The New Jerusalem: Our Eternal Home

Wednesday Night Bible Study – Session 7

Date: February 26, 2025

Introduction

• Welcome: Tonight, we will explore the final and greatest promise in all of Scripture—the eternal dwelling place of God’s people in the New Jerusalem.

• Prayer: Ask for spiritual revelation, joy, and expectancy as we study the glorious future awaiting all believers.

Recap of Previous Session

• We studied the two great judgments:

• The Judgment Seat of Christ for believers (2 Corinthians 5:10).

• The Great White Throne Judgment for unbelievers (Revelation 20:11-15).

• We emphasized that our choices now determine our eternal standing—whether we inherit eternal life in God’s presence or face eternal separation in the Lake of Fire.

Overview of Today’s Session

• What is the New Jerusalem?

• What will life in eternity look like?

• What does Scripture say about heaven and the New Earth?

• How should we live in anticipation of our eternal home?

Part I: The New Heaven and New Earth (Revelation 21:1-8)

1. The Old Earth Passes Away

• Revelation 21:1 .”

Revelation 21:1 KJV 1900

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 present world will be completely remade—sin, decay, and corruption will be removed forever.

• Isaiah 65:17

Isaiah 65:17 KJV 1900

17 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: And the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.

2. The Holy City Descends (Revelation 21:2-3)

• Revelation 21:2

Revelation 21:2 KJV 1900

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.

• The New Jerusalem is God’s eternal dwelling place with His people.

3. No More Suffering, Sin, or Death

• Revelation 21:4

Revelation 21:4 KJV 1900

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.

• The curse of sin is removed forever—there will be no more pain, suffering, or death.

Application:

• The struggles of this life are temporary—our eternal home will be free from all suffering.

• We must set our hearts on things above (Colossians 3:2), not temporary pleasures.

Part II: The Description of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:9-27)

1. The City’s Divine Beauty

• Revelation 21:11

Revelation 21:11 KJV 1900

11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;

• The city radiates with the glory of God—no need for sun or moon.

• It is perfect, pure, and filled with God’s presence.

2. The Twelve Gates and Foundations

• Revelation 21:12-14

Revelation 21:12–14 KJV 1900

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: 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 in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

• Twelve gates = The tribes of Israel.

• Twelve foundations = The twelve apostles of the Lamb.

• Symbolizes God’s covenant faithfulness to both Israel and the Church.

3. The Measurements of the City

• Revelation 21:16

Revelation 21:16 KJV 1900

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.

• The city is 1,500 miles wide, long, and high—a massive, glorious structure beyond human imagination.

4. The Streets of Gold and the Lamb’s Presence

• Revelation 21:21

Revelation 21:21 KJV 1900

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.

• Revelation 21:23

Revelation 21:23 KJV 1900

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.

• No temple is needed—God dwells directly with His people.

Application:

• Our eternal home is beyond anything we can imagine.

• The greatest joy will not be the beauty of heaven, but the presence of God Himself.

Part III: The River of Life and the Tree of Life (Revelation 22:1-5)

1. The River of Life

• Revelation 22:1

Revelation 22:1 KJV 1900

1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

• This symbolizes eternal life, refreshing, and the fullness of God’s presence.

2. The Tree of Life Restored

• Revelation 22:2

Revelation 22:2 KJV 1900

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 Tree of Life, once lost in Eden, is restored—a sign of complete redemption.

3. No More Curse—Only God’s Presence

• Revelation 22:3-5

Revelation 22:3–5 KJV 1900

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: 4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. 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.

• We will see God’s face and reign with Him forever!

Application:

• God’s original purpose for creation is fulfilled.

• We will experience perfect joy, worship, and purpose for all eternity.

Part IV: How Should We Live in Light of Eternity?

1. Live in Holiness

• Revelation 22:14

Revelation 22:14 KJV 1900

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.

• Only the redeemed will enter the city.

2. Share the Gospel Urgently

• Revelation 22:17 • People must choose eternal life now before it’s too late.

Revelation 22:17 KJV 1900

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.

3. Long for Christ’s Return

• Revelation 22:20 (KJV): “Surely I come quickly.”

• Live with anticipation for Christ’s return!

Conclusion

1. Summary of Key Truths

• The New Jerusalem is our eternal home.

• All suffering and sin will be removed.

• God will dwell with His people forever.

2. Final Call to Action

• Are you living for eternity?

• Is your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life?

Preview of Next Session:

“The Alpha and Omega: The Final Words of Revelation”

• Revelation 22:6-21: The final call, the final warning, and the final promise.

• Jesus’ last words: ‘Behold, I come quickly.’