THE HOLY CITY, NEW JERUSALEM

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The promise of eternity is one of the most profound elements of Christian hope. In the vision of the Holy City, New Jerusalem, believers are given a glimpse of their ultimate destination—a City where God dwells in His people. The apostle Paul emphasizes in 1 Corinthians 15:24-28 that in the end, “God will be all in all,” signaling the consummation of all things when the work of Christ is complete, and all creation is restored to its original purpose.

Our journey of faith is leading to this culmination, where the redeemed will live eternally in the presence of God. As we delve into this vision of the New Jerusalem, we will explore what it means to be part of this Holy City, how eternity will replace time, and why overcoming in this life is essential for those who seek to inherit this eternal promise.

Rev. 21:2 “And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”

The New Jerusalem, described in Revelation 21:2, is often understood as the eternal dwelling place of God’s people. But what does this mean, and how do we relate to it?

The term “city” here represents more than just a geographical location or a physical place. Biblically, a city is a dwelling place—a community. The New Jerusalem is described as a “holy city” because it is where God will dwell in His people for eternity. It will be composed of His people. They will be His dwelling place. Unlike earthly cities, which are made of physical structures and human innovation, the New Jerusalem is a spiritual dwelling. Hebrews 11:10 says of Abraham that “he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose maker and builder is God.” This city is not constructed by human hands but is crafted by the Master Builder Himself.

The Holy City is also described as the “Bride” in this verse, signifying the deep, intimate relationship between God and His people. Just as a bride is adorned for her husband, the City is a symbol of the perfection and beauty that the redeemed will become. In this spiritual city, we will not just exist, but live in perfect communion with God, reflecting His glory.

It is important to note that this city is not a literal, gigantic metropolis descending from the sky, as some might imagine. Instead, It is consist of the people of God who are indwelt by His Spirit, those who have been redeemed and glorified. These are those who have received new, glorified bodies, just as Christ was resurrected in glory.

The name “New Jerusalem” is symbolic. Just as there was a physical city of Jerusalem in ancient Israel, which represented God’s chosen people, there is now a spiritual City of Jerusalem that represents God’s eternal people—those who are indwelt by Christ. The Old Testament Jerusalem was a physical city, and its temple was the place where God dwelled among His people. But in the New Jerusalem, there is no need for a temple because God Himsel will dwell in them. Revelation 21:3 says, “The tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people.”

This City is “holy” because it is set apart for God. It is not marred by sin, corruption, or decay. In this City, everything is new (Revelation 21:5). The former things, the pain, suffering, and tears of this world, are gone. This is a place where everything exists according to God’s perfect design, where nothing from the brokenness of the old creation remains.

The New Jerusalem is also called “Holy” because it is the dwelling place of the Holy God. As God’s presence fills the city, everything within it is sanctified. This echoes the original intent for humanity, that God would dwell with man, as seen in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. However, unlike Eden, this dwelling will never be disrupted by sin.

One of the most mind-boggling aspects of eternity is the idea that time, as we know it, will cease to exist. When the Bible says in Revelation 21:6, “It is done,” it signifies that the purpose of Christ’s incarnation, death, and resurrection is completed. The mission of the Word of God which was to create, redeem, and restore, is fulfilled. Now, we enter a state where eternity absorbs time.

In our current existence, time dominates everything. We age, things decay, and life is marked by beginnings and ends. However, in the New Jerusalem, death and decay will be no more. The cycles of time will give way to the constancy of eternal life. God, who is outside of time, will bring His people into that same eternal state, where there will be no more death, sorrow, or pain (Revelation 21:4). All will be Eternal.

Eternity will be a state where God is “all in all” (1 Corinthians 15:28). Everything will return to its original purpose, and God’s infinite nature and attributes will be fully revealed. Far from being monotonous, eternity will be filled with unending discovery and delight as we experience the infinite nature of God. There will be no boredom in eternity because God is too immense, too incredible, and too creative for us ever to exhaust the wonders of His being.

In Revelation 21:7, the Lord says, “He that overcometh shall inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” Overcoming is essential for those who seek to inherit the promises of God. But what does it mean to overcome?

To overcome is to remain faithful to God despite the trials, temptations, and tribulations of life. It means holding fast to our faith in Christ, even when the world tries to lure us away. The Lord Jesus Himself overcame the world (John 16:33), and He calls His followers to do the same. This victory is not achieved through our strength but through faith in Him who has already won the battle.

Those who overcome will inherit “all things.” This inheritance is not just material but spiritual. It is the fullness of life with God—eternal life, joy, peace, and communion with Him. God promises to be our Father, and we will be His children forever. However, those who do not overcome, those who reject God and live in rebellion, will face eternal separation from Him, as Revelation 21:8 warns of the lake of fire.

The vision of the Holy City, New Jerusalem, is a reminder of God’s ultimate plan for humanity. We are called to live as overcomers, knowing that our citizenship is not of this world but of the eternal city that God is preparing for us. This city, where God Himself dwells with His people, is the culmination of all of history. It is the fulfillment of God’s promises, where every tear will be wiped away, and all things will be made new.

As C.S. Lewis wisely stated, “If I find in myself a desire which this world cannot satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” Indeed, we are made for the New Jerusalem, where we will dwell with God for eternity. We belong in there.

Let us, therefore, live with eternity in our hearts, overcome the challenges of this world, and look forward to the day when we will enter the Holy City, New Jerusalem, and experience the fullness of God’s presence forever.