9.         The marriage of the Lamb and His bride, the church, has

come.  It is no longer a future event to look forward to.  John’s commanded to come and see the bride.  The Lamb is mentioned seven times in these last two chapters of the book.  21:9 and 17:1 use exact wording to introduce this angel who tells John, “come, I will show you …” -- Here to show him the bride -- something good!  Then to show something evil.  SAME ANGEL?  CAN’T DWELL IN BABYLON AND NEW JERUSALEM -- IT’S ONE OR THE OTHER! (Exclusive)

 

10.       John was “CARRIED AWAY IN THE SPIRIT” -- He had a

            Vision of what God wanted him to see.  He reiterated that

            He sees the Holy City coming down from Heaven from God.

He doesn’t say New this time, just Jerusalem.  The focus is on the glory of the city that comes from God.  He is on a Great, high mountain to witness this event -- perhaps a high point of faith -- He was in the wilderness when he saw Babylon (the great city).  God’s Holy City must be viewed from an exalted standpoint.

 

11.       Focus on the brilliance of the City -- like jasper -- clear a crystal.  The jasper we know today is opaque, not clear.  Confusion over precious stones then and now.  However -- where have we seen the used (jasper) as a description before?  Rev. 4:3 -- God on the throne had brilliance like jasper, etc.  Here the Holy City gets its very brilliance from God Himself.

 

12.       A great and high wall surrounded the City -- a sense of serenity, but there were no enemies and the gates are always open.  It must be a symbolic sense of peace and rest from any and all distractions.  There are 12 gates each with an angelic gatekeeper -- controlling entrance.  The gates bear the names of the 12 tribes of Israel (Ez. 48:31-34).  This City is the fulfillment of Israel’s high calling.

 

 

 13.      (Ezek -- 42:16-19) Each 3 of the 12 gates are on each compass side of the Temple Wall (an odd order is given -- prophetic).

 

14.       Under the wall -- 12 foundations -- these bear the names of the 12 apostles of Jesus.  Israel of old and Christ’s church are UNITED -- (12X12) -- finally.  The Lamb -- once again -- the means of our salvation.

 

15.       The angel and the measuring rod of gold -- measure the city, gates, wall measuring gives a sense of security -- known size and limits -- (Ezekiel)

 

16.       The City measured 12,000 stadia on every side and height -- It was a perfect cube -- The exact shape as the Holy of Holies -- It is the place where God dwells -- in the Temple -- in the New Jerusalem, the place where God chose to be with His people.  12,000 = 12x10/3 completion x the complete power of God -- Complete God all the time.  A land area from NY -- Houston -- cube -- room for everyone!

 

17.       The wall -- again -- is not for defense -- it is symbolic of the delineation of this great cube City.  12x12=144  another number symbol.  It is the completion number of Israel.

 

18.       The wall make-up is discussed here -- It is made of Jasper -- (the stone that represents God -- said earlier) -- God is the wall & protection.  He defends his City -- the City is surrounded by God.  The City is of pure gold -- Value and Clear as Glass -- Clear Glass was very rare and valuable then -- added value to the pure gold.  A Heavenly City built of the most costly materials -- cost is no object.

 

19-20. The foundation is decorated with an assortment of precious stones -- The same stones as in a breastplate of the ephod of the priests of ancient Israel.  Greek equivalents of Hebrew names may vary, but the concept and symbol is the same.  Again -- the first stone mentioned is jasper -- not accidentally -- It’s all God here.  There are previous references to all these stones.

 

21.       “Pearly Gates” -- ancient Jewish writings speak about large pearls that would or could be the gates of the city -- Jerusalem.  “Streets of Gold” -- again the purity is the focus

 

Here not glass-- Nothing can be purer than the purity mentioned in this Heavenly City.

 

“NO NIGHT THERE” 

 

            Heaven is a place of LIGHT -- JOHN EMPHASIZES THIS HERE!  God provides the Light -- Dark deeds are excluded -- only LIFE!

 

22.       Lord, God, Almighty -- impressive -- John doesn’t see a temple -- The city is the sanctuary of God -- the Holy of holies -- God’s presence.  God’s presence alone counts -- across the whole city -- THE LAMB -- is included by JOHN -- He is at the center of all things.

 

23.       Sun and Moon -- no longer needed -- God’s glory is light enough 24/7.  The Lamb (the light of the world) -- is its lamp.  Equal with God again.

 

24.       The Kings of the earth will bring their splendor to this City. Jew and Gentile together will worship God and the Lamb here forever.  God’s purposes for human-kind will not be frustrated.

 

25.       This city will not shut its gates at night (no reason) -- Actually, darkness cannot come here -- There is light 24/7 from within.  There is no possibility of this city ever being shut.

 

26-27. The nations will offer all they have in worship to the KING.

            No one - shameful or deceitful will enter here -- protected --

Only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of LIFE.  Not based on deeds but forgiveness -- There will be no lies here -- only forgiven perfection -- It’s all based on what Christ has done.