higher will.5
The Writings make it clear that no
one chooses hell without having been held
throughout life in a state of equilibrium
between evil and good.6 Equilibrium
guarantees that we will experience in our
will both the influence of good and that
of evil – and states of understanding in
conformity with each – as a basis for our
eternal choice.
Is a lifetime on earth enough time?
The Lord’s will
is that every one
of us comes to
recognize that our
life is a gift from
Him. His will is that,
after experiencing
the joys of loving
His goodness
and truth, and of
being in loving
connection with
other human beings,
we will respond with
consent to His way
and His leading.
A related concern to, “How could someone
truly prefer evil over good?” is, “How could
it be fair to base eternal life on the choices
made in just a few years in the natural
world?” From a natural point of view this
is indeed an understandable question. It’s
hard not to think that given enough time
we can learn that hell is not the happiest
state, and can have a change of heart.
This concern is intensified by the fact
that we see people born into all sorts of
circumstances that seem to put them at a
deficit. How can people be free in the face
of ignorance, poverty, trauma, abuse? While this is a big topic to which many
pages might be dedicated, the bottom line is that the Lord’s providence foresees
and provides for the salvation of every human being.
The Writings firmly state that we are to blame – not our heredity or
environment, not other people or God – if we are not saved.7 People of faith are
invited to believe and trust in the Lord’s infinitely wise and loving providence.
In reflecting on the nature of choice, I have come to believe that most
people make their fundamental choice pretty early in life. Again, there is
no accounting for choice. I don’t think the choice itself is based on endless
learning and experiencing. Most of life is coming to recognize what it is that we
love most, and then gradually becoming confirmed in that love. This happens
5
Ibid. 2041.2-3, 2284.2-3, 762, 857, 3147.2; cf. 8981.4, 4274 end
6 Heaven and Hell 597; True Christian Religion 475ff.
7
Divine Providence 327-330; True Christian Religion 580.3, 43.2; Arcana Coelestia 9452f, etc.
379