South End Church of Christ :: Article: Swedenborg's Description of Paul

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	Swedenborg's Description of Paul Aaron Erhardt After his conversion, Paul did much good for the Lord. He traveled extensively preaching the gospel, established local churches, mentored young preachers, wrote numerous epistles, and suffered martyrdom. Few men have a better record of service than that. Paul had no doubt that he would be saved. In his final letter, he wrote, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day...” (2 Timothy 4:7-8). Remarkably, an eighteenth century mystic named Emanuel Swedenborg claimed to have seen Paul in the afterlife. In his diary, published under the title “Spiritual Experiences,” Swedenborg described Paul as being in a depraved condition. He said that “the rest of the apostles in the other life rejected him from their company, and no longer recognize him for one of themselves.” He also said that Paul “associated himself to one of the worst devils” and “wished to form a heaven to himself.” Swedenborg charged Paul with impure motives in life. He said that he preached out of love for self and hated the internal sense of the Word. This was because Paul “wished to place merit in his actions” (quotes from 4412-13). We have noted in previous articles that Swedenborg was a heretic. His bogus claims and outlandish teachings are both un-scriptural and anti-scriptural. However, his charges against Paul are a new low. It is a serious thing to defame a chosen and faithful servant of God. Swedenborg belongs in the same category as Charles Taze Russell of the Jehovah’s Witnesses and Joseph Smith Jr. of the Mormons. They are all false teachers who deceive the people. Paul was not motivated by love for self. He was driven by sincere love for Christ. He set his own interests and well-being aside for his Master. Paul was everything Swedenborg was not!