How can believers prepare for the New Jerusalem described in Revelation 21:12? The Promise in View • Revelation 21:12: “The city had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates; on the gates were inscribed the names of the twelve tribes of Israel.” • A literal city, secure and welcoming, reserved for God’s redeemed people. • Preparation begins now, because entry is certain for the saved but closed to the unclean (Revelation 21:27). First Things First: Make Sure You Belong Inside • Enter through the only door—Jesus (John 10:9). • Believe the gospel, repent of sin, be born again (John 3:3–5). • Rest in the finished work of Christ, yet prove faith genuine by obedient living (James 2:17). Know Your Identity: Names on the Gates • The tribes remind us we are grafted into God’s covenant people (Romans 11:17). • Ephesians 2:19–22: we are “fellow citizens with the saints.” • Live now as citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20) rather than tourists on earth. Keep Your Life behind the Wall: Pursue Holiness • High walls speak of purity and protection. • Revelation 21:27; Hebrews 12:14—nothing unclean enters; strive for holiness. • Daily repentance; active resistance to worldliness (1 John 2:15–17). • Guard doctrine (2 Timothy 1:13–14) so false teaching never breaches the wall of your heart. Practice Gatekeeping: Discernment with Grace • Twelve angels posted at gates—model of watchful service. • Be alert in prayer (Colossians 4:2). • Test every spirit (1 John 4:1). • Defend the faith winsomely (Jude 3), yet stay hospitable to seekers (Hebrews 13:2). Live in Covenant Community • Names of tribes hint at family. • Commit to a local church (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Cultivate unity—no tribe left off the gate list; no believer unnecessary (1 Corinthians 12:18–27). • Serve, forgive, encourage; this rehearse the fellowship we’ll enjoy eternally. Stay Ready: Eyes on the City • 2 Peter 3:11–14—anticipation fuels godly conduct. • Store treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19–21). • Prioritize evangelism—invite others to the gates (Luke 14:23). • Endure suffering with hope; the walls are “great and high,” nothing here can ultimately harm you (Romans 8:18). Daily Checklist for Future Citizens 1. Word: read, study, memorize (Psalm 119:11). 2. Prayer: communion with the King (1 Thessalonians 5:17). 3. Holiness: practical obedience, quick repentance (1 Peter 1:15–16). 4. Fellowship: worship, accountability, service. 5. Witness: share Christ, support missions (Acts 1:8). 6. Hope: rehearse promises of Revelation 21 often; let them shape desires. Encouragement as You Prepare • The gates stand open in invitation now (Revelation 22:17). • Grace supplies what God commands (Philippians 2:13). • The New Jerusalem is not a distant dream; it is the certain home of everyone in Christ. Let the vision of those radiant gates pull you forward every day until faith becomes sight. |
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