Revelation 21: The New Heaven, New Earth, and New Jerusalem Awaited by All Saints

Christianity

1. The Newly Defined New Jerusalem and God’s Tabernacle

In Revelation 21, John saw a new heaven, a new earth, and the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. This scene represents the vision of heaven that all Christians ultimately hope and wait for, appearing after the inevitable judgments and plagues are complete.

Revelation 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

Revelation 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Revelation 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

Revelation 21:6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

Many pastors, theologians, and believers have long imagined that the New Jerusalem, appearing after the end times and the completion of all judgments and plagues, would be a splendid city adorned with pure gold, jasper, crystal, pearls, sapphires, emeralds, and all kinds of precious stones. Let me ask you this: What do you think? Have you naturally believed that this magnificent and beautiful Jerusalem would be the place where you will dwell and find eternal rest?

However, the reality may be different. The holy city, the "New" Jerusalem, and Jerusalem itself are distinct entities.

Before proclaiming, “It is done,” God spoke of dwelling with His people in a tabernacle. A tabernacle is a tent made by joining pieces of cloth, symbolizing a place where God dwells with His people. While many think of the New Jerusalem, this grand and beautiful city, as the ultimate heaven they will enter, God foretold that He would dwell with His people in the tabernacle. Only after this does He declare, “It is done.”

Revelation 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Revelation 21:5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

Revelation 21:6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

As previously explained, we can confirm through these passages that the conclusion of Revelation does not end with the verse in chapter 22 where “the [Lord] Jesus Christ is coming again.” This is because, after witnessing all visions, John arrives once again at chapter 21, verse 6, where God declares, “It is done.”

In my earlier writings, I emphasized that after seeing and hearing all visions up to chapter 22, John returns to chapter 1 to once again witness and testify to everything he has seen and heard.

Ultimately, after witnessing everything from the beginning of Revelation to chapter 22, John arrives back in chapter 1 and declares that he has seen and heard it all.

Therefore, we can once again confirm anew that the point at which judgment and plagues are executed and ultimately reach their end is precisely where God declares, “It is done,” in Revelation 21:6.

The timeline is as follows:

Revelation 1: John begins to see the visions.
Revelation 22: John states that he has seen all the visions up to this point.
Revelation 1: John returns and testifies that he has witnessed and heard everything, and judgment and plagues begin according to the work of the Lamb.
Revelation 21: With the declaration, “It is done,” the completion of God’s plan is proclaimed.

Through this timeline, we can see that the events in the Book of Revelation are structured with a beginning and an end, ultimately highlighting the fulfillment and completion of God’s plan in a renewed emphasis.

The most significant point, beyond the timeline, is that in the final passages where “It is done” is declared, God foretells that He will dwell with His people in the tabernacle.

2. "It is Done" - Who Are "They" Who Dwell with God?

Revelation 21:6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

Unlike the traditional interpretations by many Christian theologians, pastors, and scholars, the conclusion of Revelation actually occurs in chapter 21 with the statement, “It is done.” Although the holy city, the New Jerusalem, descends, it is not the magnificent city traditionally envisioned in the following verses. And after everything is made new, it is recorded that God will dwell with His people in the “tabernacle,” a surprising reversal. So, who are the saved ones—"they" who dwell with God?

2-A The Saved "They" Who Dwell with God - Those Saved in the Final Chapter of Revelation

The "they" whom John saw in the tabernacle are the inheritance people of God referenced in Psalm 68. Psalm 68 includes detailed descriptions of [God] and also mentions His people. Although these words were written long ago, we can infer the identity of God’s people mentioned in Revelation 21 through prophetic references in related scriptures.

We encounter in Psalm 68 the reality of God, who is present with His people on earth, then arises, goes forth, and ascends.

Psalm 68:1 (To the chief Musician, A Psalm or Song of David) Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.

Psalm 68:7 O God, when thou wentest forth before thy people, when thou didst march through the wilderness; Selah.

Psalm 68:9 Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary.

Psalm 68:10 Thy congregation hath dwelt therein: thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor.

Psalm 68:18 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them.

Psalm 68 describes the assembly of God and His people, illustrating scenes where God arises, goes forth, and ascends. This imagery overturns the common perception that God always remains in heaven, presenting a surprising perspective. Furthermore, the people who dwell with God, as described in the fulfillment of Revelation 21, are specifically referred to as “His people.” Others do not qualify, and even Christians are no exception. This is because God declared, “Behold, I make all things new,” signifying that those who dwell with Him are limited to “they” who dwell in His tabernacle. This proclamation is the declaration of God’s plan to make all things new, an undeniable truth.

Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Revelation 21:5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

Revelation 21:6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

In Revelation 21, at the conclusion of the visions depicting judgment and plagues, we see the prophetic declaration of God creating something entirely new. After making all things new, He declares that the former things, including judgment, plagues, and the depths of the sea, have passed away, signifying a complete reset. Now, everything is as if it had never existed.

In the final scene of John’s vision, accompanied by the words, “Behold, I make all things new,” we see the ultimate fulfillment: God dwelling with His people in the tabernacle.

Contrary to longstanding Christian tradition and conventional beliefs, I wish to emphasize once again that Revelation contains an astonishing reversal. Recorded here is a final image that differs entirely from the salvation through Jesus Christ that we have believed in for the past two thousand years.

3. Default Values in the Book of Revelation – Reversal, Judgment, and Plagues

Contrary to the doctrines commonly perceived by Christians, the predetermined course in Revelation include judgment and plagues marked by reversals, with salvation reserved for those redeemed according to the records of the Old Testament (e.g., Isaiah 49, Revelation 7, Revelation 21). This is God’s plan, and these are the events John witnessed as those “that must come to pass.”

And in the final chapter of Revelation, God once more declares that all things will be made new, thereby testifying to the identity of God and His people as foretold in prophecy. To reiterate, the phrase, “It is done,” concludes in chapter 21. On the last day, those who dwell with God will be His people—the inheritance people redeemed through Old Testament scriptures, limited to those who dwell with Him in His tabernacle.

God’s plan unfolds in a non-linear timeline, transcending time and space, to reconceptualize events in the Old Testament, New Testament, and the Book of Revelation. The events in Revelation are thus completed through Old Testament prophecy. To truly grasp the essence of these foretold words, one must step outside the traditional doctrines like the Nicene Creed. The way God’s living words apply is distinct from our perception of linear time.

Christians often interpret Paul’s letters as messages applying to all believers. Some look forward to the coming rapture, while others consider the trials and tribulations believers may face in the future.

However, Paul’s message is that grace is given to believers not through the slain Lamb but only when grace comes through Jesus Christ. In Revelation, while the suffering and slain Lamb is depicted, it is clearly stated that grace comes solely through Jesus Christ.

The grace of Jesus Christ is recorded as being applicable only under certain conditions. As I mentioned in an earlier explanation, this includes understanding the identity of the One who holds the “First and the Last” attribute and the keys of death and hell, as referenced in Revelation 1:17-18, and grasping the true meaning of Jesus’ final revelation in Revelation 22:13 and 16. Only when these are understood can believers receive the grace of Jesus Christ.

And at the end of Scripture, we see the declaration, “It is done,” as God proclaims the renewal of all things. This prophecy points to the salvation of God Himself, not that of Jesus Christ.

4. The God of Israel

Just before the declaration, “It is done,” God promises that He will “dwell among them” and be “with them.” And we come to understand that in the new heaven and new earth, only “they” will dwell with God and receive salvation. Why, then, did God establish this particular approach to salvation as the default?

Throughout the Old Testament, God refers to Himself as “the God of Israel.” Considering that the events in Revelation unfold based on Old Testament prophecies, it is essential to deeply reflect on the meaning of “the God of Israel.” Ultimately, Revelation 21 records that salvation is applied only to those who are with God, His people.

The term “the God of Israel” does not simply refer to the God of geographical Israel or ancient Israel. Rather, it points to the God of a spiritual Israel whose identity will be revealed anew in the last days. Once again, I have found a prophecy related to the existence of Israel in Psalm 68. This passage depicts God rising and ascending, and it affirms that death and salvation rest with the God.

Psalm 68:1 (To the chief Musician, A Psalm or Song of David) Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.

Psalm 68:2 As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.

Psalm 68:3 But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.

Psalm 68:4 Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.

Psalm 68:5 A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.

In Psalm 68, there is a description of God rising up. It also depicts the scene where the righteous and the wicked are separated, with the righteous rejoicing and the wicked perishing before God, who is their Judge.

Psalm 68:7 O God, when thou wentest forth before thy people, when thou didst march through the wilderness; Selah.

Psalm 68:8 The earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God: even Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel.

Psalm 68:9 Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary.

Psalm 68:10 Thy congregation hath dwelt therein: thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor.

Psalm 68:18 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them.

Through Psalm 68, we uncover the hidden truth that God’s inheritance and His congregation were specially prepared. This is not merely an old story of the past but points to events that will someday be fulfilled in reality, signifying that God's word will be manifested. Since the same theme is recorded in Revelation 21, we can be assured that these prophecies in Psalm 68 will indeed come to pass. Additionally, through the record of God going forth through the wilderness, we understand that He will truly dwell among His prepared congregation. The scenes depicting God rising, going forth, and ascending to heaven reveal hidden meanings about God’s ascension from the earth and the existence of a spiritual Israel.

Psalm 68:18 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them.

Psalm 68:19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.

Psalm 68 reveals who the people of God ultimately are as described in Revelation 21. It also includes a scene where God ascends to a high place to dwell among His spiritual people of Israel. In this passage, we can uncover the profound mystery of God. If God is in heaven above, how could a scene of Him ascending to a high place be recorded?

Ephesians 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Ephesians 4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Ephesians 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
Psalm 68:18 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them.

Ephesians 4:9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
Ephesians 4:10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

In Ephesians, we find a connection to the ascension of God described in Psalm 68. Ephesians portrays the one God, the Father of all, ascending to a high place, which aligns with the prophecy in Psalm 68, where God rises, goes forth, and ultimately ascends. This conveys the same meaning, showing the Spirit of God being with a man and then ascending as God.

The Father of all is said to first descend to the lower parts of the earth before ascending to a high place. This descent signifies the death of a man with whom God’s Spirit will dwell. According to the record, the Father of all will, after passing through death as a man, then ascend far above all the heavens to fulfill all things. The term “fulfill” here comes from the Greek πληρώσῃ (plērōsē, G4137), meaning to complete, accomplish, or bring to fruition.

This signifies that God, in reality, will pass through death as a man, ascend above the heavens, and fulfill all things. This is the true meaning of Revelation 21, represented by the declaration, “It is done.”

　5. The Mountain of God – Mount Sinai (The Meaning of the hill of Bashan)

In the Bible, mountains symbolize places where one can come closest to God, where His presence dwells, where His revelations appear, and where His covenant is established. Generally, when people think of God’s mountain, they often picture Mount Zion or the hills of Jerusalem. However, the location where God is specifically said to dwell is recorded as "Mount Sinai." Psalm 68 describes God's dwelling place as Mount Sinai, where He resides among His people in the holy place.

Psalm 68:15 The hill of God is as the hill of Bashan; a high hill as the hill of Bashan.
Psalm 68:16 Why leap ye, ye high hills? This is the hill which God desireth to dwell in; yea, the Lord will dwell in it forever.
Psalm 68:17 The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.

5-A The Mountain(hill) of Bashan – The Mountain of Fulfillment and Completion

The word "Bashan" conveys meanings of "fruitful". When the Bible refers to the mountain of God as the mountain of Bashan, it is not merely pointing to a geographical feature. Rather, it represents a spiritually abundant mountain, a place of fulfillment and fruitfulness. Although Bashan is the name of a highland region far from Mount Sinai, God refers to His mountain as "the mountain of Bashan," or Mount Sinai, imparting a spiritual message.

This understanding requires us to perceive God’s words spiritually. Mount Sinai is known as the mountain where Moses encountered God, yet the prophecy in Psalm 68 points to a spiritual Mount Sinai, a mountain of completion where one man abides. The image of this man descending and ascending reveals God, who accomplishes His word in the physical world by dwelling with this man, prefiguring the fulfillment seen in Revelation 21:3 through his death and ascension.

As mentioned in Ephesians, the one God and Father of all will, through this man, bring His presence to completion. This prophecy indicates the fruition of God’s purpose through a man on the spiritual Mount Sinai, which represents the mountain of Bashan.

And it signifies the things that must take place: God rising, going forth, and ascending anew after making all things in Revelation whole, dwelling eternally with His people.

6. The Marching of God – The True Meaning of the Sanctuary and Sacred Thing

Psalm 68:7 O God, when thou wentest forth before thy people, when thou didst march through the wilderness; Selah.

Psalm 68:20 He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto God the Lord belong the issues from death.

Psalm 68:24 They have seen thy goings, O God; even the goings of my God, my King, in the sanctuary.

Psalm 68:26 Bless ye God in the congregations, even the Lord, from the fountain of Israel.

God proceeds before His people on earth, marching through the barren wilderness. This statement, written in a present or future-oriented tense rather than a completed past, implies that this word will one day be fulfilled. The passage also declares that "our God" is the God of salvation, and it is the Lord God to whom escape from death belongs.

In Revelation’s final scenes, God is depicted as dwelling with His people, granting them eternal life. This scene draws from the Psalms, specifically referring to "those belonging to God" who come from the "fountain of Israel." These are the spiritual Israel, spiritual mountain of Sinai, those who will be with God as part of His holy assembly.

So, what is the "sanctuary"? The Bible describes God’s march within the sanctuary. The term "sanctuary," in Hebrew קֹדֶשׁ (qodesh, H6944), encompasses holiness, sacredness, sacred items, and the holy place itself. It transcends the idea of a mere physical location and symbolizes holiness and sanctity itself.

This term connects specifically to a chosen man, referred to as “Israel,” who is set apart in holiness. This designation represents his role as one distinguished within God’s holiness, showing that God is with him. Therefore, the sanctuary is not merely a physical place but as a spiritual realm and state imbued with God’s holiness and presence.

Jeremiah 2:3 Israel was holiness unto the LORD, and the firstfruits of his increase: all that devour him shall offend; evil shall come upon them, saith the LORD.

Psalm 68:24 They have seen thy goings, O God; even the goings of my God, my King, in the sanctuary.
Psalm 68:26 Bless ye God in the congregations, even the LORD, from the fountain of Israel.

In Jeremiah 2:3, just as in Psalm 68:24, we see the appearance of קֹדֶשׁ (H6944), where God describes the man called “Israel” as holiness, that is, as sacred. Through this same description, we can come to understand that “Israel,” whom God calls, does not merely refer to the geographical Israel, either ancient or modern, but signifies a man set apart as holy unto God.

Taking these points together, we can interpret that the true meaning of God's ascension in Psalm 68 is that He is journeying and ascending to heaven within a man, whom He calls Israel, set apart as holy.

7. New Jerusalem and Jerusalem – The Bride and the Bride of the Lamb

Revelation 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Just before the proclamation of "It is done," the New Jerusalem, described as the bride, descends to the earth, and the tabernacle where God and His people will reside is foretold. Furthermore, it is prophesied that God “Himself” will dwell with His people.

This signifies the state of completion, marking the end of biblical prophecy where the attributes of God as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, are applied.

Revelation 21:9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.
Revelation 21:10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God.
Revelation 21:19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald;
Revelation 21:20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprasus; the eleventh, jacinth; the twelfth, amethyst.
Revelation 21:21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.
Revelation 21:22 And I saw no temple therein: for the LORD God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
Revelation 21:24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

In Revelation 21:9, another city is shown, described as the "bride, the Lamb's wife." This city is referred to simply as "Jerusalem," rather than "New Jerusalem." The city is depicted as having walls and foundations, adorned with a multitude of precious stones in radiant colors. It is also noted that there is no temple within it, and the scene shows saved nations and the kings of the earth entering it with "their" glory and honor.

This scene contrasts with the depiction of God's people dwelling with Him in His tabernacle, which comes after the declaration of "It is done." What do these two contrasting scenes signify?

While many believers may envision their ultimate heavenly dwelling as this resplendent Jerusalem, the vision here introduces the scene of the "Lamb." As explained in the previous text, this signifies that the vision is fulfilled when the "Son of Man," depicted as the Lamb, after witnessing all the visions in Revelation, proclaims this message to people as a faithful witness, enduring suffering and ultimately being put to death.

7-A The Same Figure as the Great City Babylon: The Magnificent City of Jerusalem

Revelation 17:1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whor.e that sitteth upon many waters.

Revelation 18:10 Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

Revelation 18:12 The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble.

Revelation 18:18 And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!

Revelation 18:19 And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.

The magnificent city of Jerusalem and the great city of Babylon are both described in God’s word as metaphors for a woman whose true identity will eventually be revealed to the people. In Revelation chapters 17 and 21, the angel who shows Babylon and the Lamb's wife is portrayed as the same angel. This suggests that, ultimately, one woman holds the potential to become the bride of the Lamb, yet also faces the risk of falling into the state of Babylon. Thus, they both represent the same woman.

Babylon is not likened to the New Jerusalem but rather to the great city of Jerusalem adorned with various precious stones.

8. The Revelation’s Twist and Fulfillment

The book of Revelation appears to conclude with the phrase, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all," but this closing does not signify the fulfillment of God’s declared plan of "It is done." Rather, it expresses the hope that the grace of Jesus Christ may extend to all.

For the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ to fully manifest to humanity, the titles "Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last" must be entirely fulfilled as recorded. However, at the moment when God declares, "It is done," only "Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End" are mentioned. Those who are saved and reside in God's tabernacle are limited to His inheriting people, dwelling with Him.

This hidden twist reversal in Revelation implies that, when the One who now dwells among His people on earth meets His death, the grace of Jesus Christ does not apply.

God, who dwells on the spiritual Mount Sinai, has remained an unknown presence throughout history—when, where, and how He will appear has been a mystery. However, the newly unveiled power of God in Revelation 21 nullifies everything prior, revealing His true essence. We must take note of this point. The scripture 21 states that there is no salvation apart from being among God's people who live with Him here on this earth.

Revelation 21:5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

Revelation 21:6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whor.emongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Posted Nov 11, 2024, 3:40 PM UTC