Revelation 21:9-22:5
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Discovering the Glory of the New City
Discovering the Glory of the New City
INTRO
Image the sights, sounds, and smells of a royal wedding…
As we gather today, I invite you to embark on a journey of imagination and revelation, as we explore one of the most awe-inspiring visions found in the book of Revelation. Picture a city beyond compare, a place where beauty, holiness, and life intertwine in perfect harmony. This is the New Jerusalem—God’s masterpiece, crafted for His beloved.
Imagine walking through its gates, adorned with precious jewels, each step resonating with divine purpose. It is a city supernaturally built, designed not just as a dwelling, but as a testament to God’s love for His bride—the Church. Here, we will find our eternal home, a place where every longing of the heart is fulfilled.
But the New Jerusalem is more than just a city; it is a holy temple. Within its walls, we will experience the perpetual presence of God, walking in His light. There, we’ll find perfect protection and purity, untouched by the darkness of this world. It is a sanctuary where we can eternally worship and commune with our Creator.
And finally, envision the New Jerusalem as a lush garden, a return to the paradise of Eden. In this garden, all our needs will be met, every tear wiped away, and every hunger satisfied. It is a place where God’s purposes are fully restored, and His creation flourishes as it was always meant to.
As we delve into this vision today, let us open our hearts to the hope and promise of the New Jerusalem—a glorious future that awaits all who belong to Him. May this vision inspire us to live with anticipation and faith, as we await the fulfillment of God’s magnificent plan.
PRAYER
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MESSAGE
The New Jerusalem Will Be A Beautiful City
The New Jerusalem Will Be A Beautiful City
Rev 21.9-21
9 Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. 12 It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed— 13 on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. 14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 15 And the one who spoke with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city and its gates and walls. 16 The city lies foursquare, its length the same as its width. And he measured the city with his rod, 12,000 stadia. Its length and width and height are equal. 17 He also measured its wall, 144 cubits by human measurement, which is also an angel’s measurement. 18 The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, like clear glass. 19 The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel. The first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. 21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.
It is supernaturally built.
It is supernaturally built.
Note From Whence it Came
Note From Whence it Came
10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God,
From an angel
In the Spirit
Great High Mountain
Out of heaven
Note The Wall of the City
Note The Wall of the City
12 It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed—
14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
17 He also measured its wall, 144 cubits by human measurement, which is also an angel’s measurement.
21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.
great high wall
for keeping out / keeping in
sign of strength / power / protection
12 gates… tribes of Israel
12 foundations … apostles of the Lamb
Quote: “The church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets.” — Charles Spurgeon
Note The Dimensions of the City
Note The Dimensions of the City
16 The city lies foursquare, its length the same as its width. And he measured the city with his rod, 12,000 stadia. Its length and width and height are equal.
the dimensions are divine
x10 / x12
Revelation: Verse by Verse The Appearance of the City (21:11–21)
12,000 stadia (nearly 1500 miles) in each direction, meaning a volume of 3,375,000,000 cubic miles. As the 1600 stadia of 14:20 was the length of Palestine, this is the length of the Roman Empire from Spain to the Euphrates! This is definitely a city large enough to house all the saints down through the ages from “every tribe, language, people, and nation” (5:9; 7:9).
After measuring the city, the angel measures the wall (21:17), and it is “144 cubits [216 feet] thick,” which seems vast until you realize it is a wall 1500 miles long.
the dimensions are perfect
the dimensions are reflective
Quote: “God’s presence perfects everything it fills.” — A.W. Tozer
Quote: "The architecture of heaven is divine, crafted by the hands of the Almighty." — Charles Spurgeon
Illustration: Imagine an artist meticulously crafting a masterpiece, every stroke intentional and perfect. This is how God created the New Jerusalem.
Application: Trust in God’s divine plan, knowing He is preparing a perfect place for you.
It is for His bride.
It is for His bride.
Note The Glory of the City
Note The Glory of the City
9 Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.
Hebrews 11:10 “10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.”
it is the bride
it is high and lifted up
it is radiant
Quote: “The New Jerusalem is the place where the glory of God shines brightest.” — John Piper
Note The Beauty of the City
Note The Beauty of the City
18 The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, like clear glass. 19 The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel. The first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. 21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.
gems as the walls
gold as the streets
pearls as the gates
Illustration: A diamond’s brilliance under bright light, reflecting God’s glory illuminating the city.
Illustration: Picture a wedding day, where everything is prepared for the bride. The anticipation and joy reflect how Christ cherishes His people.
Application: Live in anticipation and readiness, as part of the bride awaiting union with Christ.
It will be your dwelling.
It will be your dwelling.
1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.
Quote: "Our eternal home is where our true citizenship lies." — Billy Graham
Illustration: Consider a traveler finally returning home after a long journey, finding rest and comfort. The New Jerusalem is our ultimate home.
Application: Focus on eternal values, considering your true home with God.
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The New Jerusalem Will Be A Holy Temple
The New Jerusalem Will Be A Holy Temple
Rev 21.22-27
22 And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24 By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, 25 and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. 26 They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. 27 But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
We will forever have His Presence.
We will forever have His Presence.
22 And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.
no temple only God
no sacrifice needed
no separation necessary
bask in the sunshine of his glorious grace !!
Matthew 5:8 “8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
Quote: "In His presence is fullness of joy, and at His right hand are pleasures forevermore." — A.W. Tozer
Illustration: Think of standing in a patch of warm, radiant summer sun… light that envelops you completely, offering peace and joy. Sinking into a warm bath with the soothing glow of candlelight shimmers all around you… This is the presence of God!
Application: Seek to cultivate a sense of God’s presence in your daily life through prayer and worship.
We will forever have His Protection.
We will forever have His Protection.
23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24 By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, 25 and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there.
Isaiah 60:19–20 “19 The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. 20 Your sun shall no more go down, nor your moon withdraw itself; for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended.”
there is no need for sun or moon
the glory of God is the lamp
believers will walk in the light of the lamb
no need to bar the gates… no enemies
we have nothing to fear !!
Quote: "God’s protection is not only a shield but a fortress." — R.C. Sproul
Martin Luther - 1529 - A Mighty Fortress
A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he, amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing.
Illustration: Envision a fortress, impenetrable and secure, offering absolute safety. This is the protection of God in the New Jerusalem.
Application: Rest in the assurance of God’s protection, letting go of fear and anxiety looking forward to that day and pursuing the peace of God here and now.
We will forever have His Purity.
We will forever have His Purity.
25 and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. 26 They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. 27 But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
the glory of the nations are restored
everyone who wants access will have it
Quote: “God’s kingdom is inclusive, welcoming all who call on His name.” — John Stott
Quote: "Purity is the reflection of God’s holiness in our lives." — Oswald Chambers
Application: Why wait!? Strive for holiness in your life, reflecting God’s purity in your actions today!
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The New Jerusalem Will Be A Lushes Garden
The New Jerusalem Will Be A Lushes Garden
Rev 22.1-5
1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.
All of your needs will be met.
All of your needs will be met.
the water of life will quench our thirst
the tree of life will satisfy our hunger
Matthew 5:6 “6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”
Ephesians 3:20 “20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,”
Matthew 7:11 “11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”
Quote: "God provides for His children abundantly, exceeding all we ask or imagine." — Max Lucado
Illustration: Imagine a garden with every kind of fruit, always in season, providing more than enough. This is how God meets our needs.
Application: Trust in God’s provision today, knowing He will supply all your needs.
All of His purposes will be restored.
All of His purposes will be restored.
He will be in our midst forever
We will see Him face to face
1 Corinthians 13:12 “12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.”
Quote: "In the restoration of all things, God’s original purpose for creation is fulfilled." — N.T. Wright
Illustration: Consider a broken instrument restored to its original beauty and function, creating beautiful music once again.
Application: Engage in God’s purposes for your life, pursue them now, knowing they will be fully realized in His kingdom.
CLOSE
8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.
Beloved, we are the benefactors of Abrahams faith we have his promise and one even greater than his in Christ Jesus whom is the fulfillment of that promise. Therefore let us strive to be like Abraham today! Let’s step out in faith, being obedient to God in everything that He requires, even if we are not sure about where He is taking us at the time.
“Looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God!”
GROUP QUESTIONS
How drastically has the world changed in your lifetime? What are some examples of such changes? How do these help you imagine the difference between our time and the new creation?
What are the parallels between the most holy place in the Old Testament and the new Jerusalem? What do these parallels tell us about this city?
What does it mean that God and the Lamb are the temple in the new Jerusalem?
In what ways does this city look like the garden of Eden? How is it different?
What does the garden imagery in this passage tell us about the mission of God in the whole Bible?
What is the connection between service and worship in the Christian life? How do you practice both of these?
Why is seeing the face of God the greatest blessing of all in the new creation?
What questions do you wrestle with about the doctrine of heaven? Does the Bible give clear answers to your questions? Hints? Is it silent?
How does the doctrine of the new heavens and the new earth contradict popular conceptions about heaven among Christians or the wider culture?
Reflect on the final verses of Revelation 22:5, which speak of reigning with God. How does this idea of reigning influence your understanding of your identity as a believer? How can this be related to 1 Peter 2:9 and our calling as a royal priesthood?
