Revelation 21
God’s wrath has been poured out fully. Judgment upon the lost world and the forces of darkness is done. God’s creation is ready to be set free from death and decay. This is John’s focus in this chapter.
Everything New
John saw a new heaven and a new earth. The old had disappeared just as God had said. John also saw the New Jerusalem coming down from God. He described the city as a beautiful bride dressed for her husband.
Then John heard a shout, “Look, God’s home is now among His people.” This is the goal of the Gospel story. As Peter wrote, “Christ died for sins once and for all…to bring you to God” (1Peter 3:18). We live with Him, and He lives with us. This is the time God wipes away every tear. There will be no more death, pain, sorrow or crying. “These things are gone forever” (Revelation 21:4).
Who will inherit these blessings? Jesus answered, “All who are victorious.” The children of God will live in the New Jerusalem and will drink “freely from the springs of the water of life.”
The Bride
An angel showed John the holy city, the bride of Christ. It was descending out of heaven from God. The description takes the breath away. It is magnificent in every way. John was seeing the reality that all the shadows in the Old Testament were pointing to (Hebrews 10:1).
What sets this city apart is the presence of God and of the Lamb. They illuminate the city in such a way that there is no day or night. We will all walk in this marvelous light. Nothing evil will ever be allowed to enter, only those whose names are in the Lamb’s book of life.
Revelation for You
How does this vision of the New Jerusalem address your need for peace and security?
John mentions twice that this city comes down from God. What does this tell you about God’s great love for you and His ultimate desire for you?
This passage demonstrates that God’s plan for us is not to dwell in heaven forever, but rather to live in the new Jerusalem on the new earth set in the new Heaven.
Peter speaks of these things in his second letter chapter 3 verses 10 and 12 when he describes how the heavens will “disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.”
So we who have believed in Jesus will occupy a new creation that is perfect in every way, that will be eternally perfect, where there will be no sin no evil and no wickedness. There will be no sickness or death or misery.
Glory be to God.
Well said.