They
also change a little in accordance with changes of the state of
interiors of the angels (of which above, n. 154-160). Everything
whatsoever that the angels possess they hold as received from the
Lord; and everything they have need of is given them.
191. XXII. SPACE IN HEAVEN.
All things in heaven appear, just as in the world, to be in place and
in space, and yet the angels have no notion or idea of place and
space. As this must needs sounds like a paradox, I will endeavor to
present the matter in a clear light, as it is of great importance.
192. All changes of place in the spiritual world are effected by
changes of state of the interiors, which means that change of place
is nothing else than change of state.{1} In this way I have been
taken by the Lord into the heavens and also to the earths in the
universe; and it was my spirit that so journeyed, while my body
remained in the same place.{2} Such are all movements of the angels;
and in consequence they have no distances, and having no distances
they have no spaces, but in place of spaces they have states and
their changes.
{Footnote 1} In the Word places and spaces signify states (n.
2625, 2837, 3356, 3387, 7381, 10580); from experience (n. 1274,
1277, 1376-1381, 4321, 4882, 10146, 10580). Distance signifies
difference of state of life (n. 9104, 9967). In the spiritual
world movements and changes of place are changes of the state
of life, because they originate in these (n. 1273-1275, 1377,
3356, 9440). The same is true of journeyings (n. 9440, 10734);
illustrated by experience (n. 1273-1277, 5605). For this reason
"to journey" signifies in the Word to live and progress in
life; and "to sojourn has a like meaning (n. 3335, 4554, 4585,
4882, 5493, 5605, 5996, 8345, 8397, 8417, 8420, 8557). To go
with the Lord means to live with Him (n. 10567).
{Footnote 2} Man may be led a long distance in respect to his
spirit by means of changes of state, while his body remains in
its place, also from experience (n. 9440, 9967, 10734). What it
is to be "led by the spirit to another place" (n. 1884).
193. As changes of place are thus effected it is evident that
approaches are likenesses of state of the interiors, and separations
are unlikenesses; and for this reason those are near each other who
are in like states, and those are at a distance who are in unlike
states; and spaces in heaven are simply the external conditions
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