The name “New Jerusalem” is found twice in Scripture (Rev. 3:12; 21:2). It is believed that the New Jerusalem will be inhabited by the Church. John was told that he would be shown the bride, the Lamb’s wife in Revelation 21:9, and he was shown the city, the New Jerusalem in 21:10,11. This city was not only given a name, the New Jerusalem, it also has walls, gates that are guarded by angels and only the redeemed can enter; its foundation is made of precious stones & Jewels; it has citizens who are saved; it is 1500 miles square; it’s glory is profound.

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:1-3).

However, some also believe that the inhabitants will include the Old Testament Saints according to Hebrews 11:8-16:

“By faith Abraham when he was called to go out to the place… obeyed…For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God…These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth…Wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for He hath prepared for them a city.”

Nevertheless, the New Heaven and New Earth are a reference to a perfected state of the universe and final dwelling of the righteous.

The idea of a New Heaven and New Earth runs deep in the vein of the Jewish soul. Since the “Fall” of man in Genesis chapter three the anticipation of Messiah coming and putting things in proper order is woven throughout the fabric of Old Testament thought.

God promised Abraham’s seed that they would inherit the land for a “thousand generations.” If a generation is 30 years, we are speaking about 30,000 years. This will not happen unless there is a New Earth for them to dwell (Deut. 7:9; 1 Chron. 16:15; Psalm 105:8; Isa. 65:17; 66:22). Therefore, it is believed that the New Earth will be for Israel.

However, it is written, “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God” (1 Cor. 2:9-10). Though the New Jerusalem may be for the Church and the New Earth for Israel, we will inhabit, rule with and participate in all that God has for us. James states that we are “a kind of first fruits of His creatures” (Jas. 1:18). If we are the “first fruits” then what must the whole harvest be like?

We read, “of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end” (Isa. 9:7). This means that His government is limitless. Paul said it this way, “And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him (God) that put all things under him, that God may be all in all” (1 Cor. 15:28). God is all in all, just as Jesus is “all in all” (Col. 3:11) for they are equal.

The idea is that God has a plan so vast, so beyond anything we could ever imagine, that one day all the universe with its galaxies, solar systems, planets, stars, all that is realized and unrealized will yield to the authority of Christ and the redeemed. This is known as the Great Abdication. Paul said in Romans 8:19,21, “For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God…Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” The curse will be removed and creation will be delivered. This will take place in two stages. The first stage will be during the Millennial Reign of Christ and the second stage with the New Heaven, New Earth & New Jerusalem.

Oh, what a glorious day that will be when all of creation will finally be brought into harmony with Messiah Jesus, when time as we know it will end and eternity begins. The “age to come” has no end and those who believe in Jesus will be there.

Shalom and Blessings,

Until He comes, we are

Together Under His Wings,

Dr. Jeff

Time is short, Life is precious, and Jesus is coming soon!