Written by Paul J Bucknell on November, 09, 2022
Revelation 21:1-3 The New Jerusalem with study questions
A question leads us into a discussion on Revelation 21:1-3.
The Question: Does John in Revelation 21 use the New Jerusalem to refer to the church of Jesus or heaven, our final abode?
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them. (Rev 21:1-3, NASB)
The key that points to our answer is the creation of a new heaven and a new earth (verse 1). Though similar to the old, it’s a new place with many new features. The English word heaven has several meanings. Perhaps our question alludes to an idyllic, desirable place. Verse 1, however, much like Genesis 1, speaks of heaven as a real place wherein all can live but not all seen.
The redeemed are human beings, not angels. While angels are happy with their spiritual presence (Luke 20:36), God will resurrect His people at the sound of the trumpet—restoring their human bodies to their glorified state (1 Cor 15:52). The new heaven and earth serve as a place for their new bodies to dwell and operate within. Whether the physical substance (i.e., matter) or laws differ, we don’t know. Eternity will swallow up all time.
The greatest hopes and aspirations of an eternal world will be fulfilled in what this picture in Revelation gives us—a place with no tears (Rev 21:4). But certainly, it’s not one that the unbeliever would understand or enjoy.
Below, a biblical commentary is provided for.
The New Heaven and Earth (Rev 21:1)
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea.
This is “a new heaven and a new earth.” Things have changed in a flash, from the worst, sin-filled world that bears God’s judgment to the new one which fully displays God’s glory and blessing. This old world still has tyrants who do not care for those under their rule, whether called kings, prime ministers, or presidents. Though our modern economy abounds in goods, the Book of Revelation and time shows that the multitudes, along with many Christians, will suffer all sorts of difficulties; some will die for their faith (Rev 6 with six seals; the fifth describes the martyrs).
In the new heaven and earth, there will be no hint of sin or satan’s footprint. We will never again hear satan’s whispering temptations. The spiritual battle will be over; the new will come bringing unbreakable loving relationships for all eternity. “No longer any sea” refers to people groups working in harmony across the world, but I don’t know if that means there is no water. If so, it will be purified (Ez 47).
(A comment on environmentalism: our final hope is not in improving the earth, though we are personally responsible to care for our earth. Our hope rests in the new heaven and earth. We need not panic and search the universe now for a new planet to escape to because we ruined this one!)
These verses run parallel to Genesis 1, where God first kindly established and equipped the new universe. In verse 2, He does not need to create people or creatures again but ushers in His lovely bride.
The Bridegroom and Bride (Rev 21:2)
2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.
God uses the new heaven and new earth to fulfill His grand purposes through the church. God’s people occupy center stage as the “New Jerusalem,” perhaps serving as the capital of the whole new universe. But the glory of the New Jerusalem is not just a place for the peace and comfort of God’s people but a place to relish the love of God found in Christ Jesus for all eternity. We get to see Jesus Christ and be with Him! We are not just saved from our sins but saved also to enjoy eternity together with Him.
The bride, wonderfully adorned, is the church (Eph 5:26), including all true believers from all times past, all genuine believers, and the Jews who believed in the Messiah (Mat 25). Their names are written in the Book of Life. Jesus Christ is the Bridegroom. (Col 1:18). According to New Testament Jewish custom, following the betrothal, the bridegroom would go away for an unspecified period of time to build a house for his bride. When completed, he would return to whisk His bride away to their new home.
2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:2-3)
John pictures a city, the new Jerusalem, because of the multitudes of inhabitants (Rev 5:11). Though it has the blessings of the garden Eden, it also includes glorious interaction with the Bridegroom, none other than Jesus Christ.
The Tabernacle (Rev 21:3)
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them.”
Verse 3 shifts the central focus from Christ as the Bridegroom abiding with His bride the church, to the tabernacle (pre-temple). God’s glorious shekinah glory filled the tabernacle.
God will be pleased to live on earth among His chosen people. He first instructed Moses to set up the tabernacle in the wilderness, but it was only a copy of the heavenly tabernacle (Heb 8:5; 9:24). But then, after all the believers are changed into Christ’s likeness (1 John 3:2-3), His tabernacle doesn’t need to have those curtains and barriers. The temple, with the walls and divisions for the people, is not needed. God will openly dwell among His people, and He shall be their God. We will give up our life of faith and live in God’s immediate glorious presence.
The loud voices assert three times that God’s presence will be among His people. He does not want us to miss the glory of this scene.
- Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men.
- He will dwell among them.
- God Himself will be among them.
Summary
The New Jerusalem is the bride that God presents to the Bridegroom. God’s people are the kingdom, and her glory is her prince, Jesus the King of Kings. No particulars are given, except in the name of New Jerusalem, perhaps suggesting that it will be located in the place of the old Jerusalem. More importantly, all are first captivated not by the surroundings but by the Lord’s wonderful relationship with His people—eternally secured by the Lord’s kind and merciful sacrifice for His people.
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Bible Study Questions for Rev 21:1-3
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them. (Rev 21:1-3, NASB)
1) Glance through Rev 21:1-3. Briefly describe what each verse speaks on. (No explanation is necessary!)
2) How are the three verses connected?
3) Compare the old and new ‘heaven’ that God created (Gen 1:1; Rev 21:1).
4) (Advanced) Is there any significance to the singular form of the new heaven?
5) What is the significance of not having a sea? Why mention it? To conclude verse 1, make some contrasts between the new heaven and earth and the first heaven and earth. Feel free to make biblically-speculative answers.
6) What does the image of the holy city convey to you? Consider furthering your thoughts with the first garden scene.
7) Why do you think the name, New Jerusalem, is most appropriate? Who would be included?
8) Do you think it’s accurate to use “make ready as a bride” (Rev 21:2) to picture the many ways God sanctifies His people as said in Eph 5 and elsewhere? Explain, as able, the many bible references of God arranging a people to be the bride of Christ.
9) Describe the touching love and reference that the people of God will have for their bridegroom, Jesus Christ. Why is there so much attachment and devotion?
10) What does verse 3’s tabernacle (lit. tent) symbolic image mean or stand for? Again, as able, jump back to the Old Testament.
11) How does verse 3 summarize the meaning of the picture?
12) How would you answer the original question, “Does John in Revelation 21 use the New Jerusalem to refer to the “church of Jesus or heaven, our final abode?”
