NEW HEAVENS AND EARTH. REVELATION 21-22.
All things made new. 21:1-8 John wrote under the Holy Spirit: ‘I saw a new heaven and a new earth’. It is new, not patched up or remodeled, but is unprecedented. Amazingly, the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, while our oceans occupy three fourths of the earth mass, God will remove these mighty oceans: ‘there will be no more sea,’ v1 this parallels the assuring word, ‘he will take all our sins and cast them into the depths of the sea- and they will b e remembered no more forever.’
An astonished John recorded his vision. It is the holy city, coming from God’s immaculate throne in heaven. The new Jerusalem had always existed but is now free to be the bride of God’s illustrious Son. I have been privileged to lead five charming daughters in their resplendent beauty to the altar to offer them before God to their husbands-to-be. John’s heart would have leapt at the utter loveliness of the bride (Christ’s blood-bought church) prepared for Him. Notice she is a bride, until their marriage has been consummated, when she will be the Bridegroom’s wife. ‘He saw the holy city the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride, adorned for her husband. Let’s grasp this beautiful, eternal wonder.
God’s devastating voice from heaven filled the universe. He indicated that His dwelling-place was with men; that our heavenly father yearned for intimate closeness with His redeemed creation. Oh, how the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ condescended and desired to live with us. Oh, that we would show unalloyed joy to our heavenly Father. His skilled arms embraced every man, woman and child from every era, culture, language and group, assuring us that He longed to be our God and we His people. He would promote a mutual oneness. Verse 3 declares, “I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘The tabernacle of God is with men, and HE will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.’”
We will not need tissues in glory, for the eternal Lord personally dries every tear. A caring view of our God. His forgiveness of our sins dries up our tears from human oppression. One liberates us from such pressures; from pain for our resurrected. No need to comfort loved ones until life has passed. Death column in daily press (if there be an edition) will be unknown; our cemeteries (Centennial Park nearby) will cease to exist: all sorrow will have gone in the powerful presence of the living Lord’ ; sobbing or weeping, characteristic of many of His children will vanish.’ Morphine poppies will not be grown. Our anticipation should delight us His children. ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. v4
This flows from the throne room, that the Lord is making all things brand-new, that is totally fresh, not reformed or reconstituted, but original. The living Word described His spoken words as accurate, incorruptible, trust-worthy.(Ampl) His real nature is expressed. ‘He who sat upon the throne said, ‘ Behold, I make all things new.’ and He said to me, Write, for these words are true and faithful.’v5
I have accomplished this decisive moment in eternity. Then His distinguishing title, the unchallengeable I AM for His Deity, from the beginning and also for the conclusion, his out-going nature seeks the spiritually thirsty, assuring he will release a fountain of life and stream of health. All life flows from Him. ‘It is done.’ ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.’ v6
Our all-conquering Lord assures us of an equivalent victory. He longs for us to leave our defeat and enter into his spiritual overcoming. And then an excellent promise, when God assumes our Fatherhood and we His son ship; ‘He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son‘. V7 Fearsome truth awaits as this chapter continues.
God reserved an awful, eternal judgment, for cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral (pornea -every form of sexual impurity), sorcerer, idolaters and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. V8 Our God saved us from such a second death.
The new Jerusalem, released from glory descends from heaven. v9-21
Seven is the number of God’s perfection: angels, bowls and last plagues. One of these messengers talked with John, ‘Come. I will show you the bride, the lamb’s wife. V9 At the marriage supper of the Lamb, her union with Christ the bridegroom was consummated, entitling her to be his bride- for all eternity. We will never leave His side- our immense honour for all eternity.
God’s Spirit transported John to a majestic mountain, as only God can. This He did when Elijah was raised to heaven; and to Enoch when he was carried to glory. The mountain elevation would be superior for viewing the great city, coming down from heaven’s throne. No earthly city would compare with this new Jerusalem. Every city in our nation has characteristic, unique architecture and features, but no city would compare with the new Jerusalem, God had commissioned them from glory.
This new city displayed the splendor and perfection of God‘s character. ‘’And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. V10
This holy Jerusalem had intrinsic beauty, so that John likened it to a sparkling diamond. We hear current news of intriguing plots to raid jewelers in capital cities, where diamonds especially have been sought. Here the heavenly city radiates such beauty beyond the writer’s capacity to describe it. ‘Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. v11
Notice the Lord’s systematic presentation of the high wall and the twelve gates. God’s numbers are precise, neither one or two above or beneath the anticipated. That is 12, not ten or eleven. Observe the heavenly messengers supervising the gates, which bear the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. Hence the term, Judeo-Christian, despite the fact that the present president of USA deplorably devalues this great nation as not a Judeo-Christian one. If the pyramids of Egypt show their directions precisely, much more will God’s new Jerusalem align perfectly with the geographical. Number 3 is significant in Scripture, for there are three members of the Triunity.
‘She had also a great, high wall, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel. Three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south, and three on the west. V13
God has laid groundwork, which will endure every seismic or spiritual movement. Prior to the building of our home, the earth was excavated a man’s height, and foundations were laid.
When tall buildings were laid on sand in Singapore, the architect dictated that the underpinning should equal the height of the building. That is, 50 or 100 feet buildings warranted excavation and concrete of similar depth. The eternal God recognized the apostles of the Lamb as those who laid the basis for the truth of our age of Christian grace, both in teaching and writing.
Thank God for the faithfulness of those twelve men, all of whom, excepting aged John, were willing martyrs for the Lord they adored. ‘Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb‘. v14
God does not provide a ghetto, nor cramped habitation such as many have suffered. Indeed, the human mind reels at the enormity of the city, coming down from heaven. 1500 miles ( 2400 kms) in length depth and height. The cubic contents of that new Jerusalem are 13 billion, 824 million cubic kilometers. Oh, the vastness of almighty God, to structurally design and locate a city of such immense proportion s. Our minds wince at the hugeness of such heavenly terms. God has made supra-adequate forethought for every redeemed child. The use of a gold reed shows how God used a metal, which does not expand or contract with any climatic changes. ‘And he that talked with me had a gold reed to measure the city, its gates and its wall. And the city is laid out as a square, and its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. Its length, breadth and height are equal. V16
Gold has increased from US$300 an ounce, now approaching $1000 and will steadily soar . Here is the unbelievable description of a wall of diamond, recalling the exhausting battle to extricate them individually from the crust of the earth: and a city composed of this expensive metal, gold. The Lord teaches that the eternal values infinitely exceed our temporal ones. Contrast is embarrassing to us humans. ‘Eye has not seen nor has entered into the heart of man, the things that God has prepared for them that love HIM. but God has revealed them unto us through His Spirit. 1 Corinth 2:9 One peep will convince!
And the foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire; the third chalcedony; the fourth emerald; the fifth sardonyx; the sixth sardius; the seventh chrysolite; the eighth beryl; the ninth topaz; the tenth chrysoprase; the eleventh jacinth; and the twelve amethyst. V 20 S\\
Chrysoprase is associated with Purim, Hanukah, Passover, Abdullah, four of the great Hebrew celebrations. God is selective in His choice of the six minerals. ‘ Then he measured its wall: one hundred and forty four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel. And the construction of its wall was of jasper, \: and the street of the city was pure gold, like clear glass.
The Holy place and Holy of Holies are intricately revealed in the old Testament, which are done away when our Lord was the perfect sacrifice on Calvary: the veil of the temple was torn from the top to the bottom, indicating that God’s dear Son had fulfilled its rich purpose. During the age of grace e, the Christian church has been the temple, indwelt by the Holy Spirit . ‘The Spirit of God dwells in you in the redeemed family, for the Omnipotent Father and His glorious Son are the temple of the redeemed city. They will occupy our full attention and be our sustained delight. This contrasts with emptiness in our strolling through Westminster abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral. Royal weddings, national memorials have their place, but the all-powerful presence of the Three-in-One will fill this new heaven. We shall be satisfied for all eternity.
No need of the sun, for the Lamb is the light, when his death on Calvary was blackest hour of history. Every home in Jerusalem would slay the Passover e Lamb. God gave His dear Son for a lost and imperiled world. Photosynthesis, the miracle process by which the Lord transforms carbon dioxide into life-nourishing oxygen will not function. Every organ of the resurrected body will no longer function from oxygen and glucose in the blood stream. The Spirit of God will infuse us. God has taken us through our infant schools of trust to primary, secondary, tertiary until we reach maturity in our risen Lord.
Luke explained there was darkness over the entire earth when our Lord hung as our sin-bearer. How could possibly the Lamb be the Light of the heavenly home. This simple phrase reminds us that Calvary was the Lord’s redemption masterpiece. We should never cease from showing the glories of the Lamb on the throne, where He reigns. It should be our constant delight both now and forever. We will sing the mystery of the Lamb’s sufferings and expanding victories throughout all eternity. ‘I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it, and the Lamb is its light. V22,23.
On my recent birthday, I received loving greetings from friends in South East Asia, two of whom were from Japan; two were from Singapore; another was from Chinese background in Malaysia. They have a common love for their Lord Jesus . They exercise great authority in their professions beyond our shores. They walk continually in the Light of the suffering Lamb of God; they bring their gift of his glory and honor, laying it deliberately at His pierced feet. Every nation has its supreme follower of our Lord Jesus and they lay their honor at the feet of their dear Lord. Kenya produced Festo Kivengeri, most polished speaker of our language: Singapore had its Benjamin Chew to principal the general hospital during the Japanese invasion; such godliness and graciousness. Wales had her Evan Roberts during the Welsh Revival 1904; Each nation fulfilled this prophecy of the exaltation laid at the name of our beloved lord. No gate will exclude any, who come in the exalted Name of our dear triumphant Lord. My computer opens when I give my password. Heaven‘s gates will be permanently inviting entrance of all who shelter in that glorious name. ‘The nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it. Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no light there.’ They shall bring the glory and honor of the nations into it.’ Dramatic repetition.
Our Lord powerfully appealed in this His final plea. In this new heaven no person shall taint, or repulse or lie . These contrast with those whose names are indelibly recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life, which title is comfortably repeated for our reminder. This most vital literature records God’s redemptive work in your life, in eternal characteristics. ‘There shall by no means enter in it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life ‘ v27
The River of Life 22;1-5
Did you observe the river o f life, which were in the opening chapters of Genesis, flowing in this final chapter of God’s Word. It was pure and clear as crystal. No sediment or muddy discoloration of this life-giving stream. No annual harvest flows from that stream, rather each month a life-giving fruit is generated. Is this God’s provision for us in the eternity unfolding.
Leaves beautify a tree: here they are therapy of the nations. Today they are the source of our photosynthesis for our oxygen supply, then they will provide life-sustaining energy.
Please observe that ‘the throne of God and the Lamb (our beloved Savior) is repeated in verses 1 and 3 . Huegel wrote ‘the throne of God is the Cross of Christ. This truth flows through the Revelation, especially in these exalting chapters. ‘He showed me a pure river of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. 22:1 ‘In the middle of its street and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its tree every month. And the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
Looking over John’s shoulder, he writes,’ there shall be no more curse.’ It has been expunged. Our attention is alerted by the now visible throne of God and the victorious Lamb, whose Name perpetually reminds of His Calvary triumph. No distraction s, nor counter responsibilities. Father and Son fill our thoughts. ‘There shall be no more curse’ Hallelujah ! But the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.’ ’Joy!
Oh, What joyful anticipation to see His dear face. After serving in the middle East and in Papua New Guinea, I longed for home : and loved ones. Yes, I longed to see the face of my beloved; and she too longed for mine. Nothing else would satisfy but the face of the dear one.
On that day, we shall fall at His feet in adoration and delight. My beloved is mine- and I am His. The following phrase has deep meaning for the saints of the Lord, ‘for our name shall be written on our foreheads. Not the mark of the beast- but of the altogether -lovely One. Medically, the frontal cortex, lying behind the forehead stores the grand sum of our knowledge.
His Name shall be engraved on this part of our cerebral anatomy, for the knowledge of our Lord will fill all things- and He longs that we too shall possess Him and hide Him in our hearts for ever.
They shall see His face, and their name ( singular) shall be on their forehead.‘ ’ v22:4
My talking bible has solar panel enrichment, requiring exposure to the sun for some hours. I won’t need it when Christ has come for His bride and holds us individually to Himself. He will speak with and commune with us. Nor will I need my solar- powered watch for ‘We shall reign for ever and ever.’ Our conquering Savior shall reign unchallenged for 1000 years. We shall reign with HIM. None shall challenge our Lord: satan is in the fiery pit; no man shall stand against Him, contrasting with all the vagaries of life in this chaotic era. Photosynthesis will not be necessary for the Lord will be our life: that is, we shall be Spirit-empowered and not draw our life from the blood of our humanity. And there shall be no night there.. They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign for ever and ever. v5
‘These words are true and faithful. The Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place. v6 ‘Behold, I Am coming quickly’ (note that this compelling phrase will be repeated twice during this chapter. Why do men fear to preach the soon coming of the Lord of glory . ‘Blessed is he that keeps the words of this prophecy of this book,’ How dare men bypass this precious literature, and impoverish themselves and enfeeble their congregation, withholding the imperishable truth of the Revelation.
The time is near. 6-11
‘I john saw and heard these things.’ he repeats this. ‘when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things.’ No wonder the angel rebuked him for possible angel worship . Only One is worth of adoration and His kingly name is Jesus.
The Alpha and Omega testifies to the churches. 12-17
‘Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.’ Then the surprising warning that some unbelievers will continue even in the millennial age, ‘ He who is unjust, let him be unjust still. He who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.’ The will to follow or deny our Lord operates in this perfect environment even as Adam and Eve purposed against God’s righteousness and holiness in the garden. During this reign of our Sovereign Lord, some will remain inexcusable and soiled; while others will persevere in their righteousness and holiness.
The Son of God chose exclusive titles to sum up. His title is exclusive authority as Lord of creation and redemption. The Lord used one of His decisive inscriptions right at the conclusion of the written word, ‘ I AM the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End; the First and the Last. Blessed are those who do His commandments. They may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.’ Then the next to last warning in the Word of God, ’Out side are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral (that awful expanded meaning of ’pornea’), and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. 22:15
Our pre-eminent Lord has sent His angel, (heaven’s activity on earth) to communicate the eternal word. Then He stated His credentials, His entitlement extending from royal David, where in He confirmed His natural lineage. . Then he claimed a heavenly honor as ’the bright and Morning star,’ which heralds a long night’s passing, and a new day’s dawning. ‘I Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I AM the Root and the offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star. ’ v16
Our heavenly Savior has opened His arms to welcome the sin-blighted of earth. The Holy Spirit
pleads for our return to our King; the bride of Christ, His earth-based ecclesia (or church) opened their hearts, crying ‘come home‘! Repent and turn to your God! Bring your deepest thirsts (satisfaction of every just longing) to Him who is the water of life. Drink freely.
‘And the Spirit and the bride say ‘Come!’ And let him that hears say, Come!.’ And let him that thirsts come. And whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.’ v17
Then an uncompromising warning re the integrity of bible truth. Theological colleges have damnably challenged the accuracy, indivisible strength, the eternal truthfulness of the Word of God, claiming intellectual freedom to dispute its genuineness. Their intellect superseded their simple trust in the Lord. Bible educators, outcome of these skeptical teachers, disseminate these doubts, dispel simplicity of trust and shatter the foundations of simple-hearted believers. Some challenge inspiration in the first 11 chapters of Genesis. Others reject God’s glorious role of Creator, camouflaging as Evolutionary creationists (masquerading with truth); others make symbolic glorious truths. For 14 years, a young man came weekly to our home, asking ‘is the Revelation true? Does it relate to life today? He serves the Lord as a teacher of the Word having studied in a hostile environment. Satan attempted it on our first parents, Adam and Eve, and tried it also with our beloved Lord in that fearsome temptation. We grew when we stood on God’s infallible, eternal word with a dire warning not to muddle with God’s Holy Word. 18-21
Logos is the Word, reserved in scripture only for our beloved Lord, Deity and perfect flesh.
‘For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book. If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book. And if any one takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the book of life., from the holy city, and from things which are written in this book. V18,19
The bible triumphantly shouts an imminent He’s coming: while a gracious benediction follows.
‘He who testifies to these things says, Surely I am coming quickly’. Amen. even so come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. HDS