Rev 21 | MHM | STEP | The New Jerusalem This section gives a broad description of the future happiness of God’s people. It is safest to understand this as a vision of heaven—the final and perfect state of the church. Here, God shows what is in store for those who trust Him, and the comfort and hope that await after all trials are over. v. 1 : John sees a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1 ). This means a completely new universe. The new earth represents a new state for the bodies of the saved, just as the new heaven is for their souls. It is not that God creates everything again, but that all is transformed and filled with God’s people. The old world, with its troubles, disappears to make way for this new and wonderful world.

‏ Revelation of John 21

The New Jerusalem

This section gives a broad description of the future happiness of God’s people. It is safest to understand this as a vision of heaven—the final and perfect state of the church. Here, God shows what is in store for those who trust Him, and the comfort and hope that await after all trials are over.

v. 1: John sees a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1 ^a). This means a completely new universe. The new earth represents a new state for the bodies of the saved, just as the new heaven is for their souls. It is not that God creates everything again, but that all is transformed and filled with God’s people. The old world, with its troubles, disappears to make way for this new and wonderful world.

v. 2: In this new universe, John sees the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven. This does not mean it moves to earth, but that its origin is from God. The new Jerusalem is the church, now perfect and beautiful, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. The church is finally pure, wise, and holy, ready to be united with Jesus in glory.

v. 3: John hears a loud voice from heaven: Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men (Revelation 21:3 ^b). God will now live with His people forever. This is the greatest glory for the church. It is amazing that a holy God would choose to dwell with people. In heaven, God’s presence will never be interrupted. God’s relationship with His people will be complete: They shall be his people, and God himself will be their God. God’s love and glory will fill them, making them perfectly happy and holy.

v. 4: In this new state, there will be no more pain or sorrow. God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. The troubles and sadness from the old life will be gone forever. There will be no more death, grief, crying, or pain, because the former things have passed away. God Himself will comfort His children and remove every reason for sadness.

v. 5–6: God promises that all these things are true. He commands John to write them down, so everyone can remember them. God says, These words are faithful and true... It is done (Revelation 21:5–6 ^c). His promise is as certain as if it has already happened. God calls Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, showing He will finish what He started. If God gives His people a thirst for Him, He will satisfy it: He will give of the fountain of the water of life freely. No one who truly desires God will be disappointed.

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v. 7: The greatness of this future happiness is described by its freeness and fullness. He who overcomes will inherit all things (Revelation 21:7 ^d). God’s people will receive everything as a gift, and enjoy a close, permanent relationship as the sons of God. This is the most honorable and secure position anyone can have.

v. 8: The difference between the saved and the lost is made clear. The wicked will not share in this happiness. Sins like cowardice, unbelief, murder, adultery, sorcery, idolatry, and lying are listed. Their punishment is the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. Those who would not suffer for Christ will suffer for their sins. This punishment is deserved and chosen by their actions. The misery of the wicked will make the joy of the saved even greater, and the happiness of the saved will show how terrible it is to be lost.

The New Jerusalem

This section gives a detailed vision of the New Jerusalem, the holy city that represents the perfected and triumphant church in heaven. John is shown this city by an angel, who invites him to see “the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” The city is described with beautiful imagery to show its security, glory, purity, and the blessings God has prepared for His people. Everything about the city points to God’s presence, His promises fulfilled, and the eternal happiness of those who belong to Him.

v. 9: One of the seven angels who had the seven last plagues comes to John and says, “Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife” . This shows that God uses angels for different roles—sometimes to warn or judge, and sometimes to reveal wonderful things about heaven to His people.

v. 10: The angel carries John in the Spirit to a great and high mountain. From there, John sees the great city, the holy Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God (Revelation 21:10 ^e). This city stands for the glorified church, shining with God’s glory and brought into close relationship with Him.

v. 11: The city has the glory of God. Its light shines like a precious jasper stone, clear as crystal (Revelation 21:11 ^f). This shows that the city is full of God’s presence, beauty, and purity.

v. 12-13: The city has a great, high wall with twelve gates. At each gate is an angel, and the names of the twelve tribes of Israel are written on the gates—three gates on each side: east, north, south, and west (Revelation 21:12-13 ^g). This means that God’s people from all directions and nations are welcome, and there is security and order in the city.

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v. 14: The city’s wall has twelve foundations, and on them are the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb (Revelation 21:14 ^h). This shows that the church is built on the teachings of the apostles, with Jesus as the foundation (Ephesians 2:20 ⁱ).

v. 15-17: The angel measures the city with a golden reed. The city is a perfect square—its length, breadth, and height are all equal. The wall is very thick and strong (Revelation 21:15-17 ^j). This means the city is perfectly planned and has room for all God’s people. Its strong walls show complete safety.

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v. 18-21: The wall is made of jasper, and the city is pure gold, clear like glass (Revelation 21:18 ^k). The foundations are decorated with every kind of precious stone, and each gate is a single pearl. The street of the city is pure, transparent gold (Revelation 21:19-21 ^l). This tells us that heaven is far more beautiful and valuable than anything on earth. Everything in the city shows God’s glory and creativity.

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v. 22: John sees no temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple (Revelation 21:22 ^m). In heaven, God’s people have direct access to Him. There is no need for a building because God is always present with them.

v. 23: The city does not need the sun or the moon, because the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp (Revelation 21:23 ⁿ). God’s presence will be their light forever—there is no darkness in heaven.

v. 24-26: The nations who are saved will walk in the city’s light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory and honor into it. The gates will always be open, because there is no night (Revelation 21:24-26 ^o). This shows that people from every nation will come to God, and heaven is a place of welcome and never-ending joy. All that is good and honorable will be brought in and shared.

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v. 27: Nothing impure or deceitful will ever enter the city; only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life will be there (Revelation 21:27 ^p). This means that heaven is perfectly pure and safe. Only those saved by Jesus have a place there, and they will live in perfect happiness with God forever.