The Bible Book

325

from Pharaoh, and in the New

Testament, Jesus calms “a furious

storm” that terrifies His disciples

as they sail on the Sea of Galilee

(Matthew 8:23–27). In John’s vision,

all that threatens the life of God’s

people has been banished from

the new creation.

The new City of Peace

John then sees “the Holy City, the

New Jerusalem, coming down out

of heaven from God” (Revelation

21:2). Jerusalem, which means

“City of Peace,” had been a focus

of life for the Israelites since it

became King David’s capital city.

Despite its name, it had also been

a place of conflict from David’s time

onward. Human efforts to bring

about lasting peace had always

dissolved into strife. Following the

violent warfare of the previous

chapters of Revelation, John now

sees a City of Peace, prepared by

God Himself, being established on

Earth. This signals the fulfillment of

repeated promises throughout the

Bible that one day God will end all

world conflicts by asserting His

peaceful rule. God’s chosen King,

now known to be His Son Jesus, is

the “Prince of Peace” and “Of the

greatness of His government and

peace there will be no end. He will

reign on David’s throne and over

His kingdom ... from that time on

and forever” (Isaiah 9:6–7).

God with His people

The arrival of God’s home on Earth

also satisfies the pledge that He

had made to His people long ago,

when He said, “I will take you as

my own people, and I will be your

God” (Exodus 6:7). There have been

moments throughout the Bible

when this promise has seemed in

doubt, when God’s people have

strayed from His path, and when

God has seemed distant and even

hidden while His people suffer. But

now, God is at home among His

people, sharing the same space, ❯❯

See also: Creation 20–25 ■ The Garden of Eden 26–29 ■ The Fall 30–35 ■ The Prophet Ezekiel 162–63 ■ Call for

Repentance 172 ■ The Day of Judgment 173 ■ Salvation Through Faith 301 ■ The Final Judgment 316–21

ACTS, EPISTLES, AND REVELATION

Characteristics of New Jerusalem

It shines with the brilliance of a very

precious jewel, “clear as crystal,”

which reflects the glory of God.

It has 12 gates inscribed with “the

names of the 12 tribes of Israel,”

indicating the restored Israel.

The city is a perfect cube, “12,000

stadia in length, and as wide and high,”

with room for all of God’s people.

Its walls are 144 cubits thick and

“made of jasper,” sturdy enough to

exclude the wicked.

There is no temple, because God

and the Lamb (Jesus) live among His

people. Heaven has come to earth.

There is no sun or moon, “for

the glory of God gives it light,

and the Lamb is its lamp.”

See, I will create

new Heavens and

a new Earth.

Isaiah 65:17

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