The Holy City
It is from Revelation 21 that the popular image of heaven emerges with pearly gates and streets of gold. Earlier in Scripture the apostles described the church as the bride of Christ, just as John did here. It is a joyous, beautiful sight. John further painted for us what he was shown using the clearest, shiniest gemstones of his time to portray this picture: “Its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal” (verse 11, esv). Jasper stones usually have a light green or other color, but here they are clear like crystal, implying no impurities or flaws. John continued to describe how well protected the New Jerusalem will be. It has a high wall, gates, and guardian angels. And in verse 21 he adds that each gate is made of a single pearl!
Heaven has often been described as the most beautiful home God could imagine and the most majestic place the hands of God could create. In His infinite wisdom, God has provided a place of life and healing for those who put their trust in Him. The beauty of heaven cannot be compared with any place we have experienced on earth. The New Jerusalem will usher in a new order where sin and suffering and death are forever banished! John reassured, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4, esv).
The curse of human sin—being alienated from God—will be no more. The Lord’s presence and righteousness will dwell in the Holy City for all eternity. One of the greatest blessings of heaven will be unhindered, daily fellowship with our Lord. As Ezekiel proclaimed, “My dwelling place shall be with them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people” (Ezekiel 37:27, esv).
Lord, I admit that Your righteousness and beauty are too great for my finite mind. I anticipate my heavenly home, basking in Your presence. You have clothed me in purity and wrapped me in Your forgiveness. Amen.
