Arcana Coelestia (Elliott) n. 9586

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9586. Doing what is bad, when one loves and delights to do it, seems like freedom; but it is slavery, because hell is the source of it. Doing what is good, when one loves and delights to do it, also seems like freedom; and it is indeed freedom, because the Lord is the source of it. It is slavery therefore when a person is led by hell, and freedom when a person is led by the Lord. This is something that the Lord teaches in John,

Everyone committing sin is a slave of sin. A slave does not remain in the house forever; the Son remains forever. If the Son makes you free, you will be truly free. John 8:34-36.


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