Question 1

What is the New Jerusalem in this passage?

Accepted Answer

In this passage the New Jerusalem is shown as a great, holy city coming down out of heaven from God. It is called “the bride, the Lamb’s wife,” which means it pictures God’s people in their finished, perfect state with Christ. The city shines with God’s glory, is safe with high walls, and is built on the names of the tribes of Israel and the apostles. So it is not just a place, but also a way of talking about the eternal home and gathered people of God, fully united with Jesus.

Question 2

Why is the New Jerusalem called the bride, the Lamb’s wife?

Accepted Answer

The city is called “the bride, the Lamb’s wife” to show the close, loving bond between Christ and His people. A bride belongs to her husband in love, joy, and faithfulness. In the same way, this city shows the church in glory, joined to Jesus forever. The beauty, purity, and light of the city picture how the redeemed are made holy and share in His glory. It tells us that our hope is not just a nice place, but a perfect relationship with the Lord who loved and saved us.

Question 3

What is the meaning of the twelve gates and twelve foundations?

Accepted Answer

The city has twelve gates with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel and twelve foundations with the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. This shows that all God’s people are included, from His ancient people Israel to the church built on the apostles. The four sides with three gates each show that people come to God from every direction of the earth. Together, the gates and foundations picture one united people, saved through Christ, safe in God’s care, and firmly grounded on what He has done and taught.

Question 4

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 the temple of it.” On earth, the temple was the place where people went to meet with God. In this vision, there is no need for a special building, because God’s presence fills everything. His people live in direct, unhindered fellowship with Him. This shows the goal of salvation: not just to be forgiven, but to live forever in God’s presence, with nothing between Him and His people, worshiping Him with joy.

Question 5

What does it mean that the city has no need of the sun or moon?

Accepted Answer

The city has no need of sun or moon because the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its light. This does not have to mean normal light does not exist, but it tells us that God’s presence is what truly fills this place. There is no more spiritual darkness, confusion, or fear. The redeemed live in clear knowledge of God and in His joy. The picture of no night means there is no more danger, sorrow, or hidden evil, only the steady, gentle light of God’s glory.

Question 6

Who is allowed to enter the New Jerusalem?

Accepted Answer

The passage is clear that nothing unclean, no one who practices evil or lies, may enter this city. Only those written in the Lamb’s book of life may come in. This means only those whom Christ has saved and cleansed belong there. The open gates show welcome and safety for the redeemed from every nation, but not for sin. It reminds us that entrance is not earned by our goodness, but given through Jesus, who writes the names of His people in His book and makes them pure.

Question 7

What does this vision teach about God’s character?

Accepted Answer

This vision shows God as glorious, pure, and near to His people. The shining city and precious stones show His beauty and worth. The high wall and guarded gates show His care to protect and keep His people safe. The open gates and nations walking in the light show His wide mercy, bringing people from everywhere into His joy. The fact that nothing unclean can enter shows His holiness. Above all, His choice to dwell with His people as their light and temple shows His deep desire to be with them.

Question 8

How can this picture of the New Jerusalem encourage believers today?

Accepted Answer

This picture encourages believers by reminding them where their story is heading. Life now can feel dark, unsafe, and full of sorrow, but here we see a future where God’s people are safe, clean, and joyful in His presence. The beauty and peace of the city show that nothing good in God will be lost. Knowing that God is preparing such a place and people can help us keep going, turn from sin that cannot enter there, and fix our hope on being with the Lord forever.

Question 9

Why are the nations and kings mentioned in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The passage says the nations who are saved walk in the city’s light and the kings of the earth bring their glory into it. This shows that God’s saving work reaches all kinds of people, not just one nation. What is honorable from every culture is brought in and made part of the city’s praise to God. It hints that in eternity, the rich variety of redeemed people will not be erased, but gathered and purified, all sharing in one light and one worship centered on God and the Lamb.

Revelation 21:9

And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.

The New Jerusalem

Cross References

Revelation 21:9

And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.

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The New Jerusalem

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