The description of the city, often referred to as the New Jerusalem, is a significant theme in biblical eschatology, particularly in the Book of Revelation. This city is depicted as the ultimate dwelling place of God with His people, symbolizing the fulfillment of God's promises and the culmination of His redemptive plan.

Biblical References

The primary biblical reference for the description of the city is found in Revelation 21-22. In Revelation 21:2 , John writes, "I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." This imagery emphasizes the city's purity, beauty, and divine origin.

Architectural Features

The New Jerusalem is described with vivid imagery that conveys its grandeur and perfection. Revelation 21:11 states, "It shone with the glory of God, and its radiance was like a most precious jewel, like a jasper, as clear as crystal." The city's brilliance reflects the glory of God Himself.

The city's dimensions are described in Revelation 21:16 : "The city lies foursquare, with its length the same as its width." The city measures 12,000 stadia in length, width, and height, symbolizing completeness and divine perfection. The walls are described as being 144 cubits thick, made of jasper, and the city itself is pure gold, as clear as glass (Revelation 21:18).

Gates and Foundations

The city has twelve gates, each made of a single pearl, and inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel (Revelation 21:12-13, 21). This signifies the unity and continuity of God's covenant people. The foundations of the city wall are adorned with every kind of precious stone and bear the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb (Revelation 21:14, 19-20), symbolizing the apostolic foundation of the Church.

The Presence of God

Central to the description of the city is the presence of God. Revelation 21:3 declares, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God." This emphasizes the intimate relationship between God and His people in the new creation.

The city has no need for a temple, "because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" (Revelation 21:22). The absence of a physical temple signifies the direct and unmediated presence of God with His people.

Light and Life

The New Jerusalem is illuminated by the glory of God, with the Lamb as its lamp (Revelation 21:23). This eternal light signifies the dispelling of darkness and the presence of divine truth and holiness.

The river of the water of life flows from the throne of God and of the Lamb, and on either side of the river stands the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit (Revelation 22:1-2). This imagery recalls the Garden of Eden and signifies the restoration of life and abundance in God's eternal kingdom.

Moral and Spiritual Purity

The city is characterized by moral and spiritual purity. Revelation 21:27 states, "Nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life." This underscores the holiness required to dwell in God's presence and the ultimate triumph of righteousness.

Eternal Fellowship

The description of the city concludes with the promise of eternal fellowship with God. Revelation 22:4 declares, "They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads." This signifies the intimate and eternal relationship between God and His redeemed people, marking the fulfillment of His covenant promises.