The Description of the New Jersualem II

Rev. 21:15-27

Introduction:  The New Jerusalem is a wonderful, magnificent place waiting for us in the future.  This is the beginning of the eternal state.  Last week we identified the city as that which is from God which is the Bride of the Lamb.  There was the glory of this city which is explained in vv. 10-11. 

This is fortified with the strength of the gates which has the name of the 12 tribes of Israel guarded by angels.  The foundation is built on truth and holiness.  Christ’s apostles carried the truth in their preaching during the New Testament era.  He continues to describe the scene to the end of the chapter.

I. The dimensions vv. 15-17

A. Of the city vv. 15-16

1.  The angel has a golden reed 10 foot long to measure the city, gates, and wall.

2. This city is so large it takes God to measure it and He sends and He sends one.

3. The city is 12,000 furlongs or 1500 miles and it is shaped in a cube, foursquare.

4. It is equal on all sides which indicates it is balanced and nothing is out of order.

5. This is about the distance from the Pacific coast of the US to the Mississippi River.

6. The altar of burnt offering and the altar of incense were of this shape Ex. 27:1.    In Solomon’s temple the Holy of Holies was a perfect cube-20 cubits each way-30 foot.

7. McGhee points out that the circumference of the sphere would be 8,164 miles and the diameter of the moon is about 2160 miles and that of the New Jerusalem is about 2600 miles.

B. Of the wall v. 17

1.  The wall measures 144 cubits or 216 feet high, these measurements by the angel are the same as human measurements.

2. God points to the immense strength of the wall. 

II. The construction vv. 18-21

A. The materials of the wall v. 18

1.  The wall is made of jasper (usually green quartz) but here it is described as clear.

2. Perhaps a diamond that is hard and brilliant in beauty.

3. The city itself is made of pure gold used in Scripture to indicate deity.

4. This heavenly city is the dwelling place of God, so all is of purest gold, clear as glass reflecting the glory of God.

B. The foundation of the wall vv. 19-21

1.  The foundations have not only the names of the 12 apostles but 12 different precious stones.

2. These represent the magnificent beauty of the city.

3. Listed in these stones are a galaxy of rainbow colors from varied hues and tints.

a.  Jasper-clear-diamond describes it as clean and pure and bright.

b. Sapphire-blue-chalcedony-greenish, emerald-green, sardonyx-red, sardius-fiery red, chrysolite-golden yellow, chrysoprase-apple green, jacinth-blude, amethyst-purple

4.  The foundations are built of the flashing brilliance and costly gemstones.

5. These stones radiate the glory and the splendor God.

6. The gates were made of pearl and the street was of pure, transparent gold-a place of extreme beauty.

 III. The relationship vv. 22-27

A. The relation to God vv. 22-23

1.  The absences of the temple because God is there.

2. He is not localized but all in all.

3. He will indwell the entire city where His people will have constant communion with Him.

4. The city requires no soon or moon since the glory of God and the Lamb light the city.

B. The relation to the nations vv. 24-27

1.  The kings will bring all their honor and wealth to the King of Kings-refers to the ancient tradition of a king bringing the wealth to the city.

2. The gates are open because there is no danger of anyone harming it.

3. This is the dwelling place of God’s people-He is in their midst. 

Conclusion:  This will be an amazing place for God’s people and He will be with them.