The New Jerusalem, as described in the Book of Revelation, represents the culmination of God’s redemptive plan and the eternal dwelling place of the redeemed. This majestic city is detailed in Revelation 21 and 22, providing a vision of ultimate restoration and eternal communion with God. Through a comprehensive study of the biblical text and insights from scholars, we can explore the significance, materials, and dimensions of the New Jerusalem, while understanding its theological implications and relevance for believers.
Word Count: 3489 / Time to Read: 18 minutes
Biblical Description of the New Jerusalem
1. Revelation 21:1-2:
“Then I saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth,’ for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.”
These verses introduce the New Jerusalem, descending from heaven, symbolizing God’s presence with humanity in a renewed creation.
2. Revelation 21:10-14:
“And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south and three on the west. The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.”
These verses emphasize the glory and divine origin of the New Jerusalem, highlighting its radiant appearance and structural features.
3. Revelation 21:16-18:
“The city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide. He measured the city with the rod and found it to be 12,000 stadia in length, and as wide and high as it is long. The angel measured the wall using human measurement, and it was 144 cubits thick. The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass.”
The dimensions of the New Jerusalem are extraordinary, with each side measuring 12,000 stadia, approximately 1,364 miles, suggesting a city of immense size and grandeur.
4. Revelation 21:19-21:
“The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.”
These verses describe the materials of the New Jerusalem, emphasizing the use of precious stones and pure gold, reflecting the city’s divine beauty and splendor.
5. Revelation 22:1-5:
“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.”
This passage highlights the life-giving and healing nature of the New Jerusalem, with the river of the water of life and the tree of life, symbolizing eternal sustenance and health.
Theological Significance of the New Jerusalem
The New Jerusalem represents the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises and the climax of redemptive history. It is the eternal dwelling place of the redeemed, where God’s presence is fully manifested, and His glory illuminates the city.
1. God’s Dwelling Place with Humanity:
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away'” (Revelation 21:3-4).
This verse emphasizes the intimate and eternal communion between God and His people in the New Jerusalem, where all suffering and sorrow are eradicated.
2. Perfection and Holiness:
“Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 21:27).
The New Jerusalem is a place of perfect holiness, free from sin and impurity, reserved for those who are redeemed by Christ.
3. Eternal Light and Glory:
“The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp” (Revelation 21:23).
The glory of God and the Lamb provide eternal light, symbolizing the divine presence and illuminating the city perpetually.
Speculation on the Source of Materials
One intriguing speculation is that the materials for the New Jerusalem could have come from the crowns that believers earned for their good works and then laid at the feet of Christ.
1. Crowns for Believers:
- “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever” (1 Corinthians 9:25).
- “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8).
- “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12).
- “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” (1 Peter 5:4).
These verses indicate that believers receive crowns as rewards for their faithfulness and perseverance.
2. Laying Crowns at Christ’s Feet:
“The twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: ‘You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being'” (Revelation 4:10-11).
This act of laying crowns at Christ’s feet signifies the acknowledgment that all rewards and glory ultimately belong to Him.
Communal Contributions in Biblical History and Their Parallel to the New Jerusalem
In biblical history, the concepts of communal contributions and shared resources are powerfully illustrated through the construction of the tabernacle and the sharing of manna. These examples highlight how individual possessions are collectively utilized for the benefit and well-being of the community, establishing a principle that may extend to the creation of the New Jerusalem.
Contributions for the Tabernacle
The construction of the tabernacle provides a clear example of communal contributions. As God instructed Moses to build a sanctuary, the Israelites were called to offer materials willingly from their own possessions:
“All the Israelite men and women who were willing brought to the LORD freewill offerings for all the work the LORD through Moses had commanded them to do” (Exodus 35:29).
The people responded with such generosity that Moses eventually had to instruct them to stop bringing offerings:
“Then Moses gave an order and they sent this word throughout the camp: ‘No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.’ And so the people were restrained from bringing more, because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work” (Exodus 36:6-7).
This example shows how the community’s collective offerings enabled the construction of the tabernacle, a dwelling place for God’s presence among His people.
Sharing of Manna
Similarly, the provision and sharing of manna demonstrate the principle of equitable distribution for the common good:
“The Israelites did as they were told; some gathered much, some little. And when they measured it by the omer, the one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little. Everyone had gathered just as much as they needed” (Exodus 16:17-18).
In this scenario, the manna, though gathered individually, was shared in such a way that everyone had enough. This ensured that the entire community’s needs were met, reflecting a divine principle of sharing and mutual care.
Parallels to the New Jerusalem
These historical examples provide a foundation for understanding how Christ may employ a similar strategy for the creation of the New Jerusalem. The idea is that individual rewards and contributions from believers could be used collectively to build this eternal city.
The New Jerusalem: A Collective Effort
Christ’s statement about preparing a place for us is significant:
“My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:2).
This preparation, however, culminates not with the immediate creation of the New Jerusalem, but after all believers have been rewarded. Revelation describes the New Jerusalem descending from heaven after the present heavens and earth are destroyed and replaced by a new creation:
“Then I saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth,’ for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband” (Revelation 21:1-2).
The Theoretical Connection
The theory that the materials for the New Jerusalem might come from the crowns and rewards of the saints aligns with the biblical principles of communal contribution and shared blessings. Just as the Israelites’ offerings built the tabernacle and the shared manna sustained the community, the rewards and contributions of believers could be used by Christ to construct the New Jerusalem. This approach fosters a sense of unity and collective accomplishment, reflecting the community of believers sharing in the eternal glory of God’s kingdom.
By incorporating the rewards of all believers, Christ ensures that everyone has a part in the creation of the New Jerusalem, preventing any sense of inequality or pride in individual achievements. This communal contribution reinforces the biblical theme that, in eternity, there will be no greed, envy, or sorrow—only perfect unity and shared joy in the presence of God. This perspective offers a profound and cohesive understanding of how the eternal city is not just a prepared place, but a collaborative expression of the redeemed community’s faithfulness and devotion to God.
Insights from Scholars and Theologians
1. John Walvoord
- John Walvoord, former president of Dallas Theological Seminary, discusses the origin and significance of the materials:
“The precious materials used in the New Jerusalem, such as jasper, sapphire, and gold, could symbolize the culmination of God’s redemptive work. Some speculate that these materials may have a connection to the rewards of the saints, laid at the feet of Christ, reflecting the contributions of the redeemed in the construction of God’s eternal city.”
2. Tim LaHaye
- Tim LaHaye, co-author of the “Left Behind” series, offers insights into the origin of the materials:
“The materials used in the New Jerusalem may symbolize the eternal rewards of the saints. The idea that believers’ crowns and rewards could contribute to the construction of the city highlights the communal nature of the eternal state, where all believers share in the glory and beauty of God’s kingdom.”
3. Mark Hitchcock
- Mark Hitchcock, pastor and author, speculates on the origin of the materials:
“The materials used in the New Jerusalem could symbolize the eternal rewards of the saints, laid at the feet of Christ. This idea highlights the communal nature of the eternal state, where all believers share in the glory and beauty of God’s kingdom.”
4. Matthew Henry:
- Henry’s commentary highlights that the New Jerusalem’s materials reflect the splendor and perfection of God’s eternal kingdom, created from the collective faithfulness and rewards of the saints, emphasizing a community united in worship and purpose.
Dimensions and Shape of the New Jerusalem
The dimensions and potential shape of the New Jerusalem are significant in understanding its grandeur and symbolic meaning.
1. Dimensions:
“The city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide. He measured the city with the rod and found it to be 12,000 stadia in length, and as wide and high as it is long. The angel measured the wall using human measurement, and it was 144 cubits thick” (Revelation 21:16-17).
Each side of the city measures 12,000 stadia, approximately 1,364 miles, creating a city of immense size.
Conversion of 12,000 Stadia to Miles
A stadion (plural: stadia) was an ancient Greek unit of length. The length of a stadion varied, but it is generally accepted to be around 600 feet.
To convert 12,000 stadia to miles:
- 1 stadion = 600 feet
- 12,000 stadia = 12,000 * 600 feet = 7,200,000 feet
- 1 mile = 5,280 feet
- 7,200,000 feet ÷ 5,280 feet/mile = 1,363.64 miles
Therefore, 12,000 stadia is approximately 1,364 miles.
2. Comparisons:
- United States: The width of the contiguous United States (from east to west) is approximately 2,800 miles, so the New Jerusalem would span nearly half the width of the continental U.S.
- Moon: The diameter of the moon is about 2,159 miles. The New Jerusalem would cover more than half the moon’s diameter.
3. Shape: While the New Jerusalem is often depicted as a cube due to its equal dimensions, some scholars propose it could be a pyramid. Both shapes would symbolize perfection and divine order, though a pyramid might evoke ancient symbols of divine connection and stability.
Significance and Symbolism
The immense size and potential shape of the New Jerusalem underscore the grandeur and glory of God’s eternal kingdom.
1. Perfection and Holiness: The cubic shape may reflect the Holy of Holies in the ancient Jewish temple, which was also a perfect cube (1 Kings 6:20), symbolizing God’s perfect presence.
2. Divine Order and Stability: A pyramid shape might evoke the idea of a stable and enduring structure, symbolizing the eternal nature of God’s kingdom.
Life and Eternity in the New Jerusalem
The New Jerusalem is depicted as a place of eternal life, joy, and communion with God, free from the constraints and suffering of the present world.
1. Eternal Life and Healing:
“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations” (Revelation 22:1-2).
The presence of the river of life and the tree of life symbolizes eternal sustenance and healing for the nations.
2. Absence of Death and Suffering:
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
The New Jerusalem will be free from death, suffering, and sorrow, marking the complete fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.
3. Eternal Light and Glory:
“The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp” (Revelation 21:23).
God’s glory will illuminate the city, signifying His perpetual presence and the elimination of darkness.
Theological Implications
The New Jerusalem encapsulates the ultimate hope and destiny of believers, providing a vision of eternal communion with God in a perfect, holy, and glorious city.
1. Assurance of Eternal Life: The New Jerusalem represents the assurance of eternal life for believers, where they will dwell with God forever in perfect harmony and joy.
2. Fulfillment of God’s Promises: The city embodies the fulfillment of God’s promises to His people, including the eradication of sin, death, and suffering, and the establishment of a new order of eternal peace and righteousness.
3. Communal and Selfless Worship: The idea that the materials of the New Jerusalem could come from the crowns of believers highlights the communal and selfless nature of the eternal kingdom, where all contribute to the collective glory and worship of God.
Scholarly Support and Insights
- C.I. Scofield
- C.I. Scofield, editor of the influential Scofield Reference Bible highlights the New Jerusalem’s symbolism and unity, emphasizing that its beauty reflects the collective glory of the redeemed and their communal worship of God.
“The New Jerusalem’s splendor is a testament to the unified glory of the redeemed, symbolizing their eternal communal worship and reflecting the perfection of God’s eternal kingdom.”
- Lewis Sperry Chafer
- Lewis Sperry Chafer, founder of Dallas Theological Seminary, provides insight into why physical descriptions are given for a spiritual reality:
“The detailed physical descriptions of the New Jerusalem in Revelation serve to convey the tangible reality of the eternal state. While the ultimate nature of the New Jerusalem may be spiritual, these descriptions help believers grasp the glory, beauty, and perfection of their future home with God, using imagery that is relatable and awe-inspiring.”
- John MacArthur
- John MacArthur, pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church, speculates on the symbolic meaning of the materials:
“The precious stones and pure gold in the New Jerusalem symbolize the purity, beauty, and value of the eternal state. These materials reflect God’s glory and the perfection of the redeemed creation, underscoring the transformative power of His redemptive work.”
- Grant Jeffrey
- Grant Jeffrey, Canadian Bible teacher, speculates on the origin of the materials:
“The materials used in the New Jerusalem may symbolize the eternal rewards of the saints. The idea that believers’ crowns and rewards contribute to the construction of the city highlights the communal nature of the eternal state, where all believers share in the glory and beauty of God’s kingdom.”
Conclusion
The New Jerusalem, as described in the Book of Revelation, represents the ultimate fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan and the eternal dwelling place of the redeemed. Through a comprehensive study of the biblical text and insights from scholars, we can explore the significance, materials, and dimensions of the New Jerusalem, while understanding its theological implications and relevance for believers.
The New Jerusalem’s construction from the materials of believers’ crowns beautifully symbolizes the communal and selfless nature of God’s eternal kingdom. This idea aligns with the biblical themes of communal contribution and shared blessings, as seen in the building of the tabernacle and the sharing of manna. By using the rewards of the faithful to build the eternal city, Christ ensures that every believer’s contribution is valued, fostering a perfect community free from sin, greed, and pride. This eternal state reflects the ultimate unity and glory of the redeemed, dwelling forever in the presence of God.
The New Jerusalem’s immense size, radiant materials, and perfect shape underscore the grandeur and glory of God’s eternal kingdom. Whether depicted as a cube or a pyramid, the city represents the perfection and divine order of the new creation. In this eternal state, believers will experience eternal life, joy, and communion with God, free from the constraints and suffering of the present world.
As we reflect on the vision of the New Jerusalem, we are reminded of the assurance of eternal life and the fulfillment of God’s promises. This vision encourages us to live with hope and anticipation, knowing that what God has prepared for us far exceeds anything we can imagine, transcending our finite understanding and ushering us into an eternity of perfect communion with Him.
To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!
Revelation 5:13
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New International Version (NIV)
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