At the PCRT conference last month, Ligon Duncan walked us through Revelation chapters 21 and 22, a look at the eternal glory of heaven, with many allusions to the Garden of Eden. If you haven't read through those chapters recently, I would encourage you to do so.
In Revelation 21, John tells us what he doesn't see as the New Jerusalem comes down out of heaven, representing the church adorned as a bride for her Husband:
- No more sea - representing fear and danger (v.1)
- No death, no mourning, no crying, no pain (v. 4)
- No temple (v. 22) - the blessed omission because there is no longer any need for a mediation between God and man. The Lord God and the Lamb are now the "temple."
- The church doesn't need the sun or the moon for light, because God and the Lamb are the light (v. 23). There is no night. The gates are closed, so there is no threat against this church. We will have perfect safety.
- The wicked are not here, only the pure church (v. 8). It is a reminder of the ongoing reality of hell as the only other destination.
- God, the One who sits on the throne and the Lamb. We will finally see our Lord and Savior! Our long-awaited glorification will come to every believer simultaneously.
- Jesus - We will have unspeakable joy when we see Jesus. He is more beautiful than we can ever imagine.
- The church in all its glory as it transcends to the new heaven and the new earth.
- Worship - The church is doing what is was made to do, worship God.
- Communion - The people of God are enjoying close communion and fellowship with God . The Tree of Life is a reference to Genesis 2 & 3 and represents a healing of the nations. God welcomes us back into fellowship and invites us to freely eat.
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