The Apocalypse Explained

This book reveals the spiritual meaning of the Apocalypse, or the book of Revelation, which concerns the end times of the Christian Church when there is a falling away from the true faith. All six volumes of the original edition have been combined into this single work. Highly symbolic, the book has remained closed to readers, but was finally revealed after the spiritual sense of scripture was shown to the author Emanuel Swedenborg in heavenly visions. Instead of guesswork the symbolism of the Apocalypse is explained in detail, using a system of correspondences or archetypes with numerous references to other portions of scripture. In general, the Apocalypse treats of the last state of the Christian Church, which has been corrupted by false doctrines and heresies over time, and the renewal of the Christian Church as the New Jerusalem which descends out of heaven. The seven letters written to seven churches in Asia contain particular messages from Jesus for different churches of our present time. Much of the work describes a spiritual judgment which occurred on the Christian Church in heaven, especially the Protestants who separate charity from faith, and the Catholics who have sought dominion over others by means of religion. The mysterious contents of the little book of seven thunders are revealed for the first time in this work, which concentrates on the true doctine of the One God, how he is one in person in Jesus Christ. The Second Coming is revealed to be a Second Coming of the Word, in which the hidden spiritual meaning of the Bible is now made known to all who wish to seek it. These revelations from heaven, which will form the basis of a New Christian Church, have been and will be opposed by religious authorities of the present Christian churches, as much of their doctrines are based on a false trinity of three persons. This spiritual battle is symbolically described in the final battle of Armageddon. Ultimately the prophecy of the Apocalypse declares that a New Church will be formed on earth, which is represented by the New Jerusalem which descends out of heaven. This book has been formatted for digital publication and includes hyperlinked table of contents, references, footnotes, and topical index.

The Apocalypse Explained was the original edition which Emanuel Swedenborg mysteriously set aside, and would eventually publish a much smaller edition entitled Apocalypse Revealed. The Apocalypse Explained is about twice as large, and dives into many areas of scripture for each point that is explained in the Apocalypse. It is not just an explanation of the Apocalypse, but also opens up many areas of scripture that hitherto have been left unexplained. This work can also be found together with the published version in another digital edition entitled, "The Apocalypse Revealed and Explained." Both works can also be found together in the forthcoming multi-volume edition, "The Divine Revelation of the New Jerusalem: Expanded Edition."