9586. Doing what is bad, when one loves and delights to do it, seems like freedom; but it is slavery, because hell is the source of it. Doing what is good, when one loves and delights to do it, also seems like freedom; and it is indeed freedom, because the Lord is the source of it. It is slavery therefore when a person is led by hell, and freedom when a person is led by the Lord. This is something that the Lord teaches in John,

Everyone committing sin is a slave of sin. A slave does not remain in the house forever; the Son remains forever. If the Son makes you free, you will be truly free. John 8:34-36.

73. "To the angel of the church of Ephesus write." (2:1) This symbolically means, to people and concerning people who regard doctrinal truths primarily, and not goods of life.

In no. 66 above we showed that the seven churches do not mean seven churches, but the church in its entirety, which in itself is one, but varied in accordance with people's reception. We said as well that these variations may be compared to the various members and organs in an intact body, which nevertheless form a single unit; indeed that they may be compared to the various jewels in a royal crown; and that that is why the seven churches describe the entire New Church in its varieties in what now follows.

That the church of Ephesus means people in the church who regard doctrinal truths primarily, and not goods of life, is apparent from the particulars written to it, understood in their spiritual sense.

The letter was written to the angel of that church, because the angel means the angelic society corresponding to a church consisting of such people, as indicated in no. 65 above.