Introduction

The concept of the New Jerusalem is a significant theme in Christian eschatology, representing the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises and the culmination of His redemptive plan. It is depicted as a heavenly city that descends from God, symbolizing the eternal dwelling place of God with His people. The New Jerusalem is primarily described in the Book of Revelation, offering a vision of hope and restoration for believers.

Biblical References

The New Jerusalem is most prominently featured in the Book of Revelation. In Revelation 21:1-2 , the Apostle 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." This passage introduces the New Jerusalem as part of the new creation, emphasizing its divine origin and beauty.

Further details are provided in Revelation 21:10-11 : "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, as clear as crystal." The imagery used here highlights the splendor and purity of the New Jerusalem, reflecting God's glory.

Theological Significance

The New Jerusalem represents the fulfillment of God's covenant promises, where He will dwell among His people eternally. Revelation 21:3 states, "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.'" This verse underscores the intimate relationship between God and His people, a central theme throughout Scripture.

The New Jerusalem also signifies the restoration of creation. In Revelation 21:4 , it is written, "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." This promise of a world free from suffering and death is a powerful testament to God's redemptive work.

Symbolism and Imagery

The New Jerusalem is described with rich symbolism, reflecting its divine nature and purpose. The city's dimensions, as detailed in Revelation 21:16 , are vast and perfect: "The city lies foursquare, with its length the same as its width. And he measured the city with the rod: 12,000 stadia in length and width and height are equal." This perfect cube shape echoes the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle and Temple, symbolizing God's presence.

The city's foundations and gates are adorned with precious stones and pearls, as described in Revelation 21:19-21 . These elements signify the beauty and value of the New Jerusalem, as well as the inclusion of all nations and peoples, represented by the twelve gates named after the twelve tribes of Israel.

Eschatological Hope

The New Jerusalem embodies the hope of eternal life and communion with God. Revelation 22:1-2 describes the river of the water of life and the tree of life within the city, symbolizing the abundance and sustenance provided by God: "Then the angel showed me a river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the main street of the city. On either side of the river stood a tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit and yielding a fresh crop for each month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations."

The New Jerusalem is a vision of the ultimate reconciliation and restoration of all things, where God's people will experience His presence and glory forever. This eschatological hope encourages believers to persevere in faith, looking forward to the day when God's kingdom will be fully realized.Revelation 21:2,10-27
And 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

761. asaleutos -- unmoved
... [Heb 12:26b-28b prophesies the coming of "the new heavens and the new earth"
for the New Jerusalem.]. Word Origin from alpha (as a neg. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/761.htm - 7k

The New Jerusalem.
... EXPOSITION OF THE APOCALYPSE. The New Jerusalem. "And there came to me
one of the seven angels, who had the seven bowls full of ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the new jerusalem.htm

Of the New Jerusalem, the Spouse of the Lamb, with the Seventh ...
... PART II. SYNCHRONISM VI. Of the New Jerusalem, the Spouse of the Lamb, with the
Seventh Trumpet, or the Period from the Destruction of the Beast. ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/synchronism vi of the new.htm

Swedenborgians, Or, the New Jerusalem Church.
... SWEDENBORGIANS, OR, THE NEW JERUSALEM CHURCH. ... Articles of Faith, Of the New
Church, signified by the New Jerusalem in the Revelation. ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/swedenborgians or the new jerusalem.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... THE HOLY CITY; OR, THE NEW JERUSALEM. ... In our Lord's days there was union among his
disciples, as there must be under his personal reign in the New Jerusalem. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

How the Church of Our Saviour, the New Jerusalem Prophesied of in ...
... Book III. Chapter XXXIII."How the Church of our Saviour, the New Jerusalem
prophesied of in Scripture, was built. This was the ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xxxiii how the church of.htm

The Members of the Synod Proceed from Tyre to Jerusalem, and ...
... Book I. Chapter XXXIII."The Members of the Synod proceed from Tyre to Jerusalem,
and having celebrated the Dedication of the New Jerusalem,' receive Arius ...
/.../chapter xxxiii the members of the.htm

He Contends that These Testimonies Already Alleged Cannot be ...
... And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from heaven, as a bride adorned
for her husband." "And I heard," it is said, "a great voice from the throne ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxv he contends that these.htm

Jesus Living at Nazareth and visiting Jerusalem in his Twelfth ...
... His character, like the New Jerusalem, descended from God out of heaven,
and no education obtained in Nazareth will explain it. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xvi jesus living at nazareth.htm

At the Unknown' Feast in Jerusalem, and by the Pool of Bethesda.
... certain evidence, we must still be content to call the Unknown Feast' in Jerusalem. ...
the middle of September), which marked the beginning of the New (civil) Year ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xii at the unknown.htm

On the Journey to Jerusalem - Departure from Ephraim by Way of ...
... For this it was, as will be remembered, not necessary to repair to Jerusalem. ... the
district, in the power of the Master.' And as they went, the new life coursed ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxii on the journey.htm

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Jerusalem: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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