The book of Revelation culminates in a breathtaking vision of God’s eternal dwelling with His redeemed people: the New Jerusalem. Described primarily in Revelation 21 and Revelation 22, this holy city is not merely a metaphor but a literal, glorious habitation prepared by God for His saints. It represents the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, where sin, sorrow, and death are no more, and perfect fellowship with the Almighty is eternally established. For the believer, the New Jerusalem stands as the blessed hope, the glorious destination of all who are in Christ Jesus.
A New Heaven and a New Earth
The vision of the New Jerusalem begins with the passing away of the old order. John, caught up in the Spirit, witnesses a profound transformation:
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
The passing of the "first heaven and the first earth" signifies a complete renewal, not merely a renovation. The absence of the "sea" is significant, as the sea in biblical symbolism often represents chaos, separation, and Gentile nations. Its removal speaks to a state of perfect peace and unity. The core of this new reality is God's direct and intimate presence with humanity: "the tabernacle of God is with men." This fulfills ancient prophecies of God dwelling among His people (Leviticus 26:11-12; Ezekiel 37:27). Consequently, all the painful effects of the Fall—tears, death, sorrow, crying, and pain—are utterly abolished. This is the consummation of redemption, where God's sovereign power brings forth a perfect, eternal state.
The One on the throne declares, "Behold, I make all things new" (Revelation 21:5). This divine declaration underscores the absolute certainty of these promises. He identifies Himself as the "Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end" (Revelation 21:6), emphasizing His sovereignty over all time and creation. To the thirsty, He will give "of the fountain of the water of life freely," and the overcomer "shall inherit all things" (Revelation 21:6; Revelation 21:7). This promise of inheritance is contrasted sharply with the fate of the unfaithful, who will face the "lake which burneth with fire and brimstone" (Revelation 21:8), highlighting the eternal separation of the redeemed from the condemned.
The Descent and Description of the Holy City
An angel, one of the seven angels with the seven last plagues, invites John to witness the "bride, the Lamb's wife" (Revelation 21:9). This bride is immediately identified as "that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God" (Revelation 21:10-11). The New Jerusalem is thus presented as the perfected Church, the collective body of believers, prepared and made glorious by God Himself.
The city's description is lavish, emphasizing its divine origin, immense scale, and unparalleled beauty:
- Structure and Foundations: It possesses a "great and high wall" with "twelve gates," upon which are inscribed the names of the "twelve tribes of the children of Israel" (Revelation 21:12). Each gate is guarded by an angel. The wall has "twelve foundations," and on them are the names of the "twelve apostles of the Lamb" (Revelation 21:14). This signifies the unity of God's redemptive plan across both Old and New Testaments, encompassing both Israel and the Church, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone (Ephesians 2:20).
- Measurements: The angel measures the city with a golden reed, revealing its astounding dimensions. It is a perfect cube, "the length and the breadth and the height of it are equal" (Revelation 21:16). Each side measures "twelve thousand furlongs," which is approximately 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers). This colossal size, far exceeding any earthly city, ensures ample room for all of God's redeemed. The wall itself is 144 cubits high (about 200 feet), measured by the "measure of a man, that is, of the angel" (Revelation 21:17), suggesting a divine measure understandable to humanity.
- Materials and Splendor: The city's construction speaks of ultimate purity, value, and glory. The wall is made of "jasper," a translucent stone, and the city itself is of "pure gold, like unto clear glass" (Revelation 21:18). The twelve foundations are adorned with "all manner of precious stones," each a different gem: jasper, sapphire, chalcedony, emerald, sardonyx, sardius, chrysolite, beryl, topaz, chrysoprasus, jacinth, and amethyst (Revelation 21:19-20). Each of the twelve gates is a single "pearl" (Revelation 21:21), emphasizing their immense value and beauty. The main street of the city is "pure gold, as it were transparent glass" (Revelation 21:21), reflecting the divine light and purity.
Divine Presence, Light, and Purity
One of the most profound aspects of the New Jerusalem is the absence of a temple. John declares, "And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it" (Revelation 21:22). This signifies an unbroken, unmediated fellowship with God. No longer will there be a need for a specific place of worship or sacrifice, for God Himself and the Lamb (Jesus Christ) are eternally present and accessible to their people. This is the fulfillment of God's desire for intimate communion.
Furthermore, the city requires no natural light:
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. 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. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
The glory of God Himself, manifested through the Lamb, provides eternal illumination. This divine light ensures perpetual day, symbolizing perfect knowledge, joy, and the absence of darkness or evil. The nations of the saved and their kings will bring their glory into the city, signifying a universal recognition of God's sovereignty and the blessed state of His redeemed. The gates, always open, speak of constant access and security, as there is no threat from within or without.
Crucially, the New Jerusalem is a place of absolute purity and holiness:
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.
Only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life, those who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ, will enter this holy city. This reinforces the necessity of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, as well as the perfect righteousness that will characterize the eternal dwelling of God's people.
The River and Tree of Life
The vision continues in Revelation 22 with images reminiscent of the Garden of Eden, but now perfected and eternal:
And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
The "pure river of water of life" flows directly from the throne of God and the Lamb, symbolizing the unending source of spiritual life and sustenance. The "tree of life," previously guarded from fallen humanity, is now fully accessible. It yields "twelve manner of fruits," providing continuous nourishment, and its "leaves... for the healing of the nations" speak to the complete restoration and well-being of all who dwell there. The curse of sin is utterly removed ("there shall be no more curse"), and God's presence is absolute.
In this eternal city, God's servants will "serve him" and "see his face" (Revelation 22:3; Revelation 22:4). This signifies direct, unhindered worship and intimate communion, the ultimate desire of every true believer. His "name shall be in their foreheads," marking them as His own, bearing His character and authority. They will reign "for ever and ever" with Him, sharing in His eternal dominion (Revelation 22:5).
Conclusion: Our Eternal Home
The New Jerusalem is the magnificent culmination of God's plan for humanity. It is not merely a destination but the perfected dwelling place where God's presence is fully realized, and His redeemed people live in eternal peace, joy, and righteousness. This holy city, described with such vivid and glorious imagery in Revelation 21 and Revelation 22, stands as a testament to God's faithfulness, power, and love. It assures believers that their hope is not in vain, that their struggles are temporary, and that an eternal weight of glory awaits them. It is the blessed assurance that one day, we shall truly be home with our God, in the city whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10), reigning with Him for ever and ever.