Two-Edged Sword Ministries
Revelation, chapter 21 reveals the vision of a new Jerusalem that descends out of thee heavenly realms. Whilst this vision portrays what life would be like in this new world order, there are quiet often some debates as to how this vision is to be interpreted.
The world longs and continuously dreams of a new world order that will eradicate the many evils and allow man to live in peace ...
It is rather unfortunate that these aims will never materialize, until the Son of Man returns.
The world longs and continuously dreams of a new world order that will eradicate the many evils and allow man to live in peace ...
It is rather unfortunate that these aims will never materialize, until the Son of Man returns.
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a beautiful bride prepared for her husband. [Rev 21:1-2 NLT]
We are told emphatically that everything will be new. God will dwell amongst His people just as it was in the garden of Eden. There will be no more sorrow, crying, pain or death.
The number 12 is mentioned at least 21 times in the book of Revelation whilst it is used seven times in this chapter. In prophetic terms, "12" is always seen as how God perfectly reveals himself as the creator; to His creation.
One of the seven angels who released the bowl judgments; took John in the Spirit to see the bride of Christ. John immediately say the city of Jerusalem descending out of heaven. He described her radiance in terms of precious jewelry; depicting the glory of God. Each attribute to this city carries significant prophetic meaning:
The number 12 is mentioned at least 21 times in the book of Revelation whilst it is used seven times in this chapter. In prophetic terms, "12" is always seen as how God perfectly reveals himself as the creator; to His creation.
One of the seven angels who released the bowl judgments; took John in the Spirit to see the bride of Christ. John immediately say the city of Jerusalem descending out of heaven. He described her radiance in terms of precious jewelry; depicting the glory of God. Each attribute to this city carries significant prophetic meaning:
The city was walled with 12 gates guarded by 12 angels. We are told that these 12 gates represent the 12 tribes of Israel. The high walls with the angels guarding over the gates portray that the city is secure and cannot be breached; in other words; a place of perfect security and safety. On each side of the city was 3 gates in every direction; which allowed people through the city.
The wall of the city was said to be built on the foundations of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ. Clearly, between the gates and the walls; this new Holy city was representing both the Christians and the believing Jews. The city measured was illustrated as a perfect cube and was "12 000 stadia" in length - Just over 2 200 kilometers or 1 400 miles. The beauty of the city and its glory is described in all sorts of precious stones and pearls.
The scriptures continue to reveal that in this city there is no temple, no sun or moon. The glory of God is the light of the city and illuminates throughout. The rulers and nations of the earth will visit the city and bring glory to it and its inhabitants. The gates to the city will never close as there is no night. No evil will exist; only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.
The river of water is nothing knew to the Bible; nor is the tree that heals the nations. Both were represented in the garden of Eden and both have life-giving abilities. John continues to contrast both the difference between this age and the age still to come. The people in the city, that is, all those that believe in God the father and Jesus Christ, will reign forever and ever.
Having gone through the book of Revelation, one can see how the book ties together.
You will notice that even according to this diagram, it is impossible to understand how the events are woven together, without consulting the prophetic books of the Old Testament.
It is the final book of the New Testament and its main focus is the end of human dictatorship and the rise of the eternal kingdom in which the "Messiah" reigns. Incidently, the Jews wait for their Messiah as well as the Islamic nations.
Unfortunately, the Messiah will return not as both desired, but after a day of wrath.
You will notice that even according to this diagram, it is impossible to understand how the events are woven together, without consulting the prophetic books of the Old Testament.
It is the final book of the New Testament and its main focus is the end of human dictatorship and the rise of the eternal kingdom in which the "Messiah" reigns. Incidently, the Jews wait for their Messiah as well as the Islamic nations.
Unfortunately, the Messiah will return not as both desired, but after a day of wrath.
The book of Revelation closes with some important statements. First of all Jesus is described as coming soon and there are a number of blessings that is given to the person who reads and listens to what it says. There is also the statement that these prophecies were given by God to show us what will soon unfold.
It was a common occurrence that prophets were told to seal up the scroll or the vision after prophecying in the name of the Lord. Here, John is told not to seal up the book; which means that it is available for people to understand as well as that these events are soon going to happen. Revelation as written by the creator; knowing that it is always good for us to expect His coming at any moment.
It was a common occurrence that prophets were told to seal up the scroll or the vision after prophecying in the name of the Lord. Here, John is told not to seal up the book; which means that it is available for people to understand as well as that these events are soon going to happen. Revelation as written by the creator; knowing that it is always good for us to expect His coming at any moment.
The Old Testament ends with Christ as the Sun of righteousness” (cf. Mal 4:2) to arise with healing in his wings” in millennial blessing; the New Testament closes with Him as the bright and morning star. He will come for His saints before He comes with them to reign, just as the morning star appears before the sun.
KJV Bible commentary. 1997, c1994. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
KJV Bible commentary. 1997, c1994. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
Two-Edged Sword Ministries - South Africa
Copyright © May 2003 [ T.E.S. Ministries ]
All rights reserved.
First revision, November 2006 [2.0]
Second Revision: March, 2009 [3.0]
All rights reserved.
First revision, November 2006 [2.0]
Second Revision: March, 2009 [3.0]
Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189, United States of America. all rights reserved. [2]