What Is the New Jerusalem?

David Jensen

• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Year: 2023
• Print ISBN: 9781098070892
• eBook ISBN: 9781098070908
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Biblical Studies

We all know about how we were taught that when we die we will stand before Peter at the pearly gates and he holds a book determining if we are worthy of entering the gates of heaven. We were told we will be running down streets of gold and having a mansion we reside in this enormous cube extending 1500 miles in all directions. But have you really thought about that? Have you considered how strange that would look on the earth?

When I began studying that, I noticed that it is not mentioned in scripture. But what is mentioned is the description of the bride of Christ. In Revelation chapter 21, John is describing the bride as a beautiful city and not a literal super cube coming down. In this book, I will go verse by verse explaining this description so you can have an accurate knowledge of the Word of God.

Revelation 21:1

Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, also there was no more sea. (Revelation 21:1)

The Lord will make a new heaven and new earth because this earth was cursed because of Adam’s fall.

Peter goes into more detail of this event.

But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years. as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some count slackness, but is long suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.

Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?

Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. (2 Peter 3:8–13)

Everything will be melted and made new. That is why Peter says not to worry about collecting physical things. They will be dissolved. We must look forward to our future with the Lord and the new earth. The things of this earth are just temporary. He tells us to hasten his arrival. There are prophecies that have to be fulfilled before his return. We need to pray for people to turn to the Lord. Nations will turn against God, according to the prophecies. Sin must run its course. But we must preach the pure word of God to all we can.

Notice also there is no sea. That means we will cover the whole earth. Why would the Lord make a gigantic cube in one little section of earth when he wants us to spread out? Let us look more deeply into this.

Revelation 21:2

Then I, John, saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. (Revelation 21:2)

We have always been taught that this is a giant cube coming down to earth. This would look very strange sticking out of the earth as illustrated on the cover page.

But a city is not specifically a physical structure. Strong’s Concordance defines it as both a town with walls, but also many, much, bustle. So it means many people, numerous; they are also holy, which means sacred, pure, blameless, or religious, consecrated, saint.

Jesus said, “Be ye holy as I am holy.” Paul wrote to the saints in various cities, a separated people.

“Awake! Awake! Put on your strength O Zion. Put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the Holy City! For the uncircumcised and the unclean shall no longer come to you. (Isaiah 52:1)

People put on garments, not structures.

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her. (Matthew 23:37a.)

Structures didn’t kill prophets...

Table of contents

• Revelation 21:1