Revelation 21:1-27 is about the vision of a new heaven and a new earth, symbolizing the ultimate restoration and perfection of creation in the presence of God.
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.
2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.
4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.
5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
6 And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.
7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.
8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
9 Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.”
10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God,
11 having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.
12 It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed—
13 On the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates.
14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
15 And the one who spoke with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city and its gates and walls.
16 The city lies foursquare, its length the same as its width. And he measured the city with his rod, 12,000 stadia. Its length and width and height are equal.
17 He also measured its wall, 144 cubits by human measurement, which is also an angel’s measurement.
18 The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, like clear glass.
19 The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel. The first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald,
20 the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst.
21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, transparent as glass.
22 And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.
23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.
24 By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it,
25 Its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there.
26 They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations.
27 But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Setting the Scene for Revelation 21:1-27
The scene in Revelation 21 is set in a vision where the apostle John sees a new heaven and a new earth. John describes a magnificent city, the New Jerusalem, coming down from heaven, adorned like a bride for her husband. The city is said to be filled with the glory of God, shining with the brilliance of precious jewels and pure gold. The foundations of the city walls are adorned with twelve different kinds of precious stones, each representing one of the twelve apostles.
In this vision, John sees the gates of the city made of pearls and the streets paved with gold. The city has no need for a sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates it, and there is no night there. The scene is filled with a sense of awe and wonder as John witnesses the beauty and grandeur of the New Jerusalem, a place where God will dwell with His people, wiping away every tear and bringing an end to pain and suffering.
In this vision, John is surrounded by heavenly beings and angels, who are in awe of the glory of God and the beauty of the New Jerusalem. The scene is one of peace and tranquility, a glimpse of the eternal paradise that awaits those who believe in God. The setting is filled with a sense of hope and promise, as John witnesses the fulfillment of God’s plan for His people and the restoration of all things in the new heaven and new earth.
What is Revelation 21:1-27 about?
Imagine a world where all the pains, sorrows, and injustices of our current reality are wiped away, and a new era of peace, joy, and harmony begins. This verse paints a vivid picture of this new heaven and new earth, where God’s presence is tangible and everlasting. It symbolizes a place where the divine and the human are intricately intertwined, where God dwells among His people, showering them with His unconditional love and guidance.
Reflect on the profound implications of this vision – a world without suffering, where every tear is wiped away, and death itself is no more. How does this image inspire hope and offer solace in times of despair and uncertainty? The promise of a new heaven and new earth reminds us that no matter how bleak our current circumstances may seem, a brighter future awaits us, where God’s glory shines eternally. Let this vision ignite a sense of anticipation and longing in your heart for the fulfillment of God’s ultimate plan for redemption and restoration.
Understanding what Revelation 21:1-27 really means
In Revelation 21:1-27, we are presented with a profound vision of the new heaven and new earth, a place where God’s presence is intimately intertwined with His people. This chapter serves as a beacon of hope and renewal, assuring believers of an end to suffering and the dawn of eternal joy. The imagery of a “new heaven and a new earth” symbolizes a complete renewal of creation, free from the stain of sin, offering a glimpse of a perfect existence in harmony with God. The mention of “the holy city, new Jerusalem” paints a picture of a community where God’s people dwell in perfect unity with Him, embodying the ideal relationship between the Creator and His creation.
The phrase “God’s dwelling place is now among the people” underscores the intimate connection between God and humanity, highlighting His desire to be close to us. This promise of divine proximity brings comfort and reassurance, as depicted in the assurance that “He will wipe every tear from their eyes,” signaling the end of sorrow and the beginning of eternal peace. The reference to “The Alpha and the Omega” reinforces the eternal nature of God, emphasizing His sovereignty over all things from the beginning to the end of time.
Drawing parallels with other biblical passages such as Isaiah 65:17 and 2 Peter 3:13, we see a consistent theme of a renewed creation and a future where righteousness prevails. These passages echo the hope and promise of a new heaven and new earth, aligning with the vision presented in Revelation. Jesus’ words in John 14:2-3 further affirm the reality of a prepared place for His followers, underscoring the fulfillment of God’s promises in the grand vision of the new Jerusalem.
In a world marked by suffering and uncertainty, the message of Revelation 21:1-27 resonates deeply with believers, offering a glimpse of ultimate restoration and peace. It encourages us to adopt an eternal perspective, focusing on the promises of God rather than the transient challenges of this life. Just as a family finds hope in the promise of a new home after losing everything, we too can find strength in the assurance of a new heaven and new earth, knowing that God’s plan surpasses our current struggles.
By delving into the profound themes and promises encapsulated in Revelation 21:1-27, we discover a source of comfort and inspiration to navigate life with unwavering faith. The vision of a new heaven and new earth serves as a beacon of hope, guiding us towards a future where God’s ultimate plan of restoration and eternal joy is fulfilled.
How can we strive for a new heaven and earth?
We can strive for a new heaven and earth by embracing the promise of God’s ultimate renewal and restoration. This verse reminds us that God will make all things new, wiping away every tear and abolishing all suffering and pain. It encourages us to look forward to the day when we will dwell with God in perfect harmony, where there will be no more sin or evil.
To bring about a new heaven and earth, we can actively participate in God’s work of redemption and restoration in the world. We can seek to live lives that reflect God’s love and grace, working towards justice, peace, and reconciliation in our communities. We can be agents of transformation by sharing the hope of the gospel and participating in acts of compassion and mercy, bringing a foretaste of the new heaven and earth into the world today. We should live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing the values and principles of God’s kingdom in all that we do, ultimately inspired by our hope and longing for a new heaven and earth. We should strive to be faithful witnesses of God’s love and grace as we look forward to the day when God will dwell among us, working towards the realization of a world where God’s perfect will is done on earth as it is in heaven.
Application
Let’s embrace the vision of a world without suffering and pain from Revelation 21:1-27. We are urged to see a place where God makes everything new and lives among us. Our actions should reflect our belief in God’s plan for renewal and salvation. Will you dedicate yourself to living in accordance with God’s divine purpose to see His promises come to fruition?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.