Revelation 21
HEAVEN…the ultimate victory!!!!

This section is one of great beauty and peace. There is nothing described that should not fill us with happiness and anticipation! I believe it to be describing the final and eternal state of the saved Christian! Some try to break it down much more specific, but I believe it is nothing less nor nothing more! It is the glorified church……or heaven!

All Things New (Vv 1-8)

John is about to describe a glorious picture. He has described in great detail the judgments of evil, but has really not dealt with the blessings of the righteous. In this section, he will change all of that!

V1- What do you think is meant by “New” Heaven and Earth? I think it is the passing away of the old order and existence of things. It is the beginning of the “NEW” existence…the eternal one! This DOES NOT indicate there will be a division of God’s peoples (some on earth and others in Heaven)!!!
What does the idea of “no more sea” represent? There will be NO MORE separation from God!!!!

V2- “New” Jerusalem….suggests newness in kind, or superior to that which was before. The Holy City during John’s time was Jerusalem, so here, Heaven is now the last and great Holy City….God’s spiritual creation ad dwelling!

V3- What does it mean that the “dwelling of God is with men”? Everyone in Heaven will be on the presence of God the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit! His immediate presence will surround us all.

V4- What do you think is the key to there being “no more tears, sorrow or pain”? Obviously, this is a description of a loving father who tenderly will care for us and comfort us. But I feel it goes deeper. EVERYTHING that causes pain and heartache is SIN…directly or indirectly, or is a result of sin. All sin is gone in Heaven! Satan, Sin’s biggest promoter, is cast away, and all evil people have been judged and sentenced. These emotions aren’t even possible anymore!

V5- God assures us that this vision of John’s is a vision of the truth that is to come! This is real and there will be a heaven, and we can bank on that promise!

V6- I love “It is done”. In other words…this was God’s eternal plan from square one! His words (alpha and omega) paint a picture of completeness.

V7- He speaks of an inheritance for over comers. What do you think he means? Over comers of what? The thought here, is the “unto death faithfulness” we talked about early on. Anyone who has overcome the temptations and evils of this earth, through Jesus and his grace. Anyone who has lived a consecrated life…this gift is theirs….AND OURS!

V8- In contrast to those inheriting all things, John here talks of the destiny of the rest….and it is the lake of burning sulfur! It is the 2nd death, or eternal separation from God.

The New Jerusalem Vv 9-27

V9-10- One of the angels is giving John a “guided tour”. He shows him this heaven, the home of all of God’s church. John, in turn, gives a detailed description of what he sees. *There is no way to know whether this is a literal description or figurative…but the points still are clear and direct. It is a place and existence of great awe and wonder!

V11-21- John now describes with vivid detail. He paints a picture of unparalleled, almost unfathomable beauty. Jewels, precious metals, and stones abound!
In his description John uses the words “walls” and “foundation” a lot. Why do you think this is? I believe John is driving home the point of total security and protection with God!
This wall had 12 gates. On the gates were the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. The names of the 12 apostles will appear on the city foundation. What is the significance of this? I believe this indicates that both the OT faithful and the redeemed of the NT will be together in Heaven. **** This goes back to the 24 elders! We can now see that these were a picture of the saved of both the NT and OT…cool huh????? All of God’s redeemed will be there!

V14- There were 12 foundations. Ask anyone in construction and you’ll learn that a building is only secure as its foundation! One with 12 could never be shaken!

V15- Why are we measuring the city? (this 1st took place in Ch. 11 remember?) Previously, the act of measuring was indicating God’s knowledge of our lives and his protection over us. Once again…the measurements just reinforce the idea of protection. We will be eternally safe in heaven…no need for worries!

V16-17- It is HUGE !!!!!!!!!!! There is room for everyone who wants to be there!

V18-21- More descriptions of grandeur and beauty. It is beyond comprehension.

V22- There is no need for a temple in heaven…why? The temple was used so the Priests could intercede on our part…remember that? There is no need for that in heaven!!!!!!!!! We can do it ourselves!! We will be in his presence. Heaven is one big holy sanctuary…where God’s divine presence is all encompassing.

V23- We do not need a sun or any source of light. Our needs will no longer be physical…and God can give us all we need. He is the source of light in Heaven!

V25- No need to shut gates. No one evil can get in, and no one will want to get out! There is no night there…no darkness in which evil has always thrived!

V27- In the final and eternal heaven, THERE WILL BE NO SIN! Who would not want to be in such a magnificent place?!?!?!?

*** Interesting question… Has sin ever been present in heaven? (II Peter 2:4)