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New Jerusalem
* Please read the Introduction through Part 3 first.
So where is the Highway of Holiness , which I have shown is intimacy with the LORD, leading the few who choose to travel down it?
New Jerusalem, Spiritual Eden if you will, is the culmination of it all. When The Christ has returned and established His Kingship, a new heaven and a new earth will be established. In Revelation chapter 21, John explains this coming occasion clearly as he said, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them’.”
As we just read, John ”saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.” It will descend from heaven complete. It is never referred to as heaven coming down to earth, It simply says that it is a city now seated within me buying into the widely accepted teachings of “heaven”. Christianity errantly teaches some fairy tale land where we all have feathery wings and harps of gold where we all just float around singing all day long. Mankind was created to have dominion upon the earth (Genesis 1:26). Psalm 115:16 states, “The heavens are the heavens of the LORD, but the earth He has given to the sons of men.” I was made of earth, to dwell upon the earth. This will continue as I dwell forever upon the new earth, New Jerusalem!
Just for the awe of it, I’d like to mention some incredible characteristics of New Jerusalem. “And [the angel] measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs.” Revelation 21:16 According to modern day calculations, the perimeter of New Jerusalem is 1,500 miles. Since New Jerusalem is laid out as a square, this means that each side is 375 miles long. In summary, New Jerusalem has an area of 140,625 square miles, or 90 million acres! According to Revelation 21:18, New Jerusalem's walls are constructed of jasper, a variety of quartz that is translucent stone of various colors, especially that of fire. The jasper was one of the stones on the breastplate of the high priest in Exodus. The walls have twelve gates, three on each side and there are twelve angels who attend them. The names of the 12 tribes of Israel are inscribed on the gates. Each of the twelve gates are constructed of one pearl each. (Revelation 21:12-13 and 21)
“And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb.” Revelation 21:23 I know that most everyone knows this but have you ever stopped and envisioned what this will be like? The LORD Himself will be the light! His glory will shine so radiantly that it alone will illuminate the entire city! Incredible!
“And [the angel] showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month.” (Rev. 21:1 and 2) Sound familiar? Again, I challenge you to see the correlations between the beginning (Eden) and the end (New Jerusalem).
Could this be the place that Jesus spoke of when He told the disciples that He was going “to prepare a place for [them]”? “In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:3) Where will Christ the King be? In New Jerusalem! The whole point of it all is so that we might dwell with the King! It only seems fitting as the end of Revelation 21:2 states that New Jerusalem will be “made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.” How beautiful my friend!
It is the culmination of it all, for those who have travelled the highway of holiness. For those who willingly choose to take the road less travelled and seek to be found righteous and acceptable in the sight of the LORD.
There is a common issue however with the Garden of Eden, The Highway of Holiness, the Inner Court and New Jerusalem that needs addressed. We'll look at this next as it cannot be ignored.
8 comments:
you stopped to SOON! lol
you won't stop until you cover the ones "outside the gates"..right? ;)
This entire teaching was something I personally had never considered before I married Frank. He is always questioning what the Word says and asking God to reveal it to him..and I know you do the same thing.
And God is faithful to do just that. He reveals those mysteries as we ask Him to..He knows who WANTS to know the truth.
What you are writing on now used to frustrate me MUCH. I was always arguing with Frank..saying "it CAN'T mean what you are saying,"..but you know what? It DOES! Now it excites the heck out of me!! Also makes me more aware of what I think on, how I walk and speak, what I believe and where my faith is.Working out my salvation with fear and trembling is a HUGE deal!
Thank you for being faithful to write what God is revealing, Joel.
God bless you in every way my friend!!
Harriet: It is a tough truth that is hard to comprehend. The fact is though, it is what the Word clearly states so in the end, I must set my personal issues with it aside. God makes the rules - not religious traditions, not denominational doctrines and surely not me.
I agree, it is challenging, to say the least, to maintain intimacy with Him as I do not wish to be on the outside of the door. I will dwell in the most holy place and not come out! Holiness and identity in Christ is the only way to reside here.
It is all so clear when you only allow the Word to define it.
I like your blog.I'm waiting for your new posts.
"There is a common issue however with the Garden of Eden, The Highway of Holiness, the Inner Court and New Jerusalem that needs addressed. We'll look at this next as it cannot be ignored."
As dyanna says you stopped too soon!!! Waiting patiently on the next instalment.
Joel,
This IS so wonderful!!! Just thinking about what the New Earth will be like with the New Jerusalem...brings my heart such absolute Joy! I hope to live very close to where Papa Jesus and Holy Spirit will be!! I know He'll be able to be everywhere, but still, I want to be able to see and be with Him closely!
Blessings,
~Amy :)
Dyanna: Welcome! Stay close for the next part in the series.
Valerie: Long time, no comment. Part 5 goes up tomorrow (Monday). Good to "see" you.
Amy: The attributes that we're told of New Jerusalem are simply fascinating. I cannot even fathom it all, and I have a pretty grand imagination. :)
Hi Joel,
Just been lurking..er..reading quietly in the background!! Love reading and learning from other peoples comments too.
“And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb.” Revelation 21:23 I know that most everyone knows this but have you ever stopped and envisioned what this will be like? The LORD Himself will be the light! His glory will shine so radiantly that it alone will illuminate the entire city! Incredible!"
Absolutely awesome. You draw a good picture Joel. I suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder and use a special light-box to help me. The light from it is so much brighter than normal light - wow - makes me think about the glory of the Lord!! What an awesome God we serve.
Valerie: Lurk all that you want. :) Interesting about your SAD. I'v enever known anyone to have that personally. (Sounds like a great metaphor.) The light of the Light... only those with spiritual eyes to see will be able to bear it.
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