Why are nations' glory and honor brought into the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:26? Text of Revelation 21:26 “The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it.” Immediate Literary Setting Revelation 21:22-27 describes life inside the New Jerusalem following the final judgment. Verse 24 notes that “the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it,” while verse 27 emphasizes that “nothing unclean will ever enter it.” The flow reveals a two-fold truth: universal inclusion of the redeemed and absolute exclusion of evil. Verse 26 is the hinge: the city receives the nations’ “glory and honor,” yet only after sin has been forever purged (21:8; 20:14-15). Old Testament Backdrop 1. Isaiah 60:5-11—“the wealth of the nations” and “their kings led in procession.” Jerusalem’s gates “will be open continually… so that men may bring you the wealth of the nations.” 2. Psalm 72:10-11—“may the kings of Tarshish… bring tribute… all nations serve Him.” 3. Haggai 2:7—“I will shake all nations, and they will come with the treasure of all nations.” These texts foretold a purified, eschatological influx of Gentile treasures into a glorified Zion. John borrows this imagery and universalizes it in the final city whose light is the Lamb (Isaiah 60:19 ↔ Revelation 21:23). Meaning of “Glory and Honor” Greek: δόξα (doxa) = radiance, weightiness, splendor; τιμή (timē) = esteem, precious value. Together they denote everything God originally intended human culture to display: beauty, creativity, and righteous achievement (Genesis 1:26-28). Sin had marred these gifts (Romans 3:23); redemption restores and perfects them (Romans 8:18-21). Why They Are Brought In 1. To Acknowledge God’s Ultimate Ownership “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). Every cultural good is received back by its Maker. As ancient kings deposited conquered wealth in their temples, the redeemed joyfully yield all achievement to God. 2. To Fulfill the Abrahamic Promise “In you all families of the earth will be blessed” (Genesis 12:3). The gathered glory manifests the culmination of God’s mission: a multinational covenant family glorifying Him forever (Revelation 7:9-10). 3. To Display the Redemption, Not Erasure, of Human Diversity Distinct “nations” (ethnē) remain identifiable (Revelation 21:24). Diversity persists, but every vestige of pride, idolatry, and injustice is absent (21:27). Culture is not annihilated; it is purified. 4. To Vindicate Divine Justice and Grace Publicly Former rebel kingdoms now worship willingly, evidencing the total triumph of the Lamb (Revelation 5:9). The spectacle magnifies both His holiness (wrath satisfied) and His mercy (people saved). 5. To Complete the Priestly-Kingdom Mandate Humanity’s original charge to “subdue the earth” (Genesis 1:28) reaches its zenith. The redeemed have “become a kingdom and priests” (Revelation 5:10), offering the fruit of dominion as priestly tribute. Purified Culture: What Survives? • Artistic excellence (music, craftsmanship—cf. Exodus 31:3-5) • Scientific insight that mirrors God’s wisdom (Job 38-39) • Moral achievements—acts of justice, philanthropy (Proverbs 14:31) All pass through the eschatological “fire test” (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). Only that which accords with God’s character remains. No Threat of Evil Per 21:25-27, open gates signify security; evil’s eradication guarantees perpetual safety. Ancient cities closed gates at night to bar foes; here “there will be no night.” Continuous access proofs total peace (Isaiah 60:18). Practical Encouragement for Believers Today • Vocation: Excellence in science, art, governance, or trade can echo forward into eternity when pursued for God’s glory (Colossians 3:23-24). • Mission: Evangelism targets “all nations” so that more glory enters the city (Matthew 24:14). • Worship: Present offerings of praise prefigure that final tribute (Hebrews 13:15). Summary The nations’ glory and honor enter the New Jerusalem to exhibit God’s absolute sovereignty, fulfill ancient prophecy, celebrate redeemed diversity, and crown the accomplishments of humanity newly restored in Christ. All that is excellent in human culture, cleansed of sin, becomes an everlasting tribute to the Lamb who secured it by His death and verified it by His historical, bodily resurrection. |
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