A New Heaven and A New Earth – Part 5 of 6

1901

The Holy City

This condition of new relationships is presented to the mind under the character of a "city" — "The Holy City, New Jerusalem." The term "city," however, is not probably to be taken literally. It is only a symbol. It brings before us — as probably no other term could — an idea of a populous community, active, social, wealthy, and secure in the highest and best meaning of each characteristic. In the midst of this "great multitude which no man can number" (7:9,) God has His dwelling place. (21:3.) So united to Him and to each other blessings of every kind abound on every side and for all.

Moreover, this "city" is described as being surrounded by "walls," resting on foundations of "precious stones" (21:19,) in which are gates of "pearl," (21:21,) opening upon streets of "pure gold" (21:21.) It "lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth." It measured "twelve thousand furlongs" in each direction (21:10.) The mind of man fails to realize such a description, in any literal sense. Although we know nothing of the unit of measure employed by the angel in this description, yet measuring the city by our own human standards, every street in it was as long as from the Atlantic Coast to the banks of the Mississippi. Every influence which encircled and protected this blessed community, like walls, was based on that which was esteemed most precious — the great truths set forth by the twelve patriarchs and by the twelve Apostles" (21:12,14) And every step taken by the inhabitants was true and holy, for they walked on streets of "pure gold." Surely it was "a wealthy place" (Psalm 66:12.)

Moreover, this city of magnificent proportions, of infinite wealth, of impregnable security, and with a population which could not be numbered, was entirely independent of everything artificial and human for the guidance and comfort of its people. No temple was needed, or seen, in it to cultivate the spirit of holy worship, "for the Lord God Almighty, and the Lamb, are the Temple of it" (21:22.) The inhabitants walked at all times in such close fellowship with their Maker and Redeemer that every act of every day was an act of worship and of praise. Walking thus they always walked in "The Light," and so "the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon to shine in it" (21:23.)

And not only were the inhabitants thus provided with light and guidance, but they were provided with water and food in abundance. For "a river of water of life, clear as crystal," proceeded "out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month, and the leaves were for the healing of the nations" (22:1,2.)

So, walking in fellowship with God, in companionship with each other, feasting upon the "tree of life," and drinking of the "water of life," no pains racked their bodies, no sorrows cast them down, no sound of crying was heard and no tears fell from their eyes, no deaths separated them, for death and him that had the power of death had been swallowed up in victory, and there was no more sin to engulf them and wreck all of their hopes, for "there was no more sea."

This is the everlasting portion of all those whose names are written in "The Lamb's Book of Life." — John R. Whitney.