< Revelation 21 >

To finish off the vision described in chapter 20, after the millienium there will be “a new [political] heaven and [populace] earth” but with no more sea v.1Revelation 21:1XWaiting for response because this symbolises the mortal population of the earth of which there will then be none.

Verse 2 commences a new vision of the events at the beginning of the Millennium when the saints are manifested as both the bride of Christ and the new Jerusalem. God will dwell with them v.3Revelation 21:3XWaiting for response and remove all sorrow and mourning because none of them will ever experience death again v.4.Revelation 21:4XWaiting for response The LORD will make all things new v.5,Revelation 21:5XWaiting for response therefore he commands John to write his words down for the benefit of all who read. God’s words are faithful and true and we should take heed of them because they promise everlasting life v.6.Revelation 21:6XWaiting for response If we overcome ourselves and do righteousness we shall inherit all the things God has promised and be his son or daughter eternally by becoming a partaker of the divine nature v.7,Revelation 21:7XWaiting for response otherwise we shall suffer the second death which is oblivion for ever v.8.Revelation 21:8XWaiting for response

The saints as a body are the bride of Christ v.9Revelation 21:9XWaiting for response and when John was shown her he saw, in fact, a new city of Jerusalem vs.10-27.Revelation 21:10-27XWaiting for response This is a symbolic city, the features of which represent important characteristics of the saints in the future age. It is heavenly vs.10-11,Revelation 21:10-11XWaiting for response Israelitish in composition vs.12-13,Revelation 21:12-13XWaiting for response and founded upon the teaching of the apostles of Jesus Christ v.14.Revelation 21:14XWaiting for response Its measurements and composition are perfect, being a cube of purest gold vs.15-18Revelation 21:15-18XWaiting for response founded upon twelve precious stones vs.19-20Revelation 21:19-20XWaiting for response and with twelve gates of pearl v.21.Revelation 21:21XWaiting for response This presents to our mind’s eye a glorious prospect with so many features highlighting the purpose of God with Israel and the development of a faithful community by the teaching of the apostles. This immortal community will not require a temple because the need for priesthood and sacrifice will have been removed by Christ v.22,Revelation 21:22XWaiting for response and they will not need the sun and moon for light, either naturally or spiritually, for they will all be enlightened by the Lord Jesus and his Father v.23.Revelation 21:23XWaiting for response This community of saints will also enlighten the nations, who will bring their glory and honour to it vs.24-25.Revelation 21:24-25XWaiting for response This is a glorious prospect and we are wise if we take our opportunity now to do righteousness so that we are not excluded from this marvellous future but are invited to enter the city because our names are written in the Lamb’s book of life v.27.Revelation 21:27XWaiting for response

These gems are all anisotropic meaning they glow all colours of the rainbow when straight light is shined through them. This is a quality found in gems by the technology we have today and they couldn’t possibly have known it then.