The New Jerusalem and Eternity Future
Introduction
As we wrap up this End Times series, let’s reflect back on what we’ve learned. We have seen the rapture of the Church, the rise of the Anti-Christ and False Prophet, the Satanic alliance of nations, the building of the Tribulation Temple, the two witnesses and the 144,000 evangelists, the horror of the Great Tribulation, the Wedding and Marriage Supper of the Lamb, the Reward Seat of Christ, the Battle of Armageddon, the Millennium, the Great White Throne Judgment, hell and the Lake of Fire. Wow! That’s a lot of ground and we didn’t even cover it all. We could “sift the wheat even finer!” Today’s article is about the incredible future for every believer in heaven. Much of what I describe was influenced by Christian author, Randy Alcorn in his marvelous book, Heaven.
I. What is the New Jerusalem, where is it located, who will populate it and what is unique about it?
A. The New Jerusalem - The New Jerusalem is the future home of all of God’s people. It is the home Christ has gone to build for us. It is our eternal abode whose architect is God Himself. It is synonymously called “Mt. Zion” – the city of the living God, “the Bride of Christ” because it is indwelt by Christ’s Church, and “heaven” because it is the eternal dwelling of the saints and the abode of God. It is the heavenly city, which will be suspended over the earth during the Millennium. At this present time it is in heaven, but with the return of Christ it descends from heaven during the Millennium. Following the destruction of the earth, the New Jerusalem will be populated and will take the place of the old planet.
B. Description of the New Jerusalem
It has a number of unique qualities:
- Size and shape: It is 1500 miles in length, width and height, whether its shape is a cube or a pyramid, it is enormous. (The Pentecostal denomination – Foursquare Gospel – derives its name from the shape of the New Jerusalem.)
- Construction: The New Jerusalem is elaborately constructed with 12 gates (3 gates per side) around the walls. Each gate is made of a huge single pearl with the name of one of the 12 tribes of Israel inscribed on it. Angels guard each gate. The wall around the city is made of jasper stone. The foundation stones beneath the wall are 12 precious gems. The names of the 12 apostles are inscribed on each foundation stone. The streets and building materials for every structure in the New Jerusalem are clear, transparent gold.
- Temple: In the New Jerusalem, there is no temple for the entire city is the dwelling place of God. God is readily accessible to His people at all times.
- Light sources: In the New Jerusalem, there is no sun or moon. God’s glory reflected upon the golden city will give eternal light. There shall be no night; we will never need sleep nor will our energy in our resurrection bodies ever be abated.
- Life within: Because there is no Satan to tempt, no sin nature to rebel, and no curse to battle, the New Jerusalem and its inhabitants enjoy the heaven for which God had prepared them from all eternity. There is no sickness, no injury, no pain, no tears, no death, and no hurt. The Spirit of God controls everyone. No food is necessary for believers will have no digestive tracts (I Cor. 6:13). Believers shall have Christ’s name upon them signifying His ownership. They shall serve Him and reign with Him forever.