REVELATION 21: THE INHERITANCE OF THE SAINTS

A new earth of peace, harmony, and love, the blessed land that we have hoped for and which God promised would come, has come. And so the prophet declares:

Revelation 21:1

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

“A new heaven and a new earth”

For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. (Isaiah 65:17–18)

For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain. (Isaiah 66:22)

“The first heaven and the first earth were passed away”

Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: but the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. (2 Peter 3:6–7)

And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree. (Isaiah 34:4)

The promise of an end of sin and sinners and a new earth has been declared in both the Old and New Testaments. Now God is to begin His glorious work of re-creating this sin-marred planet. John, like the prophets of old, sees in vision the earth restored to its orginal beauty.

No sign of the old world of sin shall remain, as the fire from heaven will burn up all traces of sin and purify the planet. The charred remains of a planet in rebellion will be re-created by the word of the Lord before the enraptured gaze of the redeemed of all ages. Then all shall be glorious and beautiful, fulfilling God’s purpose, as the planet becomes the home of the holy and good (those who are in harmony with God and one another).

Revelation 21:2

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

“The holy city, new Jerusalem”

John here sees the capitol of the universe descending as a pure, beautiful bride. No defilement of any kind shall dwell in this city. That which makes it holy is the presence of God. Thus the saints must also be made holy, as we read: “Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless” (2 Peter 3:13–14).

In both Old and New Testament Scriptures, Jerusalem was referred to as the holy city. Though it was defiled by sin and rebellion, it was called holy because of the presence of the temple and the truth to be found there. But in the earth made new, only holiness is there, for nothing that is defiled shall enter there, as prophesied by Isaiah: “Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean” (Isaiah 52:1).

“Coming down from God”

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. … For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. (Hebrews 11:8, 10)

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. (Hebrews 11:13–16)

The hope of Abraham, and indeed of all the faithful, is now a reality. Our pilgrim journey has come to an end, for the meek shall inherit the earth made new. New Jerusalem will be the capitol of the universe, for “the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it” (Revelation 22:3).

Revelation 21:3

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men”

But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built! (2 Chronicles 6:18)

And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. (Exodus 25:8)

What an unfathomable promise! This sin-darkened world, now so full of hate, confusion, and spiritual and physical decay, will one day become God’s own home. The Old Testament sanctuary was to be a sign of the presence of God, but at best, it was such only by a pillar of cloud or fire during the wilderness wanderings and the Shekinah glory for a time in the Holy of Holies, where only the high priest could enter. However, in the new earth, the throne of God will be in New Jerusalem and we shall dwell in His presence. We learn in Revelation 21:4 that, like a tender, loving father, God shall wipe away the sorrows and tears of the past as the glorious new day of an eternity free from all sin has dawned.

“He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people”

And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the Lord: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart. (Jeremiah 24:7)

And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God. (Ezekiel 11:19–20)

Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwelling places, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God. (Ezekiel 37:23)

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (2 Corinthians 6:16)

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people. (Hebrews 8:10)

It has ever been God’s heartfelt desire to be with His people. In Old Testament times it was by faith in the gospel and the Messiah to come represented in shadows and symbols. In New Testament times it is by the faith of Jesus. This life is the preparation time as we live and walk with God by faith. Learning to be His people here and now, we become partakers of the grace and light of God. “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known” (1 Corinthians 13:12).

Revelation 21:4

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Sorrow—the uneasiness or pain of mind, which is produced by the loss of any good, real or supposed, or by disappointment in the expectation of good; grief; regret. The loss of a friend we love occasions sorrow; the loss of property, of health or any source of happiness, causes sorrow.1

Pain—toil, by implication anguish.2 To afflict; to render uneasy in mind; to disquiet; to distress. Toil, laborious effort3

“Wipe away all tears”

For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. (Revelation 7:17)

He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it. (Isaiah 25:8)

When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them. The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the south. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. (Psalm 126:1–5)

And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. (Isaiah 65:19)

To experience this wonderful promise, when all the sorrows of this life are passed away, we must experience a passing away now. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Among the tears of the saints that are wiped away are the tears of hurt and pain for the sinfulness and wickedness of the world. The tears of sorrow over the loss of friends, of family, and of that which is dear will be wiped away. The tears of sorrow the saved have shed over their own faults and failures will give way to the promise, “blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). Truly, our tears will have been wiped away at the second coming of Christ, “when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Corinthians 15:54).

Seeing the final judgment and destruction of the wicked will no doubt cause the redeemed sadness over the fate of friends, family, and acquaintances. This sorrow is not sympathy for the wicked deeds and unbelief of the lost; it is the grief of heaven, in knowing what could have been. The sorrow and tears, however, soon give way to the joy of an eternity free from sin. The knowledge of the love of God and His abundant mercy, even in the midst of justice, will cheer the saints. Will God wipe the memory of sorrow and loss from our mind? The Bible does not specifically say. However, we do know that sorrow and crying shall cease, for “they that sow in tears shall reap in joy” (Psalm 126:5).

“And there shall be no more death”

Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:9–11)

Our Saviour Jesus Christ, … hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. (2 Timothy 1:10)

I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes. (Hosea 13:14)

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. (Hebrews 2:14–15)

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. (1 Corinthians 15:22–26)

So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (1 Corinthians 15:54–55)

Through Christ, life and immortality have been brought to us, as we by faith have accepted the death of Jesus as our own and by His enabling grace have lived a new life in Him. At the coming of Christ, the gift of immortality will be bestowed.

When the vision of John becomes a blessed reality, this world will have been purified, and no trace of sin and sinners will remain—nothing except the wounds of our Savior’s sacrifice.

“Neither sorrow”

And unto Adam he said, because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life. (Genesis 3:17)

The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. (Psalm 90:10)

Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. (Isaiah 51:11)

Hear the word of the Lord, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock. For the Lord hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he. Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the Lord, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all. (Jeremiah 31:10–12)

God’s deliverance of Israel from her enemies at times of revival and restoration is a type of God’s final deliverance. All the sorrows of life brought about by the curse of sin will, in the new earth, be gone, and we shall dwell in safety with Him forever.

Revelation 21:5

And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

“These words are true and faithful”

God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. (2 Thessalonians 3:3)

Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. (Hebrews 2:17)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

The promise of God is exactly as He said. He told John to write down what he had seen, and He promised He would not fail to perform these words—first in the redemption of His saints in saving them from sin, then in the re-creation of this earth as their eternal home. As we experience God’s faithfulness here and now, let us with that evidence be assured that this world of sorrow will indeed give way to a glorious new earth. Let us by faith accept the preview given to John as our guarantee of the final accomplishment of God’s promises.

Revelation 21:6

And he said unto me, it is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

“Unto him that is athirst”

Athirst—figuratively, those who are said to thirst who painfully feel their want of, and eagerly long for, those things by which the soul is refreshed, supported, strengthened.4

O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is. (Psalm 63:1)

I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. (Psalm 143:6)

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. (Matthew 5:6)

In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (John 7:37–38)

“Fountain of the water of life”

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. (Isaiah 12:2–3)

Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. (John 4:10, 14)

Only those who are thirsty for the better land shall obtain it. Only those who long to serve God in love will bring all their powers into subjection to Christ and will thus at last be satisfied. “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: but as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation [manner of life, conduct, behaviour]” (1 Peter 1:13–14).

Revelation 21:7

He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

“He that overcometh”

Overcometh—to subdue, conquest, figurative the means of success.5 Of Christians, that hold fast their faith even unto death against the power of their foes, and temptations and persecutions.6

To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. (Revelation 2:7)

He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. (Revelation 2:11)

To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. (Revelation 2:17)

And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations. (Revelation 2:26)

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. (Revelation 3:5)

Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. (Revelation 3:12)

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. (Revelation 3:21)

The promises given to the overcomers in the messages to the seven churches begin to be fulfilled at the second coming and the resurrection of the righteous. Now, in the earth made new, the promises find their complete fulfillment. However, the promises are only to those who overcome. “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:4–5).

“Shall inherit all things”

For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. (Psalm 37:9–11)

And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. (Matthew 19:29)

Revelation 21 and 22 contain a description of the new earth and New Jerusalem. These are not idle tales but are faithful and true. At this time the words of Paul in Romans will meet their complete fulfillment: “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).

Revelation 21:8

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

But as for the cowards and the ignoble and the contemptible and the cravenly lacking in courage and the cowardly submissive, and as for the unbelieving and faithless, and as for the depraved and defiled with abominations, and as for murderers and the lewd and adulterous and the practicers of magic arts and the idolaters (those who give supreme devotion to anyone or anything other than God) and all liars (those who knowingly convey untruth by word or deed)—[all of these shall have] their part in the lake that blazes with fire and brimstone. This is the second death. (Revelation 21:8 AMP)

“Shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire”

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9–10)

Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. (1 Corinthians 15:50)

Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:21)

The lake of fire was not intended for any man, for God would “have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). Yet if we choose the way of sin, the way of evil, we leave God no choice but to declare, “Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41).

God’s Word is clear regarding what fate awaits those who remain in their sins through neglect, rejection, or substitution of the everlasting gospel. The Bible is also clear concerning the reward that is promised to those who “received Him,” for “to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” (John 1:12).

Revelation 21:9

And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.

In verse 8 God gives a clear warning of the fate of the rebellious. But through the remainder of the chapter He sets forth the glories of the home of the redeemed. While we should not serve God from fear of punishment or merely for the hope of reward, He leaves us no doubt what reward and punishment will come in consequences of our choices. The only question is, What will be your decision?

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. (John 3:16–21)

Revelation 21:10

And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God.

What must it have been like for John to see from his vantage point the glories of the New Jerusalem and the earth made new? How his heart must have radiated with joy. Though but a word picture and one that must be accepted by faith, God intends that these promises and descriptions of a new home should fill our hearts with wonder, awe, and joy. Though it seems far off, we need to make the following hymn our hope:
We’ve no abiding city here; sad truth, were this to be our home; but let this thought our spirits cheer,
we seek a city yet to come, we seek a city yet to come.

We’ve no abiding city here, we seek a city out of sight; Zion its name—the Lord is there—It shines with
 everlasting light, It shines with everlasting light.

O sweet abode of peace and love, where pilgrims freed from toil are blest! Had I the pinions of a dove, I’d fly
 to thee and be at rest, I’d fly to thee and be at rest.

But hush, my soul! Nor repine; the time my God appoints is best; while here, to do His will be mine, and His
 to fix my time of rest, and His to fix my time of rest.
Thomas Kelly (1769–1854)

Revelation 21:11

Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.

Clothed in God’s glory [in all its splendor and radiance]. The luster of it resembled a rare and most precious jewel, like jasper, shining clear as crystal. (Revelation 21:11 AMP)

In some parks and business establishments in cities in different parts of the world, you will find garden areas or fountains and pools lighted at night. This is done to add beauty, and we generally find such displays attractive. However, the light of the New Jerusalem is a living light, for it is the light of God and the Lamb. With the glory and brightness of God reflecting from transparent streets of gold, and the wall and foundation made of precious and semiprecious stones, it will be the jewel of the universe. What a wonder that God invites us to make it our home!

If we are faithful we can trade dusty, dirty, garbage-strewn streets for the glories of the New Jerusalem. We will leave behind forever potholes and power outages for streets of gold and the light of the Lamb. Even those who have been fortunate to live in good neighborhoods and in comfortable homes know nothing of the beauty and joy of New Jerusalem. The properties humans often covet, and put so much time and effort into obtaining, are not a worthy substitute for the New Jerusalem.

Sadly, many will hold on to these earthly homes, which last for only a few years, in exchange for an eternal home. Why? Because they have loved the things of earth more than they loved God, making a god of their possessions and committing other sins to gain or hold on to their properties. We can be residents of the New Jerusalem if we learn now to live by faith these words from the beloved hymn “Trust and Obey”:

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His word,
what a glory He sheds on our way
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who trust and obey.

Trust and obey,
for there’s no other way
to be happy in Jesus,
but to trust and obey.7
J. H. Sammis (1846–1919)

Revelation 21:12–18

And [New Jerusalem] had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: on the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs.

The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.

The city lies in a square, its length being the same as its width. And he measured the city with his reed—12,000 stadia (about 1,500 miles); its length and width and height are the same. He measured its wall also—144 cubits (about 72 yards) by a man’s measure [of a cubit from his elbow to his third fingertip], which is [the measure] of the angel. (Revelation 21:16–17 AMP)

Why is there a wall surrounding new Jerusalem? It certainly is not for protection from thieves or enemies, for nothing that hurts or destroys shall be found in the earth made new. Sometimes we build walls just for the beauty and character they add, and the wall around New Jerusalem is as dazzlingly beautiful as the city. So we should look upon the wall made of jasper that surrounds New Jerusalem as simply an addition of beauty to the city built by the great Master Artist of all of creation.

These walls also provide many accessible entrances into New Jerusalem. Twelve gates are here. This is not a city of formidable appearance and security checkpoints, as some gated compounds are here on earth. New Jerusalem is an inviting and desirous place, without fear or worry. So there are plenty of entrance points, each one named after one of the tribes of Israel. The saved of all ages, the Israel of God, Jew and Gentile, will enter into the true Promised Land.

The names on the gates will be a constant reminder of how God has fulfilled His promise to His servants, for the new earth far surpasses ancient Canaan, the Promised Land of the old covenant. We learn from the description in verses 15 and 16 that the city lies in a square, 350 miles on all four sides. This city will be larger than some small countries today.

Commentators have often been puzzled as to whether or not the city could really be the same height as the length and width (350 miles), or if this merely means the height is proportional to the city’s width and length. We will not know until we get there, but if God is going to make new heavens and a new earth, it would certainly be possible for a city to reach into what we would call space today, outside the earth’s atmosphere. The apostle Paul was correct when he declared, “As it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Revelation 21:19–21

And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

We see in the breastplate worn by the high priest twelve stones, similar to those found in the foundation of the wall of New Jerusalem.

From among the Israelites take your brother Aaron and his sons with him, that he may minister to Me in the priests office. … And you shall make for Aaron your brother sacred garments [appointed official dress set apart for special holy services] for honor and for beauty. You shall make a breastplate of judgment, in skilled work; like the workmanship of the ephod shall you make it, of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet [stuff], and of fine twined linen. … You shall set in it four rows of stones: a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle shall be the first row; The second row an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond [so called at that time]; the third row jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; and the fourth row a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper; they shall be set in gold filigree. (Exodus 28:1–2, 15, 17–20 AMP)

In the buildings here on earth, from simple mud huts to the tallest skyscrapers, foundations are essential. They form the base upon which any building is constructed. Though the foundation is important, it is largely unseen and may go deep underground. While foundations may be made of reinforced concrete or other sturdy materials, the real beauty of any structure is in the visible portions of the building. However, in New Jerusalem, every aspect of construction is beautiful, and the foundations of the wall of New Jerusalem are not hidden but seen. The twelve stones making up the foundation of the wall, with the jasper of the wall itself, combined with the brightness of the glory of God, will present a glorious rainbow of colors whose beauty we can only imagine.

In the Old Testament, the high priest wore a breastplate of judgment with twelve stones similar to the foundation stones of the wall of New Jerusalem. In this breastplate were set the Urim and Thummin, two stones that lit up when the priest entered the sanctuary to seek the direction of the Lord for the children of Israel. Which stone lit up would indicate the answer to the inquiry of the priest. While there is no direct biblical connection between the breastplate worn by the priest and the stones in New Jerusalem, the veil between man and God caused by sin has been bridged, first through sacrifice and offering, ceremony and symbol, then by Christ our Sacrifice and High Priest. During the saints’ sojourn upon this earth, we have seen God by faith “through a glass, darkly.” Nevertheless, the promise of God in Revelation is that this shall be replaced by “face to face” contact with God and the Lamb, for now “that which is perfect is come” and “that which is in part shall be done away” (1 Corinthians 13:12, 10).

“Every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold”

Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. (Matthew 13:46)

Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. (Acts 14:22)

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:17–18)

All who enter New Jerusalem will pass through the gates of pearl. All the building materials used in the city of God are beautiful and considered of great value to men in this world. The pearl is also an item of value and beauty. However, it is unique in that it is not taken from the ground but comes from the oyster. A pearl is formed when a grain of sand becomes lodged in the oyster. Because there is no way for the oyster to expel the irritant, it begins to slowly cover it with a milky substance, which over time hardens into what we call a pearl. So it is for us. We must enter the kingdom through much suffering and tribulation. (See Acts 14:22.)

“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby” (Hebrews 12:11).

All who enter the beautiful city of God will pass through a gate of pearl, a symbol of suffering. However, the saints who have suffered because of righteousness, seeking to live for God by faith in a world of sin and darkness, have become “more than conquerors through Him that loved us” (Romans 8:37).

Revelation 21:22

And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.

“God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it”

And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. (Exodus 25:8)

Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. (John 2:19–21)

If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. (1 Corinthians 3:17)

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? (1 Corinthians 6:19)

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (2 Corinthians 6:16)

Through the pillar of cloud and fire, by the Shekinah glory coming from the mercy seat, by ritual and divine miracles and instruction, were the Jews to see and know by faith that the presence of God was with them. However, even this was a veiled revelation. In the fullness of time, God sent His Son, who was “Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Matthew 1:23).

Jesus, filled with the Spirit without measure, was God manifest in the flesh, for He declared, “He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father” (John 14:9). Yet even this divine revelation of God with man was not sufficient, for Jesus promised, “In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:2–3).

What was called the temple in Bible times we call a church today, a place where people go to praise and worship God, in faith believing that by His Spirit He is there. However, in the new earth the very presence of God shall be there. Resplendent with the glory of deity, the whole city shall be a temple, for the presence of God is manifest everywhere.

The Holy Spirit guiding and directing in the believer’s life makes us a “temple of the living God.” In the new earth it will not be the dim walk of faith, where we see “through a glass darkly.” In immortal bodies we shall dwell in the direct presence of God and the Lamb and be directed by face-to-face communion with angels and with Jesus and the Father.

Revelation 21:23

And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

“And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon”

Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the Lord of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously. (Isaiah 24:23)

Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise. The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended. (Isaiah 60:18–20)

God desired to abide with and to work through the Jewish people so that He might reveal His glory as a light and witness to the world. However, because of Israel’s backsliding, this never happened. In the new earth, God will have healed our backsliding, as we have yielded to Him our hearts and minds in this life. Living with Christ by faith on this earth has prepared us to live with Him in reality in the new earth.

There is no indication that the sun and moon will have been done away with or become unnecessary; rather, the glory radiating from the Lamb and from God outshines these heavenly bodies in New Jerusalem.

“The glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof”

And the afflicted people thou wilt save: but thine eyes are upon the haughty, that thou mayest bring them down. For thou art my lamp, O Lord: and the Lord will lighten my darkness. (2 Samuel 22:28–29)

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6)

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (John 8:12)

In him was life; and the life was the light of men. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. (John 1:4, 9)

Each inhabitant of the new earth will have experienced in this life the glory of God and the light of the Lamb by faith. Those who walk in faith shall one day see with undimmed eyes. As we live in this life, we are to make the principles and presence of God and Christ ours by faith, and this confidence and trust “is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). This faith in God’s Word is the proof in our hearts that the promise of eternal life and the home prepared for us is true and it will happen as God’s Word declares.

Revelation 21:24

And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

“Kings of the earth”

And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb. … And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. (Revelation 5:8–10)

Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Matthew 19:27–28)

And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Luke 22:29–30)

From these texts we can determine that the apostles and the twenty-four elders will be the leaders and rulers in the earth made new, and perhaps others as well. All the redeemed, Jew or Gentile, shall make up God’s twelve tribes—a symbol of the saved of all ages. However, these rulers will not be like the rulers of this present evil world. In the new earth the principles of the kingdom will be fully implemented: “And He said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as He that serveth” (Luke 22:25–27).

In the new earth, those who rule and those who are ruled follow the principles of the kingdom, “for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren” (Matthew 23:8). Further, the way of the kingdom is the way of love. So all shall be satisfied with their place and work, for all will be in harmony, and all shall “be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another” (Romans 12:10).

For us to know the kingdom of the future, we must learn to live its principles now among the brethren in faith.

Revelation 21:25–27

And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

In this life, as night begins to descend or when we retire for bed, doors are locked; gates are shut; alarm systems and security lights are turned on. Nighttime can be a time of fear because of what may be in the unseen and unknown darkness. It is at night that much sin and crime takes place. However, in the New Jerusalem there is no night because of the glory and radiant light proceeding from the presence of God. Further, there is no sin or fear in the new earth or New Jerusalem, for only the children of God dwell in this land.

The nations that inhabit the earth made new will not exhibit the artificial distinctions and separation and rivalry we know today in this world of sin. The nations of the new earth are the saved of the ages, who accepted the everlasting gospel and have been “redeemed … to God by … [Christ’s] blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation” (Revelation 5:9.)

O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colors, and lay thy foundations with sapphires. And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones. And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children. In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee.

Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake. Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy. No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord. (Isaiah 54:11–17)

In Revelation 21 we find fulfilled the words of the prophet Isaiah concerning the ultimate destiny of Jerusalem and her children. This promise is now for spiritual Israel, the saved of the ages, Jew and Gentile. The complete fulfillment of God’s promise given by the prophet Isaiah can be seen in Revelation chapters 20 through 22.


Endnotes

1.  Noah Webster, American Dictionary of the English Language (San Francisco, California: Foundation for American Christian Education, 1967). 
 
2.  James Strong S.T. D., L. L. D., Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1987).

3.  Noah Webster, op. cit.

4.  Greek Lexicon, in The Online Bible CD-Rom, Macintosh Version 2.5.3 (Niagara Falls, NY: Cross Country Software, www.online-bible.com, 1996).

5.  James Strong, op. cit.

6.  Greek lexicon, op. cit.

7.  Public Domain.
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