Revelation 21
JonCoursonRevelation 21:1
It is true that the church is to be a hospital where people who are hurting can come and be healed through the body of the Great Physician, Jesus Christ (Mat_9:12). It is also true that the church is to be a school where we can study to show ourselves approved unto God (2Ti_2:15). It is also true that the church is to be a gymnasium wherein we work out our own salvation (Php_2:12) and exercise unto godliness (1Ti_4:7). But perhaps most importantly the church is to be a travel agency, booking people on an eternal excursion to heaven. Revelation 21 and 22 constitute a travel brochure for just such a journey… Due to the pollution and destruction of our planet, we understand the need for a new earth. But what is the reason for a new heaven? According to Job_15:15, the heavens are not clean in God’s sight. Why? Because Satan’s presence has polluted them (Rev_12:10). Some teachers and commentators declare that rather than passing away, the present heaven and earth will simply be refurbished. Due to Isaiah’s account of this event, however, I don’t believe that’s the case… For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.Isa_65:17 The word translated “create” is the Hebrew word barathe same word used in Gen_1:1, which means “to create from nothing.” The fact that God creates from nothing continues to be a stumbling block to the evolutionist… Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.2Pe_3:3-4 Because evolution is based on a closed environment, it excludes the possibility of divine intervention. Thus, the evolutionist and scoffer is usually the same person. And the denominations who question biblical prophecy are usually the same ones who question the creation account because they don’t understand that just as God was active in the creative process, so He will be in the prophetic context. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished.2Pe_3:5-6 Peter goes on to say that those who scoff at the biblical accounts of the beginning and the end of time are willingly ignorant of the fact that the first earth was destroyed by water, and the second will be destroyed by fire. We know the first earth was flooded in the days of Noah. But what about the fire that will destroy the second earth? Peter continues… But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.2Pe_3:7 The word translated “reserved” means “stored.” That is, fireor energyis stored in the world. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved…2Pe_3:10-11 (a) Albert Einstein, Robert Oppenheimer, and others ushered us into the atomic age. Therefore, unlike previous generations, we understand what happens when an atom is split. Consequently, when Jesus lets go His hold of the atom, it should be no surprise to us that the explosion caused will be followed by a “fervent heat” so great that everything will dissolve. Following this mass atomic destruction, God will create from nothing (bara) yet another heaven and another earthwhich is how Isaiah could write, For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.Isa_65:17 and why Paul would write of the third heaven (2Co_12:2). You see, while it has often been suggested that the first heaven is the atmosphere where birds fly, the second is where the stars shine, and the third is where God’s presence isI believe the term “third heaven” refers to the new heaven God will create after the second one is dissolved. This speaks of a new creation… What?! No Beach? A Topical Study of Rev_21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.Rev_21:1 Quite frankly, our text is a bit disconcerting, even somewhat disappointing to mea brand-new city, but no more sea? If I were creating the new heaven and the new earth, I would have said, “There shall be no more cities and lots and lots of oceans, beaches, sand, and surf!” After all, cities aren’t spoken of very favorably, even in Scripture… The first city in the Bible was founded by a brother-hating Cain (Gen_4:17). The second city in the Bible was built by a God-defying Nimrod (Gen_10:9). The holy city of Jerusalem was filled with a prophet-killing people (Mat_23:37). Truly, cities are not valued in Scripture. The same is true today. When we think of cities, we think of pollution, perversion, and problems. So why does the new heaven and the new earth consist of a citywith no beach? In the sixties, it seemed to me as though everyone in the whole country was singing “Let’s Go Surfin”’ along with the Beach Boys. As a sophomore at Del Mar High School, about fifty miles north of Santa Cruz, “surf city,” California, I dressed the part along with everyone else in my school: huarache sandals with tire tread bottoms, powder blue Levi’s with a block of surf wax in one pocket and a copy of Surfer Magazine in the other, either a red or blue and white wide-striped T-shirt, and hair parted in the middle. Walking down the hall, a “thumbs up” sign meant we had just caught the surf report on KLIV1260 on the AM radio dialand Pleasure Point was breaking big. One day in May, all decked out in my huaraches, powder blue Levi’s, etc., on my way to fifth period Spanish class, I ran into Lindsay, Chuck, and Bob going the opposite direction. “Hey, Jon,” they said. “We heard it’s monster stuff at Steamer Lane. We saw the Turtle in the parking lot. Let’s go!” Now, the “Turtle” to which they referred was the shortened name for the “Turquoise Turtle,” my 1961 Ford Falconso named partly because of its color and partly because it went 0-60 mph in 2.5 hours. “I can’t go, guys,” I said. “I’ve got a Spanish test.” “Come on, Jon,” they begged. “You’re the only one of us with a car.” Feeling the pressure mounting, I relented. After grabbing my lunch out of my locker, I headed out to the car with Lindsay, Chuck, and Boba feeling of dread beginning to wash over me. With Lindsay riding “shotgun” and Bob and Chuck in the back, I swung by their houses to get their boards. No need to get mine. My 9'6" O’Neill was always on the rack on top of my car. Wending our way over Highway 17, Lindsay looked at me and said, “You don’t look so good. You must be carsick.” Little did he know it wasn’t the curves in the road causing me to sweat. It was the fact that although I was a charter subscriber to Surfer, had a great board, and knew how to dress, unbeknownst to anyone else, I had never surfed before. When we arrived at the Henry Cowell State Park parking lot, from which point we’d hike down to the beach and paddle out, Lindsay, Chuck, and Bob grabbed their boards. “Listen, guys,” I said. “I’m not feeling so good. I’ll just have my lunch and join you later.” “Okay,” they called over their shoulders as they ran toward the trail. Opening my lunch, I was happy to see that my mom had packed two peanut butter, mayonnaise, and pickle sandwichesmy favoritealong with about ten homemade chocolate chip cookies, an apple, and a carton of milk. After finishing the last cookie, I knew I could stall no longer. So I trekked on down to the beach and saw Lindsay, Chuck, and Bob all doing great. Bob came in. “Come on, Jon,” he said, “it’s excellent out there!” I walked down to the water’s edge, reached into the back pocket of my jams, took out my wax, and began to wax my board. Seeing Bob was looking at me rather quizzically, I realized I was waxing the wrong side. You see, I thought you were supposed to wax the bottom of the board so you could cut through the water. But I came to find out that you wax the top of the board for traction. “I’m just trying something new,” I said, attempting to cover my blunder. “Come on, Jon. Quit fooling around. Let’s go,” Bob said as he knee-paddled out. I followed at a safe distancehoping he wouldn’t turn around and see me paddling on my belly. (Knee-paddling takes practice and coordination. I had neither.) Finally, after I had sat on my board for about half an hour, Lindsay called, “Take this one, Jon.” I looked back, and sure enough, there was a beautiful swell coming right in my direction that appeared to be forty-to-fifty feet high. At that point, I had no other choice but to lie down and paddle for all I was worth.
Then a miracle happened. I actually got to my feet and stood on my boardfor about a second and a half. But being too close to the nose, I “pearled.” That is, the nose of the board went underwater, causing the rest of the board to become a catapult that launched me into the air. I landed in front of the wave that proceeded to break right on top of me. After tossing and turning underwater for what felt like forever, I finally figured out which way was up, shot toward the surface of the water for a desperately needed gasp of air, inadvertently sucking in a huge piece of kelp in the process. Grabbing my board as it floated by, there I wasclinging to my board for dear life, with seaweed hanging out of my mouth. It was at this point that the peanut butter and pickle sandwiches began to work their way up. Suddenly, with Lindsay, Chuck, and Bob looking on in utter disbelief, I barfed on my board. Needless to say, the entire area cleared out immediately. Although I did learn to surf later on, I was set free that day from the image I was so desperately trying to cultivate. As this incident came to mind, I was reminded that, along with the beautiful waves, salt air, and cool breeze of the beach scene, there’s also a preponderance of phoniness and jealousy, of taunting and flaunting. All kinds of things take place at the beach that we feel pressured to fit into. The same is true of the football field, basketball court, or even the business office. Therefore, I suggest to you that one of the grand and glorious things the Lord says through our text is, “In the new heaven and earth, I’m going to liberate you from all of the things you think appear to be so cool on the outside but which hide a dark side underneath.” You who are trapped in the business gig, the materialistic stuff, the sports scenethe Lord calls you to something bigger, something grander, something better. In the new heaven and the new earth, the sea shall be replaced by a city. “A city?” you say. “That’s exactly where I wouldn’t want to be!” Listen, those to whom John addressed the Book of Revelation were those who lived in cities. Thus, John is telling them, “Heaven doesn’t eliminate your situation. It transforms it.” Gang, heaven is not “other.” It’s “more.” Therefore, if you want heaven in your home, in your life, or in your cityit will come not by elimination, but by transformation. If any man be in Christ, he isnot “will be"a new creation. Old things are passed away. Behold all things are become new (2Co_5:17). To experience eternal, abundant life this side of heaven, see yourself as a new creation rather than as a businessman; a child of God rather than as a sports star; a follower of Jesus rather than as a supermom; a fisher of men rather than as an image-conscious surfer. If you do, you’ll find yourself free from having to know the language, dress the part, or fit the image. Find your identity in Jesus, fellow city-dweller, and you won’t miss the beach at all. I guarantee it!
Revelation 21:2
Here is the new capitol of the new creation.
Revelation 21:3
This speaks of a new communion. Presently, as we partake of the bread and drink of the cup at the Lord’s table, we long to have close communion with Him. But Paul was right when he said we only see through a glass darkly (1Co_13:12). In the New Jerusalem, however, we’ll at last see the visible glory of God. It won’t be fuzzy any longer. My vision of the Lord won’t be different from yours, for we’ll all be in His presence.
Revelation 21:4
“Being with the Lord in a new heaven and new earth sounds wonderful,” you might say. “But if my daughter or dad or husband or son isn’t there, won’t I weep eternally?” No, because when God creates the new heaven and earth, “the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind” (Isa_65:17). That is, when we get to heaven we will not have memory of those who aren’t there. There may be believers about whom you presently say, “I don’t want to spend eternity with her,” or “I don’t want to see him in the mansion next door to mine forever and ever"but when we get to heaven we will find ourselves blown away by the very people who bugged us. The former things are passed away. There will be a glorious transformation of every believer, for when we see Jesus we shall all be like Him (1Jn_3:2). The things that irritate you now about your spouse or neighbor will be eradicated in heaven. That is why Paul said, “I know no man after the flesh” (see 2Co_5:16). The flesh will be absent from heaven. Why would John be told to write that these things are true and faithful? Because what he’s writing sounds too good to be true!
Revelation 21:6
“It is done,” is the statement of a carpenter who has completed his work. Two thousand years ago, our Master Carpenter said, “I go to prepare a place for you.” Here in verse Rev_21:6, He doesn’t say, “The place I prepared is a fixer-upper,” or, “It’s a good starter home,” or, “It’s got charm.” He says, “It is done.” How many of us have bought our dream house only to say a little while later, “If we knock out a wall there, add another bathroom here, take out this counter, and reshape the patio, this place will be a lot better”? Such will not be the case in heaven. Not one person will say, “This is greatbut it could use a skylight or two…” No, we’ll say, “This was designed perfectly for me. It’s exactly what I’ve been craving but could never articulate. It’s done.” There are three elements essential to any community. Here we see the first: resources. The water in the city of the new Jerusalem flows freely.
Revelation 21:7
Second, we see responsibility. The inheritance here is that of a father who’s sharing the family business with his son. Thus, the inheritance spoken of incorporates not only acquisition but also administration. That is, in eternity, there will not only be stuff to acquire but also things to do. In Luke 19, Jesus says if we’re faithful in our responsibilities here on earth, we’ll be given cities to rule over in the ages to come eternally. I’m not really into ruling, you might be thinking. Listen, the things you really wish you could do here but can’t will, I believe, be your area of rule, your responsibility in heaven. Some of you are master mechanics and find total satisfaction in tearing down and rebuilding an engine. Others are authors, artists, or athletes who never seem to have enough time to do what you love because of your responsibilities here on earth. I believe those are the very areas with which you will be involved eternallyor else why would God have given you those desires and gifts in the first place? Those of you who feel life has passed you by without your ever being able to do what you really lovedtake heart! I believe the time is coming when you will be ruling in heaven in the very arena that intrigues you here on earth. In addition to resources and responsibility, there will be a relationship in heaven unlike anything we’ve known on earth. In Joh_3:16, we read that God gave us His Son. In Luk_11:13, we read He gives us His Spirit. Here in Rev_21:7, He gives us Himself.
Revelation 21:8
Vastly more comforting than the fact that murderers and sorcerers and liars won’t be in heaven is the fact that I will be. You see, all of these tendencies are inherent within me, but they will be burned up, not allowed in my eternal destination. There’s coming a time when I will truly be set free from the flesh of which I grow ever wearier as I grow older. Heaven will be a safe place because the flesh within me will be cast away. And for that I am so grateful.
Revelation 21:9
The New Jerusalem descends from heaven. But the language implies it doesn’t land on earth. Rather, it hovers above the earth, suspended between heaven and earth.
Revelation 21:11
Due to its description as being clear as crystal, most scholars believe the jasper of verse Rev_21:11 is actually a diamond. A diamond would be a fitting description of the city wherein dwells the churchnot because as the bride of Christ we deserve diamonds, but because, like diamonds we are simply chunks of worthless coal made brilliant by heat and pressure (1Pe_4:12-13).
Revelation 21:12
Regardless of what you’ve heard, there’s not one mention of Peter at the gates of heaven. Instead, there are the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. As Gentiles, we were lost without the covenants, without any understanding of Yahweh before we were grafted into the olive tree of the faith (Rom_11:17). Thus, the names of the twelve tribes remind us that we are indebted to the people of Israel as we are to no other people.
Revelation 21:14
Because Abraham looked for a city with foundations (Heb_11:10), because he understood that what he longed for would not be found on earth, he lived his whole life in a tent. Like Abraham, we will be truly free when we understand that what we really crave is not a better car or a bigger house, but rather the city with not one foundation but twelve: the New Jerusalem, heaven. The names of the twelve apostles remind us that although we were originally granted access to an understanding of God through the gate of our Jewish heritage, our faith is founded on the message committed to the apostles: the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Revelation 21:15
The New Jerusalem is a fifteen-hundred-mile cube with twelve foundations or levels. This means it’s three billion square miles in size. The present population of earth Isaiah 5.3 billion people. With 90 percent of the people who have ever lived in history alive today, if even three billion people are in heaven, there will be enough room for each person to have one square mile. It’s huge!
Revelation 21:17
Two hundred sixteen feet is a high wallbut not in comparison to a city fifteen hundred miles high. At times, due to a misunderstanding or breakdown in communication, you might feel like there’s a wall between you and someone else. You won’t in heaven. The wall around the New Jerusalem speaks of safety and security, but not of secrecy. The city is brilliant like a diamond but also like transparent gold.
Revelation 21:19
In Old Testament times, if one had a question regarding what he should do, he would go to the high priest, who would, in turn, seek God through the Urim and the Thumim, or literally, “lights and perfections” (see Num_27:2; Neh_7:65). Most Orthodox rabbis teach that the twelve stones that represented the twelve tribes of Israel on the breastplate of the high priest would light up in such a way that direction would be given. Some have suggested it was through the lighting of the twelve stones that the desired answer would be given, perhaps through the letter associated with the tribal name each stone represented. A fundamental element of this Old Testament practicethe stones of which, I believe, are seen in the foundations of the walls in the New Jerusalemis equally valid today. That is, you’ll know God’s will for your life if you hang out with God’s people. Believers are vulnerable when they are no longer in fellowship with other “tribes,” when they try to figure things out on their own independently from of the rest of the body. Satan’s plan is always the same: to isolate believers. Therefore, the safest place to be is surrounded by the “walls” of God’s people.
Revelation 21:21
The pearl represents God’s people. How do I know? In Matthew 13, Jesus told the story of a man who sold everything to purchase a pearl. That’s just what Jesus did. He gave everything He hadeven His very lifeto purchase us. This makes us the pearla fitting description, since a pearl is nothing more than an irritating grain of sand or a tiny parasite coated by the lustrous nacre of an oyster. We’re irritating indeed, parasitic beyond question. But God robes us and covers us and thereby makes us trophies in order that all of creation throughout eternity might marvel at His grace. So highly valued is gold on earth that throughout history, man has lived by the golden rule: He who has gold rules. Such is not the case in heaven, where gold is used as casually as asphalt. Gang, whatever you value most on earth will be as commonplace as asphalt in comparison to the glory of the New Jerusalem.
Revelation 21:22
Have you ever been at a camp or a worship service or a Bible study where you sensed God’s presence so powerfully that you didn’t want to leave? That’s the way heaven will be all of the time. That’s why there’s no need for a temple.
Revelation 21:23
In the Millennium of chapter 20, the moon will be as bright as the sun is presently, and the sun will be seven times brighter than it is now (Isa_30:26). But in the New Jerusalem, there will be no need for the sun or moon at all because the glory and brilliance of the Lord will illuminate the entire city. As freshmen at Biola University, we were excited to go to Disneyland® one fall evening. Cruising into the parking lot at 5:59 P.M., we were disappointed to learn that the gates of the Magic KingdomTM closed at 6:00. This is not true of the gates of the true kingdom. They never close.
Revelation 21:26
As chapter 21 draws to a close, I hear Pastor John, by the inspiration of the Spirit, saying to his flock in the midst of tribulation and persecution, “The key to victory, the antidote to despondency is one thing: heaven.” Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.Joh_14:1-2 Saint, if you take your focus off eternity and get caught up in the present world, like Peter on the water, you’ll sink into the ocean of depression. But the extent to which you set your heart on things above is the extent to which you will be free from defeat and discouragement. May we be a heavenly minded people as we book ourselves and as many others as we can on the flight to the New Jerusalem.