Imagine walking through one of twelve enormous gates—each made of a single pearl—and being surrounded by massive walls of crystal-clear jasper. People may stroll along streets of pure gold, to a beautiful, pure river that is also crystal clear. On either side of the river is the tree of life bearing twelve kinds of fruit. Everyone is so happy! There is no sorrow or crying or pain. This City was prepared for you by God himself. It is more than just an imaginary scene. It was revealed by God to John the Revelator, and it will someday become a reality to us if we prepare for it here on earth.
QUESTIONS
- What great event precedes the coming of the new heaven and the new earth? See Revelation 20:11.
- Write a brief description of the new Jerusalem that John saw.
- Explain what the absence of sorrow, pain, crying, and death will mean to you.
- Revelation 21:7 tells us that “He that overcometh shall inherit all things.” What constitutes an overcomer? See 1 John 5:4-5; Revelation 2:26; 12:11.
- Who will be excluded from the new Jerusalem?
- Who is the Light in this City? How does that relate to us today? See John 8:12; Matthew 5:14-16.
- 2 Peter 3:13 lets us know that there will be only goodness in the new heavens and new earth. Not everyone will be able to enter. How can you be sure you will have a part in that wonderful place?
THEME THOUGHTS
- 2 Peter 3:13-14