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Revelation 21: The New Heaven, New Earth, and New Jerusalem

An exploration of Revelation 21, focusing on the promises of a renewed creation, God's dwelling with humanity, and the glorious characteristics of the New Jerusalem.

1. A New Heaven and a New Earth

1.1 The Passing Away of the Old

Verses: Revelation 21:1; 2 Peter 3:10
  • The first heaven and the first earth, representing the current created order, will pass away.
  • The sea, often symbolizing chaos and separation from God, is no more.
  • This signifies a complete renewal and restoration of creation.

1.2 The New Creation

Verses: Revelation 21:1; Isaiah 65:17
  • God will create a new heaven and a new earth, a perfect environment for His people.
  • This new creation will be free from the corruption and decay of the old.
  • It represents the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

2. The New Jerusalem

2.1 Descent from Heaven

Verses: Revelation 21:2; Revelation 21:10
  • The New Jerusalem, the holy city, comes down from God out of heaven.
  • It is prepared as a bride adorned for her husband, symbolizing the Church's union with Christ.
  • This city is not made by human hands but is a divine creation.

2.2 God's Dwelling with Humanity

Verses: Revelation 21:3; Ezekiel 37:27
  • God Himself will dwell with humanity, ending the separation caused by sin.
  • He will be their God, and they will be His people, enjoying intimate fellowship.
  • This fulfills the promise of Emmanuel, 'God with us.'

2.3 The Absence of Suffering

Verses: Revelation 21:4; Isaiah 25:8
  • God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, signifying the end of sorrow and pain.
  • Death, mourning, crying, and pain will be no more, as the former things have passed away.
  • This is a promise of complete and eternal comfort and healing.

3. The Character of the New Creation

3.1 The Alpha and the Omega

Verses: Revelation 21:6; Revelation 22:13
  • God declares Himself as the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.
  • This emphasizes His eternal nature and sovereignty over all creation.
  • He is the source and the ultimate goal of all things.

3.2 The Water of Life

Verses: Revelation 21:6; John 4:10
  • God offers freely the water of life to those who thirst, symbolizing spiritual refreshment and eternal life.
  • This water is a gift, available to all who believe and receive.
  • It satisfies the deepest longings of the human soul.

3.3 The Overcomer's Inheritance

Verses: Revelation 21:7; 1 John 5:4-5
  • Those who overcome will inherit all things and will be sons of God.
  • Overcoming involves faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to His commandments.
  • This inheritance includes eternal life, fellowship with God, and a place in the New Jerusalem.

3.4 The Fate of the Unbelieving

Verses: Revelation 21:8; Revelation 20:15
  • The cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars will have their part in the lake of fire.
  • This is the second death, a separation from God and eternal punishment.
  • It underscores the importance of faith and repentance in this life.

4. The Glory of the New Jerusalem Described

4.1 The City's Radiance

Verses: Revelation 21:11; Revelation 21:23
  • The city shines with the glory of God, its brilliance like a most precious stone, like a jasper, clear as crystal.
  • It has no need of the sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates it, and the Lamb is its light.
  • This signifies the perfect presence and revelation of God.

4.2 The City's Dimensions and Materials

Verses: Revelation 21:16-21; Isaiah 54:11-12
  • The city is perfectly square, its length, width, and height being equal, measuring twelve thousand stadia (approximately 1,400 miles).
  • Its wall is made of jasper, and the city itself is pure gold, like clear glass.
  • The foundations of the wall are adorned with all kinds of precious stones, and the twelve gates are twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl.

4.3 The Absence of a Temple

Verses: Revelation 21:22; John 4:21-24
  • There is no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.
  • This signifies the direct and unmediated access to God in the new creation.
  • Worship will be in spirit and truth, without the need for physical structures.

4.4 The Exclusion of Impurity

Verses: Revelation 21:27; Habakkuk 1:13
  • Nothing impure will ever enter the city, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.
  • This emphasizes the holiness and purity of the new creation.
  • Only those who are redeemed and transformed by Christ will be able to dwell there.