The Book of Revelation: Chapter 22: vs.1 - 21

This closing chapter of the Book of Revelation continues our thrilling "sightseeing tour" of the New Jerusalem, and reaffirms the fact that only those who possess the righteousness of Christ are granted admittance and residence.

Revelation 22: 1-2

Verse 1: And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. Verse 2: In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

The first two verses of chapter 22 establish the fact that, in our new glorified bodies, we, as inhabitants of the Holy City, will continue to enjoy the habit of eating. 

Why not? 

When we see Jesus, we shall be like him (1 John 3:2). Since He ate in His glorified body (see Luke 24:43), why wouldn't we? 

Our text also describes the best drink we will ever enjoy- pure, refreshing water direct from the throne of God. Think of it! Distilled or chemically treated water is no longer necessary, for pollution has become nonexistent!

Not only do we have crystal clear water to drink, but we also enjoy delicious health-producing fruit. In fact, the tree of life bears twelve manner of fruits and produces them monthly.

This is interesting.

When Adam and Eve sinned by partaking of the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:17), God drove them out of the Garden of Eden. He then stationed an angel before its entrance in order to keep them from eating the fruit of the tree of life, lest they eat and live eternally in their sinful state.

Now a new day has arrived. 

The saints are in the very presence of God, and may eat of the tree of life to their heart's content. Undoubtedly this tree plays a part in promoting one's endless existence, for even the leaves contain healing or health for the nations living under, or in the light of, the city. 

The word health is the proper translation, not healing. Since there is no sorrow, sickness, or pain, healing is unnecessary because eternal health is for all. In the heavenly city, doctors and nurses are permanently retired. Hallelujah!

Verse 3: And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

The curse, which originated in the Garden of Eden and was partially removed during the Millennium, is now obliterated forever.

Verse 4: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
Think of it! 

We will observe the beauty of our Saviour's countenance daily as we live in His presence forever and ever.

When we look at the One who is altogether lovely and He, in turn, looks at us, He will observe His name indelibly inscribed upon our foreheads. This is our seal of eternal ownership! Oh, how wonderful to belong to Jesus!

Verse 5: And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

Because Christ, in all His glory, illuminates the city and its inhabitants-those who walk in the light of the city-no other type of natural or artificial lighting is required. Even the sun which warmed the former earth for so many centuries is no longer necessary. The warmth of the love of God shines upon His people for the ages of ages in this land of eternal day.

Verse 6: And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

At this point the angel tells John the reason God has allowed him to experience this vision of the revelation.

He says, "The God of the holy prophets who is truth and cannot lie, sent me to tell you that the things you have heard and seen must come to pass speedily."

Verse 7: Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

In verse 6, our Lord told John that the things written in this Book of Revelation must shortly be done or "come to pass speedily." Then He adds in verse 7, Behold, I come quickly [or speedily]. 

The term speedily is not used in relationship to hours, days, months, or even years. Rather, it speaks of a series of events happening in rapid succession once they begin. In other words, when these things begin to come to pass (see Luke 21:28), the signs and events will fall into place so speedily-one after another-that a state of preparedness should be maintained.

Hence, the admonition: Blessed [or happy] is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. 

Such an individual will be ready for the Lord's return.

Revelation 22: 8-9

Verse 8: And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which sheaved me these things. Verse 9: Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

Poor mortals never learn! 

John had already made the mistake of bowing before an angel and being rebuked in chapter 19, verse 10. Now he does it again! 

Fortunately, we have a God of love. He is willing to forgive the same mistake seventy times seven (Matthew 18:22). Only by His grace, love, compassion, and forgiveness are any of us able to continue. 

Thank you, Lord Jesus!

Verse 10: And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.

Following God's revelation to Daniel, the prophet was told to seal the book [until] the time of the end (Daniel 12:4).

John, however, is forbidden to seal the Book of Revelation because the time is at hand, or has come. In the Greek, the word time is kairos, and means "opportune moment" or "correct season." 

Thus, the angel is saying, "The time for the revealing of prophetic truth has come. People are to be made aware of the future. They must learn the history of the churches and the plan of the ages. Then, as they live in these periods of time, they will understand God's program. They will also realize that, once the events begin, they will speedily come to pass. Knowing this, they will prepare. Therefore, do not seal the prophecy of the sayings of this book."

Our study of the Book of Revelation has revealed that the Rapture, the Tribulation, and the Great White Throne Judgment will soon come to pass. 

As a result, some will realize that little time is left and will ask Christ to save them. Others will continue to harden their hearts. 

The decision is every individual's to make. 

One's acceptance or rejection of God's truth and the Lord Jesus Christ as one's personal Saviour will determine where one spends eternity and what one will be forever. 

Hence, the next statement...

Verse 11: He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

Choose this day what you shall be eternally!

Verse 12: And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

God's prophetic time clock is ticking, and every event will certainly and speedily come to pass.

Verse 13: I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

God is saying, "When I come, I will finish the work of redemption which I began, for I am the Alpha and Omega, the author and finisher of [the] faith (Hebrews 12:2)." If you receive the gospel invitation, you will be happy for...

Verse 14: Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

According to Dr. C. I. Scofield, a better rendering of verse 14 is, "Blessed are they that wash their robes that they may have right to the tree of life." 

If one is seeking rights to the tree of life by commandment-keeping, he is planning to arrive in the eternal state by his works. This, of course, is impossible as we have learned through Titus 3:5, Romans 4:5, and numerous other texts.

Dr. A. C. Gaebelein, Dr. H. A. Ironside, Dr. J. A. Seiss, and practically all noted Bible scholars also translate the verse, "Blessed are they that wash their robes (in the blood of the Lamb) that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."

Those who reject the message of the blood and salvation by grace through faith in the completed work of Christ (see Ephesians 2:8, 9) are reminded:

Verse 15: For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

This is the crowd pictured in Revelation 21:8. The dogs are identical to the abominable of chapter 21. The abominable never lived it (see Titus 1:16), and the dogs went back to their dirt-their old sinful habits (see 2 Peter 2:22). 

Both verses speak of individuals who lack the "new birth" experience-the one and only way a person can become a new creation in Christ Jesus (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). 

There is absolutely no doubt about the destiny of those who reject God's message and the truths

revealed in the Book of Revelation, for...

Verse 16: I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

The message of the revelation is true because Christ inaugurated and guarantees it. 

Who would dare question Him? 

In this verse, the Lord also calls himself the root and offspring of David. As the root, He is David's Lord-the preexistent God (see Psalm 110:1). As his offspring, He is David's son, the incarnate Christ (see Matthew 22:41-46).

This is a beautiful picture of the God-man, the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is also the bright and morning star. In fact, Peter calls Him the day star (2 Peter 1:19).

Now listen intently, for this is deeply moving. God so loves sinners that His compassionate heart must extend the gospel call one last time before the book closes. Oh, that modern-day ministers were as evangelistic as the Heavenly Father! Hear Him:

Verse 17: And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

In this text, God compassionately declares, "Believe in Me; come to Me. Invite Me into your heart and life. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose. Everyone and everything is pulling for you: 

(1) the Holy Spirit is, (2) the bride of Christ is, (3) everyone who hears and believes is, (4) the glorious city in which the Bride dwells is saying, 'Don't you want me for your eternal home?' Finally(5) your own spiritual thirst is crying out, 'I want to be satisfied."' 

Why not come and drink? The water of life is free. It is without cost or obligation for everyone, and whosoever will may come!

If you have rejected this invitation, if you have considered the message of the Book of Revelation unimportant, or if you are among those who believe that the Book of Revelation is not part of the canon of Scripture-that it is but a collection of riddles, simply a symbolic hoax perpetrating a myth-beware! For God himself warns one and all...

Revelation 22: 18-19

Verse 18: For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: Verse 19: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

What a strong judgmental warning! 

What a serious admonition from the Almighty to take the Book of Revelation seriously! 

God means what He says and says what He means. 

One is not to meddle with or handle lightly the truths which mean so much to the God of heaven and earth, for...

Verse 20: He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

God's last promise as the Book of Revelation closes is, Surely, I come quickly. 

When one sees the beginning of these events and the rapid succession of signs following speedily, Jesus will come quickly- or suddenly. 

The response of His people is: Amen. 

This expression literally means, so be it (Jeremiah 11:5). And then they immediately add, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus."

The final message to the Church is that our Lord will return. 

Until this glorious event takes place and He calls us to himself in the twinkling of an eye, my prayer for every born-again child of God reflects the benediction of this blessed book:

Verse 21: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

A MESSAGE OF HOPE FROM DR. JACK VAN IMPE

The Book of Revelation: Chapter 21: vs.15 - 27

Revelation 21: 15 - 17

Verse 15: And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. Verse 16: And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. Verse 17: And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.

The angel measures the city with a golden reed or measuring rod. 

Since the streets are composed of gold and the city is pure gold as well (verse 18), a gold yardstick is appropriate. (It's a good thing that thieves are excluded - 1 Corinthians 6: 10 - otherwise the Holy City's freeways would disappear!)

Verse 16 informs us that the New Jerusalem is tetragonal, or foursquare in shape. 

The city is a perfect cube because its width, length, and height are equal. In fact, the angel discovers its dimensions to be 12,000 furlongs wide, long, and high. Most scholars believe this to be a distance of 1,500 miles. 

• Dr. A. C. Gaebelein says, "Twelve thousand furlongs constitutes fifteen hundred miles." 

• Seiss states: "The golden city is 1,500 miles square; for 12,000 stadia make 1,500 miles."

Placed over the United States of America, the heavenly city would extend from the northernmost point of Maine to the southernmost point of Florida and from the eastern seaboard to Colorado. In fact, the major cities of the world are mere villages in comparison with the New Jerusalem.

Because it also extends 1,500 miles upward into space, it could literally contain every person who has ever been born, plus additional billions as well.

The wall extends around the city and is approximately 216 feet in height, for a cubit is the distance from the elbow to the end of the middle finger (approximately eighteen inches).

Now let's look into the magnificent beauty of God's Holy City.

Revelation 21: 18 - 21

Verse 18: And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. Verse 19: And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; Verse 20: The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. Verse 21: And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

Wow! 

Notice first that the wall of jasper represents Christ, in His radiant glory, surrounding His saints. Next the pure gold city typifies the righteousness of God's holy nature, and then the precious colorful stones-startlingly brilliant-picture the Lord's attributes as well as various aspects of His redemptive work.

Imagine the scene when the light of the city-the Lord Jesus Christ (verse 23)-shines through the brilliancy of these stones! When John's vision becomes a reality-then and only then-we will begin to understand the term the glory of God!

The beautiful city also pictures the saints of all ages joined together in love, for the names of the twelve tribes of Israel are coupled with the names of the apostles. This means that all of God's people from all dispensations have finally been joined together in one truly ecumenical brotherhood. No longer will we be Baptists, Lutherans, Methodists, Nazarenes, or Presbyterians. Instead, we will be united brethren! What a glorious day when we lay aside eternally the tags that so often divide us.

Verse 22: And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.

On earth, God always had a dwelling place-a temple or tabernacle-where men could come to worship and commune with Him. Such a place is no longer needed, for the tabernacle of God is now with men. He has chosen to dwell with them (chapter 21, verse 3).

Verse 23: And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof

While on earth, Jesus said, I am the light of the world (John 8:12). Now, in the eternal city, Christ, in all His radiant splendor and glory, shines forth so magnificently that darkness becomes an impossibility. No wonder there shall be no night there!

Revelation 21: 24 - 26

Verse 24: And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. Verse 25: And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. Verse 26: And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.

These verses undoubtedly picture the multitudes who came through the Millennium as born-again, regenerated believers. They did not follow Satan in the final rebellion upon his release from the bottomless pit. Therefore, they entered the eternal state in bodies of flesh. Their rulers, kings, and presidents-also born again and still living in earthly bodies-now bring their glory and honour into the New Jerusalem as well. 

They come to praise Him who is all in all. 

As they arrive, there is no fear of assassination, recrimination, terrorism, or robbery. Such events are no longer possible. 

• God is present. 

• Satan is destroyed. 

• Temptation is forever past. 

Thus, the gates of the city are never locked. Security is needless in the land of eternal day where there is no night. At this point, however, the warning flag is again lifted.

Verse 27: And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

A MESSAGE OF HOPE FROM DR. JACK VAN IMPE

The Book of Revelation: Chapter 21: vs.1-14

The final two chapters of the Book of Revelation present the glorious future which awaits every believer of all dispensations and ages. The eternal state of both the saved and lost is described in the first eight verses of this chapter. In addition, verses 9 through 27 present a glowing description of the New Jerusalem. The view is absolutely breathtaking. 

Let's begin our study.

Verse 1: And 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.

The passing away of the first heaven and earth occurred at the conclusion of the Great White Throne Judgment. This was part of the renovation of the world which Jesus predicted in Matthew 24:35 when He said, Heaven and earth shall pass away. The time and method are described in 2 Peter 3:7, 10-13. 

Listen carefully to these solemn words: The heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

In the new world, the sea is eliminated, possibly because of its connotation with wickedness: The wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt (Isaiah 57:20). Another reason may be that oceanic vegetation is no longer necessary.

Verse 2: And I John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Two Jerusalems are mentioned in Scripture (see Galatians 4:25, 26 and Hebrews 12:22). 

One is earthly and the home of the believers during the millennial period. The other is heavenly-as the New Jerusalem, or celestial city, hovers over the earth during the thousand-year (millennial) reign of Christ and then becomes situated eternally upon earth at the end of the thousand-year period. Revelation 21:1-8 actually follows 21:9-22:15.

This is one time the chronological outline of the book of Revelation is different. 

The New Jerusalem is undoubtedly the one Christ has been preparing for over 2,000 years, for the Saviour said in John 14:2, I go to prepare a place for you. This magnificent masterpiece descending toward earth reminds one of the elegant beauty of a bride on her wedding day.

Verse 3: And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

To this point in time, God's Tabernacle has been located in heaven. 

Now we discover a change of address. 

The Almighty descends to earth with His heavenly entourage, settling in the New Jerusalem to begin global operations from this satellite city. The redeemed-in their glorified bodies-live in the New Jerusalem. Those with bodies of flesh-those who were born and saved during the millennial hour-enter the eternal state with their natural bodies. They live on earth, in and under the light of the Holy City (see chapter 21, verse 24).

The true beauty of the entire scene is that God dwells in the midst of His people, for a voice cries, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

Another exciting fact is that believers, with their glorified bodies, will be able to travel as fast as the speed of light, yea, as fast as their thoughts. Thus, they will traverse back and forth to earth from their city in space-the New Jerusalem-in a moment of time. Presently the world's scientists predict that men will certainly be living in space cities within our century. They don't know the half of it! Amen!

Verse 4: And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

This verse should be a favorite among God's people. 

Think of it! 

Pain, sorrow, crying, and death are forever eliminated in this land of eternal life. 

This, as mentioned in verse 2, is only true after the Millennium when Christ's Kingdom is recommissioned and eternally established on earth. No wonder the redeemed are able to triumphantly shout, O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (I Corinthians 15:55). 

Never again will a funeral procession take place, for death, the last enemy, will have been destroyed (see I Corinthians 15:26). 

In addition, everything associated with death is also eliminated for time and eternity. 

Glory! 

No more disease, heart attacks, automobile accidents, wars or rumors of wars. "It is finished" is truly the national anthem of eternity.

Although these truths are wonderful in themselves, the greatest fact is that the Lord's people see His face (see chapter 22, verse 4). In addition, sin has ceased to exist because Satan is eternally incarcerated in Gehenna, the lake of fire (see chapter 20, verse 10). A new day in a new heaven suspended above a new earth has arrived because...

Revelation 21:5-6

Verse 5: He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. Verse 6: And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

God speaks to John, saying, It is done. 

As Christ completed His redemptive work for sinners on the cross, He cried, It is finished. Now God, who has made all things new, again announces, It is finished, or done. His will has been accomplished in Jesus Christ-namely, that the earth should be free from the curse of sin and that its inhabitants should be conformed to His very likeness. This has happened. It is done. God adds, I am [the] Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. 

Alpha and Omega are the first and the last letters of the Greek alphabet. Hence, the explanation, the beginning and the end. 

But what does it mean? 

In Christ, all creation began without sin (see Colossians 1:15-19). Now, in Christ, it has ended without sin.

In this glorious city-New Jerusalem-the spiritual thirst of God's people is also satisfied forever. While on earth, Jesus said to the woman of Samaria, Whosoever drinketh of this water [in the well] shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life (John 4:13,14). That time has come, and God states: "I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely." It is yours to possess throughout the ages. Enjoy yourselves!

However, make no mistake about it. The eternal prize of being in the presence of God in the New Jerusalem, where there is no more death, sorrow, crying, pain, or thirst, is only for those who trust in the merits of the shed blood of Christ.

Verse 7: He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

Who is the overcomer? 

The one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God (see 1 John 5:4). Oh, be sure of your salvation, because the next verse mentions a motley group of sinners who miss the eternal paradise upon earth.

Verse 8: But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

This text plainly states that those who were condemned at the judgment of chapter 20, verses 11-15, have been cast into the lake of fire, or Gehenna. They were not given a reprieve, a commuted sentence, or a second chance, as some sentimentalists teach. Revelation 21 is the eternal state.

No more changes are possible. 

Those who stood before God's Great White Throne did not make it. 

Who were they?

The fearful - those who rejected Christ to escape the ridicule of men.

The unbelieving - those who rejected the doctrine of Christ's deity and shed blood as the only means of obtaining eternal life. Jesus said, Ye shall die in your sins... if ye believe not that I am he [or that I am God] (John 8:24). In John 5:40, the Saviour again said, Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

The abominable - those who engaged in wicked practices. They spoke the language of christendom but never lived it: They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate (Titus 1: 16).

The murderers - including those who carried hatred within their hearts and minds for others. If you don't believe it, listen to the following: Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him (1 John 3:15).

The whoremongers - those who engaged in fornication (premarital sex), adultery (extramarital flings), or perverted sex.

The sorcerers - those who practiced drug usage for "kicks" and "highs."

The idolaters - those who worshiped or revered anyone or anything other than the living and true God, or who used idols in worship. Remember God's warning, Little children, keep yourselves from idols (1 John 5:21).

All liars - those who deceived others, distorted the truth, and destroyed mankind by lies.

Verse 9: And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.

Here one member of the angelic host which administered the final seven judgments now speaks to John, saying, "Come here. I want to show you the Bride, the Lamb's wife, the one who made herself ready [in] fine linen, clean and white (chapter 19, verses 7 and 8) and who returns with Him for the 1,000-year honeymoon (chapter 19, verses 11 through 16)." At this point the Bride is envisioned in her final resting place.

Verse 10: And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God.

The Bride is pictured as the city of the New Jerusalem because a city is composed of people. 

Buildings, streets, and light are but aids to the residents. For example, one refers to a city as "clean" or "wicked." Why? 

Because of its people. 

Now, as John views God's heavenly creation, he is impressed by (1) the brilliance of the city (verses 9-14), (2) the size of the city (verses 15-17), and (3) the beauty of the city (verses 18-21). 

He describes the city as...

Revelation 21:11-14

Verse 11: Having the glory of God and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a Jasper stone, clear as crystal; Verse 12: And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: Verse 13: On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. Verse 14: And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

In Bible times walls were erected for protection. However, since war is forever finished, one may question the presence of this wall in the New Jerusalem. The answer? It serves as a reminder that the God of love protected His people while on earth. This wall is an eternal memorial to the fact that our lives have been hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3).

The city also has twelve gates, each inscribed with one of the names of the twelve tribes of the Children of Israel.

The gates are staffed with angels who welcome those possessing the right and privilege of entering the city (chapter 22, verse 14). The twelve angels standing at these entrances are possibly those who worked jointly with each tribe during the earthly sojourn of the people of Israel. We also note that, just as the gates are inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes, the foundations of the wall itself contain the names of Christ's twelve apostles. Next week we will consider the size of the city.

A MESSAGE OF HOPE FROM DR. JACK VAN IMPE