The New Jerusalem
Rev. 21:9-27
John here continues in his description of the New Jerusalem which we are told descends out of heaven from God.
Mention: Vs.2 it is described as New Jerusalem
Also: Hebrews 11:16 Those of faith in this chapter sought for a heavenly place prepared for them by the Lord
John 14:2 Jesus said to His disciples I go and prepare a place for you
What we have in Revelation 21 is a description of the New Jerusalem and not heaven
See: Rev. 21:10 And shew me that great city, the holy Jerusalem descending out of heaven from God…
There are several things John describes concerning the New Jerusalem.
1. The Splendor
Vs.9 I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife
Vs.2 The New Jerusalem is described as a bride adorned for her husband.
Some has gone as far as speculating that this New Jerusalem is really the Church, but I do not see how it fits with the remaining verses here that describe a literal city.
• The Brightness
Vs.11 The glory of God described as a jasper stone, crystal clear
• The Structures
See: Vs.12-13 The walls with twelve gates containing the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel
Perhaps much like the city described during the millennial reign of Christ. Ezekiel 48:30-35
See: Vs.14 there are twelve foundations bearing the walls that will have the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
See: Vs.18-21 John describes what he sees relating it to familiar things we can relate to.
2. The Size
See: Vs.15-17
The reed is believed to be 10 feet long and a furlong is about 600 ft times 12,000 furlongs which equates to about 1,400 miles in length, breadth and height.
The walls that are 144 cubits and 4 cubits are equivalent to 6 feet which equates to 216 feet.
Note: There are some questions as to whether the dimensions given are cubed or pyramid.
The point here is this New Jerusalem is plenty big enough for all those who come to faith in Christ.
3. The Street
Rev. 21:21 They are described as gold in its purest form
See: Rev. 22:1-2 We see the river of water of life and the tree of life yielding twelve manner of fruits one each month.
4. The Son Light
See: Vs.22-23
“The city had no need of the sun…”
Mention: Isaiah 60:19-20 The LORD an everlasting light in the kingdom age
See: Rev. 21:25b, 22:5 there shall be no night there
Rev. 21:22 I saw no temple there…
5. The Special Inhabitants
See: Rev. 21:24-26 The nations of them which are saved
Mention: Rev. 22:3 there will be no more curse and the saved will serve Lord
Vs.27 these are those who names are written the Lamb’s book of life
How does one make the roll?
a. By recognizing they are sinner Romans 3:10, 23
b. Realizing there is a penalty for sin Rev. 21:8, Romans 6:23
c. The willingness to repent Luke 13:3, 5
d. Accepting God’s payment for your sin See: 1 Tim. 2:4-6
