Question 1

What is the New Jerusalem in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The New Jerusalem is shown as a great, holy city coming down out of heaven from God. It is a picture of God’s people in their final, perfected state, called the bride, the Lamb’s wife. The city shines with God’s glory, is safe behind great walls, and has space for all the redeemed. It shows God living closely with His people forever, with no more distance, no temple building needed, and no night or sin. It is the final home of those written in the Lamb’s book of life.

Question 2

Why does the city have twelve gates and twelve foundations?

Accepted Answer

The twelve gates have the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, and the twelve foundations have the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. Together this points to all of God’s people, from both Israel and the church, being included in one city. The gates on every side show that people come from all directions. The foundations remind us that God’s people are built on the message first preached by the apostles, with Christ Himself as the Lamb who made this city possible.

Question 3

Why is there no temple in the New Jerusalem?

Accepted Answer

John says he saw no temple in the city because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. In this present world, a temple separates holy space from ordinary space, and people meet God through places and symbols. In the New Jerusalem, that separation is gone. God’s presence fills everything, and His people are always before Him. There is no need for a special building, sacrifice, or ritual, because God and the Lamb are with their people openly and forever.

Question 4

What does it mean that the city needs no sun or moon?

Accepted Answer

The passage says the city has no need of the sun or moon because the glory of God lights it, and the Lamb is its light. This shows that God’s presence will give all the light, joy, and understanding His people need. There is no darkness, fear, or uncertainty there. It does not deny that God made the sun and moon good, but it shows that, in the world to come, His own glory is more than enough to guide and warm His people at all times.

Question 5

Who can enter the New Jerusalem, and who is kept out?

Accepted Answer

Only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life may enter this city. These are the people saved by Christ and made holy by Him. The passage is very clear that nothing unclean will enter, and no one who practices things God calls abomination or who lives by lies. This shows the city is completely pure, safe, and joyful. Sin, deceit, and rebellion cannot get in. It is a strong warning to turn from sin now and trust the Lamb.

Question 6

What is the meaning of the nations and kings bringing glory into the city?

Accepted Answer

John says the nations who are saved will walk in the city’s light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it. This picture shows people from all nations gathered into one people of God, not erased but brought into harmony under Christ. Whatever is good and honorable in their life and work is brought into God’s city and offered to Him. It stresses both the wide reach of salvation and that all true honor belongs to God.

Question 7

Why are the gates of the New Jerusalem never shut?

Accepted Answer

The gates are never shut by day, and there is no night there at all. Open gates mean there is no more threat, fear, or danger for God’s people. In this life, city gates close to keep out enemies. In the New Jerusalem there are no enemies left, no sin, no death, and no darkness. The always-open gates also picture the constant welcome God gives to all who belong to Him, who freely come and enjoy His presence without any barrier.

Question 8

What is the significance of the city being made of gold and precious stones?

Accepted Answer

The city is described as pure gold like clear glass, with walls of jasper and foundations decorated with many precious stones, and gates of single pearls. This language points to beauty, purity, and great worth. It shows that the final state of God’s people is not dull or plain but rich with God’s glory. The clear, shining quality hints that nothing is hidden or dirty there. Everything about the city reflects the greatness of the God who lives in it with His people.

Question 9

How should believers today respond to this picture of the New Jerusalem?

Accepted Answer

This vision invites believers to fix their hope on their future home with God and to live in a way that fits that holy city. Knowing that nothing unclean will enter, we are called to turn from sin and walk in the light of Christ now. The picture of open gates and shared glory encourages us to see ourselves as part of a worldwide people God is gathering. It comforts us that present suffering is not the end, because God has prepared a pure, safe, joyful home.

Revelation 21:10

And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

The New Jerusalem

The New Jerusalem

metadata.crossReferences

Revelation 21:10

And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

share.title

share.allVerses

share.verseWithContext

share.currentVerse

The New Jerusalem

The New Jerusalem

metadata.crossReferences