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"In the world of existence man has traversed successive degrees until he has attained the human kingdom. In each degree of his progression he has developed capacity for advancement to the next station and condition... Therefore in this world he must prepare himself for the life beyond... That world beyond is a world of sanctity and radiance; therefore it is necessary that in this world he should acquire these divine attributes... By what means can man acquire these things?... First, through the knowledge of God. Second, through the love of God. Third, through faith. Fourth, through philanthropic deeds. Fifth, through self- sacrifice. Sixth, through severance from this world. Seventh, through sanctity and holiness." (Pup 220- 1) (88:4) "As the spirit continues to exist after death, it necessarily progresses, or declines; and in the other world, to cease to progress is the same as decline; but it never leaves its own condition, in which it continues to develop." (Bwf 330- 1) (88:5) "From the moment the soul leaves the body and arrives in the Heavenly World, its evolution is spiritual, and that evolution is: the approaching unto God... The soul does not evolve from degree to degree as a law-- it only evolves nearer to God, by the Mercy and Bounty of God." (Pt 66) (88:6) "The progress of man's spirit in the divine world, after the severance of its connection with the body of dust, is through the bounty and grace of the Lord alone, or through the intercession and the sincere prayers of other human souls, or through charities and important good works which are performed in its name." (Saq 278)
(88:7)
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