The New Jerusalem

The “holy city, new Jerusalem” refers to the eternal dwelling place of all the redeemed, of which Jerusalem was both the type and symbol. One of the seven angels who talked with John showed him “the bride, the Lamb's wife” (v. 9), whom Christ loved “and gave Himself for it” (Eph 5:25). John saw “that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God” (v. 10). She is shaped like a cube that has dimensions of about 1500 miles on each side (v. 16). She is the city of “the bride, the Lamb's wife” (v. 9)! Cities are often referred to in the feminine gender.

The woman who was sitting “upon a scarlet coloured beast” (Rev 17:3), “is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth” (Rev 17:18). The earthly Jerusalem is referred to as a woman who “entered into a covenant” with God as His wife (Eze 16:8); but she “played the harlot” (Eze 16:28), with the Lord’s enemies! The heavenly Jerusalem is “the city of the living God” (Heb 12:22), and “the mother of us all” (Gal 4:26)! It was “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone” (Eph 2:20). Our Saviour prepared her with “many mansions” (Jn 14:2), for everyone that He has “redeemed” (Rev 5:9).

This place is what we typically call “Heaven” (Jn 3:13)! The city has no need for the sun, because her light comes from God’s glory (v. 11). And “the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it” (v. 24), “for there shall be no night there” (v. 25). She has 12 gates as the entrance; “every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold” (v. 21). Nothing that is defiled shall enter into that city (v. 27). Because one day the Lord shall “make all things new” (v. 5). Glory and alleluia! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera