Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: The New Jerusalem is a central eschatological concept in Christian theology, representing the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises and the culmination of His redemptive plan. It is depicted as a glorious, eternal city where God dwells with His people, free from sin, suffering, and death. The New Jerusalem is primarily described in the Book of Revelation, with additional references and allusions throughout the Bible. Biblical Description: The most detailed description of the New Jerusalem is found in Revelation 21-22. The Apostle John, in his apocalyptic vision, sees the New Jerusalem descending from heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband (Revelation 21:2). This imagery emphasizes the purity, beauty, and intimate relationship between God and His people. The city is described as having the glory of God, with its brilliance like a precious jewel, clear as crystal (Revelation 21:11). It has a great, high wall with twelve gates, and at the gates are twelve angels. The names of the twelve tribes of Israel are inscribed on the gates, and the wall of the city has twelve foundations, with the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb (Revelation 21:12-14). This symbolizes the unity and continuity of God's covenant people, both Old and New Testament believers. The city is laid out as a square, with its length, width, and height equal, measuring 12,000 stadia (Revelation 21:16). This perfect symmetry and vast size signify completeness and divine perfection. The wall is made of jasper, and the city is pure gold, as pure as glass (Revelation 21:18). The foundations of the city walls are adorned with every kind of precious stone, and the twelve gates are twelve pearls (Revelation 21:19-21). Theological Significance: The New Jerusalem represents the fulfillment of God's promises to restore creation and dwell among His people. It is the ultimate realization of the covenantal theme, "I will be their God, and they will be My people" (cf. Jeremiah 31:33, Ezekiel 37:27). In the New Jerusalem, God Himself will be with them as their God, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain, for the former things have passed away (Revelation 21:3-4). The city has no need for the sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates it, and the Lamb is its lamp (Revelation 21:23). This signifies the direct presence of God and the Lamb, Jesus Christ, as the source of eternal light and life. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it (Revelation 21:24), indicating the inclusion of all peoples in God's redemptive plan. Symbolism and Imagery: The New Jerusalem is rich in symbolic imagery, drawing from Old Testament prophecies and apocalyptic literature. The imagery of a bride adorned for her husband echoes the prophetic writings of Isaiah and Hosea, where Israel is depicted as the bride of Yahweh (cf. Isaiah 62:5, Hosea 2:19-20). The precious stones and pure gold reflect the splendor and holiness of God's dwelling place, reminiscent of the descriptions of the tabernacle and Solomon's temple (cf. Exodus 28:17-20, 1 Kings 6:20-22). The river of the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb, and the tree of life bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month, are reminiscent of the Garden of Eden (Revelation 22:1-2). This imagery signifies the restoration of paradise and the eternal life that God provides to His people. Conclusion: The New Jerusalem is a profound and hopeful vision of the future, where God's ultimate purpose for creation is realized. It serves as a source of comfort and encouragement for believers, affirming the certainty of God's promises and the eternal joy that awaits those who are faithful to Him. Topical Bible Verses Revelation 21:1-27And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. Topicalbible.org Luke 16:19-31 Greek 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 Library The New Jerusalem. Of the New Jerusalem, the Spouse of the Lamb, with the Seventh ... Swedenborgians, Or, the New Jerusalem Church. The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: How the Church of Our Saviour, the New Jerusalem Prophesied of in ... The Members of the Synod Proceed from Tyre to Jerusalem, and ... He Contends that These Testimonies Already Alleged Cannot be ... None of These Answers Will You Give Us. You Turn to Other Things ... What Can be More Distinct than this Statement? what could Possibly ... Apostles To-Day? Resources The: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics the Epistle of Paul To Philemon the First Epistle General Of John The Kingdom or Church of Christ the Second and Third Epistles Of John Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |