Last week we looked at Revelation 21:1-8 as a whole; this week we will look specifically at verses 2-4 and think about how blessed the Christian is. As seen in Chapter 20:12, those who belong to Christ are in the Lamb’s book of life. Those who are not in the book of life are subject to specific matters concerning judgment day: the holiness of the Judge, the strictness of the court (books were opened), the weight of the sentence (permanent), and the misery of sinners on that day (the lake of fire). In contrast, those belonging to Christ inherit a special place.
In 21:2 we read, “And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” All true Christians are citizens and inhabitants of this city. This city is contrasted with Babylon the great, the city on earth full of immorality and rebellion against God.
This city has a ruler, who is the Christ the King, and it is governed by the righteousness of God. It is a storehouse of all good things; there are riches such as the waters of life and hidden manna. The citizens in the city have liberty. They are free from Satan’s tyranny- free from the law’s curse and condemning power, and all are kings and shall reign with Christ. They are free from weakness- from sin and temptation. Glorious things are spoken of this city (Psalm 87).
Everyone in this city speaks the same language; they tell of the mighty works of God (Acts 2). For every Christian, this city is his home; while he lives in this world he is but a pilgrim and stranger on his way to the place Christ has prepared for his people. So, we need to test our belief, our loyalty, and our affections. Is this heavenly city my home? Is Christ my Lord? Then, I am to be a worthy representative of that city and the Lord of that city.
We are to be heavenly minded, which, if done with purpose, produces a desire to be holy. There is no sin in that city, and as the apostle Peter tells us, we are to pursue holiness as God is holy. Thinking upon this city makes us strive for purity in our heart because only the pure in heart will see God. John says that every man that has this hope purifies himself, even as Jesus is pure.
There are many obstacles to the Christian maintaining a heavenly mindedness, but the Lord has well provided weapons for that inevitable struggle. He has given us a shield of faith when we are beset with doubts or weighed down with burdens. There is a cabinet of gospel weapons along with the Holy Spirit who comforts us in trials and temptations. The Lord may lay a heavy cross upon you, yet the promise and hope he gives changes not. Trust in him; he will provide for his people.
We grow stronger the more we look to the provision of Christ. He uses his word to dispense an abundance of grace to meet our everchanging needs, so we must make use of it. Meditating on the things of eternity trains us to look forward to seeing our Lord. It is common for people to think about a rich inheritance- there is none richer than what is described in these verses.
In verse 3, the dwelling place of God is with men. We will be made perfect then. A seed planted desires growth and perfection; so it is with grace that God puts in his people. We have been given longings to be made whole and so it will be. If the taste of the Lord is so pleasant in this corrupt world, what will a sight of the Lord be like on that day?
Christ is not only our Savior, but also our Lord. The Christian is to use such titles to strengthen faith and affection. He is Lord, which means he has all power and authority. In verse 4, we see that the Almighty will give personal attention to all his people who have endured hardship for his name while in the world.
The name Jesus reminds us he suffered terribly for us and knows our own sufferings. We don’t have long to honor him in this world; we have only so many opportunities to live by faith in varying circumstances. Soon, all the destinies of souls will be fixed. Blessed is he who has his hope in the Lamb of God and whose name is in the book of life.
