Revelation 21-22: The New Jerusalem, Paradise Restored
1. The New Jerusalem (21:1-27)
a. The New Heavens and the New Earth (1-8)
i. A new heavens and earth, the first are gone, there is no more sea
ii. The holy city, New Jerusalem, came down like an adorned bride.
iii. A voice from heaven: “The tabernacle of God is with men.”
1. “He will wipe away every tear, remove every sorrow and pain.”
2. “The former things have passed away.”
iv. He who sat on the throne: “I make all things new. This is true.”
1. “I will give the fountain of life to him who thirsts.”
2. “He who overcomes shall inherit all things as My son.”
3. “The unbelieving will be assigned to the lake of fire.”
b. The New Jerusalem (9-27)
i. One of the angels with the seven bowls took John to see the bride.
1. A great and high mountain with a great city
2. Holy Jerusalem descends from heaven with the glory of God
ii. Description of the New Jerusalem:
1. Light like a precious stone
2. High wall, 12 gates with 12 angels, names of 12 tribes of Israel
3. 12 foundations with the names of the 12 apostles
4. Measurements of the city:
a. The city is a cube: 12,000 furlongs wide, long, high
b. The wall is 144 cubits constructed of jasper
5. The city was pure gold like clear glass, street of gold
6. Foundations were adorned with 12 varieties of precious stones
7. Twelve gates were individual pearls
iii. Glory of the New Jerusalem:
1. There is no temple, the Lord and the Lamb are the temple
2. No sun or moon, the glory of God illuminates it, Lamb = light
3. Nations bring glory into it, the gates never shut
4. Nothing unholy can enter, only those written in Lamb’s book
2. Paradise Restored (22:1-21)
a. The Description (1-5)
i. A river of water of life, pure and clear, proceeding from the throne
ii. The tree of life was in middle of street and on either side.
1. It bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month.
2. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
iii. There is no curse. The throne of God is there, and His servants serve.
1. They shall see His face. His name shall be on their foreheads.
2. The Lord God gives them light. They shall reign forever.
b. The Exhortation (6-17)
i. The prophecy is coming to pass quickly.
1. Stated by the angel to John.
2. Affirmed by Jesus.
ii. John sought to worship the angel but was rebuked. “Worship God.”
iii. “Do not seal this prophecy, the time is at hand.”
1. Jesus affirmed: “I am coming quickly. I will reward for works.”
2. Obedient will have access to the tree of life; unholy are outside
iv. Jesus said: “I have sent My angel to testify of these things.”
1. The Spirit and bride say: “Come.”
2. Whoever thirsts, let him take of the water of life freely.
c. The Admonition (18-21)
i. Do not tamper with the message.
1. If anyone adds to the prophecy, God will add plagues to him.
2. If anyone takes away, God will take his name from the book.
ii. Jesus says: “Surely, I am coming quickly.”
1. Even so, come Lord Jesus!
2. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.