3200. These two verses describe the state of rational good when in expectation of truth that is to be joined to it as a bride to her husband. The two verses that follow next describe the state of truth when it is near and perceives the good to which it is to be joined. But it should be recognized that these states did not occur merely once but repeatedly throughout the Lord's entire life in the world until He had been glorified. The same applies also to those who are to be regenerated, for they are not regenerated in a single space of time but are being regenerated throughout their entire life, and even in the next life. In fact the perfecting of man can never be complete.