Revelation 21
BSB1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 I saw the holy city, the 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, and He will dwell with them. 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 there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away." 5 And the One seated on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Then He said, “Write this down, for these words are faithful and true." 6 And He told me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give freely from the spring of the water of life. 7 The one who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son. 8 But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death." 9 Then one of the seven angels with the seven bowls full of the seven final plagues came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb." 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the holy city of Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, 11 shining with the glory of God. Its radiance was like a most precious jewel, like a jasper, as clear as crystal. 12 The city had a great and high wall with twelve gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, and twelve angels at the gates. 13 There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south, and three on the west. 14 The wall of the city had twelve foundations bearing the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 15 The angel who spoke with me had a golden measuring rod to measure the city and its gates and walls. 16 The city lies foursquare, with its width the same as its length. And he measured the city with the rod, and all its dimensions were equal—12,000 stadia in length and width and height. 17 And he measured its wall to be 144 cubits, by the human measure the angel was using. 18 The wall was made of jasper, and the city itself of pure gold, as pure as glass. 19 The foundations of the city walls were adorned with every kind of precious stone: The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. 21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, with each gate consisting of a single pearl. The main street of the city was pure gold, as clear as glass. 22 But I saw no temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its lamp. 24 By its light the nations will walk, and into it the kings of the earth will bring their glory. 25 Its gates will never be shut at the end of the day, because there will be no night there. 26 And into the city will be brought the glory and honor of the nations. 27 But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
Study Notes — Revelation 21
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Revelation 21
- Themes from Revelation 21
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Revelation 21
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Revelation 21 begins with a description of the new heaven and the new earth, where God will dwell with humanity (Revelation 21:1-4). The chapter then describes the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city that will be the dwelling place of believers (Revelation 21:9-27). The city is adorned with precious stones and gold, and its gates are made of pearl. The chapter concludes with a description of the river of life and the tree of life, which will be present in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:5-8, 22:1-5). Throughout the chapter, God emphasizes His presence and relationship with humanity, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
Context for the Chapter
Revelation 21 is the final chapter of the book of Revelation, which is the last book of the Bible. The chapter provides a conclusion to the story of redemption, where God ultimately triumphs over evil and establishes a new creation. The chapter is also connected to the rest of the Bible, which tells the story of God's relationship with humanity and His plan to redeem humanity from sin.
Heart Application
The description of the new heaven and the new earth in Revelation 21 provides a glimpse into the eternal state of believers, where they will live in the presence of God forever. This chapter encourages believers to look forward to this future hope and to live their lives in light of this reality. As believers, we should strive to live in a way that is pleasing to God, knowing that our ultimate destination is a world where God will dwell with us forever.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Revelation 21 describes a new world where God will live with people forever. This world is free from sin and suffering, and it is a place of beauty and joy. The chapter encourages believers to look forward to this future hope and to live their lives in light of this reality, as seen in Revelation 21:1-4. The New Jerusalem is a key part of this new world, and it is described as a place of wonder and beauty, as seen in Revelation 21:9-27.
Voices from the Church
“The new heaven and the new earth are not merely a restoration of the old, but a creation of something entirely new, a world where God will dwell with humanity in perfect harmony.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The New Jerusalem is a city of gold, with gates of pearl, and a river of life that flows from the throne of God. It is a place of beauty and wonder, where believers will live in the presence of God forever.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The New Heaven and the New Earth (21:1-4) — God creates a new world, free from sin and suffering, where He will dwell with humanity.
- The New Jerusalem (21:9-27) — The New Jerusalem is described as a place of beauty and wonder, with gates of pearl and a river of life that flows from the throne of God.
- The River of Life and the Tree of Life (21:5-8, 22:1-5) — The river of life and the tree of life are present in the New Jerusalem, providing eternal life and nourishment to believers.
- The Throne of God and the Lamb (21:22-23) — The throne of God and the Lamb are central to the New Jerusalem, emphasizing Christ's role in the eternal state of believers.
- The Ultimate Triumph of God (21:1-8) — The chapter concludes with a description of God's ultimate triumph over evil, where He creates a new world and establishes a new creation.
Core Doctrines
- The Doctrine of the New Creation
- Revelation 21 teaches that God will create a new world, free from sin and suffering, where He will dwell with humanity. This doctrine emphasizes God's ultimate triumph over evil and His desire to create a world where humanity can live in peace and harmony.
- The Doctrine of the New Jerusalem
- The New Jerusalem is a key part of the new creation, and it is described as a place of beauty and wonder. This doctrine emphasizes the importance of a personal relationship with God and the ultimate goal of creation, which is to dwell with God forever.
- The Doctrine of the Presence of God
- Throughout the chapter, God emphasizes His presence and relationship with humanity. This doctrine highlights the importance of a personal relationship with God and the ultimate goal of creation, which is to dwell with God forever.
- The Doctrine of the Ultimate Triumph of God
- The chapter concludes with a description of God's ultimate triumph over evil, where He creates a new world and establishes a new creation. This doctrine emphasizes God's power and sovereignty over all things.
Lessons from Revelation 21
- The Importance of a Personal Relationship with God — The chapter emphasizes the importance of a personal relationship with God, highlighting the ultimate goal of creation, which is to dwell with God forever.
- The Ultimate Triumph of God — The chapter concludes with a description of God's ultimate triumph over evil, where He creates a new world and establishes a new creation.
- The Beauty of the New Jerusalem — The New Jerusalem is described as a place of beauty and wonder, emphasizing the joy and happiness that believers will experience in the eternal state.
- The Presence of God — Throughout the chapter, God emphasizes His presence and relationship with humanity, highlighting the importance of a personal relationship with God.
- The New Creation — The chapter teaches that God will create a new world, free from sin and suffering, where He will dwell with humanity.
Themes from Revelation 21
- The Theme of Redemption — The chapter concludes with a description of God's ultimate triumph over evil, where He creates a new world and establishes a new creation.
- The Theme of the New Creation — The chapter teaches that God will create a new world, free from sin and suffering, where He will dwell with humanity.
- The Theme of the Presence of God — Throughout the chapter, God emphasizes His presence and relationship with humanity, highlighting the importance of a personal relationship with God.
- The Theme of the New Jerusalem — The New Jerusalem is described as a place of beauty and wonder, emphasizing the joy and happiness that believers will experience in the eternal state.
- The Theme of the Ultimate Triumph of God — The chapter concludes with a description of God's ultimate triumph over evil, where He creates a new world and establishes a new creation.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the central message of Revelation 21, and how does it relate to the rest of the Bible?
- How does the description of the new heaven and the new earth in Revelation 21 encourage believers to live their lives in light of this reality?
- What is the significance of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21, and how does it relate to the ultimate goal of creation?
- How does the chapter emphasize God's presence and relationship with humanity, and what are the implications of this for believers?
- What is the ultimate triumph of God in Revelation 21, and how does it relate to the rest of the Bible?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The New Heaven and the New Earth (21:1-4)
| Revelation 21:1 | The new heaven and the new earth are described as a new creation, free from sin and suffering. |
| Revelation 21:2 | The New Jerusalem is described as a bride, prepared for her husband, emphasizing the importance of a personal relationship with God. |
| Revelation 21:3 | God will dwell with humanity, and they will be His people, highlighting the ultimate goal of creation, which is to dwell with God forever. |
| Revelation 21:4 | God will wipe away all tears, and there will be no more death, sorrow, or pain, emphasizing God's ultimate triumph over evil. |
2. The New Jerusalem (21:9-27)
| Revelation 21:9 | The New Jerusalem is described as a place of beauty and wonder, with gates of pearl and a river of life that flows from the throne of God. |
| Revelation 21:10 | The city is described as a cube, with each side measuring 12,000 stadia, emphasizing its perfection and beauty. |
| Revelation 21:11 | The city is made of pure gold, like clear glass, and its gates are made of pearl, highlighting its value and beauty. |
| Revelation 21:12 | The city has twelve gates, with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel written on them, emphasizing its connection to the people of God. |
3. The River of Life and the Tree of Life (21:5-8, 22:1-5)
| Revelation 21:5 | God says that He will make all things new, and that believers will inherit all things. |
| Revelation 21:6 | The one who overcomes will inherit all things, and will be a son of God, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and faithfulness. |
| Revelation 21:7 | The one who overcomes will have the right to sit with God on His throne, highlighting the ultimate goal of creation, which is to dwell with God forever. |
| Revelation 21:8 | The cowardly and the unbelieving will be thrown into the lake of fire, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and perseverance. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new heaven and the new earth in Revelation 21?
The new heaven and the new earth refer to a new creation, free from sin and suffering, where God will dwell with humanity. As seen in Revelation 21:1-4, this new creation is a place of beauty and wonder, where believers will live in the presence of God forever.
What is the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21?
The New Jerusalem is a heavenly city that will be the dwelling place of believers, described as a place of beauty and wonder, with gates of pearl and a river of life that flows from the throne of God. As seen in Revelation 21:9-27, the New Jerusalem is a key part of the new creation, and it is described as a place of joy and happiness.
What is the significance of the river of life and the tree of life in Revelation 21?
The river of life and the tree of life are present in the New Jerusalem, providing eternal life and nourishment to believers. As seen in Revelation 21:5-8 and 22:1-5, these symbols emphasize the importance of a personal relationship with God and the ultimate goal of creation, which is to dwell with God forever.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revelation 21:1 → Isaiah 65:17 | The new heaven and the new earth in Revelation 21 are connected to the prophecy in Isaiah 65:17, which describes a new creation where God will dwell with humanity. |
| 2 | Revelation 21:2 → Ezekiel 48:30-35 | The description of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21 is connected to the prophecy in Ezekiel 48:30-35, which describes a heavenly city with twelve gates. |
| 3 | Revelation 21:5 → Isaiah 43:19 | The statement that God will make all things new in Revelation 21:5 is connected to the prophecy in Isaiah 43:19, which describes God's power to create and redeem. |
| 4 | Revelation 21:6 → John 4:14 | The description of the river of life in Revelation 21:6 is connected to the statement in John 4:14, which describes the living water that Jesus gives to believers. |
| 5 | Revelation 21:7 → Psalm 2:8 | The statement that the one who overcomes will inherit all things in Revelation 21:7 is connected to the prophecy in Psalm 2:8, which describes the inheritance of the Messiah. |
| 6 | Revelation 21:8 → Matthew 25:41 | The description of the lake of fire in Revelation 21:8 is connected to the statement in Matthew 25:41, which describes the punishment of the wicked. |
| 7 | Revelation 21:9 → Ezekiel 40:1-4 | The description of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:9 is connected to the prophecy in Ezekiel 40:1-4, which describes a heavenly city with a river of life. |
| 8 | Revelation 21:22 → John 1:1 | The statement that the throne of God and the Lamb will be in the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:22 is connected to the statement in John 1:1, which describes the Word of God as the Creator and Redeemer. |
| 9 | Revelation 21:23 → Isaiah 60:19-20 | The description of the light of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:23 is connected to the prophecy in Isaiah 60:19-20, which describes the light of the Messiah. |
| 10 | Revelation 21:24 → Psalm 72:10-11 | The description of the nations and kings in Revelation 21:24 is connected to the prophecy in Psalm 72:10-11, which describes the kingdoms of the world bringing tribute to the Messiah. |
Sermons on Revelation 21
| Sermon | Description | |
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The Lord Giveth by E.V. Hill | In this sermon transcript, Dr. Evie Hill delivers a heartfelt message at his wife's funeral. He reflects on the 32 years they spent together and the love and support she gave him. |
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Only One Life Will Soon Be Past by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life that pleases God. He highlights the concept of appearing before the judgment seat of Christ, where believers |
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Powerful Testimony by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the speaker shares his joy in preaching the word of God and bringing comfort to Christians. He expresses his desire to reach out to the communists and asks God for |
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The Reality of the Love of Jesus Christ by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of preaching in Russia, where he was given the opportunity to bring greetings from America and Holland. He emphasizes the i |
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Hell No Exits by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Revelation and highlights three aspects of it: Majesty, mystery, and misery. He encourages the audience to seek inspiration from |
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1974 Jerusalem Conference - Part 2 by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the preacher shares testimonies of miraculous healings that have taken place during the service. One woman who had been suffering from an orthopedic problem for thr |
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Books I Recommend With Comments - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life of John Wesley and his dedication to meeting with God every morning at 4 o'clock. The speaker recommends a book called "A Treasury of |
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Why You Must Know God in Person by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the comforting presence of God in times of darkness and despair. They share personal experiences of feeling hopeless and burdened, but also |
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Hell - Part 1 by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of hell and the judgment of God. He emphasizes that even before eternity comes, God will pour out His judgments on the earth, inc |
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Worship (Part 3 of 3) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the eternal consequences of our actions and the need to love and worship God wholeheartedly. He shares a perso |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Revelation 21
In Revelation 21, we see the culmination of God's plan for humanity, where He creates a new heaven and a new earth, free from sin and suffering. The New Jerusalem is a key part of this new creation, and it is described as a place of beauty and wonder, with gates of pearl and a river of life that flows from the throne of God. As Matthew Henry notes, 'the new heaven and the new earth are not merely a restoration of the old, but a creation of something entirely new, a world where God will dwell with humanity in perfect harmony.' The chapter emphasizes the importance of a personal relationship with God and the ultimate goal of creation, which is to dwell with God forever. As Henry writes, 'the one who overcomes will inherit all things, and will be a son of God, and will have the right to sit with God on His throne.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Absence of Evil
In the new heaven and the new earth, there is no sin, suffering, or evil. This emphasizes God's ultimate triumph over evil and His desire to create a world where humanity can live in peace and harmony.
The Presence of God
Throughout the chapter, God emphasizes His presence and relationship with humanity. This highlights the importance of a personal relationship with God and the ultimate goal of creation, which is to dwell with God forever.
The Beauty of the New Jerusalem
The description of the New Jerusalem as a place of beauty and wonder emphasizes the joy and happiness that believers will experience in the eternal state.