This lesson is a continuation of last week’s lesson on a new home. John’s vision of the description of the new city, a “Holy City” Jerusalem coming down from heaven (Rev. 21:11). This new city is heavenly but located on a renewed earth. John described the magnificence of this great city figuratively. The city was marked and adorned with precious stones, shinning with the glory of God. The beauty of this New city is indescribable, a place of security, serenity and peace.
John’s vision was in stages and as it progressed, the nature and characteristics of the New Jerusalem was revealed. John was carried away in the Spirit by an angel to the top of a high mountain from where he saw the Holy city coming down from heaven (v.10). Verses 10-14 described vividly the beauty of the New Jerusalem, while verse 12 states that the wall of the city was built and have twelve gates on which the names of the 12 tribes of Israel were written. Furthermore, each of the twelve foundation stones had the names of the twelve apostles inscribed on them. The vision of John is a symbolic representation of the church of God, which is presented as a beautifully adorn bride of the Lamb.
• Describe the beauty and adornment of the New City
• How can the beauty of the New City (Heaven) motivate believers to be Godly?
God is orderly and has standards, according to the scripture in Rev 21:15, the angel showed John a vision, a gold measuring rod with which he would measure the city, its gates and walls. The city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide (v.16) even the walls had specific measurement. God has specific measurement and standard for judging His people. To meet God’s standard, as believers we must work in complete obedience to dwell with Christ in this beautiful city, the New Jerusalem.
• What is the significance of measuring the wall according to verse 17?
• Why is it that many Christians are afraid of death despite the beautiful home awaiting them in Heaven?
In the vision given to John the wall of this beautiful city was made of jasper and the city of pure gold as pure as glass (v.18). The foundations of the city walls were decorated with precious stones such as jasper, sapphire, chalcedony, emerald, sardonyx, sardius, chrysolite, beryl, topaz, chrysoprasus, (turquoise), jacinth, and an amethyst. (v.20). Remarkably, the city is spiritually adorned since it is not earthly but a heavenly one. The new city is a perfect place, a new city prepared for all those who will live their lives to glorify God.
• Why do you think the New City is described in such an impressive manner?
• The New City is a prepared place for those who will follow God’s specific pattern.
• To enjoy the magnificence of the New City we must obey God’s command.
“The wall of the city had twelve foundations and on them were names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb”. Revelation 21:14
