THE NEW JERUSALEM
REV. 21:12-27
Lesson 27
New Jerusalem, the city of God, is revealed for us by the Apostle John direct from the Holy Spirit. Its splendor is unparallel as the future home of God’s redeemed challenges our wildest dreams. As our study moved into this chapter, we witnessed the New Heaven and New Earth. This new world order has no death, sorrow or pain and is free of tears. There will be no temple, no sacrifices, no sun, no moon, no darkness, no gates to shut, no sin. The past is gone, and only the future of eternity will be experienced. John is now taken and allowed to view the eternal city of God, the New Jerusalem. As John pens this description remember it is the Holy Spirit who is guiding Him. (II Peter 1:21) What we are viewing is the fulfilled promise of the Lord Jesus Christ to His own in John 14:1-3. Having viewed the city, John now itemizes the specific details. I believe its appearance, dimensions, material, inhabitants are all literal just as revealed.
I. The New Jerusalem (Vs. 11-27)
a. The first thing that catches John’s attention is that it is clothed in God’s glory.
1. It has the radiance of
a) Priceless jewel
b) The glory of divine presence is the key thought expressed.
c) Light and brilliance have been a symbol of God’s presence throughout scripture.
b. John now gives us the details of the city and what our future home will look like.
1. In verses 12 and 17, the walls are over 200 feet high, 210 feet to be exact.
2. Twelve gates with an angel honor guard at each gate
3. The twelve tribes of Israel have their names on these gates, which seems to indicate that those whose names appear are qualified and have freedom to go in and out.
4. The position of the twelve Apostles and their importance is seen in verse 14.
a) From Ephesians 2:20, we now see the fulfillment.
b) The importance in God’s eternal program is evident.
5. The size of the city goes beyond our dreams of a large city. (Vs. 15-17)
a) Most feel this is a 1500-mile cube; but if you want to be precise, it is 1342 miles.
b) That’s a city from New York to Colorado and from Michigan to Florida.
c) That’s just one dimension.
d) No wonder Jesus said, “There are many mansion, or rooms.”
6. The building materials of the New Jerusalem
a) The walls were of jasper and city of pure gold. (Vs. 18)
b) God stands for purity and this will be the characteristic of all the inhabitants.
c) The city’s foundation of precious stones (Vs. 19)
1) Jasper – clear as crystal
2) Sapphire – blue in color
3) Chalcedony – sky blue
4) Emerald – bright green
5) Sardonyx – red and white
6) Sardious - reddish color
7) Chrysolytn – golden in color
8) Beryl – sea green
9) Topaz – yellow, green transparent
10) Chrysoprasus – shade of green
11) Jacinth – violet in color
12) Amethyst – commonly purple
7. The twelve gates are of pearl with each gate being formed out of one pearl.
a) Matt 13:45-47
b) This gives us the clue of the pearl of great price.
II. The position of the Lord Jesus in the New Jerusalem (Vs. 22-27)
a. There is no temple for worship, for the Lord Himself is present.
1. It will be the privilege of the redeemed to worship before the Lord Himself.
2. There will be no need of light, for Jesus Christ is the source of all true light.
a) He is the light of the world.
b) As He is a lamp unto our feet today so will He be the light throughout all eternity.
b. The New Jerusalem will be an eternal active city with no night. (Vs. 24,25)
1. No idle or lazy people, but one of eternal service unto God
2. The good thing is we will never be tired or get burned out.
c. Those whose names are in the Book of Life will be in the New Jerusalem. (Vs. 26-27)
1. People will bring honor and praise to this city.
2. This reveals that spiritual healthy people bring an attitude of praise and thanksgiving.
3. Nothing unholy will ever enter this home of the redeemed.
Conclusion: This is the hope of the child of God. Never lose your focus on what God has prepared for you.