Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the New Jerusalem is a profound and significant theme within Christian eschatology, symbolizing the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises and the eternal dwelling place of the redeemed. It is primarily derived from the Book of Revelation, where the Apostle John describes his vision of the heavenly city. The New Jerusalem represents the culmination of God's redemptive plan and the restoration of creation.Biblical Description The New Jerusalem is vividly depicted in Revelation 21-22. John writes, "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I saw the holy city, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband" (Revelation 21:1-2). This imagery emphasizes the purity, beauty, and divine origin of the city, likening it to a bride prepared for her groom, symbolizing the intimate relationship between God and His people. The city is described as having "the glory of God, its radiance like a most precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal" (Revelation 21:11). The New Jerusalem is characterized by its immense size, perfect symmetry, and the presence of God Himself. It is a place where "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" (Revelation 21:3). Theological Significance The New Jerusalem is not merely a physical location but a theological symbol of God's ultimate purpose for humanity. It represents the restoration of the relationship between God and His creation, a return to the harmony and perfection that existed before the fall. The city is a place where "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away" (Revelation 21:4). The New Jerusalem also signifies the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and promises. The prophet Isaiah spoke of a future time when God would create "new heavens and a new earth" (Isaiah 65:17), and the New Jerusalem is the realization of this promise. It is the ultimate expression of God's covenant faithfulness and His desire to dwell among His people. Symbolism and Imagery The imagery of the New Jerusalem is rich with symbolism. The city is described as having twelve gates, each made of a single pearl, and the names of the twelve tribes of Israel inscribed on them (Revelation 21:12, 21). This symbolizes the unity and continuity of God's people, encompassing both the Old and New Covenant communities. The foundations of the city wall are adorned with every kind of precious stone, and the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb are inscribed on them (Revelation 21:14, 19-20). This highlights the apostolic foundation of the Church and the eternal nature of the Gospel message. The New Jerusalem is also depicted as having no temple, "because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" (Revelation 21:22). This signifies the direct and unmediated presence of God with His people, eliminating the need for a physical temple structure. Eternal Life and Worship In the New Jerusalem, the redeemed will experience eternal life and perfect worship. The city is illuminated by the glory of God, and "the nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it" (Revelation 21:24). This indicates the universal scope of God's salvation and the inclusion of all peoples in His redemptive plan. The river of the water of life flows from the throne of God and of the Lamb, and on either side of the river stands the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit (Revelation 22:1-2). This imagery recalls the Garden of Eden and signifies the restoration of paradise, where God's people will enjoy eternal sustenance and healing. Conclusion The New Jerusalem is a central theme in Christian eschatology, representing the ultimate hope and destiny of believers. It is a place of perfect communion with God, where His glory is fully revealed, and His people experience eternal joy and peace. The New Jerusalem stands as a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His redemptive purposes for creation. 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 Swedenborgians, Or, the New Jerusalem Church. How the Church of Our Saviour, the New Jerusalem Prophesied of in ... The Church of Jerusalem and the Labors of Peter. Effects of the Destruction of Jerusalem on the Christian Church. Final Settlement of the Church by St. John On the Church and Its Head The Foundation of the Church among the Jews The Communion of Goods. Apostles To-Day? Index. Resources Questions about the Church (All) | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the first / original church? Is the original / first church the true church? | GotQuestions.org Is there supposed to be only one 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 |
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