Revelation 21

Revelation 21 describes the establishment of the new heaven and new earth, highlighting the descent of the Holy City, New Jerusalem, from heaven as a bride prepared for her husband. This chapter provides a vivid portrayal of the eternal dwelling place of the redeemed, emphasizing God's presence among His people, the absence of sorrow, and the exclusion of sin.

Revelation 21:1 (NKJV)
1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.

The first heaven and earth pass away, signifying the end of the old order with its sin and death. The absence of the sea symbolizes the removal of chaos and separation, emphasizing a new creation where God's order and presence are fully realized.

Revelation 21:2 (NKJV)
2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

John witnesses the holy city, New Jerusalem, descending beautifully from heaven. This imagery of a bride adorned for her husband symbolizes the city's purity and readiness to be united forever with the redeemed, representing the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise of eternal fellowship.

Revelation 21:3-4 (NKJV)
3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.
4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

A loud voice announces that God's dwelling is now among His people, reflecting His eternal presence and covenant relationship. The promise of God wiping away every tear and eliminating death, sorrow, and pain signifies the complete healing and restoration of humanity, free from the afflictions of the former world.

Revelation 21:5 (NKJV)
5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

The declaration from the throne emphasizes God's sovereign power to transform and renew. The directive to write these words affirms their reliability and importance, assuring believers of the certainty of God's redemptive plan.

Revelation 21:6 (NKJV)
6 And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.”

The proclamation "It is done" signifies the completion of God’s purposes in history. Identifying as the Alpha and Omega, God underscores His eternal nature and sovereignty. The offer of the water of life to those who thirst metaphorically represents the free and abundant life available eternally in His presence.

Revelation 21:7 (NKJV)
7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.

This verse promises inheritances to those who overcome—the believers who remain faithful to God. The relationship described as "I will be his God and he shall be My son" highlights the personal and familial bond God establishes with His followers.

Revelation 21:8 (NKJV)
8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

This verse delineates the fate of those who reject God's ways, listing behaviors and characteristics that lead to exclusion from the New Jerusalem. The "second death" in the lake of fire represents eternal separation from God, contrasting the eternal life promised to the faithful.

Revelation 21:9-10 (NKJV)
9 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, “Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.”
10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

An angel, previously involved in delivering the final judgments, invites John to see a more detailed view of the New Jerusalem, described metaphorically as the bride, the Lamb's wife. This imagery emphasizes the intimate and sanctified relationship between Christ and the city, representing the collective people of God. John is taken in vision to a high mountain, providing a vantage point for viewing the impressive descent of this glorious city from heaven, symbolizing its divine origin and majestic nature.

Revelation 21:11 (NKJV)
11 having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.

The city’s appearance is described as radiant, reflecting the glory of God. The comparison to a jasper stone, clear as crystal, suggests transparency and brilliance, indicating the pure and holy nature of the city. This description underscores the divine beauty and perfection of God's dwelling place among His people.

Revelation 21:12-14 (NKJV)
12 Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:
13 three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west.
14 Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

The detailed structure of the city includes a great and high wall with twelve gates, guarded by angels and inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing the inclusion and protection of God's chosen people. Each side of the city has three gates, signifying accessibility and welcome from all directions. The city’s foundations bear the names of the twelve apostles, representing the foundational role of the apostles' teachings in the church and the unity of Old and New Testament believers.

Revelation 21:15-17 (NKJV)
15 And he who talked with me had a gold reed to measure the city, its gates, and its wall.
16 The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. Its length, breadth, and height are equal.
17 Then he measured its wall: one hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel.

The angel measures the city using a golden reed, emphasizing the city's perfect symmetry and divine order. The dimensions, astonishingly large and equal in length, breadth, and height, suggest a cube, reminiscent of the Most Holy Place in the earthly sanctuary, which was also cubic. This symbolizes the entire city as a Holy Place, where God’s presence permanently resides. The measurement of the walls, though relatively small compared to the city, signifies protection and security.

Revelation 21:18-20 (NKJV)
18 The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass.
19 The foundations of the city walls were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald;
20 the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase; the eleventh, jacinth; the twelfth, amethyst.

The materials of the city are described with extraordinary detail, indicating not only immense value but also breathtaking beauty. The wall made of jasper and the city of pure gold, transparent as glass, reflect the purity and glory of God’s kingdom. Each foundation is adorned with different precious stones, symbolizing the diverse beauty and richness of God’s people, glorified and perfected in His presence. Each stone might also reflect the unique character and contribution of each apostle to the foundation of the church.

Revelation 21:21 (NKJV)
21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each individual gate was of one pearl; and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

The gates made of single pearls each emphasize the priceless and perfect entry into the city, with pearls symbolizing purity and transformation—a fitting entrance into a place where the former things of the old world have passed away. The streets of gold, clear as glass, continue the theme of divine perfection and unblemished beauty, facilitating a pure and open fellowship among the inhabitants and with God.