Sunday, November 13, 2016 Lesson: Revelation 21:9-14, 22-27; Time of Action: 96 A.D.; Place of Action: The Apostle John had his vision while in exile on the Isle of Patmos Golden Text: And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof (Revelation 21:22-23). I. INTRODUCTION. It goes without saying that brides put a lot of effort into making themselves look beautiful for their wedding ceremony. For sure, it would be upsetting, if not comical to see a bride walk down the aisle in pajamas! The idea of a bride being beautifully adorned for her husband is behind the description of the New Jerusalem as John saw it in Revelation. It s a city that is beautiful inside and out, and the source of such eternal beauty and sinless existence is found in Jesus Christ, who will dwell there with us forever. This week s lesson gives us a glimpse into the beauty as well as the safety of the New Jerusalem.
II. LESSON BACKGROUND. While exiled on the isle of Patmos for witnessing for Jesus Christ (see Revelation 1:1, 9), the Apostle John received a revelation from God by the Holy Spirit concerning future events (see Revelation 1: 2, 10) that will culminate with the end of all history. Patmos is an island off the southwest coast of Asia Minor, what is now modern Turkey. Because it was desolate and barren, the Romans used it as a place to banish criminals, who were forced to work at hard labor in the mines and quarries there. Since Christians were considered criminals by the Roman emperor Domitian (he ruled 81-96 A.D), the apostle John probably suffered extreme harsh treatment during his exile on Patmos. An early Christian tradition said that John was in exile for 18 months. In his revelation from God, John was instructed to Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter (see Revelation 1:19). This threefold approach makes up the major divisions of the book. The third section, things which shall be hereafter, can be subdivided into three major themes. These include the great tribulation (see Revelation Chapters 4-19), the millennial kingdom of Christ and the Great White Throne Judgment (see Revelation Chapter 20), and finally the eternal state (see Revelation 21:1-22:5). After John saw the Great White Throne Judgment in his vision, he noted that the old heaven and earth fled away from the face of the One sitting on the Great White Throne (see Revelation 20:11-13. John concludes chapter 20 declaring that death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire (see Revelation 20:14-15). Then in chapter 21:1-8, John says that he saw a new heaven and a new earth because the old ones had
passed away; he saw New Jerusalem coming down from God while hearing a voice declaring that God will dwell with men forever, and also declared that God would remove everything that caused tears and sorrow (vss. 1-4). Then in verses 5-6 God Himself declared that everything John had seen was true and faithful, and that He was willing to give to anyone who wanted it the Water of life. In verses 7-8, God said that anyone who overcomes will inherit all things, and ended by acknowledging those who will spend eternity in the lake of fire and brimstone. This week s lesson begins with verse 9. III. AN OVERALL VIEW OF THE CITY (Revelation 21:9-14) A. The angelic tour of the city (Revelation 21:9-10). 1. (vs. 9). Our first verse says And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb s wife. While it is not always clear who is speaking to John in Revelation, the apostle was specific here. He said And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me. During the seven year tribulation period after the rapture of the church (see I Thessalonians 1:10), God will begin to pour out His wrath upon the earth. After the seven seals were broken (see Revelation 6:1-17;
8:1-5), seven trumpets were sounded (see Revelation 8:6-9:21; 11:14-19), which is followed by the seven plagues (see Revelation 15:1-16:21) that John mentions here. During the last three and a half years of this seven year period, the seven angels will empty the vials full of the seven last plagues at the end of the Great Tribulation completing God s wrath (see Revelation chapter 16). John said that one of those seven angels came and talked with me. The angel said Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb s wife. The angel invited John to accompany him to see the bride, the Lamb s wife. We are told in Revelation 21:2 that the New Jerusalem is the bride adorned for her husband and the city is identified here as the Lamb s wife. Of course the Lamb is Jesus Christ (see John 1:29, 36). It should be noted that the residents of the city, the church, are the bride of Christ (see Ephesians 5:25-27). An empty city without its citizens cannot be the bride. 2. (vs. 10). John went on to say in this verse And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. Throughout Revelation, John is said to be in the spirit which is how he describes his vision (see Revelation 1:10; 4:2; 17:3). The apostle stated that the angel carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain. Since this was part of John s vision, identifying the mountain is not necessary. Note: It should be noted that mountains have played a significant role in the history of God s people. Moses received the law on a mountain (see
Exodus 19:3) and later looked into the Promised Land from a mountain (see Deuteronomy 34:1). Elijah experienced a great victory on a mountain (see I Kings 18:19), and Ezekiel saw a restored temple from a mountain (see Ezekiel 40:2). Jesus taught from mountains (see Matthew 5:1; 24:3), was transfigured on a mountain (see Matthew 17:1), and ascended back to heaven from a mountain (see Acts 1:9-12). In this case, the vantage point of a high mountain would give John the proverbial bird s eye view of that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. The word great speaks of the immense size of the city. In today s measurements the New Jerusalem would be about 1400 square miles (see Revelation 21:16), which is far larger than any known city today. The city is also described as holy which speaks of the purity of the city. The fact that John saw the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God should be taken literally. This is a real city as indicated by the physical dimensions and building materials used as described in Revelation 21:15-21. Since this city is likened to a bride, and seen as descending out of heaven from God, it is the same city mentioned in Revelation 21:2. The city descended, but the Bible never says it landed on the new earth, suggesting that it hovered above the earth. Just how far down the city came is only speculation. What John saw was a real event within his visionary experience. B. The divine glory in the city (Revelation 21:11). John goes on to say in this verse Having the glory
of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. Still describing the holy city of Jerusalem, John described it as Having the glory of God. In other words, God s glory or brilliance filled the city. God s glory is the manifestation of the fullness of His attributes or traits. The glory of God was brilliantly displayed in the pillar of fire and cloud in the wilderness wanderings (see Exodus 16:10), and also in His presence in both the tabernacle (see Exodus 40:34-35) and the temple (see I Kings 8:10-11). The glory of God was also seen in Jesus Christ shining forth in His transfiguration (see Matthew 17:2; Mark 9:2). Note: Today, God manifests His glory through His work in the church, but not usually in spectacular ways (see I Corinthians 10:31; Ephesians 1:11-12). However, when Jesus returns to usher in the end times, God will again show His glory dramatically (see Matthew 24:30: Romans 8:18; Revelation 15:8). In the New Jerusalem, God s glory will be on display forever (see Revelation 21:23; 22:5). In describing the radiance or brilliance of the city, John said and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. In other words, God s glory filled the city making it sparkle like a brilliant, precious jewel that John likened to a jasper stone, shining and clear as crystal. The precious stone jasper is opaque (dull) not clear, but in the New Jerusalem, it will be transparent or clear like crystal. John probably used the closest term he could think of to describe the beauty of the light.
C. The wall and gates of the city (Revelation 21:12-13). 1. (vs. 12). Continuing his description of the city, John went on to say And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel. First, John said that the city had a wall great and high. The city is surrounded by an impressive wall ensuring the security of those living in the city. The walls are later said to be 144 cubits or about 200 feet thick (see Revelation 21:17), and the beauty of the wall is seen in that it was made of jasper (see Revelation 21:18). The city will also have twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels. In addition, there will be an angel attending at each gate. We cannot be sure, but the presence of the angels serving as guards may symbolize that all unbelievers are excluded from the city just as angels kept Adam and Eve out of Eden after the Fall (see Genesis 3:22-24). John also said that the gates had the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel. These would be the names of the twelve sons of Jacob who is also called Israel (see Genesis 32:28; 35:10). Here the names are not given, but in Ezekiel s vision of the New Jerusalem during the millennium, the tribal names are given for the individual gates (see Ezekiel 48:31-34). Note: The names of Israel s tribes written on the gates appear to indicate the importance of Israel in God s eternal plan of redemption. This distinctive identification of Israel will live on throughout eternity. This confirms that the gifts and calling of God are without repentance (see
Romans 11:29) meaning that God s gifts and His call can never be withdrawn; He will never go back on His promises. 2. (vs. 13). Still describing the city, in this verse John said On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. The fact that there are four sides to the city, the eastern side, the northern side, the southern side, and the western side, reveals that the city is in the shape of a cube. We are not told here, but according to Revelation 21:21, the three gates on each side of the city were made of pearls. D. The foundations of the city (Revelation 21:14). This verse says And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. The word foundations can mean foundation stones or layers, indicating twelve separate gigantic stones. The wall of the city which surrounded the New Jerusalem also had inscribed on each of the four sides the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. We are not told which apostles names will be on the foundations. In addition to the original twelve apostles (see Matthew 10:2-4), Matthias replaced Judas (see Acts 1:21-26), and of course Paul was also an apostle (see I Corinthians 9:1-2; I Timothy 2:7). Therefore, the names placed on the twelve foundations like many other things, are hidden with the Lord. Note: Just as the names of the twelve tribes are engraved on the gates to represent
Israel, the apostles names are on the foundation stones representing the Christian church and its part in God s redemptive plan (see Ephesians 2:20). The two phases of God s program, Israel and the church will be memorialized forever in the holy city, and saints of all ages will dwell there. IV. UNIQUE FEATURES OF THE CITY (Revelation 21:22-27). Verses 15-21 are not part of our lesson, but in those verses, John was given the measurements of the New Jerusalem (verses 15-17), and the materials used in its construction were described (verses 18-21). Our lesson continues with verse 22. A. There s no temple in the city (Revelation 21:22). In this verse John said And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. At the center of life in the earthly Jerusalem was a temple, the most holy site among the people of Israel. But speaking of the New Jerusalem, John declared And I saw no temple therein. In ancient times, every city had at least one temple that they thought was the dwelling place of a particular god. The Lord God also chose to live among His people in a temple (see II Chronicles 7:12-16), but the holy city of New Jerusalem will not have a temple in it. The reason there was no temple therein is because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. The New Jerusalem, our eternal home won t need a place of worship because God
Himself and Jesus Christ, the Lamb are the temple of the city. We will worship our Lord directly and personally. The saved of all ages who inhabit the holy city will be in the very presence of God. B. The city has no sun, or moon, or any outside source of light (Revelation 21:23). In this verse John continued to say And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. Whereas the sun and moon give natural light to every place on this earth, the New Jerusalem will have no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it. This is because the glory or the radiance of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. The city will not need any outside source of light because the glory of God and the Lamb will be all the light we will need replacing all natural light (see Isaiah 60:19). Note: God s glory speaks of His majesty and honor and the perfection of His character. Yet in Scripture, His glory is depicted physically as a shining light. God s glory shone round about the shepherds on the night of Jesus birth (see Luke 2:9), and it was reveled in a bright cloud (see Matthew 17:5; Luke 9:32) at the transfiguration. Jesus called Himself the light of the world (see John 8:12; 9:5), and those who follow Him walk in the light (see I John 1:7) conforming to His character.
C. There is free access into the city for all nations (Revelation 21:24-26). 1. (vs. 24). John went on to say in this verse And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. The word nations in Greek is ethne and in other passages is translated Gentiles (see Matthew 6:32; I Corinthians 10:20). It is the same word used in the Great Commission when Christ commanded that the gospel be taken to all nations (see Luke 24:47). It has already been noted that both saved Jews and the church will inhabit the New Jerusalem, so the fact that the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it is evidence that the city is the dwelling place of the redeemed of all ages coming from all nations (see Revelation 5:9; 7:9). The statement that the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it does not mean that the rulers of the world have anything that can be added to the splendor of this perfect city. It means that redeemed human rulers will gladly bring the honor and glory that was once theirs to the Lord. Note: In ancient times lesser kings and nations would bring their wealth to glorify the city of the greater king. John s point is that in the eternal state in the New Jerusalem, there will no longer be divisions of nations; instead everyone will glorify God and not themselves. All glory will be brought to God where it eternally belongs. God s plan from the beginning will be realized because He alone will receive the glory due Him.
2. (vs. 25). This verse says And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. John also said that the gates of the city are never closed. The picture here reveals that there is complete access to the city of God. The reason given for the gates never closing is because there shall be no night there. In ancient cities, gates were closed at night for safety. This will not be necessary in the New Jerusalem because the people coming to it will come to bring tribute and not to plunder it. People normally rest at night, but since there is only day in the city, no rest for the bodies of the city s occupants will be needed. We all will have glorified bodies (see I Corinthians 15:51-53; I John 3:2) that will not be subject to the limitations, restrictions, and needs of our present bodies. 3. (vs. 26). This verse goes on to say And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. This verse is a repetition of verse 24. However, here, the meaning may extend beyond only rulers to include all the saved from every nation who will gladly bring glory and honor into the city. D. All evil is excluded from the city (Revelation 21:27). Our final verse says And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb s book of life. Revelation 21:8 listed the kinds of people who have no place in the new
heavens and new earth. John reiterated those thoughts in this verse. Although the gate to the city will always be open (see verse 25), no evil will ever be allowed. John said that there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie. The word defileth refers to anything profane. This would include anyone or anything that falls short of God s holiness. Whatsoever worketh abomination refers to those who practice detestable things, and is often used when dealing with idolatry. However, it can also refer to any shameful act. The phrase maketh a lie refers to those who practice deceit of any kind either by word or actions. It would include pretense and hypocrisy. Anyone who falls into any of these categories are unbelieving sinners and therefore shall in no wise enter into it (the city). At last there will be a perfect environment. The only ones qualified to enter the holy city will be they which are written in the Lamb s book of life. In other words, only those whose names are written in the Lamb s book of life will share in the glories of the New Jerusalem. People will either be present or absent from the holy city based on whether their names are in the Lamb s book of life, that is, whether or not they have accepted Christ as Savior. Note: The Lamb s book of life is mentioned several times in Revelation (see Revelation 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:15) and it is always the determining factor of whether or not a person escapes God s judgment. The book of life is God s roll of the faithful. Christ was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world (see Revelation 13:8, and the saved are those whose names were written in the book
of life from the foundation of the world (see Revelation 17:8). To have one s name written in the book does not require sinless perfection in this life because we are all sinners. Sinners will enter the city, but only those who have been saved by trusting the Lamb of God to remove their sin. Only those cleansed by His blood will enter the holy city. On the other hand, all unbelievers who are also sinners will never enter the New Jerusalem because their names are not found in the book of life, for Whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire (see Revelation 20:15). These sinners will already have been cast into the lake of fire (see Revelation 20:12-15). Nothing sinful or evil will ever enter the city. V. Conclusion. Many of God s plans for eternity are not hidden from His followers. He plans to make everything new. The old order will be destroyed by fire and a new order will become a reality. In this week s lesson, the Apostle John saw the heavenly city, New Jerusalem in a vision which depicted a concrete reality. God, Father and Son, will be the source of light in the New Jerusalem. The very presence of God will dominate and illuminate our eternal home. Although all of our questions about the eternal state are not fully answered in Scripture, one can see that our eternal home will be a glorious place where God dwells with His followers in fellowship and intimacy. Will you be there? The choice is yours!
***The Bible Expositor and Illuminator, Union Gospel Press***