36. In its outmost or natural sense, namely its literal sense, the Word is symbolized also by the wall of the Holy Jerusalem, whose construction was jasper; by the foundations of the wall, which were precious stones; and also by the gates, which were pearls (Revelation 19:18-21). For Jerusalem symbolizes the church in respect to doctrine. But more on this subject in the next section.

It can now be seen from what we have presented that the Word’s literal sense, which is its natural sense, is the foundation, containing vessel, and buttress of its interior senses, which are its spiritual and celestial senses.

57. 3. Genuine truth, of which doctrine ought to consist, is apparent in the Word’s literal sense only to people who are enlightened by the Lord. Enlightenment comes from the Lord alone, and it is found in people who love truths because they are true and apply them to useful life endeavors. Enlightenment in the Word is not found in others.

Enlightenment comes from the Lord alone because the Lord is present everywhere in the Word. The reason enlightenment is found in people who love truths because they are true and apply them to useful life endeavors is that they are in the Lord and have the Lord in them. For the Lord embodies His Divine truth. When this truth is loved because it is Divine truth — and it is loved when it is applied to useful endeavor — then the Lord is present in the person in that truth.

This, too, the Lord teaches in John:

In that day you will know that...you (are) in Me, and I in you. He who has My commandments and keeps them, is he who loves Me.... ...and I will love him and manifest Myself to him...and (I) will come to him and make (My) home with him. (John 14:20-21, 23)

And in Matthew:

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. (Matthew 5:8)

These are the people who are enlightened when they read the Word, and with whom the Word shines and is translucent.