The New Jerusalem

What was one of Christ’s parting promises to His disciples?

“In my Father’s house are many rooms; if were not so, I would have told you, I am going there to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2.

What does Paul say God has prepared for His people?

“Instead, they were looking for a better country – a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” Hebrews 11:16.

Where is this city, and what is it called?

“But the Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is our mother.” Galatians 4:26.

For what did Abraham look?

“For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” Hebrews 11:10.

What assurance has God given to believers?

“Instead, they were longing for a better country – a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” Hebrews 11:16.

Saint John Describes The City

“I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.” Revelation 21:2.  

How many foundations have this city?

“The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” Verse 14.

What is the measurement of the city?

“The city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide. He measured the city with the rod and found it to be 12,000 stadia in length, and as wide and high as it is long.”

Verse 16. [12,000 stadia equal 1,400 miles or about 2,200 kilometers]

What is the height of the wall?

“He measured its wall and it was 144 cubits thick, by man’s measurement, which the angel was using.” Verse 17. 

Note – One hundred and forty-four cubits are estimated at 216 feet in our measure.

Of what material is the wall constructed?

“The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass.” Verse 18.

With what are the twelve foundations adorned?

“The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. Verses 19,20. (See Exodus 28:15-21; Isaiah 54: 11,12.)

Of what are the twelve gates composed?

“The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass.” Revelation 21:21. 

What is written on the twelve gates?

“On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel.” Verse 12.

Of what does John say the streets of the city are composed?

“The great street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.” Verse 21.  

Why will the city have no need of the sun or moon?

“The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it its light, and the Lamp its lamp. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it.” Verses 23,24. (See Revelation 22:5; Isaiah 60:19,20.)

Why are the gates not to be closed?

“On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there.” Revelation 21:25.

Who, May, and Who May Not, Enter

What will be excluded from this city?

“Nothing impure will ever enter it, now will anyone that does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” Verse 27.

Who will be permitted to enter it?

“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates of the city.” Revelation 22:14.  

Note – The late English and American revisions render this. “Blessed are they that wash their robes,” ect. The result is the same, for those who wash their robes cease to sin, and hence do God’s commandments.

When this city becomes the metropolis of the new earth, what will be the condition of God’s people?

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4.

Everlasting Life and Glorious Privilege

What will flow through the city?

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.” Revelation 22:1.

What stands on either side of the river?

“Down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the trees are for the healing of the nations.” Verse 2.