Revelation 21:9-27 – New Jerusalem
John experienced one of the 7 angels who had the 7 bowls of plagues call him to come and he would show him the wife of the Lamb. At this point the marriage had already taken place. John was carried away in the Spirit to a mountain where he saw the Holy City of Jerusalem coming down from heaven. The Lamb’s wife represents God’s city. I’m sure John had a hard time describing what he saw with human words. He said it shone with the glory of God. It had brilliance like precious jewels, clear as crystal. It had a high wall with 12 gates with 12 angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. Three gates were on the east, three on the north, three on the south and three on the west. The city wall had 12 foundations with the names of the 12 apostles of the Lamb. (Rev. 21:9-14) The Lamb’s wife is described as the new city of Jerusalem. This is where the bride of Christ, the church will live forever.
Scenes that described of John being “in the Spirit”:
Revelation 17:1-6 and Revelation 21:9-14 are different. In Revelation 17 we see the evil Babylon ruling over the earth and wanting to destroy God’s people. While Revelation 21 we saw the Holy City, Jerusalem after all evil has left the world forever.
This world is not our home. Our home is in heaven. There is nothing like going home. There is no place like home. There is a peace, joy, rest, tranquility, and a sense of belonging. The best part is that Jesus will be there with us. That is what heaven will be like. John gives us a beautiful description of our heavenly home.
John describes details of the New Jerusalem:
The significance of all the jewels in the New Jerusalem is not a drab, dull, boring city, because it radiates God’s glory. The 12 stones on the high priest’s breastplate in Exodus 28 were for the 12 tribes of Israel. The number 12 is considered a perfect number indicating completeness and symbolizes God’s power and authority. There are 12 tribes of Israel, 12 apostles, Jacob had 12 sons, the woman in chapter 12 wears a crown with 12 stars, the Holy City has 12 gates with 12 angels, and 12 precious stones mentioned here. The 144,000 we saw sealed in chapter 12 is 12,000 cubed. A stadia or furlong is about 1,200 miles in length. The city then is approximately 1,200 miles times 12,000 on each of its 4 sides so there is plenty of room for billions of God’s people who are not limited by gravity. I love how the Bible ties everything together in a neat bow. God leaves nothing to chance or coincidence.
I looked up what all these precious stones were:
God and His eternal plan are portrayed in the description of the city. Precious stones like these are highly treasured and sought after. God treasures His people. We are precious to Him and He seeks after us.
John didn’t see a temple, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. It didn’t need the sun or the moon for the glory of God gives it light and the Lamb is its lamp. It’s never nighttime. The Lord’s glory will illuminate the city. This city is full of the glory of God. At no time will be gates be closed, because there will be no enemy to enter. Nothing impure will ever enter it, only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. (Rev. 21:22-27)
There are passages about the temple throughout the Bible ...
These verses refer to God’s light…
This is not a city that we can really understand. Even John probably had a hard time describing it in human language. The city is very large. It would have to be since it is a place for all of God’s people. It will be the center of the new earth and a place where the Lord will be the King over all nations. He has already dealt with the unholy and only clean and good will exist there.
Do you want to live there? I sure do. It will be a place of rest, a place of complete security, a place of refreshment for God’s people, a place without fear, a place of true worship, and a place of joy and holiness. God will provide security and stability and lavish provisions for His people. We will enjoy its beauty and unity with other believers for eternity. We will walk in His presence. We will have unending fellowship with Jesus. Hallelujah!
John’s revelation says eternity is real! Believers will go to an eternal heaven forever, but unbelievers will go to eternal punishment forever.
Principle: Just like to precious stones in the New Jerusalem we are treasured and precious to God.
Revelation 22:1-5 – The River of Life
The angel showed John the River of life. It was as clear as crystal that flowed from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the street. On each side was the Tree of Life bearing 12 crops of fruit yielding fruit every month. The leaves are for the healing of the nations. There will no longer be any curse. The throne of God and the Lamb will be in the holy city and servants to serve Him. They will be able to see His face. His name will be written on their foreheads. There will be no more night nor a need for light for the Lord God will give them light. They will reign forever and ever. (Revelation 22:1-5)
Have you received new life by believing in Jesus as Savior? What a great honor to carry His name. It is thrilling to be identified with Him. He promises a glorious future of hope, peace and security for all who believe in Him.
The Tree of Life has not been mentioned in the Bible since Genesis 3 when Adam and Eve sinned in the garden. If you remember, God provided all they needed and told them they could eat of any tree in the garden except the tree of knowledge of good and evil. If they ate from that tree, they would live forever in their sin. However, they disobeyed God and He kicked them out, cursed them, and banned them from the garden. They could no longer eat from the Tree of Life. Because of their sin, they would have to work for their food. That Paradise is now restored. All that was lost is redeemed by the Lamb.
We are the servants. We will have the honor of serving Him. The Bible tells us no one can see the face of God and live, but in the New Jerusalem we will have glorified bodied and we will be able to see His face. There we will be in His presence all the time and can look on His face anytime. This will be the greatest blessing.
Jesus is the source of all light. The sun and moon will have no purpose. His presence is all we will need. His Kingdom has no end.
Principle: God will live with His people forever in the new heaven and new earth.
Next week we will continue the study of Revelation. – I encourage you to trust in Jesus.
__________________________________________________
If you have enjoyed my post and have found if helpful, please leave a comment or share this post with the buttons below.
No comments:
Post a Comment