The New City
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The New City
1. City Choices
There are always choices about where to live, and in Revelation 21 and 22, we’re presented with the most significant choice: the city of man or the city of God. The city of man, symbolized by Babylon, represents all that is sinful and opposed to God. In contrast, the New Jerusalem is the city where righteousness reigns, where God dwells with His people. This choice is not just a future decision but one we make daily in how we live and what we long for. We cannot stand with one foot in each city; our hearts must fully belong to one.
2. City Features
Pearly Gates
The New Jerusalem has massive gates made from single pearls, each inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. These gates represent God’s fulfilled promise to His people and symbolize the inclusion of people from all directions and nations.
Brilliant Foundations
The city’s walls are built on twelve foundations adorned with precious stones, each bearing the names of the twelve apostles. This signifies the unity of God’s redemptive plan through both the Old and New Covenants. The apostles represent the spread of the gospel to all nations, showing that people from every tribe and language will be part of this eternal city.
Expansive Dimensions
The city is described as a perfect cube, 1,500 miles in length, width, and height, echoing the shape of the Holy of Holies in the temple. This shows that the entire city is a holy place where God dwells and His people have full access to Him. There is no curtain separating us from God anymore; the way is open because of Christ’s sacrifice.
3. City Realities
No More Night
There will be no more night in the New Jerusalem. God’s glory and the Lamb will provide all the light needed. There will be no sin, no pain, no brokenness — only pure righteousness and joy. The gates will never be shut, signifying complete security and constant access to God.
The Tree of Life
A river of the water of life will flow from God’s throne, with the Tree of Life on either side, bearing twelve kinds of fruit year-round. This symbolizes God’s continual provision and the restoration of what was lost in Eden. The Tree of Life is once again accessible, signifying eternal life and blessing.
Belonging to the Lamb
We will see God face to face and His name will be on our foreheads, showing our belonging and intimate relationship with Him. We will live in perfect fellowship, fully known and fully loved, rejoicing forever in His presence.
4. Our Response
Jesus is preparing this place for us even now. This city is beyond our imagination, more glorious than anything we can describe. As we wait, we are called to live as citizens of this new city, rejecting the false promises of the city of man and longing for our eternal home. Our lives should reflect that this new city is our true home, and we rejoice in the promise that we will dwell there with God forever.
SERMON DETAILS
Speaker: Jeff McNicol
Series: Revelation
Sermon Title: The New City
Date: Aug 18, 2024
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Revelation 21
Revelation 22
Genesis 2–3
Hebrews 11:10
1 Kings 6:20
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