Divine Principles are Absolute; Our understanding is not.

We must distinguish between principles and our way of understanding them. We need to work to be open to have our way of understanding changed by what truths teach. New Church doctrine emphasises this distinction, especially as we pursue self-examination, repentance, and a living, humble relationship with the Lord and His Word.

1. Divine Principles Are Absolute; Understanding Is Limited

Divine principles, which are the truths revealed in the Word and the laws of spiritual life, are objective, eternal, and unchanging. These principles form the foundation of heaven, charity, faith, and the Lord’s order, and in their essence, they are the Lord. However, our understanding of these principles is always limited and fallible, influenced by culture, education, our state of spiritual growth, and especially by our proprium (or selfhood). Even sincere individuals perceive and apply these truths imperfectly.

2. The Danger: Confusing Principle with Our Interpretation

Equating our current understanding or interpretations with pure Divine truth is detrimental to our spiritual growth. It prevents us from receiving further spiritual enlightenment, as we believe we already possess all that is good and true. Additionally, we end up defending errors or partial truths out of pride, loyalty to our group, or adherence to tradition. This mindset can also result in judging and condemning others who perceive or express truths differently.

3. The Call: Openness to Change and Growth

Spiritual humility involves being receptive to the teachings of the Lord, particularly through His Word. As we strive to embrace new or deeper truths, we must be open to having our understanding transformed, misinterpretations corrected, and perspectives broadened by the Lord. This process of self-examination extends beyond our actions to include our thoughts, assumptions, and doctrinal positions.

4. Doctrine Must Be Applied Flexibly and in Spirit

True doctrine is dynamic and spiritual, not rigid or lifeless. Its purpose is to bring about inner spiritual rebirth – regeneration – and genuine charity. Paul writes, “The letter kills, but the spirit gives life” (2 Corinthians 3:6). This means that a literalistic, rote, or merely external application of doctrine—without connecting it to charity, inward affection, or practical application—brings about spiritual deadness, pride, division, or hypocrisy. The living spirit within the doctrine is its application to charity, self-examination, repentance, and transformation by the Lord.

5. Practical Steps

• Regularly revisit truths from the Word—do not assume full understanding.
• Pray for enlightenment and courage to let go of cherished but mistaken ideas.
• Be wary of overconfidence and groupthink. Value dialogue and reflection.
• Measure your life and beliefs by the Word’s principles, not vice versa.

Conclusion

We must distinguish between Divine principles and our own understanding of them, remaining humbly open to the Lord’s correction and enlightenment through His Word. As we grow, He leads us to a deeper, fuller love of truth—and thus to true charity and spiritual freedom.