Study In Revelation 38 The New Jerusalem Series

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.