Scripture Reading: Revelation 21:9-27
Revelation 21 and 22 usher us into the eternal state of blessedness for those who belong to Christ and sorrow for those who have rejected Christ. The everlasting home for believers is the new heaven, new earth, and new Jerusalem. The eternal city is gloriously described in this passage.
This wondrous, and enormous, city descends from heaven and is called "the Bride, the wife of the Lamb" (Rev 21:9,10). The people of God are called "the Bride" of Christ in Revelation 19:7. The city takes on the character of the people who dwell there.
What John sees in this vision is a display of the glory of God ... seen not only in the majesty of the structure of this eternal city, but supremely in the divine grace shown to the people who live there.
On the 12 gates of the city are the names of the tribes of Israel. On the 12 foundations of the city wall are the names of the apostles. This entire description depicts the ultimate goal of the creation of the universe ... namely, the exaltation of the grace of God in the person and work of His Son, seen on display in the people whom He purchased with His blood.
Let us live like Abraham lived ... "looking for the city . . . whose architect and builder is God" (Heb 11:10). That which is eternal puts that which is temporary in its proper perspective.
