Topical Bible: Titles and Names of the Church: Heavenly of Jerusalem

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Heavenly Jerusalem" is a significant title and name for the Church, reflecting its spiritual and eschatological dimensions. This concept is rooted in biblical theology and is particularly emphasized in the New Testament, where it symbolizes the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to His people.

Biblical References

The "Heavenly Jerusalem" is prominently mentioned in the Book of Hebrews and the Book of Revelation. In Hebrews 12:22-23 , the author contrasts the earthly Mount Sinai with the spiritual reality of the New Covenant: "Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to myriads of angels in joyful assembly, to the congregation of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven." This passage highlights the Church's identity as a spiritual assembly, transcending earthly limitations and participating in the divine reality.

In Revelation 21:2 , John describes his vision of the eschatological fulfillment: "I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." Here, the Heavenly Jerusalem is depicted as the bride of Christ, symbolizing the intimate and eternal relationship between Christ and His Church.

Theological Significance

The title "Heavenly Jerusalem" underscores the Church's role as the spiritual counterpart to the earthly Jerusalem. While the historical Jerusalem was the center of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple, the Heavenly Jerusalem represents the spiritual dwelling place of God with His people. It signifies the Church's calling to be a holy and set-apart community, reflecting God's presence in the world.

This concept also emphasizes the eschatological hope of believers. The Heavenly Jerusalem is not merely a present spiritual reality but also a future promise. It points to the ultimate consummation of God's redemptive plan, where the Church will dwell eternally with God in a renewed creation. This hope is a source of encouragement and motivation for believers to live faithfully in anticipation of Christ's return.

Symbolism and Imagery

The imagery associated with the Heavenly Jerusalem is rich and multifaceted. It is described as a city, a bride, and a place of divine assembly. These images convey the ideas of community, purity, and divine presence. The city symbolizes order, security, and the fulfillment of God's promises. The bride imagery highlights the Church's purity, devotion, and covenant relationship with Christ. The assembly of angels and the "congregation of the firstborn" emphasize the Church's participation in the heavenly worship and its connection to the broader spiritual reality.

Practical Implications

For believers, the concept of the Heavenly Jerusalem serves as a reminder of their true citizenship and identity. As members of this spiritual city, Christians are called to live in a manner worthy of their heavenly calling, reflecting the values and character of the Kingdom of God. This identity also fosters a sense of unity and purpose, as believers recognize their place within the larger narrative of God's redemptive work.

In summary, the title "Heavenly Jerusalem" encapsulates the Church's spiritual identity, eschatological hope, and divine calling. It serves as a powerful reminder of the Church's role in God's eternal plan and the ultimate destiny of His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Galatians 4:26
But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 12:22
But you are come to mount Sion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On the Various Names and Titles
... V. On the Various Names and Titles. ... The mother is the church, or the heavenly Jerusalem;
in the apostle: she who is on high is the free Jerusalem, and she ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/v on the various names.htm

Letter to Veranus
... in body is far from the universal faith of the church"is sought ... Book V: On the Various
Names and Titles. ... Book VIII: On the Various Meanings of Words and Names. ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/letter to veranus.htm

Heavenly Contemplation Exemplified, and the Whole Work Concluded.
... there is love in his looks; the titles of Redeemer ... are now our different judgments,
reproachful names, divided spirits ... I must stand and see the church and cause ...
/.../the saints everlasting rest/chapter xvi heavenly contemplation exemplified.htm

Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ...
... of true piety are said to inscribe their names among the ... Those magnificent titles,
as when the temple is called God's ... and of the household of the Church, as we ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 of the true.htm

Acts XI
... and for rank and authority in the Church of Christ ... of mystic Babylon, and the swelling
titles by which ... are the obligations implied in the names disciple and ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xi.htm

Letter Xcviii. From the Synod of Chalcedon to Leo.
... we have resolved on for the removal of all confusion and the confirmation of church
order. ... [443] One of the Latin versions adds the names and titles of the ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/letter xcviii from the synod.htm

The
... far there has been an inscription of your names [398] , and a ... a miserable man, thou
receivest one of God's titles. ... may He plant you into His Church, and enlist ...
//christianbookshelf.org/cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/the.htm

The Letter of the Church of Rome
... individuals the solid and ancient Corinthian Church is in ... reader will observe that,
while the titles "presbyter" and ... The names of the first two suggest that ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of the church.htm

Epistles to the Seven Churches.
... dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not ... True" (19:11), the epistle
to this church makes mention of the Saviour by those titles, which are ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/epistles to the seven churches.htm

The Institution of Deacons, and the History of Stephen.
... authority to certain persons, bearing such titles, and exercising ... The names of the
seven deacons being Greek ... remain unnoticed by the adversaries of the Church. ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture viii the institution of.htm