A Glimpse Into Glory Revelation 21:2-4 Series

Transformed by Truth: A glimpse into glory Revelation 21:2-4

Introduction:

Today, we will be diving into a passage from the Book of Revelation, a text rich with promise and hope for every believer. Revelation 21:2-4 gives us a glimpse into the future glory that awaits us, a vision of the new heaven and new earth, where God dwells with His people.

Revelation 21:2-4 (NLT): "I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, 'Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.'"

From this passage, we will explore three key points: The Beauty of the New Jerusalem, The Presence of God with His People, and The End of Suffering.

Point 1: The Beauty of the New Jerusalem

Revelation 21:2 (NLT): "I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband."

John’s vision of the new Jerusalem is a powerful image of beauty and purity. The city is described as a bride adorned for her husband, symbolizing the intimate and joyous relationship between God and His people. This new Jerusalem represents the fulfillment of God's promises and the restoration of all things.

Isaiah 62:5 (NLT): "Your children will commit themselves to you, O Jerusalem, just as a young man commits himself to his bride. Then God will rejoice over you as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride."

Isaiah 62:5 beautifully depicts God's relationship with His people using the metaphor of a bride and bridegroom. This imagery underscores the intimacy, commitment, and joy that characterize our relationship with God. Just as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so does God rejoice over His people. This promise reflects the deep love and dedication God has for us, signifying a relationship filled with joy and celebration.

Hebrews 11:10 (NLT): "Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God."

This verse highlights Abraham's faith as he looked forward to the eternal city built by God. Abraham's journey was not merely about reaching a physical destination but about seeking the heavenly city—God's kingdom. This forward-looking faith is a model for us, urging us to set our sights on God's eternal promises rather than temporary earthly dwellings.

Think of a wedding day, where every detail is meticulously planned and every effort is made to present the bride in her most beautiful and radiant form. This is how God sees His relationship with us—precious, cherished, and adorned in glory.

John Piper once said, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." The beauty of the new Jerusalem reflects the satisfaction and glory that comes from being in perfect communion with God.

Point 2: The Presence of God with His People

Revelation 21:3 (NLT): "I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, 'Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them.'"

The declaration from the throne emphasizes God's desire to dwell among His people. This is the ultimate fulfillment of the covenant relationship that God has always intended. The phrase "God himself will be with them" speaks to the personal and intimate nature of this relationship.

Leviticus 26:11-12 (NLT): "I will live among you, and I will not despise you. I will walk among you; I will be your God, and you will be my people."

God’s promise in Leviticus 26:11-12 is about His presence among His people. This covenant assures us that God desires a close relationship with us, walking among us and being our God. It echoes the Edenic fellowship and looks forward to the ultimate fulfillment in the new heaven and new earth where God will dwell with His people eternally.

John 1:14 (NLT): “So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.”

John 1:14 emphasizes the incarnation, where the eternal Word became flesh and dwelled among us. This verse encapsulates the miracle of Jesus’ incarnation—God becoming man to live among His creation, showing us unfailing love and faithfulness. It signifies God's profound commitment to be with His people and reveals His glory through Jesus Christ.

Consider the joy and comfort of being reunited with a loved one after a long separation. This is a small picture of the profound joy and peace we will experience when God dwells among us fully and perfectly.