{1}
{Footnote 1} The form of heaven is a form in accordance with
the Divine order (n. 4040-4043, 6607, 9877).
202. Let us consider first what is meant by being in the form of
heaven. Man was created both in the image of heaven and in the image
of the world; his internal in the image of heaven, and his external
in the image of the world (see above, n. 57); and in the image means
the same thing as in accordance with the form. But as man by the
evils of his will and consequent falsities of thought has destroyed
in himself the image of heaven, that is, the form of heaven, and in
place of it has brought in the image and form of hell, his internal
is closed up from his very birth; and this is why man is born into
pure ignorance, while animals of every kind are not. And that man may
have the image of heaven or form of heaven restored to him he must be
taught the things that pertain to order; since form, as has been
said, is in accord with order. The Word contains all the laws of
Divine order, for its precepts are the laws of Divine order;
therefore to the extent that man knows these and lives in accordance
with them his internal is opened and the order or image of heaven is
there formed anew.
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