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Revelation
Chapter Twenty-One
I.
Content of the Chapter
A New Heaven and A New Earth
I. Replacing the first heaven and the first earth
(v.1)
II. New Jerusalem came down out of heaven (v.2)
III. The new relationship between the residents of
the new earth and God (v.3-7)
IV. The condition for the acceptance of the new
earth (v.8)
New Jerusalem
I. The holy city Jerusalem is the Lamb’s wife
(v.9-10)
II. The glorious appearance of the city (v.11)
III. The outline of the wall and gates of the city
(v.12-14)
IV. The measurement of the city (v.15-17)
V. The structure of the city (v.18-21)
VI. The temple of the city (v.22)
VII. The light of the city (v.23-25)
VIII. The relationship between the nations and the
city (v.26-27)
II.
Verse by Verse commentary
Rev. 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.”
YLT: “And I saw a new
heaven and a new earth
for the first heaven and the first earth did pass away
and the sea is not any more;”
Meaning of Words: “new”: fresh;
“first”: first of all
beginning; “pass away”: go away
start out
go; “more”:
still.
Literal Meaning: “Now I saw a new heaven and
a new earth
” some Bible
exegetes held that “the new heaven and the new earth” is only the renewal of
the first heaven and the first earth (See v.5) and the reason is that it is
written in the Bible that “but the earth abides forever” (See Eccl. 1:4).
However
it is also written in the Bible that “heaven and earth will pass away”
(See Mark. 13:31; Heb. 1:11; 2Pet. 3:10). And therefore the so-called “the
earth abides forever” should be explained that “there will be earth for men to
dwell forever”. This way
a new heaven and a new earth replaced the first
heaven and the first earth and there isn’t contradiction in the Bible.
In the original the word
“new” refers to “newness” which does not exist before and it is the “newness”
of a new thing. “A
new heaven and a new earth” symbolizes that
the old creation will be taken away and the will of God is to lead us to live
in the completely new creation.
“For
the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.” On one hand
from the face of God the earth and
the heaven fled away (See 20:11) and on the other
the heaven shall pass away
and the earth shall be burned up (See 2Pet. 3:10
12).
“Also
there was no more sea.” The “sea” is the
outcome of God’s judgment on creatures in the prehistoric age with water (See
“the face of the deep” in Gen. 1:2). Later
God let the dry land appear and
created the new creatures again (See Gen. 1:9-25). And therefore the sea
becomes the arena for two kinds of living things: 1) the living things of the
prehistoric age became the dwelling place of the spirits without bodies (i.e.
the unclean spirits) after judgment (See Matt. 8:31-32; 12:43); 2) the various
kinds of living creatures created by God which can bring forth in the sea (See
Gen. 1:21). They survived from the judgment of flood in the age of Noah.
However
after the sea was asked to give up the dead who were in it (i.e. the
unclean spirits) in the judgment of the great white throne (See 20:11
13)
the
existence of the sea will be unnecessary and therefore the living things in the
sea will be wiped out with the sea.
Spiritual Meaning: “for the first heaven and the
first earth had passed away.” “First” is “number
one” in the original. The principle on which God works is the “second” men and
things (See Exod. 12:12; 1Cor. 15:47; Heb. 8:7
13) and therefore the “first”
have to be dealt with that the “second” shall be brought in.
“Also
there was no more sea.” “Sea” symbolizes
having no rest
being unsteady and full of danger (See Is. 57:20; James. 1:6).
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Any man in Christ is a new creation (See 2Cor.
5:17)
however
we Christians still have the flesh and we have to deal with the
flesh by the cross (See Gal. 5:24) that we can walk as new creatures (See Gal.
6:15).
2) Be off with the old
on with the new. And
therefore we believers should not value the things of the old creation or
treasure and pursue the things which will be passed away in the end. We should
turn our eyes and look upon the spiritual and heavenly things
that the
spiritual change and renewal will be brought in.
3) In the new heaven and the new earth
the
tempestuous sea will no longer exist but peace and security forever.
Rev. 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.”
YLT: “and I
John
saw
the holy city -- new Jerusalem -- coming down from God out of the heaven
made
ready as a bride adorned for her husband;”
Meaning
of Words: “prepared”: make
ready
complete; “adorned”: put in proper order
decorate
garnish
order
dress up; “for her”: for self.
Spiritual Meaning: “Then I
John
saw the holy city
New Jerusalem
” “the holy city
New Jerusalem” symbolizes
the assembly of the saints who are redeemed and bestowed grace by God from ages
and from generations. Her features are as follows: 1) she is “holy”----being
completely sinless
full of the divine nature and fully separated to God; 2)
she is a “city”----being compact together and separated from all things out of
the city. It is the witness of God in the universe; 3) she is “new”----old
things are passed away and all things are become new (See 2Cor. 5:17); 4) she
is “Jerusalem”----being full of peace and rest.
“Coming
down out of heaven from God
” it means that she
is of God and of heaven. This sentence implies that believers who have been
bestowed grace will be raptured to God’s throne in heaven one after another
when they have become mature to the degree of God’s acceptance (See 7:9; 11:12;
12:5; 14:1
16; 19:1
7; 20:4
6) and they will be fully one. Then they will
come down out of heaven as “a corporate man”.
“Prepared” means that all believers all become mature
and have achieved victory. The course of edification in the great tribulation
and the kingdom of a thousand years is needed that all common believers who are
unqualified to be overcomers will have paid the price to be filled with the
Holy Spirit (See Matt. 25:9).
“As
a bride adorned for her husband” “A bride”
symbolizes that the heavenly and spiritual church is the satisfaction and joy
of Christ. “Adorned” has the same meaning with “prepared”. “Husband” symbolizes
Christ (See Eph. 5:25- 32).
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Today all believers’ behavior
works and
achievements on the earth with everlasting value will be gathered and built in
heaven (See Matt. 6:20; John. 4:36) and become a part of New Jerusalem in
future.
2) Though believers are on earth
our citizenship
is in heaven (See Phil. 3:20) and the Jerusalem above is our mother (See Gal.
4:26). It is a city whose builder and maker is God and which we desire and wait
for (See Heb. 11:10
16).
3) The ultimate will of God is to make all
believers a part of New Jerusalem and therefore we should not look on our own
victory only (See Phil. 2:4). We should look on brothers and sisters around us
and pray for them and try our best to purse the Lord with them.
4) This sentence shows us that our everlasting
residence is not in heaven and therefore it is not the paradise but the holy
city New Jerusalem which will come down to the new earth.
5) The holy city Jerusalem is the Lamb’s wife
and
therefore she is not a physical city but a corporate man
i.e. the assembly of
all saints who have been redeemed by God----the church that has been made holy
and without blemish by Christ (See Eph. 5:25-27). Only she can satisfy Christ.
Rev. 21:3 “And I heard a loud voice
from heaven saying
‘Behold
the tabernacle of
God is with men
and He will dwell with them
and they shall be His people. God
Himself will be with them and be their God.”
YLT: “and I heard a great
voice out of the heaven
saying
`Lo
the tabernacle of God [is] with men
and
He will tabernacle with them
and they shall be His peoples
and God Himself
shall be with them -- their God
”
Meaning of Words: “tabernacle”: tent;
“with”: together
amid
accompany; “dwell with”: tabernacle with; “people”: the
populace
all the people.
Literal Meaning: “And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying
” “a loud voice from heaven” means that the
following words show the will of God.
“‘Behold
the tabernacle of God is with men
”
it means that New Jerusalem is the perfect accomplishment of “the tabernacle of
God is with them”. In order to achieve this aim
God has come through the
following courses: 1) asking Moses to make a sanctuary among the people of
Israel (See Exod. 25:8-9; Lev. 26:11); 2) building and repairing the holy city
in Jerusalem many times; 3) the Lord Jesus was made flesh (See John. 1:14); 4)
brining forth and building the church (See Eph. 2:21-22; 1Pet. 2:5).
“The
tabernacle of God is with men” is the theme and general principle and the
following four sentences and the words in the fourth verse are its detailed
descriptions.
“And
He will dwell with them” here men are
stressed on
showing that there are neither the Jews nor the Gentiles. “With”
is “tabernacle” in the original
showing that He cares about and satisfies all
men’s living necessities.
“And
they shall be His people.” It means that they
shall fully turn to God
love Him and hear His voice.
“God
Himself will be with them” “Himself”
emphasizes that there isn’t intermediate medium or gap between God and men.
“With” refers to the obvious presence which is different from the hidden
presence today.
“And
be their God.” It means that God
will visit them according to what is pleasing in His sight and bestow favor
upon them.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) The church built by the Lord on the earth is the
model of New Jerusalem in future. God’s will is in her and therefore we should
never hold the opinion of individualism.
2) God will take away the intermediate classes
between Him and men ultimately and therefore God’s servants should never build
their own influence and dominion today which cannot be taken into heaven and
will be judged by God.
3) The most important thing of preachers is to make
men who have been saved turn to God Himself----making men turn to God instead
of any man or organization.
4) In eternity
there is none else besides Him. He
is the only one whom we love and pursue.
5) We can identify and know God as our God through
His presence with us. In other words
if God is not with us
He is only the
empty doctrine and knowledge and we cannot have a taste of His authenticity.
Rev. 21:4 “And God will wipe away
every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death
nor sorrow
nor
crying. There shall be no more pain
for the former things have passed away.’”
YLT: “and God shall wipe
away every tear from their eyes
and the death shall not be any more
nor
sorrow
nor crying
nor shall there be any more pain
because the first things
did go away.'”
Meaning of Words: “wipe away”: smear
out
obliterate; “sorrow”: grief; “crying”: clamor.
Literal Meaning: “And God will wipe away every tear from their
eyes;” it means that God
will take away all the reasons for men’s tears.
“There
shall be no more death
nor sorrow
nor crying. There shall be no more pain
” death is the greatest sorrow of men.
“Sorrow” refers to the feeling men’s inner pain. “Crying” refers to the
expression of men’s outer pain. “Pain” refers to men’s physical sufferings. All
these conditions are caused by sin and therefore there shall be no such
conditions
showing that there shall be no trace of sin.
“For
the former things have passed away.’”
“The former things” is “the first things” in the original. It means that the
miserable phenomena of life brought in by men’s sin and fall have been cleared
up completely.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) The feature of life is that every man has tears.
No matter how happy one’s life is
the occasions of tears are unavoidable and
the only difference is that some may have many occasions and others may have
few.
2) Believers have tears today and can be stronger
because of the Lord’s care and consolation
however
tears are not good. It
would be better if we can avoid tears. The fact also tells us that the tears of
many believers are always caused by themselves.
3) Weeping may endure for a night
but joy comes in
the morning (Ps. 30:5). All men who are asleep in the Lord will never have
sorrow
outcry
pain and death when they wake up and they can sing Hallelujah
forever.
Rev. 21:5 “Then He who sat on the
throne said
‘Behold
I make all things
new.’ And He said to me
‘Write
for these words are true and faithful.’”
YLT: “And He who is
sitting upon the throne said
`Lo
new I make all things; and He saith to me
`Write
because these words are true and stedfast;'”
Meaning of Words: “make new”: do new;
“faithful”: loyal
trustworthy
trustful.
Literal Meaning: “Then He who sat on the throne said
‘Behold
I make all things new.’” “He who sat on the throne” refers to God or the
Lord Himself. “Making new” refers to “making or doing new” in the original and
it does not refer to the modification of appearance or making up as new but the
newness of nature. “Make all things new” means that all things are God’s new
creation or makings.
“And
He said to me
‘Write
for these words are
true and faithful.’” “Write” means
that these words are very important. “True and faithful” means that they should
be accepted by faith because every word will come true.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Believers’ real condition is that the new
creature lives in the old creature and it is our trouble. In order to keep
under our bodies
and bring them into subjection (See 1Cor. 9:27)
we almost
struggle every day.
2) God’s plan made in the past eternity is being
carried out progressively
today our states are half new and constantly
changing
however
God will make us completely new and without any blemish one
day.
3) The words written in the Bible are true and
faithful. There shall fall unto the earth nothing of the word of God spoken
through His servants (See 2Kings. 10:10) because with God nothing shall be
impossible (Luke. 1:37).
Rev. 21:6 “And He said to me
‘It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega
the Beginning
and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who
thirsts.”
YLT: “and He said to me
`It hath been done! I am the Alpha and the Omega
the Beginning and the End; I
to him who is thirsting
will give of the fountain of the water of the life
freely;”
Meaning of Words: “It is done”: to
become
cause to be; “Alpha”: the first letter of the Greek alphabet; “Omega”:
the last letter of the Greek alphabet; “freely”: without a cause
for free.
Literal Meaning: “And He said to me
‘It
is done!” “He” refers to the
one who sat on the throne (See v.5). “It is done” is mentioned both in the
beginning and at the end of the Bible----in the beginning it is “it was so”
(See Gen. 1:24
30) and at the end it is “it is done”. The following two
sentences of “I am” are the assurance of “it is done”.
“I
am the Alpha and the Omega
” the first and last
Greek letters are mentioned three times in this book (See 1:8; 21:6; 22:13). It
not only implies that He is the one who initiates and ends all things but also
shows that all the intermediate letters between them are included----He is
whatever we need and He can give us all that we need.
“The
Beginning and the End.” It means that He
will accomplish whatever He had established in the beginning unto the end.
“I
will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.” “The fountain of the water of life”
indicates that: 1) it is of “life” and it can satisfy men’s innermost need; 2)
it is a kind of “fountain” and it can supply us continuously; 3) it can relieve
men’s thirst like “water”.
“Give…freely” indicates that one does not need to pay any price but
receive. “Him who thirsts” refers to men who feel that they are in want.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) God said that
“it is done”. Every word of God
shall be accomplished
that His will shall be done.
2) God is the Alpha and the Omega. He is the Beginning and the End. He will accomplish what He establishes and
initiates unto the end.
Rev. 21:7 “He who overcomes shall
inherit all things
and I will be his God and he shall be My son.”
YLT: “he who is
overcoming shall inherit all things
and I will be to him -- a God
and he
shall be to me -- the son
”
Meaning of Words: “inherit”: obtain
inheritance.
Literal Meaning: “He who overcomes shall inherit all things” “He who overcomes” refers to all believers
in eternity because at that time we have to overcome so that we can have part
in the holy city New Jerusalem. “All things” refers to all things that God has
made new and done (See v.5-6). “Inherit” refers to having the dominion.
“And
I will be his God and he shall be My son.” “Son” enjoys greater blessing than “people” (See
v.3). Though “people” enjoy some rights
they need to perform some duties. As
to “son”
he enjoys rights completely.
The “people” in the third verse and “son” in this
verse are two different groups of men. “People” are the populace
i.e. the
nations (See v.24
22:2). “Son” is the one who inherits
i.e. the one who shall
reign (See 22:5).
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) God has appointed Christ heir of all things (See
Heb. 1:2; Ps. 2:8) and we
the children of God
are joint-heirs with Christ
(See Rom. 8:16-17). And therefore one day
we shall inherit everything that God
has prepared for us above all that we imagine (See 1Cor. 1:9-10).
2) It obviously shows us that the features of the
son of God are as follows: a) they are overcomers----they not only overcome the
enemies but also overcome themselves; b) they are men who inherit special
inheritance----they have the right to manage a share of inheritance; c) their
relationships with God are personal (God calls Himself “I” and calls them “he”)
and therefore they are very close to God.
Rev. 21:8 “But the cowardly
unbelieving
abominable
murderers
sexually immoral
sorcerers
idolaters
and
all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and
brimstone
which is the second death.’”
YLT: “and to fearful
and
unstedfast
and abominable
and murderers
and whoremongers
and sorcerers
and
idolaters
and all the liars
their part [is] in the lake that is burning with
fire and brimstone
which is a second death.'”
Meaning of Words: “the cowardly”: timid
fearful; “abominable”: disgusted; “murderers”: manslayer; “sexually immoral”: a male prostitute; “part”: portion
share.
Literal Meaning: “But the cowardly
unbelieving
abominable
murderers” “the cowardly”
refers to those who dare not confess that they have received Christ as their
Savior publicly because they are afraid of being mocked or persecuted by men.
“Unbelieving” refers to those who are stubborn
and obstinate and are unwilling to believe in the Lord Jesus. “Abominable”
refers to those who worship others besides the true God. “Murderers” refers to
those who do not cherish men’s lives in their minds (See Matt. 5:21-22) or
acts.
“Sexually
immoral
sorcerers
idolaters
and all liars” “Sexually immoral” refers to those who are
sexually promiscuous in their minds or acts. “Sorcerers” refers to those who
believe in the devil or actually deal with the devil. “Idolaters” refers to
those who worship visible or invisible idols. “All liars” refers to those who
tell various kinds of lies for different motives.
“Shall
have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone
which is the
second death.’” “Their part”
refers to the judgment they deserve. “The lake which burns with fire…the second
death” please see the note in 14:10-11; 20:10
14.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Christians who defect in the great tribulation
may be the nominal Christians who dare not confess that they are believers when
persecution comes. They are untrustworthy (“unbelieving” has this meaning in
the original) believers.
2) The immoral things such “murder
sexual
immorality and lie” are related to the ungodly things such as “abomination
sorcery and idolatry”. We Christians should not make light of the moral
problems because all men who disregard morality must have problem in their
faith.
Rev. 21:9 “Then one of the seven
angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me
and talked with me
saying
‘Come
I will show you the
bride
the Lamb's wife.’”
YLT: “And there came unto
me one of the seven messengers
who have the seven vials that are full of the
seven last plagues
and he spake with me
saying
`Come
I will shew thee the
bride of the Lamb -- the wife
'”
Meaning of Words: “fill”: be full
swell out.
Literal Meaning: “Then one of the seven angels who had the seven
bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me
saying
” this sentence implies that the judgment of
God’s seven bowls (See 16) aims at ending the old creation and paving the way
for New Jerusalem.
“‘Come
I will show you the bride
the Lamb's wife.’” “Bride” is a newly-wedded woman. This
appellation only applies to the newly married period
i.e. the period of the
kingdom of a thousand years. “The Lamb’s wife” this is a lifelong appellation
and therefore it applies to eternity. New Jerusalem is the Lamb’s wife in
eternity.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) The judgment of seven bowls not only deals with
the old creation but also brings in the new creation. If Babylon the great is
not fallen
the holy city New Jerusalem cannot appear.
2) Many believers
in their opinions
always pay
attention to the positive pursuit only and neglect the negative dealings.
Actually
dealing with and taking away have the relationship of reciprocal
causation and grow and decline with pursuit and growth. They are the two sides
of one and must be carried out equally.
Rev. 21:10 “And he carried me away in
the Spirit to a great and high mountain
and showed me the great city
the holy
Jerusalem
descending out of heaven from God
”
YLT: “and he carried me
away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high
and did shew to me the great
city
the holy Jerusalem
coming down out of the heaven from God
”
Meaning of Words: “carry away”: bring
send; “descend”: come down
fall down.
Literal Meaning: “And he carried me away to a
great and high mountain
” “a great and high
mountain” is opposite to the “wilderness” to which John was carried by the angle
to see the vision of Babylon the great (See 17:3). He must go to the spiritual
wilderness to see the great harlot and climb up the spiritual high mountain to
see the bride (See Deut. 34:1-4).
“And
showed me the great city
the holy Jerusalem
descending out of heaven from
God
” the angel intended to show John the bride
and what John saw was the holy city New Jerusalem in a result. It is both a
woman a place. The object that God delights in is us “men”
however
He will
build us into a dwelling “place” (See Eph. 2:22).
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) If we want to see the vision and receive the
revelation of God
the two steps are necessary: a) one must be in the spirit
that his mind will be enlightened; b) one must go up to the spiritual high
mountain to pursue the spiritual achievements upward.
2) The holy city’s descending out of heaven shows
that she was built by God instead of men. If we do not labor with God today
all our buildings are wood
hay and stubble instead of gold
silver and
precious stones (See 1Cor. 3:9-12).
Rev. 21:11 “having the glory of God.
Her light was like a most precious stone
like a jasper stone
clear as
crystal.”
YLT: “having the glory of
God
and her light [is] like a stone most precious
as a jasper stone clear as
crystal
”
Meaning of Words: “glory”: dignity
honor; “light”: brilliancy
luminary; “precious”: costly
valuable
expensive.
Literal Meaning: “having the glory of God.” it means that the glory of God is manifested in
the city. The glory of God is the manifestation of God
i.e. God who is
manifested.
“Her
light was like a most precious stone
”
“Her light” means that the city shines and illuminates the glory of God. “A
stone” is one thing refracting light. The true illuminator is not the city
itself but the glory of God in the city (See v.23).
“Like
a jasper stone
clear as crystal.”
“Like a jasper stone” is used to describe God Himself (See 4:3) and therefore
it means that the holy city has manifested God completely. “Clear as crystal”
describes that there are not any impurities and it is without any cover and
shadow and completely sparkling and bright.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Christians are called that we have been ordained
unto glory (See 1Cor. 2:7). And now we are in the course of being changed into
the glorious image of the Lord (See 2Cor. 3:18). The Lord Himself is bringing
us to glory (See Heb. 2:10). One day
we shall be glorified with the Lord (See
Rom. 8:17).
2) Believers are children of light (See Eph. 5:8).
The Lord has given us His life of light (See John. 8:12) that we can be the
light of the world (See Matt. 5:14). Our cooperation is needed that we can be
the sons of God
without rebuke
in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation
among whom we shine as lights
holding forth the word of life (See Phil.
2:15-16).
3) The glorious God today lives in us and will be
glorified in us (See 1Cor. 6:19-20). However
we have not purged ourselves from
dishonorable vessels and we cannot be vessels unto honor like precious stones
(See 2Tim. 2:21). Nevertheless
God does not abandon us and He will make us
into full brightness that God can be manifested in us.
Rev. 21:12 “Also she had a great and
high wall with twelve gates
and twelve angels at the gates
and names written
on them
which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:”
YLT: “having also a wall
great and high
having twelve gates
and at the gates twelve messengers
and
names written thereon
which are [those] of the twelve tribes of the sons of
Israel
”
Spiritual Meaning: Also she had a great and high wall” there are no longer enemies in a new
heaven and a new earth and therefore the wall is not for protection but for
separation and testimony. It not only separates the inside and the outside of
the city (See v.27; 22:15) but also is the glorious testimony of God mainly
(See v.24-26). “A great and high wall” shows that the boundary is clear and the
testimony is obvious to all.
“With
twelve gates
” “gate” is the
entrance and exit of the city and it symbolizes the acceptance and refusal of
communion. Those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life (See v.27) can have
part in the communion of the holy city. “Twelve” symbolizes the perfection in
eternity. He whoever is qualified to enter the city will never be left out.
“And
twelve angels at the gates
” it means that one
angel is authorized to guard the entrance of one door respectively and everyone
has to be checked by the angel whether he is accepted or not.
“And
names written on them
which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children
of Israel:” it has the
following symbolic meanings: 1) the holy city has a close relationship with the
elect of God; 2) the saints in the dispensation of the Old Testament also have
part in the holy city; 3) the salvation comes out of the children of Israel and
therefore all Israel will be saved in future (See Rom. 11:26).
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) We believers must have clear testimony in our
daily life
showing that we are separated ones before the world.
2) Since the door of the city is the place where
the people of God get in and out
today we need to pursue the full experience
in the spiritual life. And we should not always stay on the primary stage but
go unto full growth (See Heb. 6:1).
3) Christians should pray for the children of God
the elect of God and ask Him to deal kindly with them.
Rev. 21:13 “three gates on the east
three gates on the north
three gates on the south
and three gates on the
west.”
YLT: “at the east three
gates
at the north three gates
at the south three gates
at the west three
gates;”
Spiritual Meaning: there are tree gates
on the east
on the north
on the south and on the west respectively and it
symbolizes that: 1) men from different sides of the world and all nations have
the opportunity to be bestowed grace to have part in the holy city; 2) the holy
city is the center of all the land and all nations shall bring glory into it
(See v.26).
Rev. 21:14 “Now the wall of the city
had twelve foundations
and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of
the Lamb.”
YLT: “and the wall of the
city had twelve foundations
and in them names of the twelve apostles of the
Lamb.”
Spiritual Meaning: it symbolizes that
the separation and testimony (the wall) in eternity are built upon the
teachings and testimony passed on by Christ’s twelve apostles
i.e. being built
upon God’s grace and truth (See John. 1:17).
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) The names of the twelve tribes of the children
of Israel are written on the wall of the holy city (See v.12) and the names of
the twelve apostles of the Lamb are written on the foundations of the wall. It
shows that both the law of the Old Testament and grace of the New Testament are
related to the holy city and all saints of both the New and Old Testaments are
the essential factors to make up the holy city.
2) When drinking water
one thinks of its source.
Believers should never be ungrateful. The teachings and testimonies handed down
from apostles are the foundation for us to learn and imitate.
Rev. 21:15 “And he who talked with me
had a gold reed to measure the city
its gates
and its wall.”
YLT: “And he who is
speaking with me had a golden reed
that he may measure the city
and its
gates
and its wall;”
Meaning of Words: “measure”:
admeasure
gauge.
Spiritual Meaning: in the Bible gold
symbolizes the divine disposition. A gold reed is used as a ruler to manifest
that the holy city built by God all accord with the divine standard
so that
God shall be satisfied.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) The holy city built by God conforms to the
divine standard certainly and it is beyond-all-question. However
do all our
services and works today conform to the standard of God?
2) The word of God has revealed His disposition and
will to us and therefore we should always come to the light of God to prove
ourselves and measure our works.
Rev. 21:16 “The city is laid out as a
square; its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with
the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. Its length
breadth
and height are equal.”
YLT: “and the city lieth
square
and the length of it is as great as the breadth; and he did measure the
city with the reed -- furlongs twelve thousand; the length
and the breadth
and the height
of it are equal;”
Meaning of Words: “square”: four-cornered.
Spiritual Meaning: “The city is laid out as a square; its length is
as great as its breadth.” “A square”
symbolizes that it is not slanting and it is ship shaped
balanced and
straight.
“And
he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs.” “Twelve thousand furlongs” is “twelve
thousand stadia” in the original. It is about two thousand and four hundred
kilometers and it is quite high and magnificent. The number “twelve thousand”
in the Bible symbolizes the absolute and everlasting perfection.
“Its
length
breadth
and height are equal.”
It shows that the holy city is four-cornered
just as the holiest of all is
cubic----it is twenty cubits in length
in breadth and in height (See 1Kings.
6:20).
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) The true building of God must be as a
square----ordered
balanced and upright. If the disordered phenomena occur in
our service in the church
undoubtedly the problem shall be our error.
2) The holy city and the holiest of all are as a
square
showing that if we live
work and serve in the presence of God
everything shall be steady.
Rev. 21:17 “Then he measured its
wall: one hundred and forty-four cubits
according to the measure of a man
that is
of an angel.”
YLT: “and he measured its
wall
an hundred forty-four cubits
the measure of a man
that is
of the
messenger;”
Meaning of Words: “cubit”: the length
of the forearm
it is about equal to forty-five centimeters.
Literal Meaning: “Then he measured its wall: according to the
measure of a man
that is
of an angel.” It shows that a man and an angel are different
today (See Heb. 2:7)
however
the differences between a man and an angel will
no longer exist in eternity (See Matt. 22:30) and therefore the measure is the
same.
“One hundred and forty-four cubits” one cubit is equal to eighteen inches and
it is about two hundred and sixteen inches----sixty five meters. Some Bible
exegetes held that it referred to the thickness of the wall of the city.
However
the majority of the Bible exegetes held that it referred to the height
of the wall of the city instead of the thickness. Multiply twelve and twelve
and we get one hundred and forty-four which means everlasting and absolute
perfection.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) In the realm of resurrection
the measure of a
man is the measure of an angel. Men’s natural compositions must be dealt with
by the cross and experience death and resurrection and then shall be used by
God for the building.
2) Multiply twelve by twelve cubits makes the size
of the wall of the city. Only the thing completely of God can bear glorious
witness of God (the spiritual meaning of the wall of the city).
Rev. 21:18 “The construction of its
wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold
like clear glass.”
YLT: “and the building of
its wall was jasper
and the city [is] pure gold -- like to pure glass;”
Meaning of Words: “pure”: clean
clear
(pure and clear are the same word in the original).
Spiritual Meaning: “The construction of its wall was of jasper;” “jasper” symbolizes the manifestation of
God (See v.12; 4:3).
“And
the city was pure gold
” “pure gold” refers
to solid gold and gold symbolizes the disposition of God.
“Like
clear glass.” It symbolizes that
it is completely transparent
without any cover.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) The materials to build the holy city and its
wall are pure gold and jasper. Believers must be full of God’s glorious quality
and disposition (the spiritual meaning of pure gold) in us and manifest the
glorious image of God (the spiritual meaning of jasper) upon us
that we can be
used by God to build the holy city.
2) All our natural impurities must be refined that
we can be manifested clear
like pure glass.
Rev. 21:19 “The foundations of the
wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first
foundation was jasper
the second sapphire
the third chalcedony
the fourth
emerald
”
YLT: “and the foundations
of the wall of the city with every precious stone have been adorned; the first
foundation jasper; the second
sapphire; the third
chalcedony; the fourth
emerald;”
Meaning of Words: “adorned”: decorate
put in proper order.
Spiritual Meaning: “The foundations of the wall of the city were
adorned with all kinds of precious stones:” “precious stones” came into being after they were
fused under high temperature and high pressure and it symbolizes the result of
the Holy Spirit’s work upon believers. The following twelve precious stones
symbolize the various kinds of fruit of the Spirit (See Gal. 5:22-23).
“The
first foundation was jasper
the second sapphire
” “jasper” is the translucent and light green
diamond and it symbolizes the glory of God. “Sapphire” is the sky blue precious
stone and it symbolizes the heavenly peace.
“The
third chalcedony
the fourth emerald
”
“chalcedony” is the peacock green (it is close to green of the peacock’s tail)
precious stone and it symbolizes hope. “Emerald” is the grass green (or dark
green) precious stone and it symbolizes kindness.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) The twelve precious stones are piled up with one
another and become the foundations of the wall of the city and they are the
foundations of the heavenly beautiful witness of the holy city. The various
kinds of states manifested upon us after we have been worked by the Holy Spirit
are beautiful witness in the sight of the world.
2) The Holy Spirit makes us under various kinds of
different circumstances to train us that we can have various kinds of heavenly
dispositions upon us. All things work together for good to them that love God
(See Rom. 8:28).
Rev. 21:20 “the fifth sardonyx
the
sixth sardius
the seventh chrysolite
the eighth beryl
the ninth topaz
the
tenth chrysoprase
the eleventh jacinth
and the twelfth amethyst.”
YLT: “the fifth
sardonyx; the sixth
sardius; the seventh
chrysolite; the eighth
beryl; the
ninth
topaz; the tenth
chrysoprasus; the eleventh
jacinth; the twelfth
amethyst.”
Literal Meaning: “the fifth sardonyx
the sixth sardius
” “sardonyx” is the red-and-white precious
stone and it symbolizes faithfulness. “Sardius” is the blood-red precious stone
and it symbolizes the love of sacrifice.
“The
seventh chrysolite
the eighth beryl
”
“chrysolite” is the golden precious stone and it symbolizes goodness. “Beryl”
is the sea-green (or navy-blue) precious stone and it symbolizes longsuffering.
“The
ninth topaz
the tenth chrysoprase
”
“topaz” is the yellow-green precious stone and it symbolizes joy. “Chrysoprase”
is the apple green precious stone and it symbolizes meekness.
“The
eleventh jacinth
and the twelfth amethyst.” “Jacinth” is the violet precious stone and it
symbolizes self-control. “Amethyst” is the transparent purple precious stone
and it symbolizes dignity.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) The color shown by the twelve kinds of precious stones
is equal to the color of the rainbow. It shows that God is the one who is
faithful and keeps the covenant and He is able to keep that which we have
committed unto Him against that day (See 2Tim. 1:12).
2) Probably the fruit of the Spirit upon every believer
has its own feature
however
if they are harmonized with one another
they
make up the beautiful
firm and solid foundations. And therefore we should
learn to respect and appreciate the features of others because God does not
intend to make us into the same ones.
Rev. 21:21 “The twelve gates were
twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the
city was pure gold
like transparent glass.”
YLT: “And the twelve
gates [are] twelve pearls
each several one of the gates was of one pearl; and
the broad-place of the city [is] pure gold -- as transparent glass.”
Meaning of Words: “transparent”:
clear.
Spiritual Meaning: “The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each
individual gate was of one pearl.”
“Pearl” is the precious thing. It comes into being after the clam makes
secretions to surround the sand and stone when it is hurt by the sand and stone
in the sea. It symbolizes that the cross works upon us and changes and renews
us to make us be liked by the Lord (See Matt. 13:45). “Each individual gate was
of one pearl” symbolizes that believers must be changed and renewed that we can
enter and have part in the holy city.
“And
the street of the city was pure gold
like transparent glass.” “The street” symbolizes life
activities
and communion. “The street of the city was pure gold” symbolizes that the life
activities and communion must have the divine dispositions. “Like transparent
glass” symbolizes walkings
words and deeds are opened without any concealment.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) If the tribulations or pain we suffer today can
change into the lessons of the cross
they will help us to acquire the “right”
to enter the city of New Jerusalem. And therefore we should have the mind to
suffer for the Lord (See 1Pet. 4:1) and this way
we shall be glad with
exceeding joy in future (See 1Pet. 4:13).
2) The communion among saints in the church should
be open and aboveboard
without any concealment.
Rev. 21:22 “But I saw no temple in
it
for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.”
YLT: “And a sanctuary I
did not see in it
for the Lord God
the Almighty
is its sanctuary
and the
Lamb
”
Spiritual Meaning: “But I saw no temple in it
” “temple” is the place for God to dwell
(See 2Sam. 7:5). Since God dwells with men publicly (See v.3) in the new heaven
and the new earth
it shows that He lives in the holy city and the whole holy
city is the holiest of all (See the notes in v.16) and therefore there is no
temple.
“For
the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.” It means that: 1) the Lord God
Almighty and the
Lamb are one. 2) The whole holy city is holy. There is no gap of sin between
God and men and men can come to God at any time and have intimate communion
with Him.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Today believers have to confess our sins
continuously and ask God to forgive us and cleanse us from all our sins that we
can have fellowship with Him in the light (See 1John. 1:7-9).
2) One day
all believers shall be edified and
become overcomers (See v.7) and be a member of the holy city. At that time we
will no longer have sin and uncleanness (See v.27) and therefore we can have
close communion with God face to face at any time.
Rev. 21:23 “The city had no need of
the sun or of the moon to shine in it
for the glory of God illuminated it. The
Lamb is its light.”
YLT: “and the city hath
no need of the sun
nor of the moon
that they may shine in it; for the glory
of God did lighten it
and the lamp of it [is] the Lamb;”
Literal Meaning: “The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to
shine in it
” “the sun or the
moon” are the natural light source or reflected light of the creation. They
were smitten in the period of the Great Tribulation (See 8:12) and we are
uncertain whether the sun and the moon still exist in the new heaven and the
new earth.
“For
the glory of God illuminated it.”
God Himself is light (See 1John1:5).
“The
Lamb is its light.” It means that just
as the glory of God is manifested through Christ (See Heb. 1:3)
the light of
God shines through the Lamb (Christ).
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) In the holy city
God will be the direct source
of our power
motive power and light which are needed in our life and
activities. We do not need to get help from the indirect natural energy sources
and light sources which are inconvenient and have side effects.
2) It also shows that we will see the glory of God
and the Lamb as He is face to face then and we won’t be unable to see them (See
Exod. 33:20-23; 1John. 3:2).
Rev. 21:24 “And the nations of those
who are saved shall walk in its light
and the kings of the earth bring their
glory and honor into it.”
YLT: “and the nations of
the saved in its light shall walk
and the kings of the earth do bring their
glory and honour into it
”
Meaning of Words: “walk”: walk about
act.
Literal Meaning: “And the nations of those who are saved shall walk
in its light
” “the nations”
refers to the common residents in the new heaven and the new earth. They belong
to the sheep who are judged by the Lord as the blessing righteous ones who can
enter the realm of eternity and inherit the kingdom prepared for them from the
foundation of the world (See Matt. 25:33-34
46). “Walk in its light” means
that the nations of the new heaven and the new earth live in the light of the holy
city indirectly
compared to the residents of the holy city who live in the
light of God and the Lamb directly because the holy city will shine the whole
new earth like a large lighthouse at that time.
“And
the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it.” “The kings of the earth” refers to the
servants of God and the Lamb and they shall reign (See 22:4-5). “Their glory”
probably refers to all the good things produced out of their own dominion (See
Gen. 31:1).
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) The difference between the residents of the holy
city and the nations lies in their constitution----the former is made up of
believers and the elect (the people of Israel) and the latter is made up of the
unbelieving righteous ones. We have eternal life and they enter the realm of
eternal life.
2) Concerning everything we have obtained in grace
we should not only render thanks to God but also share them with all brothers
and sisters.
Rev. 21:25 “Its gates shall not be
shut at all by day (there shall be no night there).”
YLT: “and its gates shall
not at all be shut by day
for night shall not be there;”
Literal Meaning: “Its gates shall not be shut at all by day” “day” refers to the time there is light
(See John. 9:4; 12:35). “Its gates shall not be shut at all” means that the
so-called safety is no consideration.
“(There shall be no night there).” “No night” means that the whole day is the
daytime.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Today the qualification and opportunity must be
considered if one wants to enter a door and the two things are indispensable to
him for entering it. However
the door is always open to the qualified ones
that day and they can enter it at any time.
2) We must work and walk today while it is day
because we can neither work nor walk when night comes (See John. 9:4; 11:9). It
means that we have to strive to serve and pursue while we are alive. However
it is the day all the time in eternity and it means that we are no longer
restrained by time.
Rev. 21:26 “And they shall bring the
glory and the honor of the nations into it.”
YLT: “and they shall
bring the glory and the honour of the nations into it;”
Literal Meaning: the residents of the
new heaven and the new earth fear God and respect those who are of God.
Rev. 21:27 “But there shall by no
means enter it anything that defiles
or causes an abomination or a lie
but
only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life.”
YLT: “and there may not
at all enter into it any thing defiling and doing abomination
and a lie
but
-- those written in the scroll of the life of the Lamb.”
Meaning of Words: “anything that defiles”: all profaning.
Literal Meaning: “But there shall by no means enter it anything
that defiles
or causes an abomination or a lie
” it does not mean that these men and things still
exist in the new heaven and the new earth because these men and things are the
materials of the lake of fire. They shall have their part in the lake which
burns with fire and brimstone (See v.8). Here it emphasizes that everything in
the holy city is completely holy.
“But
only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life” It means that only those who have been saved can
enter the holy city and they certainly include believers and the children of
Israel who have been bestowed grace and saved (See Rom. 11:26).
III.
Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons
A New Heaven and A New Earth
I. The new nature----the original meaning of the
word “new” (v.1
5)
II. The new circumstance----there was no more sea
(v.1)
III. The new relation----God is with men Himself
(v.3)
IV. The new life----there shall be no more death
nor sorrow
nor crying
nor pain (v.4)
V. The new condition----giving freely (v.6)
VI. The new light source----the nations shall walk
in the light of the city (v.24)
VII. The new attitude----men shall bring the glory
and the honor of the nations into the city (v.26)
The Holy City New Jerusalem (I)
I. Nature:
A. the
holy city (v.2
10)----it is holy
B. New
Jerusalem (v.2)----it is new
II. Origin:
A.
from God (v.2
10)----it is of God
B. out
of heaven (v.2
10)----it is of heaven
III. Identity:
A. a
bride (v.2
9)
B. the
Lamb’s wife (v.9)
IV. Members:
A. he
who overcomes (v.7)
B. the
son of God (v.7)
The Holy City New Jerusalem (II)
I. It is a great and high city (v.10
15-17).
II. It is a holy city (v.10
27).
III. It is a magnificent city (v.11
18-21).
IV. It is a bright city (v.11
23-25).
V. It is a firm and solid city (v.12).
VI. It is a rich city (v.18-21).
VII. It is a city of honor (v.24
26).
The Holy City New Jerusalem (III)
I. Its outward appearance----showing the glorious
light of God (v.11)
II. Its construction:
A. a
high and great wall (v.12)----it is of jasper (v.18)
B. the
wall had twelve gates:
a. the names of the twelve tribes of the children
of Israel were written on the gates (v.12-13)
b. each individual gate was of one pearl (v.21)
C. the
wall of the city had twelve foundations:
a. on the foundations were the names of the twelve
apostles of the Lamb (v.14)
b. the foundations of the wall of the city were
adorned with all kinds of precious stones (v.19-20)
D. the
city was pure gold
like clear glass (v.18)
E. the
street of the city was pure gold
like transparent glass (v.21)
F. no
temple was in the city
for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple
(v.22)
III. Its measure:
A. Its
length
breadth
and height are equal and it is twelve thousand furlongs (v.16)
B. the wall is one hundred and
forty-four cubits (v.17)
IV. Its light:
A. the
glory of God illuminated the city (v.23)
B. the
Lamb is its light (v.23)
C. the
nations shall walk in the light of the city (v.24)
D.
there shall be no night (v.25)
──
Caleb Huang《Christian Digest Bible
Commentary Series》
Translated by Sharon Ren