e
human perfections are infinite. Thus, however learned a man may be, we can
imagine one more learned.

Hence, as the perfections of humanity are endless, man can also make
progress in perfections after leaving this world.

65: EXPLANATION OF A VERSE IN THE KITAB-I-AQDAS

Question.--It is said in the Kitab-i-Aqdas "...whoso is deprived thereof,
hath gone astray, though he be the author of every righteous deed." What
is the meaning of this verse?

Answer.--This blessed verse means that the foundation of success and
salvation is the knowledge of God, and that the results of the knowledge
of God are the good actions which are the fruits of faith.

If man has not this knowledge, he will be separated from God, and when
this separation exists, good actions have not complete effect. This verse
does not mean that the souls separated from God are equal, whether they
perform good or bad actions. It signifies only that the foundation is to
know God, and the good actions result from this knowledge. Nevertheless,
it is certain that between the good, the sinners and the wicked who are
veiled from God there is a difference. For the veiled one who has good
principles and character deserves the pardon of God, while he who is a
sinner, and has bad qualities and character, is deprived of the bounties
and blessings of God. Herein lies the difference.

Therefore, the blessed verse means that good actions alone, without the
knowledge of God, cannot be the cause of eternal salvation, everlasting
success, and prosperity, and entrance into the Kingdom of God.

66: THE EXISTENCE OF THE RATIONAL SOUL AFTER THE DEATH OF THE BODY

Question.--After the body is put aside and the spirit has obtained freedom,
in what way will the rational soul exist? Let us suppose that the souls
who are assisted by the bounty of the Holy Spirit attain to true existence
and eternal life. But what becomes of the rational souls--that is to say,
the veiled spirits?(159)

Answer.--Some think that the body is the substance and exists by itself,
and that the spirit is accidental and depends upon the substance of the
body, although, on the contrary, the rational soul is the substance, and
the body depends upon it. If the accident--that is to say, the body--be
destroyed, the substance, the spirit, remains.

Second, the rational soul, meaning the human spirit, does not descend into
the body--that is to say, it does not enter it, for descent and entranc