STUDY IN REVELATION 38
The New Jerusalem
Revelation 21: 9-23
How do you describe God? We try the best we can using human language to describe the majesty and the glory of God.
John is doing the best he can, using human language, to describe this new city he sees.
John sees the New Jerusalem
Can you name all of the capitol cities of the world? Well during this time you will be able to because there will be only one. The Holy City, the New Jerusalem will be the capitol city of the entire new world.
Let’s take a look at what John sees.
Vs. 9-10 This is the last vision that God gives John.
God saved the best for last.
Who did God send to show John the New Jerusalem?
Paul, since he had already been there once
Jesus Because He will be the one who knows the city best.
One of the angels, in charge of the seven bowl judgments.
Why would God send one of the angels that had been in charge of pouring out one of the bowls of judgment on the old earth?
Here’s the symbolism of this; God has a message for those who live in this world.
We need to know that Judgment is coming. We also need to understand God’s message of hope and glory for the new earth. The New Jerusalem, the very city where God’s presence will dwell, is coming to earth. When this happens every person can live with God in the glory of His city.
Citizenship is available right now and God is offering it to every man, woman, boy and girl.
You’ve heard these sales pitches where the pitch man is telling you what a great deal he has for you.
“BUT WAIT!! If you buy now, we’ll throw in this…
Well, this is no sales pitch. God tells us through the bowl judgments that He is going to destroy all that is. But He promises that if you choose His Son Jesus that you will have a place to live. That place is the New City and we will live with Him forever and ever.
V. 11 The glory of the city.
John tells us the glory that illuminates this city is coming from God.
Jasper stones vary in color and can be very costly. Here it is describe as clear as crystal. The stone described here is a precious stone that is as clear as crystal.
We don’t get a lot of snow here in South Carolina but we do sometimes have these severe ice storms. Have you ever noticed how the sun’s rays are intensified as those crystals of ice reflect the light? How the green pine needles, covered by ice, seem to glisten more than ever.
The glory of God will shine throughout this new city in a way that is nearly indescribable and John uses the best description he can.
V. 12-13 The walls are described as great and high and there are 12 gates around the city. .
The description of the walls gives us the idea of perfect security and protection.
We are told three things about these gates.
1. The gates have the names of the twelve tribes of Israel upon them.
These gates assure us that no one will enter in unless they come through the promised Messiah.
2. The gates are guarded by 12 angels.
This symbolizes that the city of God will be secure. There will be no sneaking in. The only way in is by invitation only.
3. There are three gates on the North side of the city.
There are three gates on the East side of the city.
There are three gates on the South side of the city.
There are six gates on the west side of the city. See if anyone catches this
This shows us that there will be no one left out because of his/her nationality. God is giving an open invitation to all who will come.
Scripture Proof:
Act 10:35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
Rom 10:12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.
Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
V. 14 The city has 12 foundations.
These foundations have the names of the 12 Apostles inscribed upon them.
Notice that they are identified as the Apostles of the Lamb.
This tells us that the very foundation of the city if God is the testimony of the Lamb of God, as declared by the Apostles. It is His death that gives us the right to enter that city. We have access to the City of God through Jesus Christ. There is no other way to enter in.
Eph 2:18-22 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.
Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone],
in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord,
in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Vs. 15-17 The description of the city’s shape and size.
The city is built in the shape of ™an octagon ™a triangle ™a circle ™a square ™rectangle
The city faces every direction, which tells us that the City of God is only available to a select few ™True ™False.
The City is enormous, towering 1500 miles high, 1500 miles long and 1500 miles wide. I don’t believe there is anyone who can grasp the absolute enormity of this City.
Ask someone to use a calculator to get the square mile and the cubic miles of this City.
When we multiply length X width we see that the City spans 2,250,000 [2mil. 250 Thous.]
Can you imagine living in a city that size?
Now let’s figure the cubic miles. Remember the walls of the City are 1500 miles high.
Length X width X height tells us the City cover the space of 3,375,000,000 [3bil 375mil]
The City of God will cover nearly four billion cubic miles.
How thick were the walls?
The different Jewish cubits are generally borrowed either from Babylonians or Greeks or Romans. In ancient Israel during the First Temple period, the cubit was 428.1 mm (16.85 in.) (˜ 26/27 Roman cubit). During the Second Temple period, a cubit of about 444.5 mm (17.5 in.) (˜ Roman cubit) was in general use, but in the sacred areas of the temple a special cubit of 437.6 mm seems to have been used instead (˜ 63/64 Roman cubit).
(Biblical Archaeology Review, March-April 1983, and Newsletter and Proceedings of the Society for Early Historical Archaeology, issue 159.)
Most agree that the walls are approximately 266 ft thick.
What an amazing City that will be
That’s why Jesus said what He did in Matthew 22: 9 “Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.”
There’s room for all who will come to Jesus.
Vs. 18-21 The building material that God uses:
When you think about these precious stones, keep in mind that some of these will differ from what we know today. Pay attention to beauty and variety of color in the city.
1. The walls are made of jasper. This is a crystal like rock that is green in color. We can only imagine how the walls will sparkle, when glory of God shines on them.
2. The city is made of pure gold, which is as clear as glass. There has never been, on earth, any gold found that is as clear as glass. Some say that John sees glass with a gold tint. We see today how some of our auto makers use glass with a bronze cast to it.
Just remember that the city is designed to transmit the glory of God.
3. The twelve layers of the foundation are built with different types of precious stones.
This information is gathered from William Barclay. The Revelation of John, Vol. 2, p273f
a. The first stone in the foundation is jasper. This is a green rock-like crystal.
b. The second stone in the foundation is sapphire. This is a sky blue stone spotted with gold.
c. The third stone in the foundation is chalcedony [KAL-suh-doh’nee]. This stone is the color of the green on a peacock’s tail.
d. The fourth stone in the foundation is emerald. This stone is the greenest of all the greens.
e. The fifth stone in the foundation is sardonyx. This is a stone that is white with layers of red and brown.
f. The sixth stone in the foundation is sardius [SAHR-duh-niks]. This stone is blood red in color.
g. The seventh stone in the foundation is chrysolite. This stone shines with the radiance of gold.
h. The eighth stone in the foundation is beryl. This stone is sea blue or sea green.
i. The ninth stone in the foundation is topaz. This stone is a transparent greenish gold in color.
j. The tenth stone in the foundation is chyrsoprasus [KRIS-uh-prayz]. This stone is apple green in color.
k. The eleventh stone in the foundation is jacinth. This stone is violet or bluish purple in color.
l. The twelfth stone in the foundation is amethyst [AM-uh-thist or -thuhst]. This stone is similar in color to jacinth but more brilliant.
The twelve gates are two huge pearls.
The streets are made of pure gold. But remember that it is as transparent as glass.
Can you picture, in your mind the dazzling beauty of this city as the glory of God reflects off of each of these stones?
V.22 There will be worship in heaven.
The problem that so many young people have, today, with accepting salvation is the picture they get from our teaching of heaven. For too many years we have taught that for all eternity we will be face down in front of the throne of God. They see heaven as one long and boring worship service and we all have seen some of those.
There will be worship in heaven but it will be much different from our singing three hymns and hearing a sermon. We will have a constant awareness of the presence of God. We will be completely filled with the Holy Spirit, so that no matter what service we will be performing in heaven, we will be in that perfect attitude of worship.
Never again will there be a day when we will say that we can’t feel the presence of God…
V. 23 The light of the city will come from:
Noisy generators Solar energy
The presence of the Almighty Creator of all there is, the King of all kings, who is God Himself
STUDY IN REVELATION 38
The New Jerusalem
Revelation 21: 9-23
How do you describe God? We try the best we can using human language to describe the majesty and the glory of God.
John is doing the best he can, using human language, to describe this new city he sees.
John sees the Jerusalem
Can you name all of the capitol cities of the world? Well during this time you will be able to because there will be only one. The Holy City, the New Jerusalem will be the capitol city of the entire new world.
Let’s take a look at what John sees.
Vs. 9-10 This is the vision that God gives John.
God saved the best for last.
Who did God send to show John the New Jerusalem?
Paul, since he had already been there once
Jesus Because He will be the one who knows the city best.
One of the angels, in charge of the seven bowl judgments.
Why would God send one of the angels that had been in charge of pouring out one of the bowls of judgment on the old earth?
Here’s the symbolism of this; God has a message for those who live in this world.
We need to know that is coming. We also need to understand God’s message of hope and glory for the new earth. The New Jerusalem, the very city where God’s presence will dwell, is coming to earth. When this happens every person can live with God in the glory of His city.
Citizenship is available right now and God is offering it to every man, woman, boy and girl.
You’ve heard these sales pitches where the pitch man is telling you what a great deal he has for you.
“BUT WAIT!! If you buy now, we’ll throw in this…
Well, this is no sales pitch. God tells us through the bowl judgments that He is going to destroy all that is. But He promises that if you choose His Son Jesus that you will have a place to live. That place is the New City and we will live with Him forever and ever.
V. 11 The of the city.
John tells us the glory that illuminates this city is coming from God.
Jasper stones vary in color and can be very costly. Here it is describe as clear as crystal. The stone described here is a precious stone that is as clear as crystal.
We don’t get a lot of snow, here in South Carolina but we do sometimes have these severe ice storms. Have you ever noticed how the sun’s rays are intensified as those crystals of ice reflect the light? How the green pine needles, covered by ice, seem to glisten more than ever.
The glory of God will shine throughout this new city in a way that is nearly indescribable and John uses the best description he can.
V. 12-13 The walls are described as and and There are gates around the city.
The description of the walls gives us the idea of perfect security and protection.
We are told three things about these gates.
1. The gates have the of the twelve tribes of Israel upon them.
These gates assure us that no one will enter in unless they come through the promised Messiah.
2. The gates are guarded by angels.
This symbolizes that the city of God will be secure. There will be no sneaking in. The only way in is by invitation only.
3. There are three gates on the side of the city.
There are three gates on the side of the city.
There are gates on the South side of the city.
There are six gates on the west side of the city.
This shows us that there will be no one left out because of his/her nationality. God is giving an open invitation to all who will come.
Scripture Proof:
Act 10:35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
Rom 10:12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.
Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
V. 14 The city has foundations.
These foundations have the names of the 12 inscribed upon them.
Notice that they are identified as the Apostles of the .
This tells us that the very foundation of the city if God is the testimony of the Lamb of God, as declared by the Apostles. It is His death that gives us the right to enter that city. We have access to the City of God through Jesus Christ. The is no other way to enter in.
Eph 2:18-22 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.
Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone],
in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord,
in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Vs. 15-17 The description of the city’s shape and size.
The city is built in the shape of ™an octagon ™a triangle ™a circle ™a square ™rectangle
The city faces direction, which tells us that the City of God is only available to a select few ™True ™False.
The City is enormous, towering miles high, miles long and miles wide. I don’t believe there is anyone who can grasp the absolute enormity of this City.
When we multiply length X width we see that the City spans .
Can you imagine living in a city that size?
Now let’s figure the cubic miles. Remember the walls of the City are 1500 miles high.
Length X width X height tells us the City covers the space of .
The City of God will cover nearly four billion cubic miles.
How thick were the walls?
The different Jewish cubits are generally borrowed either from Babylonians or Greeks or Romans. In ancient Israel during the First Temple period, the cubit was 428.1 mm (16.85 in.) (˜ 26/27 Roman cubit). During the Second Temple period, a cubit of about 444.5 mm (17.5 in.) (˜ Roman cubit) was in general use, but in the sacred areas of the temple a special cubit of 437.6 mm seems to have been used instead (˜ 63/64 Roman cubit).
(Biblical Archaeology Review, March-April 1983, and Newsletter and Proceedings of the Society for Early Historical Archaeology, issue 159.)
Most agree that the walls are approximately 266 ft thick.
What an amazing City that will be
That’s why Jesus said what He did in Matthew 22: 9 “Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.”
There’s room for all who will come to Jesus.
Vs. 18-21 The building material that God uses:
When you think about these precious stones, keep in mind that some of these will differ from what we know today. Pay attention to beauty and variety of color in the city.
1. The walls are made of . This is a crystal like rock that is green in color. We can only imagine how the walls will sparkle, when glory of God shines on them.
2. The city is made of pure , which is as clear as . There has never been, on earth, any gold found that is as clear as glass.
Some say that John sees glass with a gold tint. We see today how some of our auto makers use glass with a bronze cast to it.
Just remember that the city is designed to transmit the glory of God.
3. The twelve layers of the foundation are built with different types of precious stones.
This information is gathered from William Barclay. The Revelation of John, Vol. 2, p273f
a. The first stone in the foundation is . This is a green rock-like crystal.
b. The second stone in the foundation is . This is a sky blue stone spotted with gold.
c. The third stone in the foundation is [KAL-suh-doh’nee]. This stone is the color of the green on a peacock’s tail.
d. The fourth stone in the foundation is . This stone is the greenest of all the greens.
e. The fifth stone in the foundation is . This is a stone that is white with layers of red and brown.
f. The sixth stone in the foundation is [SAHR-duh-niks]. This stone is blood red in color.
g. The seventh stone in the foundation is . This stone shines with the radiance of gold.
h. The eighth stone in the foundation is . This stone is sea blue or sea green.
i. The ninth stone in the foundation is . This stone is a transparent greenish gold in color.
j. The tenth stone in the foundation is [KRIS-uh-prayz]. This stone is apple green in color.
k. The eleventh stone in the foundation is . This stone is violet or bluish purple in color.
l. The twelfth stone in the foundation is [AM-uh-thist or -thuhst]. This stone is similar in color to jacinth but more brilliant.
The twelve gates are two huge .
The streets are made of pure . But remember that it is as transparent as glass.
Can you picture, in your mind the dazzling beauty of this city as the glory of God reflects off of each of these stones?
V.22 There will be in heaven.
The problem that so many young people have, today, with accepting salvation is the picture they get from our teaching of heaven. For too many years we have taught that for all eternity we will be face down in front of the throne of God. They see heaven as one long and boring worship service and we all have seen some of those.
There will be worship in heaven but it will be much different from our singing three hymns and hearing a sermon. We will have a constant awareness of the presence of God. We will be completely filled with the Holy Spirit, so that no matter what service we will be performing in heaven, we will be in that perfect attitude of worship.
Never again will there be a day when we will say that we can’t feel the presence of God…
V. 23 The light of the city will come from:
Noisy generators Solar energy
The presence of the Almighty Creator of all there is, the King of all kings, who is God Himself
