Each day more information is added, as we travel verse after verse through Revelation 21. For example, verse 12 further describes the “Holy City.” Also called “New Jerusalem.” But to you and me, our eternal Home!

“And (this City) had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel.” Revelation 21:12

“Walls” in the Bible usually indicate the need for “separation” from something that surrounds. As we learn in a later chapter of Revelation. “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may ENTER IN THROUGH THE GATES INTO THE CITY. For WITHOUT are dogs (homosexuals), and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.” Revelation 22:14-15

So … the City has “walls.” It’s a “safe” place, separate from sin, of course. Its walls are described as both “great” (“megas”) and “high” (“hupselos”) … security indeed! Plus, Jesus is there!

The City has “gates” as well. “Twelve” of them, in fact, the number of “governmental perfection” in the Bible. The “Administration” of this City is “perfect!”

Each gate has an attendant, too. I think the text means one “angel” per gate, 12 angels in all. This City has an “elite” population. Only people “saved” by the Grace of God! Admission is carefully monitored.

Today’s verse again … “And (the City) had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel.” King James Version, Revelation 21:12

I believe the Gates are inscribed! There are “names written thereon.” Our God loves to engrave! “Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands.” Psalm 49:16. God talking!

What names?

“The twelve tribes of the children of Israel.”

This is something of a surprise!

Many teach that “saved” Israel will inhabit the “New Earth” the Lord created at the beginning of our chapter. Perhaps so, I am no expert on this subject. BUT I do know this … their names (all Israel’s Tribes) are inscribed on the Gates of the City, all 12 of them apparently. “Reuben, Simeon, Levi then Judah.” And all the rest, the remaining 8 as well, even little Benjamin!

Surely for all eternity “saved” folks will rejoice … harmoniously in both the “Old Testament Believers” and the “New Testament saints” categories!

Folks, we are just beginning our “tour” of the City.

But, to me anyway, it’s getting more interesting every day!

Each “physical” fact we’re being given … seems to be pointing to some lovely “spiritual” truth.

I’m already anticipating tomorrow! Another verse about the “gates” we’ve discussed today. How very important they must be in the Eyes of the Lord.

Study more with us then, Lord willing.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

 

Little by little we are learning about a Heavenly City, that shall some day come down to earth, being called “New Jerusalem.” Revelation chapter 21 is our primary Source for the data we’re discussing. And today we’ve reached verse number 10. This wonderful Place is further described as: “Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.”

Since God will live in this City, dwelling with saved mankind, His “GLORY” will be one of the most apparent features of this Holy Place. (How do we know God will live here? “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 21:3, studied last week. Also archived here for you to read again if necessary.)

This City, so invested with the Glory of God, will be well lighted! The Greek noun for “glory” is “doxa,” theologically meaning “all the attributes of God combined!” A secondary meaning is the very “Aura, Brilliance, Splendor” of God’s Presence! He radiates Light. He IS Light! (Jesus in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world.“)

Paul, in Second Thessalonians 2:8, tells about the Power of our Lord at His future Return to earth, particularly emphasizing “the brightness of his coming.”

And later in Revelation, John amplifies this truth. No “sun” in New Jerusalem, unnecessary! “And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for THE LORD GOD GIVETH THEM LIGHT: and they shall reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 22:5

Today’s verse then merely describes that Light, to an observer. Here’s our “text” again: “Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.”

A “jasper” stone is identified in our verse as being “clear as crystal.” The Greek noun here derives from “kruos,” their word for “frost!” Some commentators liken this jewel to the “diamond” of our day.

Perfect Light, for evermore!

Once Jesus showed His Disciples (3 of them) His inherent Light! “And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, and was transfigured before them: and HIS FACE DID SHINE AS THE SUN, and HIS RAIMENT WAS WHITE AS THE LIGHT.” Matthew 17:1-2, amazing!

Here’s Mark’s account, same Event. “And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, and was transfigured before them: and HIS FACE DID SHINE AS THE SUN, and HIS RAIMENT WAS WHITE AS THE LIGHT.” Mark 9:2-3

And Luke writes: “And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and HIS RAIMENT WAS WHITE AND GLISTERING.” Luke 9:28-29

All I can say, Jesus will “light” that Holy City!

We have so much to enjoyably anticipate, don’t we?

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Don’t forget that after Moses had spend 40 days in the presence of God, on Mount Sinai, his face literally “shined!” Radiated the Glory of God! “And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses’ hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that THE SKIN OF HIS FACE SHONE while he (God) talked with him. And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, THE SKIN OF HIS FACE SHONE; and they were afraid to come nigh him.” Exodus 34:29-30

Wow!

 

Today John the Apostle is being “positioned” to better see a “City.” (The City of all cities!) New Jerusalem, our eternal abode. At least to those of you reading these words who have been saved by the Grace of God, washed in the Blood of Jesus.

Our verse today, Revelation 21:10. “And he (an angel) carried me (John) 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.”

Today, before John begins an actual description, he is “transported” to an optimum vantage point. The verb “carried” is “apophero,” meaning “to tote” (if you are from the country), otherwise “to be moved.” Looks like here John may have been actually (literally) “picked up” and “relocated” by the Spirit of God!

Is that possible? In Acts 8:39 the Spirit did exactly that to Philip the Deacon, the Preacher. “And when they (Philip and an Ethiopian Eunuch) were come up out of the water (baptism), the Spirit of the Lord caught away (“haparzo,” meaning “to snatch”) Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he (the Eunuch) went on his way rejoicing.”

And what about Enoch, the man of God? “And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took (“laqach,” meaning “to fetch”) him.” Genesis 5:25

Not to mention the coming “Rapture” of the Church!

The phrase “in the spirit” (our King James Bible not always capitalizing the noun for spirit, even when the Holy Spirit is in view) uses the preposition “en,” which can also mean “by.” In fact, that’s precisely how “en” is translated 141 times in our New Testament. “John carried BY the Spirit.”

The massive mountain perch is necessary because of the sheer size of the City John is soon to see, in detail! Note: “a great and high mountain!” In Greek “mega” and “hupselos,” both “big” and “lofty.”

Then the “display” begins. The verb “shewed” being spelled “deiknuo,” meaning “to put on display, to show as proof, to publicly reveal.”

The moniker “holy Jerusalem” is found only here in all Scripture. “Holy City” is found 3 times in Revelation alone, however. And 10 times total in the entire Bible.

“Descending” is a blended Greek verb. Using as a prefix “kata” (meaning “down”) and its fusion with “baino” (our word “base,” as in basement) meaning “to walk.”

Something this big (a city 1,200 miles in every direction, width and height and breadth, a cube) descending slowly from the (old) heaven! The one that has now been “melted” into oblivion, according to Peter. “The heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.”

Where, then will God “live?”

In this City, the New Jerusalem, forever!

Read again the first verse of our chapter, Revelation 21. “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.”

All I can say today is “Wow!”

And this little discussion of our future home has just begun! (Since we’re only in verse 10 … of the chapter’s 27 total verses!)

“And he (an angel) carried me (John) 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.”

Amen!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

 

Beginning with Revelation 21:9, our chapter furnishes us with a fuller description of our future Heavenly Home than exists anywhere else in Scripture. In fact, verses 9 through 27 are dedicated to this glorious task!

And today we have the opportunity of surveying that 9th verse. John writes, first person, as an “eyewitness” to the event: “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.”

I find it interesting that neither Michael the Archangel nor Gabriel (whom we also know by name) is asked to “show/introduce” this lovely “Bride!” But instead, an angel of judgment is given the honor! Precisely, “One of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues.”

Harking back (these vials) to chapter 16 of Revelation, 7 “catastrophes” that seem to resemble the plagues God poured upon Egypt to “soften” Pharaoh’s heart, to effect the release of the Jewish slaves, the whole nation!

So here … God uses an angel of “wrath” to also be an angel of “good news!” From delivering a fearful malady to revealing a comforting sight! Romans 11:22 comes to mind. “Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God.”

The command “come hither” is a single word in Greek, “deuro,” It literally means, “Here!” Used of “place” most often in Greek culture.

The verb “will shew” is “deiknuo,” actually “to expose something to one’s eyes.” Or “to put on display!” The very verbiage hints at something “beautiful, captivating, graceful.”

No doubt spoken under the tutelage of God, the angel promises: “I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” Again, the fullest view yet, 19 wondrous verses!

The noun “bride” is “numphe” in Greek. (In Latin, “nupto” means “to marry.”) In Greek, the idea is more like: “to veil until married.” A young girl about to be married, or 3 times in the New Testament, already married. Then (those 3 times) translated “daughter-in-law!”

The “Lamb” here (“arnion,” a “little” lamb, a diminutive form of the word) is None Other than Jesus! God’s Son, our dear Saviour! John uses the word “lamb” 27 times in the Book of Revelation, if I’ve counted correctly.

And “wife” translates “gune,” merely the word for “woman.” If this is the Lamb’s WOMAN, I guarantee you she is His Wife! Remember, Greece/Rome were patriarchal societies.

I have occasionally heard Preachers through the years call the Church … “Jesus’ Body while on earth.” But “Jesus’ Bride when in Heaven!”

Here’s the proof.

Now tomorrow, a surprise awaits us, somewhat. The “Bride” is a “City!” I am thinking so named because of who will live there! Born-again Believers in Jesus! A City bearing the name of her inhabitants!

Study with us again in the morning.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

 

Is Christianity inclusive?

In a way, yes. “And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17

Yet in a way, NO! Christianity is exclusive, to those who “will NOT come!”

And today’s verse emphasizes the point.

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, 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.” Revelation 21:8

These people, these kinds of people DO NOT enter the New Jerusalem, the City of God!

They are excluded.

Which means (to me anyway) that when a man or woman comes to Jesus for salvation … a new person is born! “Born-again,” Jesus said to Nicodemus!

He may have once been a idolater, but now He worships only God, the Triune God in Heaven!

Here these people (listed in verse 8, our text today) are NOT “overcomers!” They are sinners, wicked, unsaved, rejecters of Christ Jesus. Remember yesterday’s verse, in conjunction with today’s especially. Like this: “… ⁷He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. ⁸ But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, 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 …” Revelation 21: 7 and 8

Verse 7 … those saved by Grace, a gift of God offered to “the world.” John 3:16 says this.

Verse 8 … those left all alone, having refused Jesus, “dead in trespasses and sins.” Ephesians 2:1 says this. “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, 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.”

There is a “penalty” for this kind of “unbelieving” lifestyle, too. Eternity in the “Lake of Fire.” That’s where the Devil will eventually be, forever more as well. And the Anti-Christ and False Prophet.

Revelation 19:20 … “And the BEAST was taken, and with him the FALSE PROPHET that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a LAKE OF FIRE burning with brimstone.”

And Revelation 20:10 adds … “And the DEVIL that deceived them was cast into the LAKE OF FIRE and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”

In our next Lesson (Monday morning) we will look at these specific categories of unbelievers. Habitual traits that will NOT consistently appear in the lives of true followers of our God.

More then, Lord willing.

If you are saved, remember, you are an “overcomer” (via the Presence and Power of God the Holy Spirit … Who lives in you right now) and you do not participate in these 8 activities.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Second Corinthians 5:17

Yes.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell