Heaven is God's dwelling place. The new earth is not one of rocks, trees, etc., since, as McCord notes, we will have spiritual bodies for a spiritual existence. (1 Corinthians 15:44-50) God is a spirit with no flesh and bones. (John 4:24; Luke 24:39) Jesus became flesh to dwell on earth but has now... [ Continue Reading ]
The devil and his forces have done all they could to break up this union, but the church is now seen separated from sin and beautifully dressed for her husband. (Ephesians 5:25-27) New Jerusalem is a title for the church. (Galatians 4:26; Hebrews 12:22) Perhaps she is let down out of heaven because... [ Continue Reading ]
This voice reminds us of the one in Revelation 16:17; Revelation 19:5. Again, the speaker is unidentified but his message is obviously from God. the tent of God is with men and he makes his dwelling place with them in heaven. Literally, we should read here, "they shall be his peoples," indicating Go... [ Continue Reading ]
Either God the Father or Christ now speaks from the throne. (Revelation 3:21) In the previous verse, some things were identified as having passed away. Now, in their place, we see all things made new. Perhaps John was so touched he stopped writing, for he is now told to write these words that cannot... [ Continue Reading ]
In contrast to the rewards of those who overcome is the punishment of the wicked in the lake burning with fire and brimstone. John now gives a list of some who will be included in that group. The fearful are those who run when the battle is joined. (Hebrews 10:38-39) The unbelieving are those who kn... [ Continue Reading ]
This may be the same angel as in Revelation 17:1. It appears the rest of this chapter and most of the next are a more detailed view of things discussed in verses 1-7.... [ Continue Reading ]
John did not need a high vantage point to see the harlot but does to see Jesus' bride. The word "great" is not in the original. She is holy in that she is separated from sin for God's purpose. Her glory is not her own but solely from God. (Compare Exodus 40:34; 1 Kings 8:11; Ephesians 2:22; Ephesian... [ Continue Reading ]
A walled city in John's day was considered a place of security. There are three gates on each wall, east, north, south and west. They each have the name of one of the tribes of Israel which may symbolize God's success in bringing all of his chosen ones safely home.... [ Continue Reading ]
The names of the Old Testament faithful have already been set forth in the symbolism of the twelve tribes and we now see the New Testament faithful joined to them under the fiure of the twelve apostles. The foundation stones are listed in more detail in verses 19-20.... [ Continue Reading ]
In Revelation 11:1, John had been given a reed, to measure the temple of God with, that was basically a stick. Here an angel measures the city of God in heaven with a golden reed. Measuring the city causes those who read the book to see the vastness of God's preparation for his people. (John 14:1-6)... [ Continue Reading ]
The wall was made of jasper, or diamonds, and the city was of a gold so pure one could see through it.... [ Continue Reading ]
The twelve foundations were studded with the beautiful stones of John's day, some of which can no longer be positively identified.... [ Continue Reading ]
As we continue to read the beautiful descriptions of this city, we cannot help but think this is the Almighty's answer to the questions of Revelation 18:18. Each gate, or gate tower, is hewn out of one massive pearl. The street is made of the same transparent gold we have seen earlier.... [ Continue Reading ]
There will be no need for a special building in new Jerusalem to approach God in, since the glory of the Father and Sn will permeate the whole city. We will be able to worship God from one end to the other.... [ Continue Reading ]
There will be no need for created light because the source of light will be there. There is a continued emphasis placed upon Jesus throughout the book. Here he is the glory of God and a lamp for the Father's city.... [ Continue Reading ]
The saved of every nation, including kings who may have yielded to the King of kings, will walk the streets of that city in the radiance of the Son's glory. They will not seek glory and honor but bring theirs to Him.... [ Continue Reading ]
All of the Lamb's enemies have been overthrown so there is no need to close the gates. The night hours have long been feared by good people because thieves and foreign armies have used its darkness to cover their evil deeds. In heaven, there will be no darkness nor evil deeds. Righteous people will... [ Continue Reading ]
No one who lives an immoral life on earth will be allowed to enter heaven. It will be the home of God's righteous ones exclusively.... [ Continue Reading ]