BIBLE PROPHECY

REV 19:11—22:21 Part-2

    It is written,
    I CREATE NEW HEAVENS-Isa 65:17.
    THE NEW HEAVENS...I WILL MAKE-Isa 66:22.
    I SAW A NEW HEAVEN-Rev 21:1.
    I CREATE...A NEW EARTH-Isa 65:17.
    THE NEW EARTH...I WILL MAKE-Isa 66:22.
    I SAW...A NEW EARTH-Rev 21:l.
    THERE WAS NO MORE SEA-Rev 21:1.
    I MAKE ALL THINGS NEW-Rev 21:5.

    WE...LOOK FOR NEW HEAVENS AND A NEW EARTH, WHEREIN DWELLETH RIGHTEOUSNESS-2 Pe 3:13.                                                
    FOR AS THE NEW HEAVENS AND THE NEW EARTH, WHICH I WILL MAKE, SHALL REMAIN BEFORE ME, SAITH THE LORD, SO SHALL YOUR SEED AND YOUR NAME REMAIN-Isa 66:22.
    Isa 65:17 states, THE FORMER SHALL NOT BE REMEMBERED, NOR COME INTO MIND. Apparently, our memory of the past, at this time, will be erased.
    Very little information is given about the new earth. Some believe the new earth will be the present earth renewed (or recreated). Others believe it will be an entirely new planet.
    Ecc 1:4 says, THE EARTH ABIDETH FOR EVER, and in Eph 3:21-WORLD WITHOUT END. The Bible does not seem to give enough information on this subject to have complete understanding.
    Rev 21:1 continues,
    AND THERE WAS NO (longer any)
    MORE SEA. The word "water" was not used, but sea. It is unclear if this denotes oceans or sea, such as the Mediterranean Sea. In Rev 13:1, the word "sea" appears to convey the meaning, "the nations of the world in turmoil and unrest." Note, there is no more sea.
    21:2. AND I JOHN SAW THE HOLY CITY, NEW JERUSALEM, COMING DOWN FROM GOD OUT OF HEAVEN, PREPARED AS A BRIDE ADORNED (or beautifully dressed) 
    FOR HER HUSBAND. New Jerusalem is covered in detail beginning with Rev 21:9.
    New Jerusalem is revealed as "the holy city." It is the NAME OF THE CITY OF MY GOD-Rev 3:12. The city is described as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband—spotless and magnificent to behold.
    It is the city that Abraham looked for-ref Heb 11:10.
    New Jerusalem is A CITY WHICH HATH FOUNDATIONS, WHOSE BUILDER AND MAKER IS GOD-Heb 11:10.                                              
    It is a city that God has prepared for those that die in faith-ref Heb 11:16.
    BUT JERUSALEM WHICH IS ABOVE IS FREE, WHICH IS THE MOTHER OF US ALL-Gal 4:26.
    Heb 12:22 says, BUT YE ARE COME...UNTO THE CITY OF THE LIVING GOD, THE HEAVENLY JERUSALEM, AND TO AN INNUMERABLE COMPANY OF ANGELS.
    Jesus said, IN MY FATHER'S HOUSE ARE MANY MANSIONS...I GO TO PREPARE A PLACE FOR YOU-Jn 14:2.                                            
    Its exact location is not specified; however, many believe it will become a satellite of the new earth. Such words as,
    "COMING DOWN FROM GOD," "JERUSALEM WHICH IS ABOVE," "THE HEAVENLY JERUSALEM," and other verses further on, seem to support this position.
    Some believe that this city of God will come forth at the beginning of the Millennium. Many others expect it will come forth after the great white throne judgment. Considering that (1) the heavens and earth pass away prior to the great white throne, and (2) THERE WAS FOUND NO PLACE FOR THEM, and (3) the placement of New Jerusalem in the Scriptures, it seems clear that this great city of God will be revealed after the new heavens and earth come forth.

    21:3. AND I HEARD A GREAT VOICE OUT OF HEAVEN (or from the throne) 
    SAYING, BEHOLD, (now)
    THE TABERNACLE OF GOD IS WITH MEN, AND HE WILL DWELL (or live) WITH THEM, AND THEY SHALL BE HIS PEOPLE, AND GOD HIMSELF SHALL BE WITH THEM, AND (will)
    BE THEIR GOD.
    God the Father and God the Son shall live with men in the city of God, called New Jerusalem. The redeemed shall be His people. The fellowship that man had in the beginning with God was broken because of sin. That fellowship, however, has now been restored through Jesus Christ. Those that did not merely say, Lord, Lord, but denied themselves and "followed" Jesus, shall dwell with God eternally with unspeakable joy.

    21:4. AND GOD SHALL WIPE AWAY ALL TEARS FROM THEIR EYES; AND THERE SHALL BE NO MORE DEATH, NEITHER  SORROW (or mourning),
    NOR CRYING, NEITHER SHALL THERE BE ANY MORE PAIN: FOR THE FORMER THINGS (or old order of things)
    ARE PASSED AWAY. The time, which is forever and ever, shall be wondrous.

    21:5. AND HE THAT SAT UPON THE THRONE SAID, BEHOLD, I MAKE ALL THINGS (or everything) 
    NEW. AND HE SAID UNTO ME, WRITE (this down):
    FOR THESE WORDS ARE TRUE AND FAITHFUL (or trustworthy). What John was told to write, even the entire Revelation, can be trusted. The words of God are true and will surely come to pass. IT IS EASIER FOR HEAVEN AND EARTH TO PASS, THAN ONE TITTLE OF THE LAW TO FAIL-Lk 16:17.

    21:6. AND HE SAID UNTO ME, IT IS DONE. Jesus had just finished saying, "Behold, I make all things new"; He told John to write. The statement follows, "It is done." Jesus then repeats a description of Himself. 
    I AM ALPHA AND OMEGA (the ‘A’ and the ‘Z’-JNT¹⁸⁹). This is repeated in Rev 1:8 and 22:13.
    THE BEGINNING. This is repeated in Rev 1:8.
    AND THE END. "The Ending" was stated in Rev 1:8. This, again, reemphasizes the deity of Jesus. He is the "Alpha." He is the Creator. He is the First, the "A." He is not the second. He is also the End (or Ending).
    I (Myself)
    WILL GIVE UNTO HIM THAT IS ATHIRST OF THE FOUNTAIN (or spring)
    OF THE WATER OF LIFE FREELY. Many are not thirsty for the water of life. They are not craving it, because they have a much greater desire to do their own will now and take their chances later. Notwithstanding, for those few that choose to believe the Bible and are thirsty for the water of (eternal) life, Jesus said,
    "I WILL GIVE." It is a free gift. One that can only be received by genuine faith, which comes through understanding God’s Word. Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ. Genuine faith is the kind of faith that prompts one to be a doer of the Word and not a hearer only. Jesus gives this promise to those that are athirst.
    (Note Jn 4:5-15, the woman of Samaria.)

    21:7. HE THAT OVERCOMETH (or wins the victory)
    SHALL INHERIT (or receive)
    ALL THINGS (or all this).|
    It is written, WHILE THEY PROMISE THEM LIBERTY, THEY THEMSELVES ARE THE SERVANTS OF CORRUPTION: FOR OF WHOM A MAN IS OVERCOME, OF THE SAME IS HE BROUGHT IN BONDAGE. FOR IF AFTER THEY HAVE ESCAPED THE POLLUTIONS OF THE WORLD THROUGH THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST, THEY ARE AGAIN ENTANGLED THEREIN, AND OVERCOME, THE LATTER END IS WORSE WITH THEM THAN THE BEGINNING. FOR IT HAD BEEN BETTER FOR THEM NOT TO HAVE KNOWN THE WAY OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, THAN, AFTER THEY HAVE KNOWN IT, TO TURN FROM THE HOLY COMMANDMENT DELIVERED UNTO THEM. BUT IT IS HAPPENED UNTO THEM ACCORDING TO THE TRUE PROVERB, THE DOG IS TURNED TO HIS OWN VOMIT AGAIN; AND THE SOW THAT WAS WASHED TO HER WALLOWING IN THE MIRE-2 Pe 2:19-22. The reward of overcoming is inheriting all things.
    Rev 21:7 continues,
    AND I WILL BE HIS GOD, AND HE SHALL BE MY SON. For the one that drinks of the water of life freely (even of Jesus) and overcomes, Jesus will be His God, and he will be His son. This shows the wonderful, intimate relationship between God and His people.                                  

    21:8. BUT THE FEARFUL (or cowardly). This includes those that will not serve God or do His will, because they are afraid as in Mt  25:14-30. This also includes those that are afraid to receive Christ, because of embarrassment or shame. They are fearful of what the world may think.
    AND UNBELIEVING (or untrustworthy). The life of a true "believer" is, in essence, Jesus Christ living through that person. As he grows in faith, he denies himself and begins living a life that is yielded to letting Jesus reign over him. Grace begins with faith in the Jesus Christ of the Bible. Grace reigns through righteousness, which comes from obedience to the faith. For we receive GRACE...FOR OBEDIENCE TO (or that comes from) THE FAITH-Ro 1:5; Ro 6:16-OBEDIENCE UNTO RIGHTEOUSNESS; Ro 5:21-EVEN SO MIGHT GRACE REIGN THROUGH RIGHTEOUSNESS UNTO ETERNAL LIFE BY JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD.
    While many profess they believe in Jesus Christ, there is no evidence of good fruit coming forth. There is no evidence of their belief translating into faith or prompting them to obey God's Word to deny themselves and follow Jesus. True belief will manifest itself as the believer becomes a doer of the Word and not a hearer only.
    AND THE ABOMINABLE (or vile),
    AND MURDERERS. It is written, HE THAT SAITH HE IS IN THE LIGHT, AND HATETH HIS BROTHER, IS IN DARKNESS EVEN UNTIL NOW. BUT HE THAT HATETH HIS BROTHER IS IN DARKNESS, AND WALKETH IN DARKNESS, AND KNOWETH NOT WHITHER HE GOETH, BECAUSE THAT DARKNESS HATH BLINDED HIS EYES-1 Jn 2:9,11. WHOSOEVER HATETH HIS BROTHER IS A MURDERER: AND YE KNOW THAT NO MURDERER HATH ETERNAL LIFE ABIDING IN HIM-1 Jn 3:15.
    AND WHOREMONGERS (or sexually immoral). Sex outside of marriage is rampant worldwide. Multiple wives are common in some parts of the world. Live-in relationships (or shacking up), which is not marriage in the eyes of a Holy God, have become commonplace. The sexually immoral (or whoremongers) commit fornication and adultery, then wipe their mouth and say they have done no wrong. Some even say, "I am a Christian; God will understand."
    AND SORCERERS (or those who misuse drugs in connection with the occult-JNT,¹⁹⁰ or practice magic arts). This also may indicate illegal drug use. The Bible warns about them that DEFILE (or pollute) THE FLESH (or their bodies)-Jude 8.

    The following verses can also apply to smoking. It is written,
    FOR AS YE HAVE YIELDED YOUR MEMBERS SERVANTS TO UNCLEANNESS AND TO INIQUITY UNTO INIQUITY; EVEN SO NOW YIELD YOUR MEMBERS SERVANTS TO RIGHTEOUSNESS UNTO HOLINESS. NEITHER YIELD YE YOUR MEMBERS AS INSTRUMENTS OF UNRIGHTEOUSNESS UNTO SIN: BUT YIELD YOURSELVES UNTO GOD, AS THOSE THAT ARE ALIVE FROM THE DEAD, AND YOUR MEMBERS AS INSTRUMENTS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS UNTO GOD. KNOW YE NOT, THAT TO WHOM YE YIELD YOURSELVES SERVANTS TO OBEY, HIS SERVANTS YE ARE TO WHOM YE OBEY; WHETHER OF SIN UNTO DEATH, OR OF OBEDIENCE UNTO RIGHTEOUSNESS?-Ro 6:19,13,16.
    THERE IS THEREFORE NOW NO CONDEMNATION TO THEM WHICH ARE IN CHRIST JESUS, WHO WALK NOT AFTER THE FLESH, BUT AFTER THE SPIRIT. FOR THEY THAT ARE AFTER THE FLESH DO MIND THE THINGS OF THE FLESH; BUT THEY THAT ARE AFTER THE SPIRIT, THE THINGS OF THE SPIRIT. FOR TO BE CARNALLY MINDED IS DEATH; BUT TO BE SPIRITUALLY MINDED IS LIFE AND PEACE. BECAUSE THE CARNAL MIND IS ENMITY AGAINST GOD: FOR IT IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE LAW OF GOD, NEITHER INDEED CAN BE. FOR IF YE LIVE AFTER THE FLESH, YE SHALL DIE: BUT IF YE THROUGH THE SPIRIT DO MORTIFY THE DEEDS OF THE BODY, YE SHALL LIVE. FOR AS MANY AS ARE LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD, THEY ARE THE SONS OF GOD-Ro 8:1,5-7,13,14.
    I BESEECH YOU THEREFORE, BRETHREN, BY THE MERCIES OF GOD, THAT YE PRESENT YOUR BODIES A LIVING SACRIFICE, HOLY, ACCEPTABLE UNTO GOD, WHICH IS YOUR REASONABLE SERVICE. AND BE NOT CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD: BUT BE YE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, THAT YE MAY PROVE WHAT IS THAT GOOD, AND ACCEPTABLE, AND PERFECT, WILL OF GOD. BUT PUT YE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND MAKE NOT PROVISION FOR THE FLESH, TO FULFILL THE LUSTS THEREOF-Ro 12:1,2; 13:14.
    KNOW YE NOT THAT YE ARE THE TEMPLE OF GOD, AND THAT THE SPIRIT OF GOD DWELLETH IN YOU? IF ANY MAN DEFILE (or destroys) THE TEMPLE OF GOD, HIM SHALL GOD DESTROY; FOR THE TEMPLE OF GOD IS HOLY, WHICH TEMPLE YE ARE. LET NO MAN DECEIVE HIMSELF-1 Cor 3:16-18.
    FOR...YE ARE GOD’S BUILDING-1 Cor 3:9.
    KNOW YE NOT THAT YOUR BODIES ARE THE MEMBERS OF CHRIST? KNOW YE NOT THAT YOUR BODY IS THE TEMPLE OF THE HOLY GHOST WHICH IS IN YOU, WHICH YE HAVE OF GOD, AND YE ARE NOT YOUR OWN?-1 Cor 6:15,19.                                            
    FOR THE FLESH LUSTETH AGAINST THE SPIRIT, AND THE SPIRIT AGAINST THE FLESH: AND THESE ARE CONTRARY THE ONE TO THE OTHER: SO THAT YE CANNOT DO THE THINGS THAT YE WOULD-Gal 5:17.
    FOR YE ARE BOUGHT WITH A PRICE: THEREFORE GLORIFY GOD IN YOUR BODY, AND IN YOUR SPIRIT, WHICH ARE GOD’S-1 Cor 6:20.
    AS OBEDIENT CHILDREN, NOT FASHIONING YOURSELVES ACCORDING TO THE FORMER LUSTS IN YOUR IGNORANCE-1 Pe 1:14.
    AND THEY THAT ARE CHRIST’S HAVE CRUCIFIED THE FLESH WITH THE AFFECTIONS AND LUSTS-Gal 5:24.                                      
    FOR HE THAT SOWETH TO HIS FLESH SHALL OF THE FLESH REAP CORRUPTION; BUT HE THAT SOWETH TO THE SPIRIT SHALL OF THE SPIRIT REAP LIFE EVERLASTING-Gal 6:8.

    YIELDED YOUR MEMBERS SERVANTS TO UNCLEANNESS-Ro 6:19.
    YIELD...YOUR MEMBERS AS INSTRUMENTS OF UNRIGHTEOUSNESS UNTO SIN-Ro 6:13.
    WALK…AFTER THE FLESH-Ro 8:1.
    MIND THE THINGS OF THE FLESH-Ro 8:5.
    CARNAL MIND IS ENMITY (or hatred) AGAINST GOD-Ro 8:7.
    CARNAL MIND…IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE LAW OF GOD-Ro 8:7.
    CARNAL MIND...cannot be SUBJECT TO THE LAW OF GOD-Ro 8:7.
    (Warning)
    IF ANY MAN DEFILE THE TEMPLE OF GOD, HIM SHALL GOD DESTROY-1 Cor 3:17.
    SOWETH TO HIS FLESH SHALL OF THE FLESH REAP CORRUPTION-Gal 6:8.
    To LIVE AFTER THE FLESH, YE SHALL DIE-Ro 8:13.
    TO BE CARNALLY MINDED IS DEATH-Ro 8:6.
    SIN is UNTO DEATH-Ro 6:16.

    PUT YE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST-Ro 13:14.
    YE CANNOT DO THE THINGS THAT YE WOULD-Gal 5:17.
    BE…TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND-Ro 12:2.
    YIELD...UNTO…RIGHTEOUSNESS-Ro 6:13.
    YIELD…UNTO GOD-Ro 6:13.
    YIELD…YOUR MEMBERS AS INSTRUMENTS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS UNTO GOD-Ro 6:13.
    WALK…AFTER THE SPIRIT-Ro 8:1.
    MIND THE THINGS...OF THE SPIRIT-Ro 8:5.
    PRESENT YOUR BODIES A LIVING SACRIFICE, HOLY, ACCEPTABLE UNTO GOD-Ro 12:1.
    GLORIFY GOD IN YOUR BODY-1 Cor 6:20.
    GLORIFY GOD IN…YOUR SPIRIT-1 Cor 6:20.
    AS OBEDIENT CHILDREN-1 Pe 1:14.
    OBEDIENCE is UNTO RIGHTEOUSNESS-Ro 6:16.
    WALK NOT AFTER THE FLESH-Ro 8:4.
    MAKE NOT PROVISION FOR THE FLESH, TO FULFILL THE LUSTS THEREOF-Ro 13:14.
    NOT FASHIONING YOURSELVES...TO THE FORMER LUSTS-1 Pe 1:14.
    BE NOT CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD-Ro 12:2.
    (Facts)
    YE ARE BOUGHT WITH A PRICE-1 Cor 6:20.
    YE ARE NOT YOUR OWN-1 Cor 6:19.
    YOUR BODY...(is) GOD’S-1 Cor 6:20.
    YE ARE THE TEMPLE OF GOD-1 Cor 3:16.\
    YOUR BODY IS THE TEMPLE OF THE HOLY GHOST-1 Cor 6:19.
    YE ARE GOD'S BUILDING-1 Cor 3:9.
    YOUR BODIES ARE THE MEMBERS OF CHRIST-1 Cor 6:15.
    TO BE SPIRITUALLY MINDED IS LIFE AND PEACE-Ro 8:6.
    IF YE THROUGH THE SPIRIT DO (away with)…THE DEEDS OF THE BODY, YE SHALL LIVE-Ro 8:13.
    AS MANY AS ARE LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD, THEY ARE THE SONS OF GOD-Ro 8:14.
    HE THAT SOWETH TO THE SPIRIT SHALL OF THE SPIRIT REAP LIFE EVERLASTING-Gal 6:8.
    THEY THAT ARE CHRIST'S HAVE CRUCIFIED THE FLESH WITH THE AFFECTIONS (or passions) AND LUSTS (or desires)-Gal 5:24.

    Rev 21:8 continues,
    AND IDOLATERS (or idol-worshippers). Idols can also include possessions. In some cases, one becomes his own idol. This is especially true of stubborn people, for stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry-ref 1 Sam 15:23. This also includes covetousness, which is idolatry-ref Col 3:5.
    AND ALL LIARS. In this Laodicean church age, lying has become commonplace. People often do not watch what they say; this includes preachers. People seldom say, "If the Lord will." They make bold, prideful statements as if it were nothing, without considering the consequences. It is written, EVERY IDLE WORD THAT MEN SHALL SPEAK, THEY SHALL GIVE ACCOUNT THEREOF IN THE DAY OF JUDGMENT-Mt 12:36. And also, A RIGHTEOUS MAN HATETH LYING-Pv 13:5.
    IF WE SAY THAT WE HAVE NOT SINNED, WE MAKE HIM A LIAR, AND HIS WORD IS NOT IN US-1 Jn 1:10.                                           
    HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT GOD HATH MADE HIM A LIAR; BECAUSE HE BELIEVETH NOT THE RECORD THAT GOD GAVE OF HIS SON-1 Jn 5:10.
    HE THAT SAITH, I KNOW HIM, AND KEEPETH NOT HIS COMMANDMENTS, IS A LIAR, AND THE TRUTH IS NOT IN HIM-1 Jn 2:4.
    WHO IS A LIAR BUT HE THAT DENIETH THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST?-1 Jn 2:22.
    IF A MAN SAY, I LOVE GOD, AND HATETH HIS BROTHER, HE IS A LIAR-1 Jn 4:20.
    It is also written, A LIAR GIVETH EAR TO A NAUGHTY TONGUE-Pv 17:4.
    A POOR MAN IS BETTER THAN A LIAR-Pv 19:22.
    ADD THOU NOT UNTO HIS WORDS, LEST HE REPROVE THEE, AND THOU BE FOUND A LIAR-Pv 30:6.                                                      
    WHEREFORE PUTTING AWAY LYING, SPEAK EVERY MAN TRUTH WITH HIS NEIGHBOR: FOR WE ARE MEMBERS ONE OF ANOTHER-Eph 4:25.
    THE DEVIL...HE IS A LIAR, AND THE FATHER OF IT-Jn 8:44.
    LET GOD BE TRUE, BUT EVERY MAN A LIAR-Ro 3:4.
    Rev 21:8 continues. All these
    SHALL HAVE THEIR PART IN THE LAKE WHICH BURNETH WITH FIRE AND BRIMSTONE: WHICH IS THE SECOND DEATH (or their destiny is the lake burning with fire and sulfur, the second death-JNT¹⁹¹). (Note Rev 20:6, regarding the "second death.")                             

    21:9. AND THERE CAME UNTO ME ONE OF THE SEVEN ANGELS WHICH HAD THE SEVEN VIALS (or bowls) 
    FULL OF THE SEVEN LAST PLAGUES, AND TALKED WITH ME, SAYING, COME HITHER, I WILL SHOW THEE THE BRIDE, THE LAMB’S WIFE. (New Jerusalem was introduced, in Rev 21:2, as a BRIDE ADORNED FOR HER HUSBAND.) One of the same angels that brought destruction to the earth and to the unbelievers, now brings a vision of beauty. One of the angels that had the seven vials had also shown John the judgment of the great whore-ref Rev 17:1. John is told to come and see "the bride, the Lamb's wife," which is the city of God, New Jerusalem. (Note, New Jerusalem is called "the bride" and "the Lamb's wife.") In the verses following, this city of God is shown to be decked with precious jewels. Note Isa 61:10-AS A BRIDE ADORNETH HERSELF WITH HER JEWELS.
     God's Word reveals a sight that is unimaginable. It is written, FOR SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD MEN HAVE NOT HEARD, NOR PERCEIVED BY THE EAR, NEITHER HATH THE EYE SEEN, O GOD, BESIDE THEE, WHAT HE HATH PREPARED FOR HIM THAT WAITETH FOR HIM-Isa 64:4.

    21:10. AND HE CARRIED ME AWAY IN THE SPIRIT. John is translated in the spirit, TO (the top of)
    A GREAT AND HIGH MOUNTAIN. The mountain is not identified, neither is its location revealed. It apparently is a good place to view the city, which seems to be above the new earth. There are some that believe the city will come down and be on the earth itself.                                 
    AND SHEWED ME THAT GREAT CITY. New Jerusalem is described as a "great" city.
    THE HOLY JERUSALEM. The city is holy.
    DESCENDING OUT (or coming down out)
    OF HEAVEN FROM GOD. It actually descends out of heaven from the Father.

    21:11. HAVING THE GLORY OF GOD. New Jerusalem, the city of God, reflects the glory of God.
    AND HER LIGHT (or brilliance). New Jerusalem has light. That light
    WAS LIKE UNTO A STONE (or jewel)
    MOST PRECIOUS. The "most precious" seems to indicate a dazzling, brilliant light.
    EVEN LIKE A JASPER STONE, CLEAR AS CRYSTAL (or like a crystal-clear diamond-JNT¹⁹²). A jasper stone may reflect a greenish-white light or even a variety of colors. A diamond may reflect a crystal clear light; it may at times reflect a spectrum of color.                   

    21:12. AND HAD A WALL. New Jerusalem has a wall.
    GREAT AND HIGH. The wall is immense and lofty. Walls give a sense of security. It will indeed be secure. God will reign there.                      
    AND HAD TWELVE GATES. The city of New Jerusalem is shown to have gates. Twelve of them are revealed. One cannot just enter the city from any direction or any place. He must enter through a gate.
    AND AT THE GATES TWELVE ANGELS. Angels are stationed at the gates. These might be called gatekeepers.                                               
    AND NAMES WRITTEN (or inscribed)
    THEREON (the gates). Names were written on the gates.
    WHICH ARE THE NAMES OF THE TWELVE TRIBES OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL. The names, however, are not listed in this verse. Thus, the names of the gates appear to be the names of the tribes of Israel. If the names would correspond to the millennial Jerusalem, in Ezek 48:31-34, it may be the following: east-Joseph, Benjamin, and Dan; north-Reuben, Judah, and Levi; south-Simeon, Issachar, and Zebulun; and west-Gad, Asher, and Naphtali.
    The names of the twelve tribes appear to represent Old Testament Israel.

     21:13. ON THE EAST THREE GATES; ON THE NORTH THREE GATES; ON THE SOUTH THREE GATES; AND ON THE WEST THREE GATES. There will be directions. All four directions are listed. There will be three gates for each side. Note, east is mentioned first, then north, south, and west is last.

    21:14. AND THE WALL OF THE CITY. The wall is first mentioned in v. 12. It
    HAD (or was built on)
    TWELVE FOUNDATIONS (or foundation-stones). The wall of the city had or was built on twelve foundations or foundation-stones.             
    AND IN (or on)
    THEM THE NAMES OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES OF THE LAMB. The apostles laid the foundation of the church, which was built upon the foundation stone of Jesus. Christ Jesus Himself is the chief Cornerstone. Each foundation had the name of one of the twelve apostles. Consider, the name of Judas might have been there, had he not forsaken Jesus. Instead, he was replaced by Matthias. The names of the twelve apostles may represent New Testament Israel or, perhaps, the New Testament church.

    21:15. AND HE (the angel)
    THAT TALKED WITH ME (John)
    HAD A GOLDEN REED (or measuring-rod). In Rev 11:1, a reed was given to measure the temple in Jerusalem during the Tribulation; however, it was not a "golden" reed. Here, the "golden" reed was given
    TO MEASURE THE CITY, AND THE GATES THEREOF, AND THE WALL THEREOF. Three things are mentioned: the city, the gates, and the wall.

    21:16. AND THE CITY LIETH FOURSQUARE (or is laid out in a square-JNT¹⁹³),
    AND THE LENGTH IS AS LARGE AS THE BREADTH (or width):
    AND HE MEASURED THE CITY WITH THE REED (or rod),
    TWELVE THOUSAND FURLONGS (or stadia) (or 1500 miles).
    THE LENGTH AND THE BREADTH (or width)
    AND THE HEIGHT OF IT ARE EQUAL (or the same).
    New Jerusalem appears to be shaped like a huge cube. It is approximately 1380 to 1500 miles long, wide, and high. It appears to be a very large version of the "Holy of Holies"-ref 1 Ki 6:20.
    The exact length of a furlong (Greek: stadion), at the time this was written, seems uncertain. The most accurate estimates on all three dimensions range from 1380 to 1500 miles (or approximately 2220 to 2414 km).
    A city of this size could house billions of people. If the city had multiple levels, it could easily house many more and still have much room left to roam.

    21:17. AND HE MEASURED THE WALL THEREOF, AN HUNDRED AND FORTY AND FOUR CUBITS (thick) (or 216 feet),                        
    ACCORDING TO THE MEASURE OF A MAN (or by human standards of measurement-JNT¹⁹⁴),
    THAT IS, OF THE ANGEL (or which the angel was using-JNT¹⁹⁴). The KJV does not say whether the 144 cubits are referring to thickness or height.
    The angel was using the same measurements that a man would use to measure the wall.

    21:18. AND THE BUILDING OF THE WALL OF IT WAS OF JASPER (or of diamond):
    AND THE CITY WAS PURE GOLD, LIKE UNTO CLEAR (or pure)
    GLASS. Consider, a huge, cube-shaped city of pure, transparent gold with a wall made of diamond.
    Pure gold may symbolize the pure, righteousness of God and His divine glory.

    21:19. AND THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE WALL OF THE CITY (this was also mentioned in Rev 21:14)
    WERE GARNISHED (or decorated)
    WITH ALL MANNER (or kinds)
    OF PRECIOUS STONES.
    THE FIRST FOUNDATION WAS JASPER (or diamond);
    THE SECOND, SAPPHIRE (blue);
    THE THIRD, A CHALCEDONY (a combination - gray, blue, and yellow; or blue with stripes of other colors; or whitish);                                  
    THE FOURTH, AN EMERALD (green).

    21:20. THE FIFTH, SARDONYX (red and white or pale blue);
    THE SIXTH, SARDIUS (or carnelian) (a bright red, or amber, or honey color);
    THE SEVENTH, CHRYSOLITE (may be purple and green);
    THE EIGHTH, BERYL (sea green or bluish green);
    THE NINTH, A TOPAZ (yellow green or golden);
    THE TENTH, A CHRYSOPRASUS (apple green or mixed blue, green, and yellow);
    THE ELEVENTH, A JACINTH (or turquoise, or violet, or blue, or combination of red, violet, and yellow);
    THE TWELFTH, AN AMETHYST (purple). Information can vary regarding the color of some of these precious stones. Nevertheless, we have a picture of brilliantly shining colors.
    The beauty of a spectacular fireworks display seems pale in comparison with the glowing splendor and radiant colors of New Jerusalem. The beauty of the city of God cannot be comprehended.

    21:21. AND THE TWELVE GATES WERE TWELVE PEARLS; EVERY SEVERAL GATE WAS OF ONE PEARL. We are reminded of the following parable. AGAIN, THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS LIKE UNTO A MERCHANT MAN, SEEKING GOODLY PEARLS: WHO, WHEN HE HAD FOUND ONE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE, WENT AND SOLD ALL THAT HE HAD, AND BOUGHT IT-Mt 13:45,46.
    Just imagine, a pearl the size of a gate, which is part of a wall that appears as a diamond, surrounding a city of transparent gold!
    AND THE (main)
    STREET OF THE CITY. Note, the city had a main street. This might indicate there are other streets as well. The street
    WAS PURE GOLD, AS IT WERE TRANSPARENT (as) GLASS.

    21:22. AND I SAW NO TEMPLE THEREIN (the city):
    FOR THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY AND THE LAMB ARE THE TEMPLE OF IT. There is free, unhindered access and fellowship with the Father and the Son. During the days of the temple, only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, once a year, on the Day of Atonement.

21:24. AND THE NATIONS. It is noted that the new earth has nations. 
    OF THEM WHICH ARE SAVED. Those nations are saved. This is in harmony with 2 Pe 3:13; as it is written, WHEREIN DWELLETH RIGHTEOUSNESS. These nations
    SHALL WALK IN THE LIGHT OF IT (or walk by its light). These saved nations shall walk by the light of New Jerusalem. This seems to mean that spiritually, they are walking by its light. New Jerusalem has no need of the sun or the moon. Such a statement is not made regarding the new earth; however, it is possible that New Jerusalem may give light to the new earth.
    Many questions are left unanswered. Will New Jerusalem also radiate heat? Will the new earth rotate? What will be the size of the new earth? The Lord has not chosen, at this time, to give us many of the details.
    It will be a wonderful place of righteousness.
    AND THE KINGS OF THE EARTH. The new earth will have kings, indicating some form of government. Since the nations are saved, the government should be a theocracy.
    The kings of the earth
    DO (or will)
    BRING THEIR GLORY AND HONOR (or splendor)
    INTO IT. The kings on the new earth will have glory and honor. Somehow, they will be able to transport to New Jerusalem, bringing their glory and honor into it.

    21:25. AND THE GATES OF IT (of New Jerusalem) 
    SHALL NOT BE SHUT (or will never close). Man was separated from God by sin. But now access to God has been restored. The gates shall never be shut to the city of God. As it is written, THE TABERNACLE OF GOD IS WITH MEN, AND HE WILL DWELL WITH THEM, AND THEY SHALL BE HIS PEOPLE, AND GOD HIMSELF SHALL BE WITH THEM, AND BE THEIR GOD-Rev 21:3.                                           
    New Jerusalem was also shown to have twelve gates in Rev 21:12. There were three gates on each of the four sides, north, south, east, and west in Rev 21:13. Each gate had an angel, in Rev 21:12, and also the name of a tribe of Israel. Each gate was made of one pearl in Rev 21:21.
    These gates will never be shut
    AT ALL BY DAY: FOR THERE SHALL BE NO NIGHT THERE. God is light. This is the city of light. This is the city of God-ref Heb 12:22. God's glory will be there continually. No night shall ever exist, for the glory of God lightens New Jerusalem.
    Apparently, with our new bodies, we shall never need sleep.

    21:26. AND THEY SHALL BRING THE GLORY (or splendor)
    AND HONOR
    OF THE NATIONS INTO IT. (The honor and splendor of the nations will be brought into it-JNT¹⁹⁵.) The nations of the new earth shall have honor and splendor and shall bring these into New Jerusalem.

    21:27. AND THERE SHALL IN NO WISE ENTER INTO IT ANY THING (or nothing)
    THAT
    (1) DEFILETH (or nothing impure),
    (2) NEITHER WHATSOEVER WORKETH ABOMINATION (or shameful things),
    (3) OR MAKETH A LIE (or lies, or is deceitful):
    BUT (the only ones who may enter are-JNT¹⁹⁶)
    THEY WHICH ARE WRITTEN IN THE LAMB’S BOOK OF LIFE. Nothing that defileth or is impure (or sin) shall ever enter into New Jerusalem. No unforgiven, unsanctified, unsaved person will ever enter into New Jerusalem. Only those that are written in the Lamb's book of life will be able to enter into the city. Before we can enter into the presence of God, we must be washed by the blood of the Lamb, because sin separates us from God.

    22:1. AND HE SHEWED ME A PURE RIVER. New Jerusalem has a river
    OF WATER. The river has the water
    OF LIFE. It is
    CLEAR (or sparkling)
    AS CRYSTAL. The water is perfectly clear as crystal. This may represent the holiness and pureness of God. It is                                               
    PROCEEDING (or flowing)
    OUT OF THE THRONE. The river of water begins by flowing out of the throne. The throne belongs to the One that gives life. Flowing from the throne, which the Father and the Son sit upon, is the water of life.
    It is written, JESUS...SAID...BUT WHOSOEVER DRINKETH OF THE WATER THAT I SHALL GIVE HIM SHALL NEVER THIRST; BUT THE WATER THAT I SHALL GIVE HIM SHALL BE IN HIM A WELL OF WATER SPRINGING UP INTO EVERLASTING LIFE-Jn 4:13,14.
    AND DID ALL DRINK THE SAME SPIRITUAL DRINK: FOR THEY DRANK OF THAT SPIRITUAL ROCK THAT FOLLOWED THEM: AND THAT ROCK WAS CHRIST-1 Cor 10:4.
    As previously stated, there is no temple, for the Father and the Son are THE TEMPLE OF IT-Rev 21:22. There is, however, a throne in New Jerusalem. The throne is OF GOD AND OF THE LAMB.

    22:2. IN THE MIDST OF (or between)
    THE (main or great)
    STREET OF IT (or of the city). Rev 21:21 further covers this street.
    AND ON EITHER SIDE OF THE RIVER. It seems the river of the water of life flows DOWN THE MIDDLE OF THE GREAT STREET OF THE CITY-NIV. This main street appears to lead directly to God's throne.
    Rev 22:2 continues, on either side of the river,
    WAS THERE THE TREE OF LIFE. The NIV states-ON EACH SIDE OF THE RIVER STOOD THE TREE OF LIFE. Here is the first mention of a tree. Perhaps there will be many other trees in New Jerusalem as well. Some of these may include the kinds of trees that were in the Garden of Eden.

    The tree of life is covered in the following verses.
    AND OUT OF THE GROUND MADE THE LORD GOD TO GROW EVERY TREE THAT IS PLEASANT TO THE SIGHT, AND GOOD FOR FOOD; THE TREE OF LIFE ALSO IN THE MIDST OF THE GARDEN, AND THE TREE OF KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD AND EVIL-Gen 2:9.
    THE MAN...LEST HE PUT FORTH HIS HAND, AND TAKE ALSO OF THE TREE OF LIFE, AND EAT, AND LIVE FOR EVER-Gen 3:22.
    SO HE DROVE OUT THE MAN; AND HE PLACED AT THE EAST OF THE GARDEN OF EDEN CHERUBIMS, AND A FLAMING SWORD WHICH TURNED EVERY WAY, TO KEEP THE WAY OF THE TREE OF LIFE-Gen 3:24.
    WISDOM, AND...UNDERSTANDING...SHE IS A TREE OF LIFE TO THEM THAT LAY HOLD UPON HER: AND HAPPY IS EVERY ONE THAT RETAINETH HER-Pv 3:13,18.
    THE FRUIT OF THE RIGHTEOUS IS A TREE OF LIFE; AND HE THAT WINNETH SOULS IS WISE-Pv 11:30.                                                
    HOPE DEFERRED MAKETH THE HEART SICK: BUT WHEN THE DESIRE COMETH, IT IS A TREE OF LIFE-Pv 13:12.                              
    A WHOLESOME TONGUE IS A TREE OF LIFE-Pv 15:4.
    TO HIM THAT OVERCOMETH WILL I GIVE TO EAT OF THE TREE OF LIFE, WHICH IS IN THE MIDST OF THE PARADISE OF GOD-Rev 2:7.
    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-Rev 22:2.
    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-Rev 22:14.

    Note: do these give us keys to salvation?
    WISDOM, AND...UNDERSTANDING...IS A TREE OF LIFE-Pv 3:13,18. Without wisdom and understanding of God's Word (of Jesus), there is no hope.
    THE FRUIT OF THE RIGHTEOUS IS A TREE OF LIFE-Pv 11:30. Winning souls is mentioned. By a person's fruits, you shall know them.
    A WHOLESOME TONGUE IS A TREE OF LIFE-Pv 15:4.
    TO HIM THAT OVERCOMETH WILL I GIVE TO EAT OF THE TREE OF LIFE-Rev 2:7.
    DO HIS COMMANDMENTS...THEY MAY HAVE RIGHT TO THE TREE OF LIFE-Rev 22:14.
    Note: wisdom, understanding, fruits, the tongue, overcoming, and doing God's commandments are associated with the tree of life in these verses.
    Note: the tree of life is found in the Garden of Eden, in the paradise of God, and in New Jerusalem.

    Rev 22:2 continues, The tree of life,
    WHICH BARE (or producing, or bearing)
    TWELVE MANNER (or kinds, or crops)
    OF FRUITS. The tree is not stagnant; twelve different kinds of fruits are growing on it.
    AND YIELDED HER FRUIT (a different kind)
    EVERY MONTH. Each month a different kind of fruit will come forth. This also shows there will be twelve months in a cycle or year. Time will not stand still, but will continue.
    One might also consider the fruits of the Spirit, the fruits of soul winning, the fruits of righteousness, the fruits of our works and of serving God, good fruits, and others.
    AND THE LEAVES OF THE TREE. The tree has leaves as well as fruit. The leaves
    WERE FOR THE HEALING OF THE NATIONS. Healing (therapeia in Greek) can mean "serving, care, or healing (therapy); medical, domestics: healing, household, or health-giving." The leaves will be used for the healing of the nations on the new earth; however, in what way they are used is unclear. (Note Ezek 47:12, during the Millennium.)

    22:3. AND THERE SHALL BE NO MORE CURSE. The curse that came through the disobedience of Adam is gone. In addition, all sin has been paid for—righteousness reigns.
    BUT THE THRONE OF GOD AND OF THE LAMB SHALL BE IN IT (or in the city, which is New Jerusalem). This is also covered in Rev 22:1.
    AND HIS SERVANTS SHALL SERVE (or worship)
    HIM. The redeemed that inherit New Jerusalem were servants of God. Serving God did not save them; however, serving God was a reflection of their faith. A person’s works are prompted by faith in Jesus Christ. The saints shall eternally serve God and do "His" will.                

    22:4. AND THEY SHALL SEE HIS FACE. From the time of the resurrection and on, the saints should be able to see the face of God. In New Jerusalem, the redeemed will see His face. Man, in his sinful state, cannot look upon the face of God. As it is written, AND HE SAID, THOU CANST NOT SEE MY FACE: FOR THERE SHALL NO MAN SEE ME, AND LIVE-Ex 33:20.
    Although, when He shall appear, the following will apply. BELOVED, NOW ARE WE THE SONS OF GOD, AND IT DOTH NOT YET APPEAR WHAT WE SHALL BE: BUT WE KNOW THAT, WHEN HE SHALL APPEAR, WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM; FOR WE SHALL SEE HIM AS HE IS-1 Jn 3:2.

    Rev 22:4 continues, AND HIS NAME SHALL BE IN (or on)
    THEIR FOREHEADS. It is also written, HIM THAT OVERCOMETH...I WILL WRITE UPON HIM MY NEW NAME-Rev 3:12. This indicates ownership—we are His possession for eternity.

    22:5. AND THERE SHALL BE NO NIGHT THERE (or night will no longer exist-JNT¹⁹⁷). This was also stated in Rev 21:25.                            
    AND THEY NEED NO CANDLE (or lamp),
    NEITHER LIGHT OF THE SUN. No light of any kind should be needed in New Jerusalem, FOR THE LORD GOD GIVETH THEM LIGHT (or will shine upon them):
    AND THEY SHALL REIGN (as kings)
    FOR EVER AND EVER. The servants of God shall reign as kings eternally. How this shall be and over whom they shall reign, is not revealed in this verse.

    AND THE NAME OF THE CITY OF MY GOD, WHICH IS NEW JERUSALEM-Rev 3:12
    THE CITY OF THE LIVING GOD, THE HEAVENLY JERUSALEM-Heb 12:22

    THE BRIDE-Rev 21:9
    THE LAMB'S WIFE-Rev 21:9
    THE HOLY CITY-Rev 21:2
    THE HOLY JERUSALEM-Rev 21:10
    MY FATHER'S HOUSE-Jn 14:2
    HEAVENLY JERUSALEM-Heb 12:22
    CITY OF THE LIVING GOD-Heb 12:22

    WHOSE BUILDER AND MAKER IS GOD-Heb 11:10
     I CREATE JERUSALEM-Isa 65:18
    FOR HE HATH PREPARED FOR THEM A CITY-Heb 11:16
    I GO TO PREPARE A PLACE FOR YOU-Jn 14:2

    (Many more could be listed)
    THE CITY OF...GOD-Rev 3:12
    To be THE LAMB'S WIFE-Rev 21:9
    To prepare for the saints A CITY-Heb 11:16
    So God could be with men-ref Rev 21:3
    So God could dwell with men-ref Rev 21:3
    So men shall be God's people-ref Rev 21:3
    So God can be their God-ref Rev 21:3

    From God-ref Rev 21:2,10
    Out of heaven-ref Rev 21:2,10

    THERE SHALL BE NO NIGHT THERE-Rev 21:25; 22:5
    There appears to be twelve month time periods or cycles (or perhaps years)-ref Rev 22:2

    New Jerusalem is revealed as "THE HOLY CITY"-Rev 21:2
    PREPARED AS A BRIDE-Rev 21:2
    It is AS A BRIDE ADORNED-Rev 21:2
    It is spotless and beautiful-ref Rev 21:2
    It is magnificent to behold-ref Rev 21:2
    It is A BETTER COUNTRY-Heb 11:16
    It is A REJOICING-Isa 65:18
    It is a GREAT CITY-Rev 21:10

    THE GLORY OF GOD-Rev 21:11
    The GLORY AND HONOR of the kings of the earth are brought into it-Rev 21:24
    THE GLORY AND HONOR OF THE NATIONS are brought into it-Rev 21:26

    NO TEMPLE-Rev 21:22
    THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY...is THE TEMPLE OF IT-Rev 21:22
    AND THE LAMB is THE TEMPLE OF IT-Rev 21:22

    There is a THRONE OF GOD-Rev 22:1,3
    There is a THRONE...OF THE LAMB-Rev 22:1,3

    The SUN-Rev 21:23; 22:5
    TO SHINE IN IT-Rev 21:23
    The MOON-Rev 21:23
    TO SHINE IN IT-Rev 21:23
    The CANDLE-Rev 22:5

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