AM Bible Study Group; January 6, 2010

Revelation 21:9-21

Theme: This passage describes, in detail, the beauty of the New Jerusalem that will be our home throughout eternity.

This passage describes what the eternal home of those who are in Jesus will be like (Philippians 3:20-21). It’s given to us, in part, to spur us on to faithfulness in Him during our times of trial on earth. The details suggest that this is not merely symbolic, but is meant to communicate to us a place that has real substance and that it will be our literal experience to dwell in throughout eternity.

I. HER BEAUTY AS A WHOLE (vv. 9-11a).

A. One of the seven angels who had had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to John to show this to him (see Revelation 15:1-16:21). This shows that there is some continuity between the realities of this present age and the age to come. God is the God of both. This angel speaks to John in terms that were similar to the vision of the city of Babylon (chapters 17-18); because the New Jerusalem—like that city Babylon—is spoken of both as a city and as a woman. In this case, however, the woman is the Bride of the Lamb (named after the people who dwell in it, and the Lord to whom they belong; see 19:7-9).

B. John is then carried away to a high mountain in order to be given a clearer view of this vast place. Given the dimensions of it—mentioned in verse 16—there would have been no other way to behold it. It was described as “the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God”. It may be that this city already exists before God in some way that we cannot understand.

II. HER BRIGHTNESS (v. 11b).

A. We’re told that, in coming down, it was in appearance as “a most precious stone, like a jasper”. Jasper stone, as we understand it, is opaque. But we’re made to understand that this city is “clear as crystal”. It will be a breathtaking thing to see; because it will have “the glory of God”.

B. Because of its crystal-like nature, it will be brightly illuminated and will shine from within by God’s own glory. We ourselves will have to be glorified in order to bear the sight!

III. HER WALL (vv. 12-14).

A. We’re told that it has—like all cities of John’s day had—a great and high wall. It will have twelve gates. On these twelve gates (which will be enormous; see v. 17), twelve angels will be positioned as if to stand guard (though there will be nothing that will enter in that would cause harm; see verse 27). Names where written on the gates; which were the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. Each of the gates are situated in a manner similar to that of the twelve tribes (see Numbers 2).

B. The wall of the city was fixed upon twelve foundation stones. In verses 19-20, we’re given a description of the composition of these foundation stones. They contain the names of the twelve apostles. Thus, God shows that He forever stands as God of both the Old and the New Covenant.

IV. HER MEASUREMENTS (vv. 15-17).

A. The angel that had been talking with him then takes golden rod and measures the layout of the city (see Ezekiel 40:1-5ff). It’s laid out as a square—and because its length and breadth is the same as its height, it may be either cubic in shape, or may even be pyramid-like. In either case, the measurements are enormous—and would be similar to the distance from Portland, Oregon to Chicago, Illinois in all directions (about 1,500 miles). There will be enough room for all the redeemed.

B. Similarly, the walls of the city are enormous. They would be around 216 feet in height according to the measure of a man—which, we’re told, is the same as that of an angel. This may speak of the height of the walls; but it may also indicate the thickness of the wall, in which case the wall may be much higher than 216 feet.

V. HER COMPOSITION (vv. 18-21).

A. The composition of the wall was of jasper (see verse 11). The city itself will be of pure gold “like clear glass”. Imagine what a sight it would be—particularly with the glory of God shining in and through it!

B. The foundations of the city are adorned with twelve kinds of precious stones. The names used for these stones may be different in John’s day than we understand today; but the point is that the foundation stones are precious and beautiful.

C. The twelve gates were composed of pearl—each on of one pearl over two-hundred feet in height! The God of this created realm, and of the one to come, certainly doesn’t need an enormous oyster to create such a set of pearls!

D. The streets of the city are pure gold, “like transparent glass”. Everywhere the redeemed walk, they will be reminded of holiness!

* * * * * * * * * *

Hebrews 11:9-10 says that, by faith, Abraham “dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” May we, as we walk this earth, also keep our sights on that glorious city—our eternal home!