Read Revelation 21:1-8
The abode of the righteous dead (heaven) is
called a house (John 14:2-3), a kingdom (Eph. 5:5), a country (Heb. 11:16), a rest (Heb. 4:9), glory (Col. 3:4), paradise
(Luke 23:43; Rev. 2:7), and most often, a city
(Heb. 11:10,16; 13:14). Most of these
indicate that it is a definite place,
an actual location where the righteous can enjoy unhindered communion with God.
It seems clear that the New Jerusalem described in Rev. 21:1-22:5, which is said to come
down from heaven (21:2), is that heavenly dwelling. It is said to be prepared as a bride adorned for her husband which might lead one to
think it is merely symbolic for the Bride of the Lamb, the Church. It is certainly the place where His Bride
will dwell with Him in eternity, but Jesus made it very clear that He was going
to prepare a place for the
believers. And what follows in Rev. 21
is a description of gates and foundations and walls. Again we would say that the names on these
things and the numbers and building materials likely all have figurative significance;
but that is not to say that the place is not real. Both the description and the promises
throughout scripture that lead to this place are very real and we should take
comfort in this fact.
What is significant about this City
is that God is present there (21:3-4) in all His glory (21:10-11). When Paul wrote in Romans 11 the explanation
of how God was bringing to Himself both Jews (Israel) and Gentiles it was an
explanation that came so much closer to answering the perplexity of the
prophets Peter spoke of in 1 Peter 1:10-11.
It was similar to the wonder of the angelic beings who, with the forming
of the Body of Christ, would see the
manifold wisdom of God (Eph. 3:10).
So Paul, in Rom. 11:11:33-36, could hardly contain himself. Oh the
depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His
ways past finding out! … For of Him and through Him and to Him are
all things, to whom be glory forever.
This wondrous praise directed to our incomparable
God is on eternal display in the Heavenly City.
The Twelve Tribes and the Twelve Apostles are named in that City (Rev. 21:12,14)
to forever remind us that God is the all-wise Cause of it all. And we will worship and serve Him and the
Lamb, the Author and Finisher of our faith (Rev. 22:3). This is an experience we can barely begin to
fathom in this life, but sustained by the pure
river of water of life and the tree
of life (Rev. 22:1-5) we shall dwell with God, the very thing for which He
created us in His image. “We.” His Bride.
Not there by our own merit but only because we have been washed clean by
the regenerating and justifying blood of the Lamb (Rev. 7:9,14). This is our God and the Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a
living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an
inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved
in heaven for you (1 Peter 1:3-4).
If you are members of my family just happening
to read this blog; or if you are friends we have known; or if we have never met
before, I beg you, be reconciled to God.
Heaven is only for the righteous; there can be no sin in God’s
City. But your own righteousness is
insufficient; it is as filthy rags the Bible says (Isa. 64:6). But God has made available the righteousness
of His Son to all who believe in His Name.
He has made Him who knew no sin to
be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Cor.
5:21). Lay down the weapons of
indifference, intolerance, insubordination and arrogance that you have
exhibited against your Maker. Accept His
offer of peace by bowing the knee to His Son.
Only then will there be righteousness put to your account by which you
will have a standing before God now and for eternity. Only then will you receive the free gift of
eternal life (Rom. 6:23).
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