What does "radiance like a most precious jewel" reveal about God's holiness? Setting the Scene Revelation 21 introduces the New Jerusalem—the eternal dwelling place of God with His redeemed people. Verse 11 captures its first, breathtaking feature: “having the glory of God. Her radiance was like a most precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.” (Revelation 21:11) Radiance Like a Jewel—A Snapshot of Holiness • “Radiance” translates the Greek phōstēr, the blazing brilliance that surrounds God Himself. • Holiness, at its core, is God’s utter other-ness—His moral perfection and infinite purity. • When John describes glory that “gleams” or “radiates,” he is pointing to holiness made visible. • Cross-references: • Exodus 24:17—“The appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire.” • Habakkuk 3:4—“His brilliance was like the light; rays flashed from His hand.” • 1 Timothy 6:16—God “dwells in unapproachable light.” Together these passages affirm that holiness manifests as overwhelming light—never dim, never diluted. The Jasper Symbol—Purity, Permanence, Perfection • Jasper in the ancient world often described diamond-like stones, crystal clear and indestructible. • “Clear as crystal” underlines flawless transparency—no impurity can hide within God’s presence. • This jewel does not merely decorate the city; it defines its very walls (Revelation 21:18). Holiness structures everything about God’s eternal kingdom. Holiness that Both Attracts and Sets Apart • Attracts: Like a priceless gem catching sunlight, God’s holiness draws worship (Psalm 96:6—“Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty fill His sanctuary”). • Sets apart: The same radiance exposes and excludes all that is unclean (Revelation 21:27—“nothing unclean will ever enter it”). • Old Testament parallel: Moses’ face shone after meeting God (Exodus 34:29-30). God’s holiness marked him and simultaneously made the Israelites fear to come near. Living in the Light of His Radiance • Reflect—2 Corinthians 3:18: “We…are being transformed into His image from glory to glory.” Holiness radiates outward when we behold Christ. • Pursue purity—1 Peter 1:15-16: “Be holy, for I am holy.” The jewel-like clarity of God’s presence calls believers to moral transparency and integrity. • Find assurance—James 1:17: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.” His unwavering brilliance guarantees the unchanging character of His promises. • Long for home—Colossians 3:4: “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” The radiance that crowns the New Jerusalem awaits every child of God. In Revelation 21:11, “radiance like a most precious jewel” reveals holiness as dazzling glory, flawless purity, and unshakeable permanence—light that both invites and sets apart, forever defining the home where God and His people will dwell together. |
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