(Subjects in this Section)
1-THE
CITY OF NEW JERUSALEM: COMMENTARY
2-GOD SHALL DWELL WITH MEN
3-FORMER THINGS ARE PASSED
AWAY
4-I MAKE ALL THINGS NEW
5-HE THAT OVERCOMETH
SHALL BE MY SON
6-THE NEW JERUSALEM
6B-TREE OF LIFE
7-NEW JERUSALEM: THE CITY OF GOD
8-NEW JERUSALEM IS CALLED
9-NEW JERUSALEM: GOD BUILT IT
10-NEW JERUSALEM: GOD'S PURPOSE
11-NEW JERUSALEM COMES FROM WHERE?
12-NEW JERUSALEM: TIME
13-NEW JERUSALEM
IS: MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS ABOUT THE CITY
14-NEW JERUSALEM HAS GLORY
15-NEW JERUSALEM: THE TEMPLE
16-NEW JERUSALEM: THE THRONE
17-NEW JERUSALEM HAD NO NEED OF
18-NEW JERUSALEM HAS LIGHT
19-NEW JERUSALEM RADIATES LIGHT
20-THE SHAPE AND SIZE OF THE CITY
21-NEW JERUSALEM HAS:
PHYSICAL INFORMATION
22-NEW JERUSALEM: WHAT ELSE
IS THERE?
23-NEW JERUSALEM:
INFORMATION ABOUT HER PEOPLE
24-NEW JERUSALEM IS FREEDOM
25-NEW JERUSALEM IS THE MOTHER
26-NEW JERUSALEM: WHO SHALL
DWELL THERE?
27-NEW JERUSALEM:
WHO ELSE MAY COME THERE OR ENTER IN?
28-NEW JERUSALEM: WHAT
SHALL THE PEOPLE DO?
29-NEW JERUSALEM: THESE THINGS
NO MORE
30-NEW JERUSALEM: NO NEED
OF THESE THINGS
31-THE SERVANTS OF GOD
32-NEW JERUSALEM: ITS LOCATION
33-NEW JERUSALEM: WHEN
DOES IT APPEAR?
34-WARNING
ABOUT ADDING OR TAKING AWAY FROM THE WORDS
35-HE THAT
IS UNJUST, LET HIM BE UNJUST STILL
(Commentary)
God
creates the city called New Jerusalem; as it is written, "whose builder
and maker is God."
It is called the bride, the Lamb’s wife, the holy city, the
holy Jerusalem, the heavenly Jerusalem, My Father’s house, the city
of the living God, and a rejoicing.
This great city is presented as a bride adorned for her husband.
It is spotless and magnificent.
At some point after the Millennium, this city will come down
from God out of heaven. Apparently, it will be shortly after the heavens and
the earth have passed away.
It appears to be positioned somehow above the new earth;
it is a heavenly city.
The glory of God is there. The glory and honor of the kings
and nations of the new earth is there.
Abraham looked for this city. The saints also desire this
better country, which is a heavenly one. It is a place prepared "for you."
God the Father will be there. Jesus will be there. Abraham
will be there. It is a city prepared for those that died in faith. There are
an innumerable company of angels. The twelve apostles will be there and the
twelve tribes of Israel. God’s servants will be there. Within the city are many
mansions, including places for the saints. Her people are a joy.
The kings of the earth may enter and those in the Lamb’s
book of life. They also that do God’s commandments may have the right to enter
in.
God’s servants shall serve Him, they shall see His
face. His name shall be in their foreheads. They shall reign for ever and ever.
There will be no more curse or night; there will be no more
tears, or death, or sorrow, or crying, and no more pain.
There is no temple. The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are
the temple of it. There is a throne for God and the Lamb.
New Jerusalem has no need of the sun, moon, or candle to
shine in it. Its light is like a jasper stone, clear as crystal and most precious.
The glory of God lightens it—the Lamb is its light.
It is an enormous city and appears to be shaped like a cube.
It is approximately 1500 miles long, 1500 miles wide, and 1500 miles high. Such
a city, if it has levels, could house billions of people.
It is of pure gold, but the gold is clear like glass. It
has a great and high wall that appears to be built of jasper or diamond. It
has foundations; in them are the names of the apostles of the Lamb. The foundations
are garnished with precious stones.
The city of New Jerusalem has twelve gates that shall never
be shut (three gates for each of the four directions: east, north, south, and
west). Each gate has an angel and a name written, the names of the twelve tribes
of Israel.
It has a street of pure gold, but the gold is like transparent
glass.
It has a river of pure water, which is the water of life.
It is clear like crystal and proceeds out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
There is a tree of life, located in the midst of the street
and on either side of the river. The tree bears twelve kinds of fruit. The fruit
comes forth every month. The tree also has leaves that are for healing. All
that do God’s commandments may have the right to the tree of life.
New Jerusalem is called the mother of us all. She represents
the new covenant and freedom.
The tabernacle of God will be with men. They shall be His
people, and He will be their God.
(Scripture with commentary)
Jesus
said, in Jn 14:2,3-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.
Jesus has gone to prepare a place for His people. That place
is called New Jerusalem.
Isa 65:18-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.
Heb 13:14-FOR HERE HAVE WE NO CONTINUING (or enduring) CITY,
BUT WE SEEK ONE TO COME. The city we seek is New Jerusalem.
Abraham looked for New Jerusalem in faith. It is written,
Heb 11:10-Abraham LOOKED FOR (or was looking forward to-NIV) A CITY WHICH
HATH FOUNDATIONS, WHOSE BUILDER AND MAKER (or Architect) IS GOD.
The city of New Jerusalem is built by God. Indeed, the saints
desire this better country, which is a heavenly one. It is written, Heb 11:16-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.
New Jerusalem is the city of God. Those that overcome the
world and the things therein, Jesus will write upon them the name of New Jerusalem.
It comes down out of heaven from God. It is written, Rev 3:12-HIM THAT OVERCOMETH…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.
Heb 12:22-24-BUT YE ARE COME UNTO MOUNT ZION, AND UNTO THE
CITY OF THE LIVING GOD, THE HEAVENLY JERUSALEM, AND TO AN INNUMERABLE
COMPANY OF ANGELS, TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND CHURCH OF THE FIRSTBORN, WHICH
ARE WRITTEN IN HEAVEN, AND TO GOD THE JUDGE OF ALL, AND TO THE SPIRITS OF JUST
MEN MADE PERFECT, AND TO JESUS THE MEDIATOR OF THE NEW COVENANT, AND TO THE
BLOOD OF SPRINKLING, THAT SPEAKETH BETTER THINGS THAN THAT OF ABEL.
Gal 4:22-26-FOR IT IS WRITTEN, THAT ABRAHAM HAD TWO SONS,
THE ONE BY A BONDMAID (or slave woman), (and) THE OTHER BY A FREEWOMAN. BUT
HE WHO WAS OF THE BONDWOMAN (or slave woman) WAS BORN AFTER THE FLESH; BUT HE
OF THE FREEWOMAN WAS BY PROMISE. WHICH THINGS ARE AN ALLEGORY: FOR THESE ARE
THE TWO COVENANTS; THE ONE FROM THE MOUNT SINAI, WHICH GENDERETH TO BONDAGE,
WHICH IS HAGAR. FOR THIS HAGAR IS MOUNT SINAI IN ARABIA, AND ANSWERETH TO JERUSALEM
WHICH NOW IS, AND IS IN BONDAGE WITH HER CHILDREN. BUT JERUSALEM WHICH IS
ABOVE IS FREE, WHICH IS THE MOTHER OF US ALL. New Jerusalem represents the
new covenant—freedom.
Rev 21:2-AND I JOHN SAW THE HOLY CITY, NEW JERUSALEM,
COMING DOWN FROM GOD OUT OF HEAVEN, PREPARED AS A BRIDE ADORNED (or beautifully
dressed) FOR HER HUSBAND.
Rev 21:3-AND I HEARD A GREAT
VOICE OUT OF HEAVEN (or from the throne) SAYING, BEHOLD (now), THE TABERNACLE
OF GOD IS WITH MEN, AND HE WILL DWELL (or live) WITH THEM, AND THEY SHALL
BE HIS PEOPLE, AND GOD HIMSELF SHALL BE WITH THEM, AND (will) BE THEIR GOD.
God the Father and God the Son shall live with men in New
Jerusalem. The redeemed shall be His people. The fellowship that man had in
the beginning with God was broken, because of sin. However, that fellowship
has now been restored through Jesus Christ. Those that did not merely say, "Lord,
Lord," but rather denied themselves and followed Jesus, shall
dwell with God eternally with unspeakable joy.
Rev 21:4-AND GOD SHALL WIPE
AWAY ALL TEARS FROM THEIR EYES; AND THERE SHALL BE NO MORE DEATH, NEITHER SORROW
(or mourning), NOR CRYING, NEITHER SHALL THERE BE ANY MORE PAIN: FOR THE FORMER
THINGS (or old order of things) ARE PASSED AWAY.
The time, which is forever and ever, shall be wondrous. No
further commentary is needed.
Rev 21:5-AND HE THAT SAT UPON
THE THRONE SAID, BEHOLD, I MAKE ALL THINGS (or everything) NEW. AND HE SAID
UNTO ME, WRITE (this down): FOR THESE WORDS ARE TRUE AND FAITHFUL (or trustworthy).
What John was told to write, even the entire Revelation,
can be trusted. Indeed, the words of God are true and can be trusted. They will
come to pass. For IT IS EASIER FOR HEAVEN AND EARTH TO PASS, THAN ONE TITTLE
OF THE LAW TO FAIL-Lk 16:17.
Rev 21:6-AND HE SAID UNTO ME,
IT IS DONE. I AM ALPHA AND OMEGA (the "A" and the "Z"),
THE BEGINNING AND THE END. I (Myself) WILL GIVE UNTO HIM THAT IS ATHIRST OF
THE FOUNTAIN (or spring) OF THE WATER OF LIFE FREELY.
Scripture with commentary: AND HE SAID UNTO ME, IT IS DONE.
Jesus had just finished saying, "Behold, I make all things new." Then
He told John to write: "It is done." Jesus then repeats a description
of Himself.
I AM ALPHA AND OMEGA (the "A" and the "Z").
This is repeated in Rev 1:8 and 22:13. THE BEGINNING: This is repeated in Rev
1:8. AND THE END: "The ending" was stated in Rev 1:8. This, again,
emphasizes the deity of Jesus. He is the "Alpha." He is the Creator.
He is the First, the "A." He is not the second letter. He is also
the End (or Ending).
I (Myself) WILL GIVE UNTO HIM THAT IS ATHIRST OF THE FOUNTAIN
(or spring) OF THE WATER OF LIFE FREELY. Many people are not thirsty for the
water of life. They are not craving the water, as they have a much greater desire
to do their own will now and take their chances later. However, for those "few"
that will choose to believe the Bible and are thirsty for the water of eternal
life (which is Jesus), He said, "I WILL GIVE." It is a free gift but
can only be received by genuine faith, which comes through understanding God’s
Word. Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ. Genuine faith is the kind
of faith that prompts a person to be a doer of the Word and not a hearer only.
Jesus gives this promise to those that are athirst.
(Note Jn 4:5-15, the woman of Samaria.)
Rev 21:7-HE THAT OVERCOMETH
(or wins the victory) SHALL INHERIT (or receive) ALL THINGS (or all this); AND
I WILL BE HIS GOD, AND HE SHALL BE MY SON.
For the one that drinks of the water of life freely, the
one that overcomes, Jesus will be his God, and he will be His son. This shows
the loving, intimate relationship between the saints and God.
Rev 21:9-AND THERE CAME UNTO
ME ONE OF THE SEVEN ANGELS WHICH HAD THE SEVEN VIALS (or bowls) FULL OF THE
SEVEN LAST PLAGUES, AND TALKED WITH ME, SAYING, COME HITHER, I WILL SHOW THEE
THE BRIDE, THE LAMB’S WIFE.
(New Jerusalem was introduced, in Rev 21:2, as a BRIDE ADORNED
FOR HER HUSBAND.) One of the same angels that brought destruction to the earth,
now brings a vision of beauty. One of the angels that had the seven vials also
had shown John the judgment of the great whore-ref Rev 17:1. John is shown "the
bride, the Lamb's wife," which is the city of God, called New Jerusalem.
As noted in the verses following, this city of God is decked with precious jewels.
Note, Isa 61:10-AS A BRIDE ADORNETH HERSELF WITH HER JEWELS.
God's Word is about to describe a sight that is almost unimaginable.
It is written, FOR SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD MEN HAVE NOT HEARD, NOR
PERCEIVED BY THE EAR, NEITHER HATH THE EYE SEEN, O GOD, BESIDE THEE, WHAT HE
HATH PREPARED FOR HIM THAT WAITETH FOR HIM-Isa 64:4.
Rev 21:10-AND HE CARRIED ME
AWAY IN THE SPIRIT TO (the top of) A GREAT AND HIGH MOUNTAIN, AND SHEWED ME
THAT GREAT CITY, THE HOLY JERUSALEM, DESCENDING OUT (or coming down out)
OF HEAVEN FROM GOD.
Scripture with commentary: AND HE CARRIED ME AWAY IN THE
SPIRIT. John is transported in the spirit, TO (the top of) A GREAT AND HIGH
MOUNTAIN. The mountain is not identified. Neither is its location revealed.
It apparently is a good location to view the city fro, which seems to be above
the new earth. (Some believe the city will come down and be on the earth itself.)
AND SHEWED ME THAT GREAT CITY: New Jerusalem is described
as a "great" city. THE HOLY JERUSALEM: New Jerusalem is portrayed
as "holy." DESCENDING OUT (or coming down out) OF HEAVEN FROM GOD:
It comes out of heaven, it comes from God.
Rev 21:11-HAVING THE GLORY
OF GOD: AND HER LIGHT (or brilliance) WAS LIKE UNTO A STONE (or jewel) MOST
PRECIOUS, EVEN LIKE A JASPER STONE, CLEAR AS CRYSTAL (or like a crystal-clear
diamond).
Scripture with commentary: HAVING THE GLORY OF GOD: The glory
of New Jerusalem is God. AND HER LIGHT (or brilliance): New Jerusalem has light.
That light WAS LIKE UNTO A STONE (or jewel) MOST PRECIOUS. The words "most
precious" may indicate it is a dazzling, brilliant light. EVEN LIKE A JASPER
STONE, CLEAR AS CRYSTAL (or like a crystal-clear diamond): A jasper stone may
reflect a greenish-white light or even a variety of colors. A diamond can reflect
a crystal clear light.
Rev 21:12-AND HAD A WALL GREAT
AND HIGH, AND HAD TWELVE GATES, AND AT THE GATES TWELVE ANGELS, AND NAMES WRITTEN
(or inscribed) THEREON (the gates), WHICH ARE THE NAMES OF THE TWELVE TRIBES
OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL.
Scripture with commentary: AND HAD A WALL GREAT AND HIGH:
The wall is a great wall, very high. Walls often denote security. Indeed, it
will be secure—God will reign there.
AND HAD TWELVE GATES: The city of New Jerusalem has twelve
gates. A person cannot just enter the city from any direction or any place.
They must enter through a gate. AND AT THE GATES TWELVE ANGELS: There were angels
at the gates; these angels might be called gatekeepers.
AND NAMES WRITTEN (or inscribed) THEREON (the gates): Names
were written on the gates. WHICH ARE THE NAMES OF THE TWELVE TRIBES OF THE CHILDREN
OF ISRAEL. The names, however, are not listed in this verse. Thus, the names
of the gates appear to be the names of the tribes of Israel. If they correspond
with the millennial Jerusalem, in Ezek 48:31-34, they may be as follows: on
the east-Joseph, Benjamin, and Dan; on the north-Reuben, Judah, and Levi; on
the south-Simeon, Issachar, and Zebulun; and on the west-Gad, Asher, and Naphtali.
The names of the twelve tribes would appear to represent
Old Testament Israel.
Rev 21:13-ON THE EAST THREE
GATES; ON THE NORTH THREE GATES; ON THE SOUTH THREE GATES; AND ON THE WEST THREE
GATES.
There will be directions; all four directions are listed.
East is mentioned first, and west is mentioned last. There will be three gates
for each side. Note the order given goes from the east to the north, then to
the south and to the west.
Rev 21:14-AND THE WALL OF THE
CITY HAD (or was built on) TWELVE FOUNDATIONS (stones), AND IN (or on) THEM
THE NAMES OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES OF THE LAMB.
Scripture with commentary: AND THE WALL OF THE CITY, the
wall is first mentioned in v.12. It HAD (or was built on) TWELVE FOUNDATIONS
(stones). The wall of the city had (or was built on) twelve foundations (or
foundation-stones).
AND IN (or on) THEM THE NAMES OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES OF THE
LAMB. The apostles laid the foundation of the church, which was built upon the
foundation stone, Jesus. In each foundation was the name of one of the twelve
apostles. Consider, the name of Judas might have been there, if he had not forsaken
Jesus. But rather, he was replaced by Matthias. The names of the twelve apostles
may represent New Testament Israel. It may also represent the New Testament
church.
Rev 21:15-AND HE (the angel)
THAT TALKED WITH ME HAD A GOLDEN REED (or measuring rod) TO MEASURE THE CITY,
AND THE GATES THEREOF, AND THE WALL THEREOF.
In Rev 11:1, a reed was given to measure the temple in Jerusalem
during the Tribulation; however, it was not a "golden" reed. Here,
the "golden" reed was given TO MEASURE THE CITY, AND THE GATES THEREOF,
AND THE WALL THEREOF. Three things are mentioned: the city, the gates, and the
wall.
Rev 21:16-AND THE CITY LIETH
FOURSQUARE (or was laid out like a square-NIV), AND THE LENGTH IS AS LARGE AS
THE BREADTH (or width): AND HE MEASURED THE CITY WITH THE REED (or rod), TWELVE
THOUSAND FURLONGS (or stadia) (or 1500 miles). THE LENGTH AND THE BREADTH (or
width) AND THE HEIGHT OF IT ARE EQUAL (or the same).
New Jerusalem appears to be shaped like a huge cube. It is
approximately 1380 to 1500 miles long, 1380 to 1500 miles wide, and 1380 to
1500 miles high. It appears to be a huge "Holy of Holies"-ref 1 Ki
6:20.
The exact length of a furlong (Greek: stadion), at
the time this was written, seems to be in question. The best estimates appear
to be (on each side and the height) from 1380 to 1500 miles or approximately
2220 to 2414 km.
A city of this size could house billions of people. If it
had levels, it could easily house much more and still have ample room for secluded
areas or places to roam.
Rev 21:17-AND HE MEASURED THE
WALL THEREOF, AN HUNDRED AND FORTY AND FOUR CUBITS (thick) (or 216 feet), ACCORDING
TO THE MEASURE OF A MAN (or by man’s measurement-NIV), THAT IS, OF THE ANGEL
(or which the angel was using-NIV).
The KJV does not designate whether the 144 cubits denote
thickness or height. The angel was using the same measurements that a man would
use to measure the wall.
Rev 21:18-AND THE BUILDING
OF THE WALL OF IT WAS OF JASPER (or of diamond): AND THE CITY WAS PURE GOLD,
LIKE UNTO CLEAR (or pure) GLASS.
Consider a huge, cube-shaped city. The wall of the city was
as a diamond. The city was pure gold, yet transparent like glass.
Pure gold may symbolize the pure righteousness of God and
His divine glory.
Rev 21:19-AND THE FOUNDATIONS
OF THE WALL OF THE CITY (this was also mentioned in Rev 21:14) WERE GARNISHED
(or decorated) WITH ALL MANNER (or kinds) OF PRECIOUS STONES.
THE FIRST FOUNDATION WAS JASPER (or diamond);
THE SECOND, SAPPHIRE (blue);
THE THIRD, A CHALCEDONY (a combination of gray, blue, and
yellow; or blue with stripes of other colors; or whitish);
THE FOURTH, AN EMERALD (green);
Rev 21:20-THE FIFTH, SARDONYX
(red and white or pale blue);
THE SIXTH, SARDIUS (or carnelian) (a bright red, or amber,
or honey color);
THE SEVENTH, CHRYSOLITE (may be purple and green);
THE EIGHTH, BERYL (sea green or bluish green);
THE NINTH, A TOPAZ (yellowish green or golden);
THE TENTH, A CHRYSOPRASUS (apple green or mixed blue, green,
and yellow);
THE ELEVENTH, A JACINTH (or turquoise, or violet) (blue)
(or combination of red, violet, and yellow);
THE TWELFTH, AN AMETHYST (purple). There is disagreement
among certain people regarding the color of some of these precious stones. Nevertheless,
the expression of glorious, radiant color comes through.
The beauty of a spectacular fireworks display comes to mind,
with its bright, exploding colors. Magnify that thousands of times, even then,
the beauty of the city of God may not be comprehended.
Rev 21:21-AND THE TWELVE GATES
WERE TWELVE PEARLS; EVERY SEVERAL GATE WAS OF ONE PEARL: AND THE (main) STREET
OF THE CITY WAS PURE GOLD, AS IT WERE TRANSPARENT (as) GLASS.
We are reminded of the following parable. AGAIN, THE KINGDOM
OF HEAVEN IS LIKE UNTO A MERCHANT MAN, SEEKING GOODLY PEARLS: WHO, WHEN HE HAD
FOUND ONE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE, WENT AND SOLD ALL THAT HE HAD, AND BOUGHT IT-Mt
13:45,46.
Consider a pearl the size of an entrance gate. This gate
is set in a wall made of diamond and provides passage into a city of transparent
gold.
AND THE (main) STREET OF THE CITY: Note, the city had a main
street, indicating it could have many other streets as well. The street WAS
PURE GOLD, AS IT WERE TRANSPARENT (as) GLASS.
Rev 21:22-AND I SAW NO TEMPLE
THEREIN (the city): FOR THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY AND THE LAMB ARE THE TEMPLE OF
IT.
There is free, unhindered access and fellowship with the
Father and the Son. In the past, only the high priest could enter the Holy of
Holies on one specific day a year.
Rev 21:23-AND THE CITY HAD
NO NEED OF (or does not need) THE SUN, NEITHER OF THE MOON, TO SHINE IN IT:
FOR THE GLORY OF GOD DID LIGHTEN IT (or gives it light), AND THE LAMB IS THE
LIGHT (or lamp) THEREOF.
Scripture with commentary: AND THE CITY HAD NO NEED OF (or
does not need) THE SUN, NEITHER OF THE MOON, TO SHINE IN IT. Note, it did not
say there would not be a sun or moon, but that the city had no need of the sun,
neither the moon.
There are some that say there will be no sun or moon; however,
upon closer examination of the Scriptures, it does not say this, even though
it may be true.
FOR THE GLORY OF GOD DID LIGHTEN IT (or gives it light),
AND THE LAMB (Jesus) IS THE LIGHT (or Lamp) THEREOF. It is written, GOD IS LIGHT,
AND IN HIM IS NO DARKNESS AT ALL-1 Jn 1:5. It is also written, HIS SON...BEING
THE BRIGHTNESS OF HIS GLORY-Heb 1:2,3.
Also it is written, AND THERE SHALL BE NO NIGHT THERE; AND
THEY NEED NO CANDLE, NEITHER LIGHT OF THE SUN; FOR THE LORD GOD GIVETH THEM
LIGHT-Rev 22:5. God is light, and the "glory" of God gave the city
light.
Rev 21:24-AND THE NATIONS OF
THEM WHICH ARE SAVED SHALL WALK IN THE LIGHT OF IT (or walk by its light): AND
THE KINGS OF THE EARTH DO (or will) BRING THEIR GLORY AND HONOR (or splendor)
INTO IT.
These nations SHALL WALK IN THE LIGHT OF IT (or walk by its
light). These saved nations shall walk by the light of New Jerusalem. It appears
this is denoting that, spiritually, they are walking by its light. New Jerusalem
has no need of the sun or the moon. Such a statement is not made regarding the
new earth. Nevertheless, it is possible that New Jerusalem may give light to
the new earth.
The kings of the earth DO (or will) BRING THEIR GLORY AND
HONOR (or splendor) INTO IT. The kings on the new earth will be able to transport
to New Jerusalem in some manner. They will bring their glory and honor into
it.
1623-4J-2
Rev 21:25-AND THE GATES OF
IT SHALL NOT BE SHUT (or will never close) AT ALL BY DAY: FOR THERE SHALL BE
NO NIGHT THERE.
Scripture with commentary: AND THE GATES OF IT (of New Jerusalem)
SHALL NOT BE SHUT (or will never close). Man was separated from God by sin.
But now, access to God has been restored. The gates shall never be shut to the
city of God, New Jerusalem. As it is written, 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-Rev 21:3.
(New Jerusalem was also shown to have twelve gates in Rev
21:12. There were three gates in each of the four directions in Rev 21:13. Each
gate had an angel, in Rev 21:12, and had the name of a tribe of Israel. Each
gate was made of one pearl in Rev 21:21).
The gates will never be shut AT ALL BY DAY: FOR THERE SHALL
BE NO NIGHT THERE. God is light and this is the city of light. This is the city
of God-ref Heb 12:22. His glory will be there continually. No night shall ever
exist in New Jerusalem.
With our new bodies, it appears, we shall never need sleep.
Rev 21:26-AND THEY SHALL BRING
THE GLORY (or splendor) AND HONOR OF THE NATIONS INTO IT.
(The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into
it-NIV.) The nations upon the new earth shall have glory and honor and shall
bring it into New Jerusalem.
Rev 21:27-AND THERE SHALL IN
NO WISE ENTER INTO IT ANY THING THAT DEFILETH (or nothing impure), NEITHER WHATSOEVER
WORKETH ABOMINATION (or shameful things), OR MAKETH A LIE (or lies, or is deceitful):
BUT (only) THEY WHICH ARE WRITTEN IN THE LAMB’S BOOK OF LIFE.
Nothing that defileth or is impure (or sin), no unforgiven,
unsanctified, unsaved person will ever enter into New Jerusalem. Only those
written in the Lamb's book of life will be able to enter into the presence of
God; we must first be washed by the blood of the Lamb—for sin separates us from
God.
Rev 22:1-AND HE SHEWED ME A
PURE RIVER OF WATER OF LIFE, CLEAR (or sparkling) AS CRYSTAL, PROCEEDING (or
flowing) OUT OF THE THRONE OF GOD AND OF THE LAMB.
Scripture with commentary: AND HE SHEWED ME A PURE RIVER.
New Jerusalem has a river OF WATER—the water OF LIFE. It is perfectly CLEAR
(or sparkling) AS CRYSTAL. This "clearness" may represent the holiness
and pureness of God. It is PROCEEDING (or flowing) OUT OF THE THRONE. The throne
belongs to the One that gives life. Flowing from the throne that the Father
and the Son sit upon is the water of life.
It is written, JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO HER…BUT WHOSOEVER
(or everyone who) DRINKETH OF THE WATER THAT I SHALL GIVE HIM SHALL NEVER THIRST;
BUT (or indeed) THE WATER THAT I SHALL GIVE HIM SHALL BE IN HIM A WELL (or spring)
OF WATER SPRINGING UP INTO EVERLASTING LIFE-Jn 4:13,14.
AND DID ALL DRINK THE SAME SPIRITUAL DRINK: FOR THEY DRANK
OF THAT SPIRITUAL ROCK THAT FOLLOWED THEM: AND THAT ROCK WAS CHRIST-1 Cor 10:4.
As previously stated, there is no temple, for the Father
and the Son are THE TEMPLE OF IT-Rev 21:22. Yet there is a throne in New Jerusalem.
The throne is OF GOD AND OF THE LAMB.
Rev 22:2-IN THE MIDST OF THE
(main or great) STREET OF IT (the city), AND ON EITHER SIDE OF THE RIVER, WAS
THERE THE TREE OF LIFE, WHICH BARE (or bearing, or producing) TWELVE MANNER
(or kinds, or crops) OF FRUITS, AND YIELDED HER FRUIT (a different kind) EVERY
MONTH: AND THE LEAVES OF THE TREE WERE FOR THE HEALING OF THE NATIONS.
Scripture with commentary: IN THE MIDST OF THE (main or great)
STREET OF IT (the city): Rev 21:21 gives us some information about the street.
AND ON EITHER SIDE OF THE RIVER. (The river was covered in
the previous verse.) It appears the river of the water of life flows DOWN THE
MIDDLE OF THE GREAT STREET OF THE CITY-NIV. This main street, on which the water
flows, seems to lead directly to God's throne.
On either side of the river, WAS THERE THE TREE. The NIV
says, ON EACH SIDE OF THE RIVER STOOD THE TREE OF LIFE. Here is
the first mention of a tree. There will likely be many other trees in New Jerusalem,
such as were in the Garden of Eden.
The tree of life, WHICH BARE (or bearing, or producing) TWELVE
MANNER (or kinds, or crops) OF FRUITS. The tree is not stagnant, but produces
twelve different kinds of fruits.
AND YIELDED HER FRUIT (a different kind) EVERY MONTH: Each
month a different kind of fruit will come forth, indicating a twelve month cycle
or perhaps year. In other words, time will not stand still.
One might also consider the good fruits of the Spirit, the
fruits of soul winning, the fruits of righteousness, the fruits of our works
and of serving God.
AND THE LEAVES OF THE TREE: The tree has leaves as well as
fruits. The leaves WERE FOR THE HEALING OF THE NATIONS. Healing (from the Greek
word-"therapeia") can mean serving, care, or healing (therapy); medical-cure,
domestics: healing, household; or health-giving. In some way, the leaves will
be used for the healing of the nations upon the new earth.
The
tree of life is covered in the following verses.
AND OUT OF THE GROUND MADE THE LORD GOD TO GROW EVERY TREE
THAT IS PLEASANT TO THE SIGHT, AND GOOD FOR FOOD; THE TREE OF LIFE
ALSO IN THE MIDST OF THE GARDEN, AND THE TREE OF KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD AND EVIL-Gen
2:9.
THE MAN...LEST HE PUT FORTH HIS HAND, AND TAKE ALSO OF THE
TREE OF LIFE, AND EAT, AND LIVE FOR EVER-Gen 3:22.
SO HE DROVE OUT THE MAN; AND HE PLACED AT THE EAST OF THE
GARDEN OF EDEN CHERUBIMS, AND A FLAMING SWORD WHICH TURNED EVERY WAY, TO KEEP
THE WAY OF THE TREE OF LIFE-Gen 3:24.
WISDOM, AND...UNDERSTANDING...SHE IS A TREE OF LIFE
TO THEM THAT LAY HOLD UPON HER: AND HAPPY IS EVERY ONE THAT RETAINETH HER-Pv
3:13,18.
THE FRUIT OF THE RIGHTEOUS IS A TREE OF LIFE;
AND HE THAT WINNETH SOULS IS WISE-Pv 11:30.
HOPE DEFERRED MAKETH THE HEART SICK: BUT WHEN THE DESIRE
COMETH, IT IS A TREE OF LIFE-Pv 13:12.
A WHOLESOME TONGUE IS A TREE OF LIFE-Pv 15:4.
TO HIM THAT OVERCOMETH WILL I GIVE TO EAT OF THE TREE
OF LIFE, WHICH IS IN THE MIDST OF THE PARADISE OF GOD-Rev 2:7.
IN THE MIDST OF THE STREET OF IT, AND ON EITHER SIDE OF THE
RIVER, WAS THERE THE TREE OF LIFE, WHICH BARE TWELVE MANNER OF
FRUITS, AND YIELDED HER FRUIT EVERY MONTH: AND THE LEAVES OF THE TREE WERE FOR
THE HEALING OF THE NATIONS-Rev 22:2.
BLESSED ARE THEY THAT DO HIS COMMANDMENTS, THAT THEY MAY
HAVE RIGHT TO THE TREE OF LIFE, AND MAY ENTER IN THROUGH THE GATES
INTO THE CITY-Rev 22:14.
Note, do these give us keys to salvation?
WISDOM, AND...UNDERSTANDING...IS A TREE OF LIFE-Pv 3:13,18.
Without wisdom and understanding of God's Word (of Jesus), there is no hope.
THE FRUIT OF THE RIGHTEOUS IS A TREE OF LIFE-Pv 11:30. Winning
souls is mentioned. By a person's fruits, you shall know them.
A WHOLESOME TONGUE IS A TREE OF LIFE-Pv 15:4.
TO HIM THAT OVERCOMETH WILL I GIVE TO EAT OF THE TREE
OF LIFE-Rev 2:7.
DO HIS COMMANDMENTS...THEY MAY HAVE RIGHT TO THE TREE
OF LIFE-Rev 22:14.
Note: wisdom, understanding, fruits, the tongue, overcoming,
and doing God's commandments are associated with the tree of life in these verses.
Note, the tree of life is found in the Garden of Eden, in
the paradise of God, and in New Jerusalem.
Rev 22:3-AND THERE SHALL BE
NO MORE CURSE: BUT THE THRONE OF GOD AND OF THE LAMB SHALL BE IN IT (the city);
AND HIS SERVANTS SHALL SERVE (or worship) HIM.
Scripture with commentary: AND THERE SHALL BE NO MORE CURSE:
The curse that came through the disobedience of Adam is gone. In addition, all
sin has been paid for. Righteousness reigns.
BUT THE THRONE OF GOD AND OF THE LAMB SHALL BE IN IT (the
city). This is also covered in Rev 22:1. AND HIS SERVANTS SHALL SERVE (or worship)
HIM. The redeemed that inherit New Jerusalem were servants of God. Serving God
did not save them, but rather, serving God was a reflection of their faith.
A person’s works are prompted by faith in Jesus Christ. Eternally, the saints
shall serve God and do "His" will.
Rev 22:4-AND THEY SHALL SEE
HIS FACE; AND HIS NAME SHALL BE IN (or on) THEIR FOREHEADS.
Scripture with commentary: AND THEY SHALL SEE HIS FACE. From
the time of the resurrection and on, the saints should be able to see the face
of God. In New Jerusalem, the redeemed will see the face of God. Man, in his
sinful state, cannot look upon the face of God. It is written, AND HE SAID,
THOU CANST NOT SEE MY FACE: FOR THERE SHALL NO MAN SEE ME, AND LIVE-Ex 33:20.
However, when He shall appear, the following will apply.
BELOVED, NOW ARE WE THE SONS OF GOD, AND IT DOTH NOT YET APPEAR WHAT WE SHALL
BE: BUT WE KNOW THAT, WHEN HE SHALL APPEAR, WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM; FOR WE SHALL
SEE HIM AS HE IS-1 Jn 3:2.
AND HIS NAME SHALL BE IN (or on) THEIR FOREHEADS. It is also
written, HIM THAT OVERCOMETH...I WILL WRITE UPON HIM MY NEW NAME-Rev 3:12. This
indicates ownership. We are His possession for eternity.
Rev 22:5-AND THERE SHALL BE NO NIGHT THERE. This indicates that nighttime will no longer exist. This was also in Rev 21:25-AND THEY NEED NO CANDLE (or lamp), NEITHER LIGHT OF THE SUN. No light of any kind should be needed in New Jerusalem, FOR THE LORD GOD GIVETH THEM LIGHT (or will shine upon them): AND THEY SHALL REIGN (as kings) FOR EVER AND EVER. The servants of God shall reign as kings eternally. How this shall be and over whom they shall reign is not revealed in this verse.
(Partial list)
Its exact location is not specified; however, it seems to be positioned above the new earth.
Some believe this city of God will come forth at the beginning of the Millennium. Many others believe it will appear after the great white throne judgment. Considering that (1) the heavens and earth passed away prior to the great white throne, and (2) THERE WAS FOUND NO PLACE FOR THEM-Rev 21:11, and (3) the placement of New Jerusalem in the Scriptures, it seems clear this great city of God will come forth after the new heavens and earth.
Rev
22:18-FOR I TESTIFY UNTO EVERY MAN (or warn everyone) THAT HEARETH THE WORDS
OF THE PROPHECY OF THIS BOOK: Next comes forth a very serious warning. It may
be called a warning of doom. It appears to carry with it the same penalty as
taking the mark and worshiping the image of the beast. That penalty, ultimately,
is eternal damnation.
IF ANY MAN SHALL ADD UNTO THESE THINGS, GOD SHALL ADD UNTO
HIM THE PLAGUES THAT ARE WRITTEN (or described) IN THIS BOOK. There are people
in this generation that have committed this sin. There are those that have rewritten
the Bible and even left out this verse.
Rev 22:19-Next comes another warning of doom, which appears
to be the same as in v.18, that is, eternal damnation. AND IF ANY MAN SHALL
TAKE AWAY (anything) FROM THE WORDS OF THE BOOK OF THIS PROPHECY, GOD SHALL
TAKE AWAY HIS PART (or share) OUT OF
(1) THE BOOK (or tree) OF LIFE, AND
(2) OUT OF THE HOLY CITY, AND
(3) FROM THE THINGS WHICH ARE WRITTEN (or described) IN THIS
BOOK.
God's warning is—do not tamper with the prophecy of the Revelation.
It seems that the warning given in these two verses constitutes the unpardonable
sin.
Some might contend that this is not true, as the words "his
part" are stated. However, some of the things written in this book include
such events as the first resurrection, the book of life, and of the holy city.
If one’s part in these is taken away, there appears to be nothing left except
eternal damnation. There are others who hold that, although this verse sounds
like salvation can be lost, this cannot be true. The reason they believe this
is because the verse does not say the "Lamb’s" book of life, but rather
the "book of life." They believe that the "book of life"
and the "Lamb’s book of life" are two separate things.
Rev
22:11-HE THAT IS UNJUST (or keeps acting wickedly, or does wrong), LET HIM BE
UNJUST STILL (or go on acting wickedly, or continue to do wrong):
AND HE WHICH IS FILTHY (or vile), LET HIM BE (or go on being)
FILTHY (or vile) STILL:
AND HE THAT IS RIGHTEOUS (or does right), LET HIM BE RIGHTEOUS
STILL (or continue to do right):
AND HE THAT IS HOLY, LET HIM BE HOLY STILL.
The verse is broken down into two parts, each having two
categories. The first covers the unredeemed, and the second, those that are
redeemed.
Once a person dies, their state is sealed: it cannot be changed.
The unjust and the filthy will spend eternity in the lake
of fire. They will retain their unjust and filthy nature for eternity. Whatever
nature they had while on earth, they will keep forever and ever. The lake of
fire will have multitudes of people with a nature of raw bitterness, hatred,
covetousness, jealousy, greed, lying, deceitfulness, murder, stealing, violence,
and every sort of ungodliness. They will still have their desires, but they
will never be gratified. Where will pride be, when eternal damnation and suffering
is the only future?
The redeemed will forever be partakers of the divine nature.
They will forever be righteous and holy. The righteous will forever be filled
with joy and love; they shall be surrounded with people that are the same way
CLICK HERE FOR WHAT FOLLOWS NEW JERUSALEM—ETERNITY |
CLICK HERE FOR—COPYRIGHT INFORMATION |