Lesson 69
Revelation - Study of Things to Come
New Heavens and the New Earth - Chapter 21
Review:
21:7-8 Those that will be
there and those who will not be there!
John has previously defined those that are over
comers in 1 Jn 5:4-5;
So this great eternal city is the inheritance of
the one who is rightly related to Jesus Christ thru faith in His work on the
cross.
And the last phrase reiterates our intimate
relationship with Him.
and I will be his God and he will be My son.
In vs:8 we see those who
will be excluded from eternity.
Here we see side by side the glory of the eternal
state for the believer and the great tragedy of eternal torment for those who
are cast into the LOF.
Man's options for eternity is
either the New Jerusalem or LOF;
In Scripture man is often portrayed or viewed from the standpoint of
the dominant characteristic of his life; the prevailing characteristic.
Need to recognize something else here with vs:8!
- These conditions stated are all viewed as
un-forgiven;
- Good example: David, is called a man after
God's own heart.
So our passage in Rev. is not talking about things
that are not forgivable, but is talking about things not forgiven; big
difference!
Next
we find some details of the New Jerusalem (10 points)
1.
The Glory of the New Jerusalem 21:9-11
#1. Direct statement = this
city is the "glory of God" vs:11a
What is meant by "the glory of God."
Def: It is the sum total of God's attributes in
visible or manifested form.
** We noted that Paul
instructs believers, "...to hope in the glory of God." Rom 5:2 This hope will be
realized in this great city in eternity.
#2. The descriptive
statement in vs:9 Come here I will
show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb."
** So far then this city has been
described as holy, new, it is out of heaven from God, it is the dwelling place
of God and therefore it reflects the glory of God, all that God is!
How does it originate light? How is it the source of light?
- In eternity, in this
eternal city will be the presence of God the Father and Jesus Christ, the Lamb, that illumine it.
(22:3,5)
- Why do you think that
God describes this eternal city in terms of these precious costly stones when
we are unable to determine exactly what these stones stand for?
I believe that what God is saying here is this;
this city is so beautiful so awesome that it is indescribable.
2.
21:12-14 Details about the structure of the City.
#1.
- What then is being said here about the Eternal
state; eternal city?
It is absolutely secure!
** Purpose then of the
walls is to indicate to us the total security of our future in eternity.
#2. 21:12b-13 Second the
gates:
- In the walls there are 12 gates, 3 on each side;
What would the fact that they are never shut
underscore?
- The inscription: Gates have the names of the 12
tribes of
- This city is the one
that Abe is said to have looked for; Heb 11:9-10;
#3.
- That this eternal city
has foundations indicates that it will rest on the new earth; not suspended
over it.
The foundation = names of the Apostles indicates
the fulfillment of truth, doctrine; based on Eph
Is the church built on the foundation of the
individuals or their teaching, the doctrine taught and preserved in the Canon
of Scripture under inspiration?
*** Notice that even in Eternity the
distinction between
3.
The Dimensions of the City. 21:15-17
When it says in vs:17 that
the measurements are stated in both human and angelic terms; it says think
literal folks!
The measurements here indicate it meets the highest
standards of Divine approval; it meets His criteria; the blueprint of God;
4. Beauty of the city - 21:18-21
The special breastplate
of the High Priest in the O.T. Ex 28:15-20
The emphasis then with the extent of precious
jewels/stones in the
#1 It
depicts the eternal acceptability of the God's people to come into the presence
of God.
#2 To
indicate the indescribable beauty of the city.
5.
The
Point is there is none; it is a person! read
6. Light of the City 21:23-25
Why is there no darkness?? Why would night be inappropriate for the