Swedenborgianism affirms the canonicity of the biblical books but emphasizes reading Scripture for its inner spiritual sense rather than literal meaning. Swedenborg's theological works (Arcana Caelestia, Heaven and Hell, True Christianity) provide the hermeneutical key to unlocking this inner sense. The inner sense is the true, infallible meaning; the literal sense may contain errors or varied readings.

Not all biblical books contain an inner sense equally developed; the Pentateuch, historical books, and Psalms are especially rich in inner correspondence. Swedenborg's revelations are understood as the New Revelation that completes and clarifies the Bible's spiritual meaning for the New Church age. The canon is closed; Swedenborg was the final revelator of spiritual sense.