Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the "Holy City" in the Bible is a profound and multifaceted theme that intertwines with the identity and mission of the Church. The term "Holy City" is often associated with Jerusalem, both in its historical and eschatological contexts, and serves as a symbol of God's dwelling place among His people.Jerusalem as the Holy City Jerusalem holds a central place in biblical history as the city chosen by God for His temple, the center of worship for the Israelites. In 2 Chronicles 6:6, God declares, "But now I have chosen Jerusalem for My Name to be there, and I have chosen David to rule My people Israel." This divine selection underscores Jerusalem's sanctity and its role as a focal point of God's covenant with His people. Throughout the Old Testament, Jerusalem is depicted as the spiritual heart of Israel, where the temple stood as a symbol of God's presence. The Psalms frequently celebrate Jerusalem's significance, as seen in Psalm 48:1-2 : "Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, His holy mountain. Beautiful in loftiness, the joy of all the earth, like the peaks of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the great King." The Church as the New Jerusalem In the New Testament, the concept of the Holy City evolves with the revelation of the Church as the spiritual continuation of Jerusalem. The Church is often seen as the "New Jerusalem," a spiritual entity that embodies the fulfillment of God's promises. Hebrews 12:22-23 speaks to this transformation: "Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to myriads of angels in joyful assembly, to the congregation of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven." The Book of Revelation further expands on this imagery, presenting the New Jerusalem as the ultimate realization of God's kingdom. Revelation 21:2 describes the vision of the Holy City: "I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." This depiction emphasizes the Church's role as the bride of Christ, purified and sanctified, ready to dwell eternally with God. Eschatological Significance The eschatological vision of the Holy City in Revelation underscores the hope and future glory of the Church. Revelation 21:10-11 provides a vivid portrayal: "And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her radiance was like a most precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal." This vision encapsulates the ultimate redemption and restoration of God's people, where the Church, as the Holy City, becomes the eternal dwelling place of God with humanity. Revelation 21:3 affirms this promise: "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.'" Theological Implications The identification of the Church with the Holy City carries profound theological implications. It signifies the Church's calling to be a holy and set-apart community, reflecting God's character and purposes in the world. As the Holy City, the Church is tasked with embodying the values of the kingdom of God, serving as a beacon of light and hope in a fallen world. Furthermore, the Church's identity as the New Jerusalem highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament. It affirms the Church's role in the unfolding narrative of salvation history, as the people of God called to live in covenant relationship with Him. In summary, the concept of the Holy City in the Bible is a rich tapestry that weaves together the historical significance of Jerusalem, the spiritual identity of the Church, and the eschatological hope of God's eternal kingdom. Through this imagery, believers are reminded of their calling to live as a holy people, anticipating the day when God's dwelling will be fully realized among His redeemed. Nave's Topical Index Revelation 21:2And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Nave's Topical Index Library The Foundation of the Church among the Heathen The Foundation of the Church among the Jews Final Settlement of the Church by St. John The Doctrinal Standards of the Russo-Greek Church. How St. Augustine in Kent Followed the Doctrine and Manner of Life ... That Christ is the Bridegroom, Having the Church as his Bride ... The Holy Catholic Church. The Church of the Middle Ages The Holy Spirit and the Church. The Church is the Temple of God. The Divine Liturgy of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark, the ... Resources What are appropriate reasons for missing church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the church? | GotQuestions.org What is meant by High Church and Low Church? | GotQuestions.org Church: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Church and State: Attempted Usurpation of Ecclesiastical Functions by Civil Authorities, Reproved Church and State: Ecclesiastical Power Superior to Civil: Appoints Kings Church and State: Ecclesiastical Power Superior to Civil: Directs Administration Church and State: Ecclesiastical Power Superior to Civil: Reproves Rulers Church and State: Ecclesiastical Power Superior to Civil: Withdraws Support and Anoints a Successor Church and State: Manasseh, in Subverting, and Afterward Restoring, the True Religion Church and State: State Superior to Religion: Ahaz, in Transforming the Altars Church and State: State Superior to Religion: Hezekiah, in Reorganizing Temple Service Church and State: State Superior to Religion: Jehoash, in Supervising the Repairs of the Temple Church and State: State Superior to Religion: Jeroboam, in Subverting the Jewish Religion Church is Clothed in Righteousness Church of Israel in Covenant With God Church of Israel was Relatively Holy Church of Israel: A Type of the Church of Christ Church of Israel: Admission Into, by Circumcision Church of Israel: All Israelites Members of Church of Israel: Attachment of the Jews To Church of Israel: Called The: Congregation of Israel Church of Israel: Called The: Congregation of the Lord Church of Israel: Established by God Church of Israel: Had: A Spiritual Church Within It Church of Israel: Had: An Appointed Place of Worship Church of Israel: Had: An Ordained Ministry Church of Israel: Had: Appointed Feasts Church of Israel: Had: Appointed Ordinances Church of Israel: Had: The Divine Presence Manifested in It Church of Israel: Members of Excommunicated for Heavy Offenses Church of Israel: Members of Required to Attend Its Worship Church of Israel: Members of Required to Keeps Its Statutes Church of Israel: Members of Required to Know Its Statutes Church of Israel: Members of Separated From, While Unclean Church of Israel: Persons Excluded From Church of Israel: Privileges of Church of Israel: Proselytes Admitted Into Church of Israel: Supported by the People Church of Israel: The Depository of Holy Writ Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Praise Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Prayer Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Preaching Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Reading God's Word Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Sacrifice Church: Assembly of the Saints Church: Assembly of the Upright Church: Baptized (Immersed) Into by One Spirit Church: Believers Continually Added To, by the Lord Church: Branch of God's Planting Church: Called the Congregation in the O. T. (K. J. V. And Others) Church: Christian, Divinely Established Church: Church of the Firstborn Church: Church of the Living God Church: City of the Living God Church: Congregation of Saints Church: Congregation of the Lord's Poor Church: Defiling of, Will be Punished Church: Divisions In, to be Shunned Church: Family in Heaven and Earth Church: General Assembly of the Firstborn (People) Church: God Provides Ministers For Church: God's Husbandry (Farm) Church: Golden Candlestick (Lampstand) Church: Government of, Mosaic and Christian Church: Harmonious Fellowship of Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Antioch Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Asia Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Babylon Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Caesarea Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Cenchrea Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Cilicia Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Corinth Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Ephesus Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Galatia Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Galilee Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Jerusalem Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Joppa Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Judaea Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Laodicea Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Pergamos Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Philadelphia Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Samaria Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Sardis Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Smyrna Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Syria Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Thessalonica Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Thyatira Church: Lot of God's Inheritance Church: Ministers Commanded to Feed Church: Mountain of the Lord's House Church: Pillar and Ground of the Truth Church: Prophecies Concerning Prosperity of Church: Rules of Discipline In, Mosaic and Christian Church: Salt and Light of the World Church: Sought Out, a City not Forsaken Church: Strength and Glory of God Church: Temple of the Living God Church: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Church: Worship of, to be Attended The Church is Edified by the Word The Church: Believers Continually Added To, by the Lord The Church: Christ, the Foundation-Stone of The Church: Christ, the Head of The Church: Clothed in Righteousness The Church: Defiling of, Will be Punished The Church: Displays the Wisdom of God The Church: Extent of, Predicted The Church: Glory to be Ascribed to God By The Church: God Provides Ministers For The Church: Ministers Commanded to Feed The Church: Not to be Despised The Church: Purchased by the Blood of Christ The Church: Saints Baptised Into, by One Spirit The Church: Sanctified and Cleansed by Christ The Church: Shows Forth the Praises of God The Church: The Body of Christ The Church: The Object of the Grace of God The Church: The Wicked Persecute Related Terms |
    |