The Glory of the New
Jerusalem
Introduction
(Revelation 21:9–27)
John’s vision of the New Jerusalem reveals the eternal home
of the faithful. Written to first-century Christians
enduring persecution under Rome, this passage reminds
believers that their suffering would end and that
everlasting joy awaited them in the presence of God.
The Bride of the
Lamb
John is shown the bride, the Lamb’s wife—the redeemed church
of Christ—descending as a holy city from heaven. To
Christians who had lost loved ones through persecution, this
vision was a message of hope. Their brothers and sisters who
had died for the faith were now safe with God, in a place
without pain, sorrow, or death. The holy city represents the
eternal home of God’s people, radiant with His glory.
The Glory of God’s
Presence
The city shines with the glory of God, described as a
precious jasper stone, clear as crystal. Under the old
covenant, God’s glory filled the tabernacle and temple,
dwelling above the mercy seat in the Most Holy Place. But in
heaven, God’s presence fills everything. There is no need
for an ark or veil. His glory and holiness surround the
redeemed completely. John uses earthly materials—gold,
jewels, and light—to express heavenly realities that surpass
human language.
The Gates and
Foundations of the City
The city has a great wall with twelve gates guarded by
twelve angels. The names of the twelve tribes of Israel are
written on the gates, symbolizing God’s covenant people. The
wall rests on twelve foundations inscribed with the names of
the twelve apostles of the Lamb, representing the unity of
both covenants in Christ. The gates on every side—east,
west, north, and south—show that God’s salvation is open to
all nations. Jesus said in Matthew 8:11 that many will come
from east and west to sit down in the kingdom of heaven.
Heaven will be filled with people of every tongue and
background who have obeyed the gospel.
The Perfection and
Vastness of Heaven
The angel measures the city—twelve thousand furlongs in
length, breadth, and height—showing its perfect proportions
and vastness. Heaven is big enough for all who are faithful
to Christ. The walls measure one hundred forty-four cubits,
a symbolic number showing completeness and security. The
city’s materials—pure gold, clear as glass, and foundations
adorned with every precious stone—represent its beauty and
value. Each gate is made of a single pearl, and the street
is pure gold. John’s description is not literal but symbolic
of perfection, peace, and eternal glory. For the persecuted
believers who had lost earthly wealth, this image of
heaven’s richness would have been deeply comforting.
No Temple, No
Night, No Fear
John notices that there is no temple in the city because
“the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.” Under
the old law, God’s people worshiped through a structure, but
in eternity, worship will be face-to-face in His presence.
The city has no need for the sun or moon, for the glory of
God provides light, and the Lamb is its lamp. There is no
night—no fear, anxiety, or danger—only peace and rest in
God’s eternal day. Heaven is a place of unending light and
safety.
The Nations of the
Saved
John sees “the nations of those who are saved” walking in
God’s light. The gates of the city are never closed because
there is no night there. All who are saved—regardless of
background, culture, or status—will share in this
fellowship. Heaven’s gates are open to every obedient soul
who has entered through faith and obedience to Christ.
Those Who Are
Excluded
The chapter closes with a solemn warning. Nothing that
defiles, causes abomination, or lies will enter the
city—only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book
of Life. Hypocrisy, deceit, and sin will have no place
there. This reminder calls all believers to faithfulness.
Our names must remain in the Lamb’s Book of Life by living
obediently, walking in the light, and persevering in faith
until the end.
The Glory of the
New Jerusalem Sermon Outline:
-
The Bride of
the Lamb:
-
The Glory of
God’s Presence:
-
Heaven is
filled with God’s glory, surpassing all human
beauty.
-
No ark or
temple needed; His presence fills all (Revelation
21:11).
-
The Gates and
Foundations:
-
The Perfection
and Vastness of Heaven:
-
Heaven’s
measurements and materials express completeness,
beauty, and security (Revelation 21:15–21).
-
A place beyond
loss, pain, or persecution.
-
No Temple, No
Night, No Fear:
-
The Nations of
the Saved:
-
Those
Excluded:
Call to Action
The vision of the New Jerusalem is both an invitation and a
warning. God has prepared an eternal home for those who love
Him, but only the faithful will enter. Each of us must make
sure our names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life by
obeying the gospel and remaining steadfast in faith. Heaven
awaits those who overcome, who trust in Christ, and who live
each day prepared to meet Him.
Key Takeaways
-
Heaven is the
eternal dwelling of God’s people (Revelation 21:9–10).
-
God’s glory fills
the new creation; His presence is its light (Revelation
21:11, 23).
-
All nations of the
faithful will enter its gates (Revelation 21:24).
-
Nothing impure will
ever enter heaven (Revelation 21:27).
-
Our names must
remain in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Revelation 21:27;
Revelation 20:12–15).
Scripture
Reference List
-
Revelation
21:9–27 – Vision of the New Jerusalem.
-
Matthew 8:11
– Many will come from east and west to sit in the
kingdom.
-
Revelation
2:10 – Be faithful unto death and receive the
crown of life.
-
1 John 3:2
– We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
-
Revelation
20:12–15 – Judgment and the Book of Life.
Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at
Granby, MO
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The
church of Christ
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