Revelation chapter twenty-one is pivotal in the New Testament, presenting a vision of the culmination of God’s promise to humanity. It describes the dramatic arrival of the new heaven and new earth, and with it, the descent of the New Jerusalem—a symbol of hope and restoration.
As this chapter marks the penultimate closure of the apocalyptic narrative, it provides profound insights into the ultimate restoration and renewal of all things, painting a picture of a reality where the presence of God is tangibly among His people.
Related: For more, check out our Preaching Outline On Revelation Chapter Twenty here.
The chapter’s vivid depiction of the eradication of sorrow, death, and pain offers a deep well of comfort and anticipation for the faithful, promising an existence free from the afflictions that mar human history. Yet, it also deals with the sobering themes of judgment and the final destiny of believers and the wicked alike, contrasting the inheritance awarded to the faithful with the separation faced by those who turn away.
The rich symbolic imagery used throughout the passage warrants careful examination, as it communicates truths regarding the eternal state of the righteous and the nature of God’s unimpeded communion with His people in the hereafter.
Key Takeaways
- The chapter outlines a future where God fully dwells with humanity in a restored creation.
- It contrasts the eternal blessings for believers with the fate of those who reject God.
- Symbolism featured in the passage reinforces themes of hope and final justice.
Related: For more, check out our Preaching Outline On Revelation Chapter Nineteen here.
The Reality of the New Heaven and Earth
Revelation Chapter Twenty-One introduces a transformative chapter in biblical eschatology, revealing the profound changes that will occur in the cosmos.
| Section | Theme | Key Verses | Talking Points | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Creation | New Heaven and New Earth | Rev 21:1-2 | The creation of a new, perfect realm where God dwells with humanity. | Instill hope for a future without pain, death, or sorrow. |
| God’s Dwelling | God with His People | Rev 21:3-4 | God’s promise to dwell among His people and wipe away every tear. | Offer comfort that God will ultimately heal all suffering. |
| Inheritance | All Things Made New | Rev 21:5-8 | God’s declaration of renewal and the inheritance for the victorious. | Motivate believers to persevere in faith to receive God’s promises. |
| The Bride | The New Jerusalem | Rev 21:9-14 | The description of the New Jerusalem as the bride of Christ. | Emphasize the Church’s purity and preparedness for Christ. |
| Glory | Description of the City | Rev 21:15-21 | The splendor and preciousness of the New Jerusalem’s construction. | Illustrate the incomparable glory and beauty of our eternal home. |
| Presence | No Temple in the City | Rev 21:22-27 | The presence of God and the Lamb replace the need for a temple. | Encourage direct relationship with God, free from barriers. |
| Exclusion | Exclusion from the City | Rev 21:27 | Those who are not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life are outside the city. | Urge commitment to living a life that reflects God’s holiness. |
Prophetic Vision of John
John’s apocalyptic narrative unveils a new heaven and a new earth, as the first heaven and earth have passed away. This revelation signifies a radical departure from the known universe into a realm where the precepts of physicality are reimagined through the prophetic lens.
Characteristics of the New Creation
The characteristics detailed in Revelation assert the emergence of a new creation that reshapes the very fabric of existence. There is no longer any sea, which symbolically suggests the absence of chaos and the presence of harmony.
The holy city, new Jerusalem, is described as descending from heaven, presenting an image of divine perfection prepared and beautiful. This city and the surrounding new earth operate under the direct sovereignty of God, enabling a reality unrestrained by former afflictions and sorrows.
Related: For more, check out our Preaching Outline On Revelation Chapter Eighteen here.
The Descent of the New Jerusalem
The Revelation Chapter Twenty-One vividly describes the coming down of the New Jerusalem from heaven, presenting the city as a bride beautifully adorned for her husband, the Lamb.
Preparation as a Bride
The New Jerusalem is introduced as a bride prepared for her husband. This preparation signifies a state of purity and readiness, much like the traditional adornment of a bride before her wedding ceremony. The city’s descent is not just a relocation of a place, but the ushering in of a permanent union between God and humanity.
The Glorious Appearance
Upon its descent, the New Jerusalem’s appearance is gloriously detailed. It shines with the glory of God, its brilliance likened to a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. Its foundations are adorned with all kinds of precious stones, and the street of the city is pure gold, like transparent glass.
This celestial city represents the culmination of divine promise—a place where God resides with his people, where the Lamb is the temple, and the Almighty the light. Such imagery conveys both majesty and intimacy, capturing the transformative reality of heaven coming to earth.
Related: For more, check out our Preaching Outline On Revelation Chapter Seventeen here.
God’s Presence and the Life with Him
The final chapter of Revelation offers a profound vision of God dwelling among humanity. This future state marks an era of unprecedented communion and worship, characteristics defining life in God’s direct presence.
Tabernacle of God among Men
Revelation chapter twenty-one unveils the moment when the Tabernacle of God descends among people, initiating an intimate and permanent coexistence. This divine dwelling signifies more than a mere presence; it marks the fulfillment of a long-awaited promise where God and humans inhabit the same space.
The scriptures detail that God’s throne will be with humanity, and He will live with them. They will be his people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God (Revelation – A Study Guide).
Eternal Fellowship and Worship
In this eternal setting, fellowship and worship transition into a ceaseless reality, unimpeded by temporal constraints or spatial boundaries. There is no temple in this city because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. Worship becomes an inseparable part of existence, as the faithful serve Him day and night in His temple, and the purity of this worship is depicted as having no need for the sun or the moon.
The glory of God gives light, and the Lamb is the lamp within the eternal city. The continuous presence of the Holy Spirit assures constant guidance, comfort, and empowerment for the dwellers of the new Jerusalem.
Related: For more, check out our Preaching Outline On Revelation Chapter Sixteen here.
The Eradication of Suffering and Death
Revelation chapter twenty-one provides a powerful and vivid depiction of a time when suffering and death will be no more. It speaks to the heart of human desire for a world free from the pains that plague our current existence.
End of Sorrow and Pain
In this transformative vision, it is promised that sorrow and pain will cease to exist. The text declares a profound change, stating that “He will wipe every tear from their eyes.
There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” This emphatic statement underlines the total removal of afflictions that have historically burdened humanity.
The Second Death
The concept of the “second death” is introduced as the ultimate demise of death itself. This term is specifically linked to a fate that befalls those separated from this new existence, where death and all its associates—pain, mourning, crying, and sorrow—are conspicuously absent. It is a powerful metaphor for the complete and everlasting eradication of death’s reign.
Related: For more, check out our Preaching Outline On Revelation Chapter Fifteen here.
The Judgement and Inheritance of Believers
In Revelation Chapter Twenty-One, the focus for believers centers on the profound moment of judgment and the subsequent inheritance of the Kingdom. Those who have remained faithful to Christ will find their names in the Lamb’s Book of Life, which signifies their eternal redemption and access to the Kingdom.
Inheriting the Kingdom
Believers who have faithfully followed the teachings of Christ are promised an inheritance that is beyond the temporal world. This inheritance is the Kingdom of God, a place of eternal peace and fellowship with God.
Those who overcome the trials of life through their enduring faith are assured of this eternal reward, as signified in the powerful imagery of Revelation.
Judgment and the Book of Life
The Book of Life, also known as the Lamb’s Book of Life, plays a crucial role in the eschatological judgment of believers. It is at this moment where the Lamb, symbolizing Christ, assesses each individual. Accounts of believers’ deeds and their steadfastness in faith are evaluated. Inclusion in this book signifies absolution and a covenant with God that the faithful inherit the promises of the new creation.
Those not found in the Book of Life face judgement, a testament to the seriousness with which the scripture regards the believer’s life journey and ultimate standing before God.
Related: For more, check out our Preaching Outline On Revelation Chapter Fourteen here.
The Condemnation of the Wicked
In Revelation 21, specific behaviors and types of individuals are explicitly mentioned as facing divine judgment. This condemnation is a part of the final assessment of humanity, reflecting the gravitas of moral choices in the scope of eternal consequences.
The List of Condemnations
The passage distinctly identifies several categories of the condemned:
- The Cowardly: Those who have failed to remain steadfast in the face of adversity.
- The Unbelieving: Individuals who have not embraced faith.
- The Abominable: Those who have engaged in detestable acts.
- Murderers: Individuals who have taken the life of another unjustly.
- Sorcerers: Practitioners of malevolent supernatural arts.
- Idolaters: Those who have revered and worshipped entities other than the divine.
- Liars: Individuals who have intentionally deceived others.
These behaviors and the individuals associated with them are described as not inheriting the promise of the New Jerusalem but facing a very different destiny.
Lake of Fire as the Final Judgment
Described in Revelation 21 as the ultimate penalty for the condemned is the Lake of Fire. This symbolizes the final and irrevocable judgment. It is referred to as the “second death,” distinct from physical demise, signifying eternal separation from the divine presence.
- Lake of Fire: Represents the finality of judgment for the condemned.
- Second Death: Indicates an eternal state beyond physical death, without the possibility of redemption.
The passage is stringent and unyielding, underscoring the gravity of these condemnations in the theological framework presented in the Book of Revelation.
Related: For more, check out our Preaching Outline On Revelation Chapter Thirteen here.
Symbolic Imagery and Its Interpretation
Revelation Chapter Twenty-One is rich with symbolism that conveys deep theological truths about the eschatological hope and the final state of redemption. Understanding these symbols is crucial to grasping the overarching narrative of the apocalypse.
The Rich Symbolism in Revelation
Revelation 21 introduces a series of profound images, each layered with meaning. At the forefront is the New Jerusalem, descending from heaven, a city described as pure gold and as clear as transparent glass. This description utilizes precious materials not only to convey the city’s immense value but also to reflect its holiness and the divine glory it possesses.
The city’s foundations are adorned with stones bearing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing the continuity and fulfillment of God’s promises. In the center flows the water of life, clear as crystal, emanating from the throne of God, representing the eternal sustenance and spiritual life provided to its inhabitants.
- Seven Angels: They play pivotal roles throughout Revelation and, within chapter 21, introduce John to the New Jerusalem. Their presence emphasizes completeness and divine perfection associated with the number seven.
- Seven Bowls: Although not directly mentioned in this chapter, the seven bowls from previous chapters culminate in God’s final judgment, leading to the establishment of the New Jerusalem.
Theological Significance of Symbols
The symbols within Revelation 21 communicate theological truths:
- Pure Gold and Transparent Glass: These materials signify not only preciousness but also transparency and purity, indicating that nothing impure will enter the New Jerusalem.
- Water of Life: It represents the eternal life and refreshment given to God’s people, a life without thirst that echoes Jesus’ promise of living water.
The Kings of the Earth bring their glory into the city, signifying the submission of all earthly authority to God’s ultimate reign. The absence of a temple in the city underscores that God and the Lamb are its temple, the central focus of worship, and the source of light—eliminating the need for a physical structure or the sun.
The symbols of Revelation 21 collectively provide a vision of hope, restoration, and the divine dwelling among people. Interpreting these symbols helps one understand not only the future promise but also the present reality of God’s kingdom.
Related: For more, check out our Preaching Outline On Revelation Chapter Twelve here.
The Eternal State of the Righteous
Revelation Chapter Twenty-One invites readers to reflect upon the culmination of God’s promise—a comprehensive renewal of heaven and earth, where the righteous find their eternal dwelling with the divine. It is a scene where the splendors of the New Jerusalem become the everlasting inheritance for those who have walked in righteousness.
Citizenship in the New Jerusalem
Citizenship in the New Jerusalem is not merely about residency but signifies belonging to a divine commonwealth where God’s sovereignty is absolute. The New Jerusalem, descending from heaven, embodies the holy city foreseen by prophets like Isaiah.
This is a place devoid of sin, where the Lamb has eradicated sorrow and death. Its citizens, once saints on earth, now inherit the promise of eternal peace and purity. Their lives are etched in the Lamb’s Book of Life, and they navigate an existence that is free from the stain of sin and the corruption of mortality.
The Role of the Saints
In this new creation, the saints play a critical role as they embody the righteousness of God. They are the agents of the kingdom’s principles—a reflection of divine will. Governance in the New Jerusalem dismantles old hierarchies and institutes a framework where every action radiates the grace and truth of the resurrected Christ.
The narrative of Psalm and prophecy reach their fulfillment as these saints engage in continuous worship and service, their actions seamlessly aligned with the sinless nature of their new home. The prophets had spoken of a time when God’s abode would be amongst His people, and Revelation Chapter Twenty-One depicts this reality for the saints and God’s enduring presence among them.
Related: For more, check out our Preaching Outline On Revelation Chapter Eleven here.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries related to the interpretation and preaching of Revelation Chapter 21, providing insights into its symbolism, application in sermons, and broader theological significance.
What does Revelation 21:1-8 symbolize in the context of a sermon?
Revelation 21:1-8 introduces the vision of a new heaven and earth, symbolizing the complete renewal and restoration that comes with God’s final victory. In sermons, this passage often represents the hope for eternal life and the perfect fellowship with God, free from the former world’s suffering and death.
How can one illustrate the message of Revelation 21 in a sermon?
One may illustrate the message of Revelation 21 by comparing the despair and imperfection of our current existence with the pure joy and perfection of the new Jerusalem. It’s akin to the transformation from a barren desert to a vibrant city filled with light and life.
What are the implications of the new heaven and new earth described in Revelation 21:1-7?
The new heaven and new earth signify a profound transition from the current flawed reality to a state of divine perfection. They imply the fulfillment of God’s promises, affirming that pain, grief, and death will be obsolete, and God’s presence will be permanently among His people.
How does Revelation 21 comfort those who are grieving?
Revelation 21 offers comfort to those grieving by proclaiming that God will personally wipe away every tear, ensuring that the reasons for grief—death, mourning, crying, and pain—will not exist in the new creation.
In what way does Revelation 21-22 depict the culmination of God’s redemptive plan?
Revelation 21-22 portrays the final stage of redemption, where the holy city descends, and God’s dwelling is with humanity. This scene encapsulates the fulfillment of redemption as God restores the world to its intended state of perfect harmony.
How is the concept of the ‘second death’ explained in Revelation 21, and what is its significance?
In Revelation 21, the ‘second death’ refers to the eternal separation from God endured by those who reject Him. Its significance lies in its contrast to the promise of the new life in the new Jerusalem, emphasizing the consequences of one’s response to God’s offer of salvation.
