In the Book of Revelation, we read about a fabulous city called the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21-22). It is my contention that the New Jerusalem is both a present spiritual reality and a future political reality. It is the capital city of the Kingdom of God. Only faithful, servant (mature) believers may permanently reside in God’s capital city (Rev. 21:27). The New Jerusalem is their primary residence. The New Jerusalem may or may not have a future physical reality. Being 1500 miles, by 1500 miles, by 1500 miles (Rev. 21:16), it would be physically the size of a small moon. Our moon has a diameter of 2150 miles[1] as compared to the New Jerusalem’s diameter of 1500 miles. I admit that a second moon would be cool, but most importantly, the New Jerusalem is a present spiritual reality and a future political reality. The New Jerusalem is the authentic “lasting city” which superseded the Old Jerusalem (Heb. 13:14).
The New Jerusalem is a place where God lives in fellowship with His servants, and His servants live in fellowship with God (Rev. 21:3). Only “overcomer” believers will inherit the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:7). Overcomer believers are those believers who grow to spiritual maturity and remain faithful. One must have his or her name recorded in the Book of Life in order to gain free access to the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:27). The Book of Life records the names of God’s faithful servants (Ps. 69:28; Phil. 4:3; Rev. 3:5). Such believers find true living. They practice an experiential righteousness or holiness (1 Pet. 1:15-16). They are not sinless, but those who practice sexual immorality or criminality will not inherit the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:8). Additionally, the unfaithful and fearful, among others, will not inherit the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:8). Most fear surrendering their autonomy to God and living in trust of God’s provision. Our highest priority must be God’s will, not pleasure or wealth. Faithful believers thirst for authentic living, which is fellowship with God (Rev. 21:6). Life in the New Jerusalem is open to every believer, but most are not interested or fail to have the necessary priorities to reside there. Therefore, life in the New Jerusalem is characterized by a special exclusivity (Rev. 21:8, 27; 22:15), even though the doors remain open to all (Rev. 21:25).
There is no Temple in the New Jerusalem because God, the Father and the Son are our Temple (Rev. 21:22). There is no need for the physical sun and moon because the New Jerusalem is illuminated by the glory of God (Rev. 21:23). The nations will walk by the light that shines forth from the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:24). The wealth, glory, and honor of all nations will flow into the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:26). Those who live in the New Jerusalem will be the recipients of great honor and prestige. Their reward will be great (Rev. 22:12).
The River of Life is depicted as flowing out from beneath the throne of God and the Lamb in the New Jerusalem (Rev. 22:1). The River of Life is equivalent to eternal life. As I have said many times, eternal life is much more than a never-ending existence. Eternal life is a type, kind, and quality of life. Eternal life is God’s own life that He wants to share with us. True living and a blessed life can only happen when we humans accept and acknowledge God’s overriding authority. The spiritual life brings fruitfulness to human existence. The spiritual life is characterized as walking by the Spirit, wherein God’s Word is a light to our feet, trusting in Christ Jesus, while having no confidence in our fleshy capacity (Ps. 119:105; Phil. 3:3). We are designed to be God’s servants and to worship Him (Rev. 22:4). True blessedness occurs only when we accept this reality. God will greatly reward those who accept this reality (Rev. 22: 12). Sadly, most humans reject this truth. There will be dramatic consequences for those who reject God’s offer of Eternal Life and the privilege of residing in the New Jerusalem.
In summary, first and foremost, the Jerusalem from above was always a spiritual reality (Gal. 4:26). It is occupied by those born of the Spirit as opposed to those born of the flesh (Gal. 4:29). To be born (gennao[2]) of the Spirit is to live under the direction and guidance of God, the Holy Spirit. As the writer of Hebrews explained, the heavenly Jerusalem is the city of the living God (Heb. 12:22). Figuratively, the “overcomer” believers have the name of the city of God, the New Jerusalem, permanently inscribed upon their bodies (Rev. 3:12). Such believers are servants of God, whose focus in life is the worship of God (Rev. 22:9). All who are thirsty are invited to come worship God in the New Jerusalem (Rev. 22:17).
#newjerusalem #overcomer #eternallife #spirituallife #rewardfromGod
[1] Earth’s Moon. Planetary Science Communications / NASA Planetary Science Division. https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/moons/earths-moon/overview/
[2] “G1080 – gennaō – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (nasb20).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 13 Jun, 2022. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1080/nasb20/mgnt/0-1/>.
