Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: The New Jerusalem, often referred to as the "Holy City," is a significant eschatological concept found in the Christian Bible, symbolizing the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to His people. It represents the eternal dwelling place of God with humanity, a place of perfect peace, righteousness, and divine presence. Biblical References: The concept of the New Jerusalem is primarily found in the Book of Revelation, where it is described in vivid detail. Revelation 21:2 states, "I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." This imagery highlights the city's divine origin and its intimate relationship with God, akin to a bride's relationship with her husband. Characteristics of the New Jerusalem: Revelation 21 and 22 provide a detailed description of the New Jerusalem. It is depicted as a city of immense beauty and splendor, with walls of jasper and streets of pure gold, as transparent as glass (Revelation 21:18, 21). The city is laid out as a perfect square, with its length, width, and height being equal, measuring 12,000 stadia (Revelation 21:16). This geometric perfection symbolizes completeness and divine order. The New Jerusalem is also characterized by the absence of a temple, for "the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" (Revelation 21:22). This signifies the direct and unmediated presence of God with His people. Furthermore, the city does not require the sun or moon to shine on it, for "the glory of God illuminates it, and its lamp is the Lamb" (Revelation 21:23). Theological Significance: The New Jerusalem represents the culmination of God's redemptive plan and the restoration of creation. It is the fulfillment of the promises made throughout Scripture, where God declares His intention to dwell among His people. In the New Jerusalem, the effects of sin and the curse are completely eradicated, as "there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away" (Revelation 21:4). The city is also a place of perfect holiness and purity. Revelation 21:27 states, "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." This underscores the moral and spiritual purity required to dwell in God's presence. Symbolism and Imagery: The New Jerusalem is rich in symbolic imagery, drawing from Old Testament prophecies and Jewish apocalyptic literature. The city's twelve gates, each made of a single pearl, and its twelve foundations, inscribed with the names of the twelve apostles, emphasize the continuity and fulfillment of God's covenant with Israel and the Church (Revelation 21:12-14). The river of the water of life, flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb, and the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, symbolize eternal life and healing for the nations (Revelation 22:1-2). These images echo the Garden of Eden, suggesting a return to the original state of harmony between God and humanity. Conclusion: The New Jerusalem stands as a powerful symbol of hope and the ultimate destiny of believers. It encapsulates the promise of eternal communion with God, free from sin and suffering, and serves as a reminder of the glorious future awaiting those who remain faithful to the end. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia New JerusalemNEW JERUSALEM See JERUSALEM, NEW; REVELATION OF JOHN. Greek 761. asaleutos -- unmoved ... [Heb 12:26b-28b prophesies the coming of "the new heavens and the new earth" for the New Jerusalem.]. Word Origin from alpha (as a neg. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/761.htm - 7k Library The New Jerusalem. Of the New Jerusalem, the Spouse of the Lamb, with the Seventh ... Swedenborgians, Or, the New Jerusalem Church. The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: How the Church of Our Saviour, the New Jerusalem Prophesied of in ... The Members of the Synod Proceed from Tyre to Jerusalem, and ... He Contends that These Testimonies Already Alleged Cannot be ... None of These Answers Will You Give Us. You Turn to Other Things ... What Can be More Distinct than this Statement? what could Possibly ... Apostles To-Day? Resources What does it mean that a Christian is a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the New Calvinists, and what are the beliefs of New Calvinism? | GotQuestions.org How can I help new believers? | GotQuestions.org New: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Neophytes: General Scriptures Concerning New Moon: Traffic at Time of, Suspended Select Readings: The New Heaven and the New Earth The New Birth is for the Glory of God The New Birth is of the Mercy of God The New Birth is of the Will of God The New Birth: A Spiritual Resurrection The New Birth: All Saints Partake of The New Birth: Circumcision of the Heart The New Birth: Connected With Adoption The New Birth: Effected by Christ The New Birth: Effected by God The New Birth: Effected by The Holy Spirit The New Birth: Evidenced by Brotherly Love The New Birth: Evidenced by Faith in Christ The New Birth: Evidenced by Righteousness The New Birth: Manner of Effecting--Illustrated The New Birth: Newness of Life The New Birth: None Can Enter Heaven Without The New Birth: Partaking of the Divine Nature The New Birth: Preserves from Satan's Devices The New Birth: Produces Delight in God's Law The New Birth: Produces Hatred of Sin The New Birth: Produces Knowledge of God The New Birth: Produces Likeness to Christ The New Birth: Produces Likeness to God The New Birth: Produces Victory Over the World The New Birth: Putting on the New Man The New Birth: The Corruption of Human Nature Requires The New Birth: The Ignorant Cavil At The New Birth: The Washing of Regeneration The New Birth: Through the Instrumentality of The Ministry of the Gospel The New Birth: Through the Instrumentality of The Resurrection of Christ The New Birth: Through the Instrumentality of The Word of God Related Terms |
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