What is the meaning of Revelation 21:26? And into the city • The city in view is the eternal “New Jerusalem” that John has just described (Revelation 21:2). • Its gates “will never be shut by day” (Revelation 21:25), signaling perfect security and welcome. • The connective “And” ties this verse to the prior promise that nothing impure will enter, underscoring that what follows is a continuation of God’s holy order. • Cross references: Isaiah 60:11 pictures open gates receiving wealth; Hebrews 12:22 speaks of believers already belonging to this heavenly city. will be brought • The phrase points to an ongoing, willing procession rather than a one-time event. – Like the Magi who “opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts” (Matthew 2:11), the redeemed bring offerings of love. – Isaiah 66:20 foresees the nations “bringing all your brothers” as an act of worship. • No coercion is implied; this is joyful tribute flowing from hearts transformed by Christ (Revelation 22:3). • The action reveals that productive activity and purposeful movement continue on the new earth, now wholly devoted to the Lord (Zechariah 14:16). the glory and honor • “Glory” and “honor” encompass every valuable thing produced by human creativity, culture, and achievement, now purified and redirected to exalt God. – 1 Chronicles 29:11 affirms, “Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the splendor, and the majesty.” – Psalm 72:10-11 envisions kings offering gifts to Messiah, illustrating that earthly splendor is best used in worship. • Nothing of sin’s stain survives; only what reflects God’s beauty and righteousness enters (Revelation 21:27). • The picture invites believers today to dedicate talents, resources, and accomplishments to Christ, anticipating their eternal significance (1 Corinthians 10:31). of the nations • “Nations” confirms ethnic diversity is not erased but redeemed. People from “every tribe and tongue and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9) retain distinct identities while living in perfect unity. • Kings and peoples alike gladly recognize Christ’s lordship (Revelation 21:24; Isaiah 2:2-3). • The scene fulfills God’s covenant promise to bless “all the families of the earth” through the Seed of Abraham (Genesis 22:18; Galatians 3:16). • It also answers the missionary heartbeat of Scripture: the gospel goes to the ends of the earth, and the ends of the earth bring their praise back to the Lamb (Psalm 86:9). summary Revelation 21:26 paints a literal future when the New Jerusalem’s open gates receive the purified cultural riches of every nation. Continuous, voluntary processions carry honor to the throne, displaying the redeemed diversity of God’s global family. All glory produced by human hands ultimately finds its home in the presence of the King, encouraging believers now to invest every gift, achievement, and resource in what will last forever. |
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