FAITH AND DOUBT
THERE are those who are in doubt before they deny, and there are those who are in doubt before they affirm. Those in doubt before they deny, are men who incline to a life of evil. When that life sways them, they deny things spiritual and celestial to the extent that they think of them. But those in doubt before they affirm, are men who incline to a life of good. When they suffer themselves to be turned to this life by the Lord, they then affirm things spiritual and celestial to the extent that they think of them.
—Arcana Cœlestia, n. 2568
THE FAITH OF THE FAITHFUL
IT is one thing to know truths, another to acknowledge them, and yet another to have faith in them. Only the faithful can have faith.
—Arcana Cœlestia, n. 896
The only faith that endures with man springs from heavenly love. Those without love have knowledge merely, or persuasion. Just to believe in truth and in the Word is not faith. Faith is to love truth, and to will and do it from inward affection for it.
—Heaven and Hell, n. 482
