward to a pretty loving place to rest where my body doesn't hurt and can move easily. I also long to be with my family, (only happy) and my pets.
Those are wonderful wishes, and God deeply desires to give those things to all of us! The life of heaven includes all those things.
So, if someone like me, who would like to believe, studies the Bible, but just cannot seem to fully believe and struggle with “faith” may not burn in hell even if I’m not a believer? I’m tortured by the fear of not believing vs being banished to hell.
Red Dawn, Swedish scientist and mystic Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772) wrote many volumes after 27 years of direct spiritual experiences, similar to NDEs. The core of what he learned from these messages is simple: God loves us all infinitely, mercifully, and unconditionally, and never banishes ANYONE to hell.
What dictates our afterlife is what we loved, how we loved, and what we intended. In other words, what matters MOST is not what you believed, your faith or your labels - but whether or not you were a kind, loving, person, who strives to be a useful, good human being to others, and believes in some kind of greater good. I would say a life like that is a God-driven life, because Swedenborg learned that God IS love.
As for hell, people go to hell by their own choice, because it's the place that matches the spiritual state they want to be in. It's full of people who reject God, care more about themselves than others, and focus on material or superficial things, attaining power, or anything that allows them to "succeed" at the expense of or in spite of others. People choose hell because they enjoy their own misery or the misery of others - the punishment is more about the misery they subject themselves to, not God's wrath or judgment.
Anyway, that's how I understand it. So whatever you believe about the next life - focus on love, and you will be just fine, no matter what your faith is or isn't.
Here are some episodes about faith that might interest you - "Real Faith Is Simply Recognizing That Something Is True," ua-cam.com/video/dAHxkubNzJo/v-deo.html and a short clip, "What Makes Faith Real?" ua-cam.com/video/OBbfOtkdkt4/v-deo.html
Let me know how all that resonates with you!
offTheLeftEye Thank you for your thought provoking reply. I cannot say I believe there is a “God” based on some of the stories in the Bible. Just doesn’t seem logical. I believe, well, rather I hope, there is some higher being. But some of the biblical stories are the stuff of fables. They teach good moral lessons, so I see the benefit for parables and teaching purposes but it’s supposed to be true. That is where I am unable to have “faith”. I’ve done a fair amount of reading on many religions. All expect faith. All claim to be the “right” religion. I’m a moral, kind and patient person. I will always follow the good. I am always trying to be a better person. That’s why I hope what you’re teaching is accurate. Because as far as I’ve read and been told by my extended family (uncle/aunt) if I don’t accept the catholic way I am surely going to end up in the hot place.
Has anyone read the Bible?
Indeed, John! Would you like to ask a more specific question? I'd love to support you.
Yes and man did a horrible job trying to explain himself besides the fact that 2000 years ago he was living in hell himself. We have evolved and moved past all that. We aren't barbaric thinking anymore. Don't worry about your beliefs, the angels straighten you out once you cross that you've just believed in a false night mare.........wake up!!!
amen, brother, I don't have a clue where these wackos came from but we still need to love them and pray for them and their souls. whats bad will become good and what's good will become bad. God shows me more every day.
@@ronaldadamsjr3434 Amen! Very cult like indeed in how they try to exalt Swedenborg's name higher than the name of Jesus. No man knows more than the father. Also disturbing how the "Dr." in this video said not to take the Bible that literal. Satanists will always cover their right eye. It has become a popular symbol in the cult circles of Hollywood, hence the name of this channel "off the left eye". Curtis Childs also worked on a film called Swampfoot. It glorifies "a giant beast and a beautiful mysterious swamp girl."
Jim Crowfeathers Did you also think that off the left eye could also mean uncovering the right eye, we must look at things everyway not just one way. Don’t know if you ever read or watched Dolores Cannon, but she did not believe in hell either she quoted Why would a loving god send he’s own people to hell.If your child dose something wrong would you burn them to punish them. Of course not so it makes sense that you go there by your own choice in life
Does Swedenborg mention people learning and having the opportunity to leave hell?
Great question, Simon! Swedenborg does say hell is eternal, so long as people continue to choose it. Whether people STAY for eternity, I don't know. Swedenborg never gives any account, that I have found, of a spirit leaving hell.
However, he does say many things that lead me to believe that any spirit who decides he or she would rather be good and live in harmony with God could have that option.
Overall, what Swedenborg learned about God, is that God's Divine Providence is always working to lead us closer to the Divine. ALWAYS. God's love and mercy are infinite and unconditional, and so if we want a relationship with God, at any time, we can have it.
Swedenborg also talks about how punishment is only used as a last resort in hell for spirits who cannot learn to change their behavior through any other means. To me, this indicates that the goal of punishments is reformation, to help spirits learn that they can change and become better and thus happier.
So personally, I do think that people who want to leave hell can do so, but would need to do a great deal of work to learn how to love God and be of service to others, and this would be difficult for them. But I do not have an explicit example of this in Swedenborg's writings.
As for making evil spirits' bad behavior go dormant, God does have the power to change us, but because of His infinite love, He doesn't. He lets us choose what we love and what we want to do. If we lost this freedom to choose our paths, we wouldn't be ourselves at all, but would be more like Robot Angels.
Short clips: [this one talks about the purpose of punishment, I think] Can Evil Spirits Be Reborn to have a Second Chance on Earth? ua-cam.com/video/LwBP1XpIdPU/v-deo.html and Is There Suffering in Hell? ua-cam.com/video/xW-7kF3r55w/v-deo.html
Full episode: [about how the Lord always leads us to Divinity] Divine Providence ua-cam.com/video/wFuGb3G2ZVw/v-deo.html [why we have to choose between good and evil, and why it's better to not be robots] Why Bad Things Happen ua-cam.com/video/_F3Gokp44Qo/v-deo.html
So those are my thoughts. Let me know how that resonates with you!
Long is the way and hard, that out of hell leads up to the light.
Very cool way to frame that! Thanks for sharing these thoughts with us.
Mr. Bigglesworth love that
can spirits of Heaven leave heaven for a short amount of time if they only talk about God all the time and it gets annoying are they allowed allowed to get away from it
Heaven isn't just talking about God all the time, RainbowDragons. It's a vibrant life of doing some useful work, having some recreation, having some home time, community involvement. Here are a couple of videos that paint the picture of what Swedenborg experienced the afterlife to be like.
“A Day in the Life of an Angel” - ua-cam.com/video/D3BmPm7DPv0/v-deo.html
What Angels Do in Heaven - ua-cam.com/video/P6yYKR_-xkw/v-deo.html
Very well done. To say that I learned a lot would be an understanding.Thank you and may God bless.
You're so welcome, Ken! God bless you!
If heaven and hell is based on choice does this mean we can choose to get out of hell
Ya know, RainbowDragons, some people think that is a possibility, in the long haul of eternity. My read of what Swedenborg says is that we don't find our eternal home until we are truly "all one thing" -- that is, all in for love and kindness, or all in for evil and self-centeredness. So we don't even "go to heaven or hell" until we're completely sure about that in our own hearts. That indicates to me that we wouldn't WANT to change. But people point out that God is always loving everybody, and maybe there could be a genuine change of heart down the road.... Thoughts?
Excellent! Lively and well explained with great visuals. But I have two negative points: one is the use of 'her or his' (it brings me up out of the narrative - not least because rhythmically it is clumsy); the other is the music chosen to accompany Hell. Okay - listening to it for an eternity in a lift, say, WOULD BE Hell ;) - but here it seems inappropriate (too light and 'jolly'). These are but my opinions of course.
Apart from these two points - I really enjoyed this and trust I can continue to learn to be more Heavenly. I think you've answered a lot of 'our' questions.
Thank you once again! And I hope you are fine with me speaking my mind. Cheers.
Tim, of course we’re fine with you speaking your mind! We totally encourage that kind of thing. And your points are well received. I’m glad this episode helped to answer some of your questions!
@@offTheLeftEye - As I said - it was WONDERFUL! (Though that word somehow seems incongruent given the topic ;) )
Another question; do they get tired of doing evil each other? And finally get bored?
Great question! Those living in hell find the greatest joy in participating in their evils -- because of that dynamic, they wouldn't necessarily get bored, but most likely try to become better at their craft.
What do you think?
@Robert Curtis I agree that hell is a very unpleasant place! Living from hatred and other evils can never bring true satisfaction or happiness.
Love this!!!❤❤❤Thank you!!
That's wonderful to hear, Mina! Thanks for letting us know :)
Nice to know that hell might not be waiting for all of us ignorant ppl but seriously,..why can't God clarify it to everybody himself ?...lots of pain, suffering and tyranny could be avoided...Why must God rely on "fallible " humans to teach his truths to others.?
These are really important questions. I highly recommend you checking out our episode on "What God Can't Do" for some concrete answers via Swedenborg. ua-cam.com/video/IlXJLOkOi1A/v-deo.html
Please watch "23 Minutes in Hell by Bill Weise" for TRUE Biblical account of Hell. This Swedenborg rubbish preaches sugar to the ear. There is a reason Satan is called the father of LIES!! Dont be deceived. Be informed!
Thanks this brings me more a sense of peace 🙀
I'm so happy to hear that, Bochanable! God bless!
Isaiah 53:5, But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes, we are healed.
For salvation, people just need to follow the way they did it in Acts? They were baptized in the water and of the spirit. Here's why! The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. If we are to follow him, we must do the same thing. Death= repentance, Burial = baptism, and resurrection = being filled with the Holy Ghost and rising again from the dead. That's what Acts 2:38 is.
We must obey the gospel, 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that OBEY NOT THE GOSPEL of our Lord Jesus Christ... Matthew 7:21-23, Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that DOETH THE WILL OF MY FATHER which is in Heaven. St John 3:3-5, EXCEPT a man be born of WATER AND OF THE SPIRIT, he cannot enter into the kingdom of GOD.
We can't come up with our own gospel. Galatians 1:8-9, But though we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. Don't be cursed. One way for all people. Jews, Gentiles, and Samaritan. Our salvation has to match-up with the scriptures and no scriptures on the subject can be taken away.
Eternity is TOOO long to be WRONG! st John 5:39, Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
The gospels show what Christ has done on the cross for us. The book of Acts shows us the beginning of Christ's Church and how to enter the Church, obeying Acts 2:38. The letters were written to the Church to show us how to behave now that we are born again into the Church.
It's better to walk alone than to walk with a crowd going in the wrong direction. Are we supposed to follow the teachings of the apostles? Acts 2:42, They continued steadfastly in the apostle's doctrines. Ephesians 2:20, We are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone. If you believe in this message, help spread it in the name of Jesus Christ. God bless you!
Hello rossdaboss, thank you for your thoughts and for sharing so much of the Lord's words here! The Lord's love and mercy are for everyone, and the Bible is one excellent way to have a relationship with God and a path to Heaven, although Emanuel Swedenborg was shown that there are many forms of revelation and paths to the Divine, so that all people on earth have the same chance to go to Heaven and be with God, even if they were not exposed to the Bible in particular. Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772) was a devout scholar of the Bible and through spiritual experiences was shown that much of the Bible contains inner meanings that add layers to the spiritual truths of the literal sense. Some quotes below from the Bible tell us these things:
“All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them.” -Matthew 13:34 “These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; but the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but I will tell you plainly about the Father.” -John 16:25 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now” (John 16:12). “If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?” (John 3:12).
If you are interested in who Swedenborg was, check out this short video "Who Was Swedenborg?" ua-cam.com/video/HEa0e8AcS78/v-deo.html
I'm curious, did our episode resonate with you? I would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks for being here, friend!
AMEN
@C H Thank you for your well wishes. We too read and love the bible, and have asked God for wisdom. The answers he gives us are in alignment with what Swedenborg says and it brings us closer to God. We have no desire to argue with you but we too wish you every blessing on your path. God is leading us all.
THAT Is NOT scriptural! Jesus talked more about hell more than heaven ......
And he mentioned hellfire and suffering and gnashing of teeth!
Jesus did mention those things, Tess. It's hard for me to imagine that that's what an all-loving God wants for most of us. Our videos are based on the discoveries of the scientist and mystic, Emanuel Swedenborg. He had decades of "near death experiences" and wrote extensively about what he learned. Swedenborg was very devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ, and claims all his spiritual experiences came to him while reading the Word. So he does have a unique combination of spiritual experience, given to him by the Lord and the angels, he claims, and Bible-based teaching -- though he was shown a deeper meaning within the literal sense that is about our own spiritual progress. Here's a short video about him, if you're interested: ua-cam.com/video/HEa0e8AcS78/v-deo.html . And of course, take what you like and leave the rest!
Exactly Tess weeping and gnashing of teeth and the Lake of fire. Curtis what is the lake of fire, I'm only asking for clarification not to create division or disruption
@@donnelladams340 The "lake of fire" is symbolic language meaning the passions of hatred, revenge, greed, etc. that people immerse themselves in. In the afterlife, those passions connect them with similar kinds of people, which makes for a lot of misery, because they all want to hurt each other through arguments, attacks, cruelty, deceit, etc. That misery is being expressed in language like "weeping and gnashing of teeth."
He didn't make it for us. He made it for his devil and hisangels. It wasn't for us,but the devil trick eve to the apple.then we knew knowledge and now we have a choice of hell or heaven . So , hell is real. You're making hell not as scary ,but its going to be way worse how you're describing .
@@autumborah5075 Exactly
Thanks for the video. Have you guys heard of Bill weise testimonial of hell?
Millard I have not. What did you like about it?
@Off The Left Eye Hi again. Did Mr Swedenberg believe in reincarnation?
Frankly, just coming to an earthlike setting, stuck in a series of bad jobs and relationships would be hell to me. I think a decent guy doing his best will get into the heavenly realm, how far "up" would of course depend on the karma he generated in life. I surmise that negative spirits play role in everyone's life, and these entities will drop off when a soul passes to the ethereal side, so people aren't influenced to do wrong in heaven.
For those who follow Swedenborg's writings, I wouldn't encourage others to read Dr. Michael Newton's books. Heaven to him is all about unicorns and rainbows for every soul, no matter what life they led, which I found a little too hard to believe as much as I admired Newton's books. I do think Swedenborg is providing an outlook through his own particular filter, which then passes through other filters teaching his work. I say this not for debate, only my opinion. Peace and light.
And I respect your perspective, David! I'm grateful for your presence here, my friend. God bless.
@@offTheLeftEye Thanks, brother/sister. Peace and light!
@@davidwise3426 To you, too!
This was so heavy ! I feel like that is where I am living now... and I’m so terrified of going there after my life here. I don’t go to a good place when I dream, so I definitely have work to do. This was amazing, thank you.
I relate very much to what you are saying, but I actually don't think those fears are grounded in reality. I don't think bad dreams are anything at all to worry about! They are no indication of your spiritual state. We all have work to do and God understands that. I think if you care about whether or not you go to hell, you are already on the right path. Only people who voluntarily reject love and don't want to be in a place of mutual love go to hell. I have those same fears, but I actually I think the evil spirits want to stir up terror of going to hell so that we miss out on the joy and peace God wants us to have. I hope you can find some kindness for yourself, the same way God has kindness for you.
Courtney, I wholeheartedly agree with Nadine's response. What do you think?
i have to laugh when youtube puts topics like this in my recommended videos....not because im subscribed and of course i wouldnt miss it.....but because they know its important that I KNOW what hell is REALLY like lol .... half laughing...half tightening up my act lol
:)
@@MichelleNagir I'm so sorry for your loss, Michelle. I'm glad you are finding some peace on our channel, and we're here to support you in any way that we can!
I have a question how would we know where we would wind up ? if our greatest desire, and our greatest Love is to be reunited with our parents again, and to also live back together again with our spouse that we had here on earth. This is their greatest love and desire. But on the flip side, they have a general hatred for most people, and do not wish to be around people. But they truly desire to be reunited with their family again and live happily ever after with them. Where would they go to, heaven or to hell ?
That's a challenging question to answer. First, I should start by saying that God desires and is unceasingly working towards your place in heaven. And each day is a new opportunity to embrace His goal for you! I do wonder about your mention of a general hatred for most people. Where does that come from? Looking forward to chatting with you more, Azraelina.
@@offTheLeftEye The hatred has mostly come from being " bullied " all of my life by people. Not only as a child but as an adult as well. Also it has to do with when there are very happy and over joyous people who laugh out loud, the sound of their loud laughter bothers me to the point that I want to kill him, just to shut them up. I have always been introverted all of my life and I am an only child from my now deceased parents. I am not sure if that answers your question about me, but it's how I feel. But I really do not want to go to hell, I want to be together again with my husband and with my parents.
@@azraelinarakoczy7862 I can certainly understand pain that comes from being a victim of bullying. You will not go to hell, but you will need help to let go of that hatred, so that it will not burden you anymore, or block deeper happiness, or hinder your progress toward heaven. I'm sure that both your parents and husband would want you to be free of that burden! Try watching our episode "Rediscovering Forgiveness" and see if there are any helpful ideas there for you.
One thing is for certain - we need to rescue Matt. Bring the Swedenborg flashlight. And a bunch of toothbrushes. 👍😊
Hahaha! I know! Poor Matt often has to play the evil character!
I support that operation!
@Fuck Everybody Good spirits don't mind at all! They are not concerned about hiding anything, and they welcome learning the truth about themselves so that they can understand how to develop and improve. The way everyone looks in the afterlife shows the state of their heart and mind. Angels can look at a person and help them know themselves better. Good spirits know that it is like learning from a doctor what problems are going on in their bodies in order to know how to improve their health. Good spirits want to know what problems there are in their spirits (their hearts and minds) so that they can understand how to improve their spiritual health.
Evil spirits don't want their true selves to be seen. They don't want to improve, because they enjoy the thrills of hatred, revenge, greed, deceit etc. and don't want to give them up. The nature of their hearts causes them to look very ugly, and they want to stay in illusion instead of seeing the truth.
Evil spirits don't like it when angels look at them, because even though angels only look at people with love, wanting to help, they also see the truth about a person's heart, and evil spirits don't want to acknowledge the reality of the ugliness in their own hearts.
Did I understand your question correctly? Did this answer your question?
Superb video, really REALLY enjoyed watching and found it very education. Loving your channel, keep up the excellent work. Liked and subscribed :) Can't wait for the next episode. Best Regards - Neil
What a wonderful message to receive, Neil! Thank you so much for learning and growing with us. You rock!
I didn't really believe that a loving benevolent God would condemn people to eternal torture. The bible is full of threats of this punishment. I've long suspected that this was put there by religious leaders for the sake of their own agenda. For example. Control over their followers.
Yes, Keith -- that's a long-standing theory about the image of hell: an effort to control the masses. And it does seem to be emphasized by some for that purpose. Swedenborg learned that the Bible's use of terms like "hell" and "death" are about the spiritual states that result when we choose to turn away from God. It's "spiritual death," because there's no love and wisdom present. But it's of our own choosing. The fact that you believe in a loving, benevolent God is a gift -- there are sooo many people who don't! Thanks for joining the conversation!
I'm a bit nervous asking me that question what does animal have their own heaven and hell like my human
Check out our episode all about that, friend! Here's the link: ua-cam.com/video/hK_DW5KTh5I/v-deo.html
People act as they are taught to act in a large percentage, few are truly evil or good for that matter.
I'd love to hear more of your thoughts on this!
I agree. If someone was raised without parents, and grew up on the streets, and was taught by the older kids to be a drug dealer at a young age to feed himself. Maybe he owned weapons, bc he was always in danger. Maybe he went to prison young for selling drugs and then he became a dangerous person in prison.
Is he evil, or was he conditioned by his difficult life?
I believe that Jesus can transform anyone from any background.
Mark 9:43-48 ESV
And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’
Awesome analysis 🙏🏼
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Zach!
Hi!
I have a question. Im a loving guy with love for humans and animals. But from time to time I also like to go on psycadelic journys. And one time I felt as if I was going to hell for doing drugs. Can this be correct? I was scared to my bones by the thought of goin to hell, becouse I thought I was dead (ego death and no logic/ visuals of physical body). Someting gave me a choice tho, I just had to admit my mistake (taking the LSD in the first place), and then the universe started to laugh and saying it loves me and is giving me a new chance, and that it always does. It told me that it loves me no matter what, and was asking me if I wanted to go back to my life at earth and physical body. And as soon as I told the voice yes, things started to come back and suddenly I was back on the couch. It asked me further what Friends I was with at the time when I took the LSD, and i responded, and then the universe responded and placed everything back to start.
The most crazy experience I've had. And I've had a couple! Sorry if my english is bad, it's my second language.
Interesting experience, O. Gkobsen. What determines our eternal spiritual home is WHAT WE CARE ABOUT most deeply. Do we care about other people, or are we totally absorbed with ourselves? Do we want to be helpful to others, or do we just want to control everything? Will we thrive in a community of mutual love and service to others, or will we find that kind of atmosphere oppressive or unbearable?
Swedenborg puts a lot of importance in our freedom and our rationality, the two main tools we have for choosing our spiritual path. Anything that impinges on rationality might present some challenges. But it comes down to who we are, deep in our hearts, and whether we want to turn toward God's ways or away from them.
And one more thought: Swedenborg learned that the happiness of heaven comes from USEFULNESS to those around us. One choice in our life won't determine our spiritual future forever, but we CAN start practicing in this world to be heaven-like -- helpful, kind, and useful to other people.
Just a few thoughts! Blessings to you!
Fantastic video!
Thanks for saying so, and thanks for being here!
@@offTheLeftEye thank you so much! I viewed a lot of your video's in the last week....very good and informative. I have been in a spiritual battle in the last two years....very interesting ....I understand more now...
@@marijkevandermeer2772 If our videos can help you get more clarity on your own spiritual journey, we are deeply glad! We're here to support you in any way that we can.
@@offTheLeftEye thank you...I hope I will be able to speak to you some time when possible with you...🌷
Hey Curtis, what if a person has mental issues, how does the right mind make the right choices
Adrian, I agree with Carolyn's response. We are only responsible for the choices and motivations we carry when they are developed in freedom. When our mind has barriers to that level of freedom, the Lord would never assign us responsibility in an eternal sense for any misguidings. We would have the opportunity to be free of those barriers in the afterlife, and make fundamental choices about who we want to become there. Does that make sense?
The opening was very cool. Reminds me of the life review
I can totally see that! Thanks for the kind words, my friend.
In addition to the enjoyment of watching these videos, i would like to purchase and read Swedenborg's book or books. Is this possible?
It most certainly is! At the Swedenborg Foundation website, you can either download free pdf files of Swedenborg's books, or buy printed copies: swedenborg.com/bookstore/swedenborgs-writings/
Hell is like a corned beef sandwich pretty good until you go to bed
Ha, that's an analogy that I've not heard before. And it's a good one! Thanks!
My take is they haven't interpreted Swedenborg accurately. My personal experience is that there is also another dimension which has not been covered, such as the experience of torment inhabitants have inflicted on others while still alive, which is a powerful torment coming back to them over which they have little control. Some of the torment is that their action cannot be undone. (See my chapter in "Visas of Infinity" - "The Afterlife of a Suicide Somber"). I referred to this aspect in my book as "consequential entanglement", where you become the subject of the pain inflicted on others, because you are suddenly subject to an open system of negative energies against which you have no defenses.
The second thing I want to query is the interpretation that in hell everybody looks to each other "normal", which is absolutely not the case. I say this with the uttermost cofindence because I have visited these realms during OBEs and documented these as well. People actually take on the appearance of monsters as described n various forms of disfigurement, and they look like this even to each other, not just to the "angels". I would say that the correct interpretation is that their exterior has been normalized towards each other. It is as if they have grown used to these. Their disfigurements are real, consensually. They are not a pretty sight, not even to each other. I have seen them forming and disappearing.
Sadly, I have spend a fair share of time in these dark places and they are not all underground either. I went there to study the underlying psychology taking these people into their hells, while remaining immune and at times invisible to these entities. I think Swedenborg is right though the interpretation is not quite accurate.
The presenters in this video doing a great job with their presentation, though thankfully for them they have obviously not first hand experience, so some of their interpretation of Swedenborg's writing are a bit off the mark. But I did enjoy the presentation.
Sounds like you've had some intense experiences, Jurgen! Thanks for sharing your interpretation of these points, and I'm glad you enjoyed the presentation, even if you have different views. We are open to people expressing their different views! Wishing you blessings and safety!
@@offTheLeftEye Thank you for the response. It's such fantastic platform you are providing. I appreciate the work you all put into this, making the work of this great man accessible again to so many for our modern time. Perhaps now could be the time to take into account the testimonies of the many other experiencers who are coming forward in order to firm up the work by bringing into focus a greater consensus, to make it more than an academic or scholary documentation.
Swedenborg's documentation relied much on Christian reference system. What else was there at that time? Much of what Swedenborg described are metaphors, like the levels of below, on and above the ground etc. Since the 1700s we had psychology, also the work of the theosophist a hundred years ago, which cannot be dismissed as it supports much of what Swedenborg said. Now, an increasing number of researchers are coming forward widening the field and expanding our knowledge of the greater consciousness. Prof. Dr. Christopher Bache is one of those people obtaining first hand information. There are many others. Although the foundation is doing an excellent job, the right interpretation of the texts could greatly benefit from the additional light shone on the subject by current day experiencers and explorers in addition to the scholars already employed. This is serious work you are doing, thank you. After all, truth and reality knows no bias and consciousness is an ocean of infinite dimensions we are only just discovering after we were limited by dogma and beliefs for so long.
@@jurgenziewe9125 I hear you, Jurgen, and that is a major reason why we are trying to get Swedenborg's writings out there into mainstream conversation, so that people can begin to compare and contrast with other sources of information. Though our main focus has to be researching and sharing what is contained in Swedenborg's books (because there are not many people worldwide doing that) we do have many episodes in our library of videos in which we interview people in the fields of science and psychology, and people who have had direct spiritual experiences. And we always encourage viewers to post their own stories, so that the learning keeps growing. I hope you will feel free to post your own stories whenever you feel so moved! Many people read through the comments.
Oh my what a perfect means of learning thank you so very much
You're so welcome :)
Please dont be deceived by this! Watch 23 minutes in Hell by Bill Weise.
ua-cam.com/video/AKniy8CCKgs/v-deo.html
For a TRUE and accurate Biblical account of Hell. There is a reason Satan is called the Father of LIES! Dont be deceived. Be informed!
What about those who are "not good enough for heaven, but not bad enough for hell" go? And even if one goes to hell, what if the person changes their ways? If you can have free will in heaven, but what about in hell? Does hell even have to be eternal?
I think you will like our episode about the World of Spirits, where we work through exactly these things. We take whatever time we need to fully realize what we love the most in life, and what kind of people we want to be and be with - once that process is done, we go to heaven or hell, to the level that suits us. We can take as long as we need to accomplish this!
We do have free will - people in hell have free will, but also have limitations. I recall, for example, Swedenborg describing a society in hell that loved to physically beat and torture other people. But they resisted this urge, because they knew if they did it to someone else, than it would be allowed to be done back to them. I suppose the recourse for them was that if one of them couldn't resist and indulged in hurtful behavior, then the rest of them got to do the same back. It's a twisted sort of pleasure, and they have free will to do what they want, but just like in our physical lives, there are natural consequences to our behaviors.
See, "How You End Up in Heaven or Hell" ua-cam.com/video/H-wnqBqa6xM/v-deo.html or "The World of Spirits" ua-cam.com/video/qoaPwhzDHWM/v-deo.html for more on those ideas! I hope that's helpful!
Matthew 13:50 ESV
And throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Revelation 21: 8 “ But as for the cowardly, the ones without faith, the detestable, as for the murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death”. Matthew 10:28 “ Do not fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell”. Matthew 25:46 “and these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” I do not post this to upset anyone, but to share the light of truth. There is a place with a lake of fire and eternal torment for those dying in sin. I encourage you to have faith in Jesus, who took upon himself the sin of the world. His sacrifice alone brings atonement and eternal life. It is not anything we do but have faith and relationship with him.for “Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so no one can boast,”Ephesians2:9. “God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only son, that whoever BELIEVES IN HIM shall not Perish but have everlasting life”. John 3 vs. 16. “The price we pay for sin is death, but the GIFT of God is eternal life in CHRIST JESUS our Lord.” Romans 6:23 When you confess Jesus as your Lord and Savior you are” BORN AGAIN”. In this new life it does not matter if you are Jew or Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized slave or free,Christ is all that matters., and he lives in all of us.” Colossians 3:11. Jesus said, “ whoever desires to follow me must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me, for whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What does it profit a person if he gains the whole world, but forfeits his soul? What can a an give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man ( Jesus, God in flesh)will come into His Father’s glory with His angels and then He will repay each one according to what he has done”.Matthew10:37-39, Mark 8:34-38, Luke 9:23-27. I say this in love. Confess Jesus as savior. Repent ( which means to be remorseful of sin and to turn from committing sin. Read the Bible. Start in New Testament , which is the Testament of Jesus. Talk to him. ( That is prayer) Love to all. See you on the other side!
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts with us, Nancy! Love and blessings to you :)
Perfect video for all you atheists out there. Glory be to God and the lord Christ ✝
Thanks for reaching out-- are you new to this channel?
@@offTheLeftEye Not really new. I've been a fan of the Swedenborg teachings. Off the left eye was sent to me.
@@naeaschools4416 Well it's wonderful to know that you're out there in our audience. Wishing you all the best!
@@offTheLeftEye likewise. I'm really looking forward to your upcoming videos 💗. May God bless you. ✝
@@naeaschools4416 Wishing God's blessings to you, too!
Where can I purchase a Caeli-Lux-Magna ES 2000?
Ha ha, is that the flashlight Curtis used to see spirits true natures? They come free in the afterlife, Laura! Hard to find them here unless you have friends who are also animators... (=
Your video is 33 minutes long and mine is the 33rd comment. Opps.
My word!!
What is your opinion of Dantes vision of hell? My friend who thinks Dante also had Divine revelation says that it was so but his work is not as accurate as Swedenborgs ...
Interesting question, yellow. I read Dante's Inferno many years ago, and I remember feeling like there were a lot of parallels with Swedenborg's description, though I'm afraid I can't recall the details at this point. What do you think of the comparison?
@@offTheLeftEye What I think is that Dantes poetry showed some things not quite as true as Swedenborg but there is power in his "imagery". And yes clearly if both are Divine revelations they have to be based on truth of some level ,depending on the understanding of the person having the revelation- in this comparison Dante and Swedenborg.
@@yellow6100 That makes sense to me!
@@offTheLeftEye Cool!
Curtis, Curtis! I have something extremely important to tell you...
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I LOVE your t-shirt, man!
Ha! Your message made my day :)
Thanks for this. It's really informative. Just wondering what role Satan (if any) plays in hell?
Good question, John. Thanks for asking it! Swedenborg learned that hell is made up of a whole crowd of people who have chosen to disconnect from God. He called these people satans and devils. This is one way in which his take on Scripture diverges from a traditional interpretation commonly based on a literal reading of the text.
"Is the Devil Real?" ua-cam.com/video/ljR4_gs0Tek/v-deo.html
"Angelic Love, Dialogue, and How to Chase Away Devils" ua-cam.com/video/_L6r6ujjCew/v-deo.html
"It is Damaging to Take the Bible Literally" ua-cam.com/video/g2HMeLVgRI4/v-deo.html
Doctrines of devils...
That's a fair way to frame the goings on in hell!
Thanks for your effort to give us better understanding of what hell is like. Just curious if Swedenborg say how each monstrous looking spirit such as faceless represents. How come some people with ghost eyes can see them in the physical world as they are supposed to be in their hell? For spirits going into heaven, does it mean they cannot be seen by the people with ghost eyes?
Thanks, fooklamtsang, for letting us know you appreciate some different perspectives on hell. Your questions kind of stump me though -- sometimes Swedenborg comments on why spirits look the way they do, and sometimes he doesn't go into detail. You might enjoy reading the book "Heaven and Hell" or even searching for "evil spirits" or something like that on newchristianbiblestudy.org. The term "ghost eyes" doesn't ring a bell for me -- was it used in this video? If you can point me to a time stamp, I can perhaps jog my memory! ~Chara
@@offTheLeftEye When I said people with ghost eyes, I mean medium who can see ghosts. It’s not any term mentioned in the video. Sorry for the confusion. I wonder if those monstrous looking spirits can come out from hell freely as they wish while the medium can see them. What do you think?
I trust that God keeps monstrous beings and evil spirits safely out of reach. He protects us from harm and as it says in the bible "Love never sleeps". I do not know much about mediums, though or their abilities. Here is a video about Is Everyone a Child of God? which explores some of these questions.
ua-cam.com/video/9bAzAF-PZcY/v-deo.html
Thanks for the conversation, fooklamtsang.
Your doing a great service thanks 🙏🏻 Chelsea is awesome 👏 hugs 🤗
Thank you so much, Michael! You are awesome too!
I forgot to ask if you choose hell once your down there can a soul change its mind and yell out to God for a second chance?
I would say that at any moment we can choose to serve others or to serve the self, just as we make those choices right now. Staying on either path would lead one far away from where they started.
I think eventually everyone will turn towards the light. We have forever to figure it out. I certainly hope so anyway.
Earth is what hell is being referred to by Swedenborg jesus etc serve others now on this Earth for second coming 12steps surrender,dont waste your time with these muppets read my comment at top channelled directly from Swedenborg himself xxx love n light @@openrealm
Really ? that's your choice I thought most people on a channel such as this would believe god and divine creatures not choose to believe people satan n such
who have been to hell???,bit harsh, is it not !@@lindalai9092
That's a great question, Mary! The Lord provides opportunities for spirits in hell to experience heaven if they want -- but it is a matter of whether or not that spirit can truly be happy in a place where selfishness does not exist, and mutual love reigns. But the Lord's love and mercy is always extending to those in both heaven and hell.
I remember Swedenborg saying that there are also jobs in hell. What are some examples?
I'm afraid I don't know of any examples of the top of my mind, Aa A, and a brief search through Swedenborg's writings on newchristianbiblestudy.org didn't yield much (you are welcome to go look there though!).
Something that comes to mind, though, is that in the afterlife, Swedenborg talks more about being useful. I think trying to imagine specific "jobs" keeps us earth bound, and I'm not sure that what we think of us as jobs here translate literally into the spiritual world. What I do know carries over is the idea of being useful, of making a contribution; and that what we do there reflects what we love more authentically than we could imagine here!
So I tend to imagine our time spent with things that reflect our talents and interests, that benefit others, so that may be like a job here or it may be something different.
Since people in hell don't value what is useful, they may play a part that they didn't choose or intend, with the Lord's guidance. For example, Swedenborg says that evil spirits who make our lives challenging actually serve a vital use. Without them, we would never know what it is in us that needs work -- we would believe ourselves perfect were we not shown the truth, which is that we all have room for growth and improvement! Evil spirits can reveal this very effectively!
See our episode, "Despair Can Be Helpful" ua-cam.com/video/k-pCXSzSp_w/v-deo.html for more!
I wish I had some more specific examples, but I hope that this is useful to you! God bless!
@@offTheLeftEye thanks a lot
I love your channel and I feel I'm hearing truth. A question I have is the passage in the Bible where the rich man is in hell and Abraham (I think) was looking down from heaven at him..he asked Abraham for a few drops of water and to contact his family and tell them not to come to hell..can you explain...if hell is not fire then why this passage?
Hi Susanna! So glad it resonates with you - and great question! I don't recall that passage number but I did a little research into "hell fire" and "burning" generally in Swedenborg's writings. Here's what I found in the book "Secrets of Heaven" (called "Arcana Coelestia" in Latin) about a similar passage:
§10038. "....The reason why 'being burned with fire' means being consumed by the evils of self-love is that that love consumes every good or truth of faith. Scarcely anyone at the present day knows that self-love does this, nor consequently that this love constitutes hell with a person and that it is what should be understood by hell-fire."
Further, he adds that "There are two fires of life that exist with a person; one is self-love, the other is love to God. Those in whom self-love predominates cannot be governed by love to God, for those loves are opposites."
And explains that broadly speaking, fire is what we love: "Anybody who stops to reflect may know that everyone's love is the fire of his life - for without love there is no life, and the character of the love determines that of the life - and therefore that self-love gives rise to evils of every kind, doing so in the measure that he has only himself in view, that is, self-love reigns in him."
Hell fire really refers to hellish loves, which, being obsessive, addictive cravings, consume the people who chase them.
Those are just excerpts, but you can read more here:
newchristianbiblestudy.org/exposition/translation/arcana-coelestia-elliott/ex-29/100380
I'm guessing the story you refer to is Lazarus and the Rich Man, from Luke 16? I found some commentary on that from Swedenborg, in the same book, §1861:12 (again I have just extracted some of the whole section, but the link is below if you want to read the whole thing):
"...These references show what hell-fire is, that it is nothing other than hatred, revenge, and cruelty, or what amounts to the same, self-love, which passes into such a visible form. As long as a person is in his bodily life, no matter how different his outward appearance might seem to be, he cannot be seen by the angels, when they look at him closely, in any other way than this; that is, his hatred is not seen by them except as 'flaming torches' nor the falsities coming from it except as 'smoking furnaces'."
Further down, he quotes from Luke 16 as an example:
" 'Send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am tormented in this flame.' (Luke 16:24).
Here the meaning is similar.
People who have no knowledge of the arcana [secrets] of the Lord's kingdom imagine that the Lord sends the wicked down into hell, that is, into the kind of fire which, as has been stated, is the manifestation of hatred. But the truth of the matter is altogether different, for it is the person himself, or the devil-spirit himself, who casts himself down. Yet because it appears as though the Lord casts down, it has been spoken of in the Word in that way - according to the appearance, indeed according to the illusions of the senses. This was especially necessary with the ancient Hebrews, who were totally unwilling to accept anything if it did not coincide with their own sensory perceptions, no matter what illusions these might entail."
newchristianbiblestudy.org/exposition/translation/arcana-coelestia-elliott/gen-15/18610
Swedenborg describes people in hell as wanting to be there - loving the atmosphere of hell, in fact. It suits them, it contains what they want for themselves. So, the idea that the rich man is begging Abraham to warn his relatives is met with little enthusiasm from Abraham, who tells him "they have Moses and the prophets, let them read them."
He's not being dismissive - he's acknowledging that some people don't want to find the truth, and their lives represent this. They have access to good things, but don't love them. Those teachings, therefore, are meaningless.
If Lazarus did indeed visit these rich men, at best he would force them to believe, which is a faith based on fear and not on love. As such, they would never retain it given the choice. True faith is based on love, and embracing ideas of spirituality into one's heart and mind. Fear-based faith is just a survival skill, employed when necessary but without care or sincerity.
At worst, the men would simply rationalize the vision of Lazarus as an anomaly or coincidence, and thus ignore it altogether.
So hell fire truly is a burning love for hellish things, which is what the people in hell want for themselves. For more on this, see "Evil Rejects God's Protection from Hell" ua-cam.com/video/NGGvOYLHiHc/v-deo.html or, "The Good Thing About Hell" ua-cam.com/video/EpCWOpiTVds/v-deo.html
I hope that makes sense! Let me know what you think!
@@offTheLeftEye Thank you so much for this in depth info..I would have to agree. God is pure love and does not want anyone to be in hell. People chose this path...it is having a reprobate mind as the Bible talks about. Those people have crossed a line and are not likely to return although God keeps trying. God is orderly..on earth as in heaven. So many things are becoming more clear for me now. Blessings to you all
@@susannautterback6815 Blessings to you too! May more people realize they have a lifeline in God!
God always gives us free will, even when our Spirit crosses over to the Other Side. Love is the answer. 💕
Love IS the answer, Leona!
How long does spirits stay in hell?
As long as they want to.
Mark has a really good point. Here's another episode that may help clarify things for you: ua-cam.com/video/EpCWOpiTVds/v-deo.html
forever ask Christ into your heart that's how before you die then you will not even see hell.
Thanks for your help to bring about deeper understanding of such an important subject as this. May God to bless you for your efforts in revealing the truths discovered by Swedenborg. These are desperately needed by so many people!! 😔 Love to all of you ....❤️
You're message made my day, Edie! Thank you for inspiring us with such kind words -- we feel so blessed by your presence here.
Please watch "23 Minutes in Hell by Bill Weise" for TRUE Biblical account of Hell. This Swedenborg rubbish preaches sugar to the ear. There is a reason Satan is called the father of LIES!! Dont be deceived. Be informed!
Also any scriptural support for Swedenbouurgs views?
Did this video not include any references, Necroman? Here is a video with some in it. ua-cam.com/video/gSLNZrNv4oA/v-deo.html
Also you can download the book Heaven and Hell from our website, www.swedenborg.com. We are glad you want to hear the scriptural support. Here is a list of wonderful videos that depend entirely on biblical quotes, and are offered in harmony with Swedenborgian ideas. spiritandlifebiblestudy.com/
What is the Christian view of hell?
Well, there are many different branches of Christianity, and the views can be different. Here is a Wikipedia page describing some of those views: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_views_on_Hell In this video that you are commenting under, we are sharing a Swedenborgian perspective on hell. Did you have a chance to watch it? If so, we would love to know how that compares to your own beliefs!
I haven't found anything in the Bible that mentions anything about Swedenborg. In fact, the Bible does warn about false preaching.
Hi, Ken! I understand your concern and hear in your tone a fierce love and loyalty to the Bible. On our channel we too believe it is the source of divine truth from the Lord, Jesus Christ. We also firmly believe that in order not to misinterpret its truth, we need an aid to understand the deeper layer of meaning available to us under the literal words. Jesus himself teaches us that there is more to learn beyond words:
"All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them.” -Matthew 13:34
“These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; but the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but I will tell you plainly about the Father.” -John 16:25
“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now” (John 16:12).
“If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?” (John 3:12).
“To you it’s been given to know the mysteries of God’s kingdom, but to the rest, in parables, so that seeing, they would not see, and hearing, they would not hear” (Luke 8:10)
“Our competence is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of letter but of spirit; for the letter kills, but the spirit gives life.” (2 Corinthians 3:5-6)
“Give ear, my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old” (Psalm 78:1-2).
If you would like to learn more about how Swedenborg read and understood the Bible, check out this short clip, "It Is Damaging To Take The Bible Literally." ua-cam.com/video/eXUXZ8BigDk/v-deo.html
Or this episode at minute marker 1:55: "There is a Science to Your Connection to Heaven" ua-cam.com/video/HNZNOMH4_DE/v-deo.html
We share this information for anyone who is interested, but we also respect that everyone is on their own spiritual path, and in their own relationship with the Word and with God. We respect your right to decide for yourself whether to accept what Swedenborg learned, or not. Thank you for sharing your perspective on all this, and we are wishing you well!
I have just 1 question. Is it possible for a person to leave hell and return to heaven if they think they dont want to be in hell anymore. Please reply. I never really liked the idea of a eternal hell even if its not full of constant torture.
Edit: Like the story of Howard Storm and other negative NDE survivors. They were saved as soon as they asked God to help them. So is this possible or once you get to hell you are stuck there??. Pleas help me clear my doubts and misconceptions 😔. I will be greatful.
Thank you for the question, Atri. The idea rests on there not being enough opportunity in this life to freely choose. Our understanding is that God gives each of us a lifetime of chances to want goodness. It is not the result of a single mistake. Over and over and over we have to repeatedly refuse love, and reject God to end up in heaven.
Yet your question comes from mercy, and God is a God of absolute mercy. If it helps you to hold hell that way, perhaps that makes sense. These are questions that will unfold in the afterlife. Love God as you understand him to be. Believe that people can change. Above all, make those loving choices yourself now, over and over.
Swedenborg's description of the hells still leaves a lot of question marks, I think. According to him, what largelly makes the hells hellish is the wish of all the inhabitants to come out on top and the hatred they feel towards anyone who stand in their way, or in other words, everyone else. This seems to fit the character description of someone who we perhaps might call an extroverted narcissist, but what about all the other kinds of evil that exists? I'm thinking mainly about those obsessed by perverse forms of lust. Such people don't necessarily feel a compulsion to rage against others, to win at every cardgame or to hurt anyone (at least not non-conseually). On the contrary in most cases. But obviously, they still don't belong in the heavens since they are driven by a compulsive wish to indulge in sin and wrongdoing for the sake of pleasure. Are there other kinds of hells for these people?
On a second note, I really don't understand what Swedenborg means by the word "falsity". What does it mean to have a love of what is false? I don't get it.
I really appreciate your thoughtful inquiries! Swedenborg actually reported 3 different levels of hell, each distinct from one another in the quality of selfishness exhibited by the inhabitants there. Point being, hell is organized by the type of evil that people love there. There are communities that form based on certain lusts, and others based on certain desires for power or control of others. Here's a short clip that briefly outlines these levels: ua-cam.com/video/sSOOUPPGXJs/v-deo.html
@@offTheLeftEye Thank you. Much appreciated!
@@somerandomvertebrate9262 You're very welcome! Oh, and regarding that question about what Swedenborg means by the word "falsity" - think in terms of deceit and justifications. Loving lies because lies can be used to manipulate people. And loving false information that justifies negative and harmful ways of life.
How long do we stay in the world of spirits?
Hi, Mary! I happened to send you a link on this very topic! I hope you find it useful! In the meantime, here's a tidbit. Swedenborg says that some people are taken right into heaven or hell because they need no sorting process to discover their true home; they already know. Most of us need more time to learn in the World of Spirits, up to what may feel to us like 30 years in the world.
Do people in hell ever really repent the evil within them and leave hell?
The perpetual question, C X! Swedenborg says that we don't go to our eternal home until we are THOROUGHLY "purified," choosing the atmosphere of heaven (love and kindness and helpfulness) or the atmosphere of hell (self-absorbed power struggles and cruelty) -- implying that we have every chance to change our mind along the way, but when we make the choice, that's our choice. Our deepest loves draw us to the place for us. And you can see the mercy in that: if people can't stand to be in the love and light of heaven, they have somewhere else to be!
But it's something people debate, because God is Love and eternity is a reallllllly long time! Our channel's mission is to share what Swedenborg learned on these spiritual topics, and the above idea is what I see as his main message, but there are a few statements that indicate there may possibly be some movement at times. The main thing is, God created all of us for heaven, because he loves us all, but he lets us OPT OUT, if that's what we really want. God doesn't throw anyone into hell -- we ourselves dive in whole-heartedly, if that's our choice. And we don't make that final choice till we're COMPLETELY clear about it. So.... would we WANT to repent and choose love instead, down the line? I don't know. What are your thoughts?
@@offTheLeftEye This along with all the other afterlife questions are always hard to venture a guess, as we are not wise enough to know the real answer. I know one of the things that keep people from Christianity is the concept of eternal hell/punishment for bad deeds done in a finite lifetime. Seems like the eternal punishment does not align with the finite "crime". The God Swedenborg describe is the most kind/merciful deity of all religious teachings, so I would think he is just and would do everything he can to save/bring people to them if there is an inkling of goodness in their heart (similar to Luke Skywalker saving Darth Vader???) So that's why I am wondering for people in hell from their own chosing, would there be a point in eternity that they finally realize they don't want to be in that state anymore, is there a chance for them to truly change their way and leave hell? Otherwise this could imply that people's hearts/soul are eternally set and can't be changed through experience? Looking at this from the other side, would there be a chance for anyone in heaven to grow to be less virtueous and be rejected? (aka Lucifer from the Bible)?
@@08trader great thoughts and questions! Yes, I think Darth Vader's redemption is a great example of what is possible - and yes, an eternally loving Divine Being would surely find a way to help us free ourselves from our misery, if we decide we want lucidity and love in our lives!
This is one of my favorite quotes from Swedenborg: "The Lord shows mercy to everyone, loves everyone, and wants to make everyone happy forever." (Secrets of Heaven §904:2)
To me - that says it all. "Forever." God will always help us, IF we seek help. But we have to want it! That's what feels true to me, anyway!
Swedenborg said that even angels experience ups and downs - although I don't think they ever choose hell after time in heaven (I suppose they could, if they wanted to!).
Once in heaven's atmosphere, your downs aren't really too bad, not like the suffering of earth! Check out our episode, "Angels Have Good Days and Bad Days," ua-cam.com/video/PfTKBbXC4NU/v-deo.html for more on that idea.
You might also like our episode about Lucifer: "Was Lucifer Really an Angel Who Fell From Heaven?" ua-cam.com/video/V7JMUhYqgHs/v-deo.html
Hope that's useful to you!
@@offTheLeftEye the bible says it's appointed for man once to die and then the judgement. No repentance after death