What is the New Jerusalem?

Answer

The New Jerusalem, also known as the Tabernacle of God, the Holy City, the City of God, the Celestial City, the City Foursquare, and Heavenly Jerusalem, represents heaven on earth. It is mentioned in various passages of the Bible (Galatians 4:26;Hebrews 11:10;Hebrews 12:22-24;and 13:14), with a detailed description found in Revelation 21.

Revelation 21 marks the conclusion of human history. All ages have passed. Christ has gathered His church in the Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17). The Tribulation has ended (Revelation 6—18). The battle of Armageddon has been won by Jesus Christ (Revelation 19:17-21). Satan has been bound for the 1,000-year reign of Christ on earth (Revelation 20:1-3). A magnificent new temple has been established in Jerusalem (Ezekiel 40—48). The final rebellion against God has been suppressed, and Satan has been condemned to eternal punishment in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:7-10:). The Great White Throne Judgment has occurred, and humanity has been judged (Revelation 20:11-15).

In Revelation 21:1, God renovates heaven and earth completely (Isaiah 65:17;2 Peter 3:12-13). The new heaven and new earth, often referred to as the “eternal state,” will be the abode of righteousness where righteousness dwells.

Nevertheless, we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. «, (2 Peter 3:13). After the re-creation, God reveals the New Jerusalem. John sees a glimpse of it in his vision: “The Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband” «And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. », (Revelation 21:2). This is the city that Abraham looked for in faith «for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. », (Hebrews 11:10). It is the place where God will dwell with His people forever «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. », (Revelation 21:3). Inhabitants of this celestial city will have all tears wiped away «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. », (Revelation 21:4).

The New Jerusalem will be fantastically huge. John records that the city is nearly 1,400 miles long, and it is as wide and as high as it is long—the New Jerusalem being in equal in length, width, and depth (Revelation 21:15-17). The city will be dazzling in every way. It

Is lighted by the glory of God (verse 23). Its twelve foundations, bearing the names of the twelve apostles, are “decorated with every kind of precious stone” (verse 19). It has twelve gates, each a single pearl, bearing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel (verses 12 and 21). The street will be made of pure gold (verse 21).

The New Jerusalem will be a place of unimagined blessing. The curse of the old earth will be gone “And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:”, (Revelation 22:3). In the city are the tree of life “for the healing of the nations” and the river of life (verses 1–2). It is the place that Paul spoke of: “In the coming ages [God] might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus” “that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.”, (Ephesians 2:7). The New Jerusalem is the ultimate fulfillment of all God’s promises. The New Jerusalem is God’s goodness made fully manifest.

Who are the residents of the New Jerusalem? The Father and the Lamb are there “And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.”, (Revelation 21:22). Angels are at the gates (verse 12). But the city will be filled with God’s redeemed children. The New Jerusalem is the righteous counter to the evil Babylon (Revelation 17), destroyed by God’s judgment (Revelation 18). The wicked had their city, and God has His. To which city do you belong? Babylon the Great or the New Jerusalem? If you believe that Jesus, the Son of God, died and rose again and have asked God to save you by His grace, then you areYou are a citizen of the New Jerusalem. “God raised [you] up with Christ and seated [you] with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus” «and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: », (Ephesians 2:6). You have “an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade” «to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, », (1 Peter 1:4). If you have not yet trusted Christ as your Savior, then we urge you to receive Him. The invitation is extended: “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’ Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life” «And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. », (Revelation 22:17).