Reflecting on Revelation (9 of 9)

In chapters twenty-one and twenty-two, we see the approach of the New Heaven and the New Earth. The old had passed away. The Holy city, which will be the New Jerusalem, will be the bride and the wife of the Lamb. And, she will shine with the glory of God in all of His brilliance.

A loud voice was lifted from the throne announcing that God would now dwell amongst His people and they would dwell with Him. There would be no cost to drink from the spring of life. All those who are victorious and have overcome will inherit this gift. He will make all things new.

And, the city would be surrounded by twelve gates of pearl on which had the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. Each gate will host one of twelve angels. The foundations of the city will consist of twelve layers of the most precious stones and each were the names of the twelve apostles who were sent to seek out His bride and to build up His dwelling place.

This city will be a perfect square. It is interpreted to be 1,400 miles in length and width. There will be no temple building because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb will be the temple. There will be no tears, death, or pain. Nothing impure will ever enter for only those who were written in the Lambs Book of Life will be able to enter and live amongst one another.

Eden will be restored. The water from the river of life will flow from the throne and down the middle of the great street. There will be a tree of life which will bear 12 crops of fruit. Fruit will grow each month. Its leaves will heal the nations. We will see His face and His name will be written on our foreheads. He will be our light. We will serve Him and we will reign with Him forever.

In light of all these things, we must be ready. For He says, “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words written on this scroll.” This is the sixth of the seven blessings.

He is coming soon and His rewards will be with Him. Salvation comes only as a gift. It cannot be earned. It must be accepted as a gift. But there will be rewards in Heaven. And, He will give to each according to what we have done. With that we read the seventh blessing. “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates of the city.”

Once more He extends His invitation for the adventure into eternal life. “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come and take the free gift of the water of life.

Finally, this is a warning- to any who takes away or changes any words of this prophecy from Revelation for they will not take part in the tree of life or the holy city.

With John, let us too, cry; “Amen and Come Lord Jesus!”