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Revelation: Vision 4. Christ the Judge.

Overview.

Christ is the Chief Justice of Heaven`s supreme court. His decisions are final and beyond His verdict there is no other court of appeal. He exercises the final prerogative that is essential to judgeship; He is able to kill and to make alive.

The prophet Daniel gives a good description of the heavenly court about the pass judgment upon the final Gentile world system.

`I kept looking until thrones were placed ...with the Judge, and the Ancient of days took His seat, Whose garment was white as snow and the hair on His head like pure wool. His throne was like a fiery flame; its wheels were burning fire. A stream of fire came forth from before Him; a thousand thousands ministered to Him and ten thousand times ten thousand rose up and stood before Him; the Judge was seated the court was in session...` (Dan. 7: 10 AMP)


How awesome the sight of the Ancient of days on His fiery throne with untold millions of angels before Him. This is the time when God will bring forth the judgments upon a sinful, rebellious world and it is the Son in whom the Father has committed this duty.

`For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son,...` (John 5: 22)


The main official duty required of a judge is to act discreetly, wisely and justly in all decisions made. Thus we hear those who have overcome the beast, his image and his mark, singing –

`Just and true are Your ways, O King of the Nations! ....For Your judgments have been manifested.` (Rev. 15: 3 & 4)


So now as we further study the book of Revelation we will see Christ revealed to us as not only King over the nations but their Judge, executing the judgments of God upon them.

Satan, the Anti-Christ and the False Prophet, the world`s armies, all are dealt with by the righteous Judge. But for those who turn to the `Lamb,` the one slain for them, they will be those who had victory over the beast, and receive life everlasting.

 
Click to expand...
ECONOMIC BABYLON

The city of Babylon will not only be the centre of man`s Religious System, which gets destroyed, but also the centre of commerce and finance – the Global Economy. We are now given a picture of this aspect of the city of Babylon. It is called a `prison` and `a habitation of demons.` What a terrifying prospect for those who worship the `beast.`

The Lord with `great authority` and `glory.` declares the judgments upon Babylon -`fallen, fallen,` indicating the downfall of the religious and economic aspects of this demonic government.

`After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with His glory.` `And He cried mightily with a loud voice saying, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, And has become a habitation of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird!`
(Rev. 18: 1 & 2)

This centre of the world`s trading has made the `merchants of the earth` very wealthy. These are the multi-nationals and traders from all over the world. This selfish abundance of trade is a mark of Satan who by his trade has increased his riches and become proud. (Ez. 28: 5)

`For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury” (Rev. 18: 3)

Fornication – Gk. word, `pornos,` fig. means – idolatry.


Thus judgment has been pronounced, double for her sins. And a warning goes out for any of God`s people who are in that city, to flee before the coming hand of God in judgment.

`And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, My people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. Render to her just as she rendered to you, and repay her double according to her works; in a cup which she has mixed, mix for her double.`
(Rev. 18: 4 – 6)

 
The Judgment of Economic Babylon.

This capital of the world`s economy has boasted that it is secure from any financial and commercial difficulty - `will see no sorrow.` Man has finally put together a system that controls everyone on earth by a mark, number or name. (Rev. 13: 16 & 17) But it is God who will judge this demonic system of abuse of power and corruption.

`In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment & sorrow;
for she says in her heart, “I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.” Therefore her plagues will come in one day – death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her.` (Rev. 18: 7 & 8)

Now we see all those who profited from this unlawful system.

Firstly the Kings, the leaders of the nations mourned over Babylon`s fall.

“And the kings of the earth who committed fornication (idolatry) and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, “ Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.” (Rev. 18: 9 & 10)

Next we see the merchants, the traders who sold everything from precious stones to the precious bodies and souls of man. How utterly despicable.

`And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise any more: Merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls, fine linen and purple, silk & scarlet, every kind of citron wood, every kind of object of ivory, every kind of object of most precious wood, bronze, iron and marble; and cinnamon and incense, fragrant oil and frankincense, wine and oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and bodies and souls of men.` (Rev. 18: 11 – 13)

`And the fruit that your soul longed for has gone from you, and all the things which are rich & splendid have gone from you, and you shall find them no more at all.` (Rev. 18: 14)
 
`The merchants of these things, who became rich by her, will stand at a distance for fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, and saying, “Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! For is one hour such great riches came to nothing” (Rev. 18: 15 - 17)

Now we see that the owners of every kind of ship cry out when they see the city of Babylon burning and how quickly it is made desolate.

`And every shipowner, all who travel by sea, stood at a distance and cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, “What is like this great city? And they threw dust on their heads & cried out, weeping and wailing, and saying,
“Alas, alas, that great city, in which all who had ships on the sea, became rich by her wealth! For in one hour she is made desolate.” (Rev. 18: 17 – 19)

Here then is the picture of Babylon`s fall. It is a quick and complete work, pulverizing and completely destroying that great city of Babylon.

“Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!” `Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, “Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found any more.` (Rev. 18: 20 & 21)

By sorcery and witchcraft it deceived the peoples of the world – `false signs and wonders,` (Rev. 13: 13 & 14) and shed the blood of prophets and saints. Thus no musicians, or craftsmen or wedding feasts will be celebrated there, for the Lord God has judged it.

`The sound of harpists, musicians, flautists, and trumpeters shall not be heard in you anymore. And no craftsman of any craft shall be found in you anymore. And the sound of a millstone shall not be heard in you anymore. And the light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore. And the voice of bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore. For your merchants were the great men of the earth for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived. And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth`. (Rev. 18: 22 – 24)

 
BABYLON TO JERUSALEM

When the city of Babylon has been destroyed then all of heaven resounds with the praises and acclamation to God. There is the great multitude of people, the 24 elders (representing the Body of Christ) and Christ`s living ministries; all acclaim that God`s judgments are true and righteous, all acclaim salvation and glory, honour and power be unto the Lord God.

`After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying “Alleluia! Salvation & glory & honour and power to the Lord our God! For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her fornication: (idolatry) and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her.”

Again they said, “Alleluia! And her smoke rises up forever & ever!” `And the 24 elders and the 4 living creatures fell down
and worshipped God who sat on the throne, saying, “Amen! Alleluia!”` (Rev. 19: 1 – 4)


However although Babylon has fallen the Anti-Christ, possessed of Satan, continues his warfare against God. But the cry goes out that the Lord God all-powerful reigns.

` Then a voice came from the throne saying, Praise our God, all you His servants & those who fear Him, both small and great!” And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thundering, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!” (Rev. 19: 5 – 6)


The Anti-Christ then moves his control to Jerusalem, the beloved city. Here he takes over and prepares his great army of the world to come together to Armageddon.

`he shall plant the tents of his palace between the seas and the glorious holy mountain; Yet he shall come to his end, and no one will help him.` (Dan. 11: 45)


The people of Israel then flee to the mountains round Petra in the south. They cry out to God for deliverance. They have not worshipped the `beast,` the Anti-Christ or taken his mark, but await their deliverer, their Messiah.


`...then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains...` (Matt. 24: 16)
 
Israel waiting deliverance.

Israel is the `wife,` of Jehovah. He is called her `husband.` This is a symbolic picture of the relationship God has with His people, Israel. He is joined to them in a covenant purpose, and although they had turned from Him, God is bringing them back to Himself through the Lord Jesus, their Messiah.

`your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is His name; and your Redeemer is the Holy one of Israel; ..`(Isa. 54: 5)
`As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.`(Isa. 62: 5)

Thus we see Israel, the `bride / wife,` awaiting the `bridegroom, ` their Messiah. They have made themselves ready by `righteous acts,` obeying God`s laws from the heart and looking to Him for their deliverance. No wonder there is such great joy in heaven anticipating this momentous reuniting of Israel and God.

“Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen represents the righteous acts of the saints.(Israel) Then he said to me, “Write: `Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!” (Rev. 19: 7 – 9)

The `marriage supper of the Lamb` is the connecting of Israel in right relationship to God again. This takes place when Israel realises at last that Jesus, the one whom they crucified, is their Messiah. The Lord reveals Himself to them after the battle of Armageddon.

`And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they have pierced; they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a first-born.`(Zech. 12: 10)

How wonderful to know that God has not forgotten His people Israel. What Jesus foretold to them, His prophetic words will come to pass.

And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.” And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, & of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (Rev. 19: 9 – 10)
 
The Deliverer

The Lord Jesus Christ, Israel`s deliverer, is now seen coming from heaven in power and great glory. He comes in full array of His majesty and authority. We are given a wonderful description of Him revealing His Holy character and great authority over all principalities and powers in the unseen and upon earth.

`Then I saw heaven opened, & behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called the Word of God.`(Rev. 19: 11 – 13)

White horse – `white,` is from Gk. word `leukos,` meaning light, glory.
`horse,` is a symbol for power and strength. (Ps. 147: 10)

Faithful and True – Faithful is the first description of our Lord. (Rev. 1: 5)
True, truthful. He is to be trusted.

In Righteousness He judges and makes war – justice in character and action. (Rev. 15: 3 & 4)

His eyes like a flame – penetrating vision, seeing people`s motives. (Rev. 2: 23)

His head with many crowns – great authority and rulership in many realms. (Eph. 1: 20 & 21)

His name, the Word of God – the expression of God made manifest. (John 1: 1 & 14)


`Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the wine press of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: King of kings and Lord of lords. (Rev. 19: 15 & 16)

A sharp sword – the word of God in judgment. (Heb. 4: 12 & 13)

Rod of iron – immediate consequences for actions. (Ps. 2: 9 Zech. 14: 17 & 18)

Wine press of wrath of God – the valley of decision, the valley of Jehoshaphat. (Joel 3: 12 – 14)

Robe – symbol of authority. (Ex. 28: 4)

Name, King of kings & Lord of lords – the ultimate in power and authority over every rule in every dominion. (Eph. 1: 20 & 21)
 
The Army

The Lord comes with His army to judge and make war against all rebellious mankind.

`And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.` (Rev. 19: 14)

Who are these heavenly armies? There has been much confusion & error concerning them. However as we study the scriptures carefully, God`s word clearly tells us who they are.

Jesus said:
`they will see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels...` (Matt. 24: 30 & 31)

`When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the Holy Angels with Him...`(Matt. 25: 31)

`the Son of man ...comes in His own glory, and in His Father`s glory and in the glory of the Holy Angels.` (Luke 9: 26)


Some other scriptures speak of the Lord coming with His holy ones to do battle against the nations.

`Then the Lord, my God, will come, and all the holy ones with Him.` (Zech. 14: 5 NAS)

`Behold the Lord came with many thousands of His holy ones.` (Jude v. 14 NAS)


Holy ones – from the Heb. `quodos,` sacred, holy. From the Gk. `hagio,` also sacred, holy.


Most Bible interpretations have `holy ones` or `holy angels,` however a couple of versions have written `saints,` and this has caused some confusion. However if we read all scriptures on this subject it becomes quite clear that it is the Lord Jesus, Israel`s Messiah, coming to earth with His Holy Angels to make war and to deliver Israel.


This heavenly angelic army is described as wearing garments of fine linen that are white and clean. This is the description of the angels previously coming out of the temple in heaven. They symbolically had garments also of linen, white and clean. This was to distinguish them as holy angels and not demonic angels.

`linen` from the Gk word `katharos,` - clean, clear, pure.

Thus this heavenly army, the angelic hosts, are God`s holy angelic army that comes with the Lord Jesus Christ in power and great glory.

 
Armageddon

The call goes out for the climax of the ages when the Lord gathers the rebellious together and deals with them. The details of this event are throughout God`s word.

`Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven,
“Come and gather together for the supper of the great God, that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great.” (Rev. 19: 17 & 18)

The world`s armies have gathered at Armageddon, just north of Israel. (Rev. 16: 16) It is a great plain that stretches right across Israel from the Mediterranean Sea to the Jordan river. It is also a strategic centre as it is the gateway to Israel from three continents.

From here the armies of the world sweep through the valley of Jezreel and then through Samaria conquering and subduing every town and village, exterminating all Israelis enroute. Finally this mighty army will encompass the city of Jerusalem, which will eventually be overwhelmed, conquered and looted. (Luke 21: 20)

`And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army.`(Rev. 19: 19)


The Lord Jesus Christ, King of Kings & Lord of Lords, then comes from heaven with His angelic army in power and great glory.(Rev. 19: 11) They go to Bozrah in Edom, where many Israelities have hidden (Isa. 63: 1) then on to Mount Zion in Jerusalem. (Isa. 31: 40)

`So the Lord of hosts will come down to fight for Mount Zion and for its hill. Like birds flying about, so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem. Defending, He will also deliver it; passing over, He will preserve it.` (Isa. 31: 4 –8)

Passing over the valley of Jehoshaphat, (Joel 3: 2) to the Mount of Olives (Zech. 14: 4) the Lord deals with the beast, the false prophet and the armies of the world. (Zech. 14: 12)

`Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh.` (Rev. 19: 20 & 21)
 
THE MILLENNIUM (Rev. 20)

The Millennium is the time which God promised to the nation of Israel. They would be the rulers over the nations of the world, under God. Satan would be bound for this period, and man will be able to learn God`s ways. The Lord Jesus will rule through Israel with a rod of iron, meaning consequences for actions.

Judgments

Satan is cast into the bottomless pit for a thousand years while Israel rules the nations of the world under Christ`s authority. He will be released after that time so as to test those upon the earth whether they will follow God or Satan.

`Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit & a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil & Satan, and bound him for a 1,000 years; and cast him into the bottomless pit, & shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while. (Rev. 20: 1 – 3)

The nations are also brought under Christ`s judgment when He returns. Those that looked after `His brethren,` the Jews will be able to go into the millennium while the others will be taken away in judgment. (Matt. 25: 31 - 46)

Rewards

Those of the nations who did look after Christ`s brethren, the Jews will go into the Millennium, (Matt. 25: 34 & 40) plus those of Israel (Zech. 13: 8 & 9) who receive their Messiah. The martyrs who had not worshipped the beast will be given life again and serve Christ as priests throughout the Millennium.

`And I saw thrones, & they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus & for the word of God, who had not worshipped the beast or His image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived & reigned with Christ for a 1,000 years.

But the rest of the dead did not live again until the 1,000 years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and they shall reign with Him a 1,000 years.`(Rev. 20: 4 - 6)
 
The Millennial Kingdom

After the triumph of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the defeat and disposal of every hostile & evil power, the time has come for the setting up of Christ`s Millennial Kingdom. This will be a wonderful time of blessing and fruitfulness for the nation of Israel and for those who obey Christ`s rule through them.

`Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord`s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, & shall be exalted above the hills; & all nations shall flow to it. Many people shall come & say,

“Come, & let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, & we shall walk in his paths,” for out of Zion shall go forth the law, & the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.`(Isaiah 2: 2 & 3)

Peace and tranquillity will prevail with the absence of wars as people will stop making weapons and make farm tools instead. Rain will come in the right season to produce a good harvest with food and work for everyone. Thus people will live longer. However if there is disobedience then there will be consequences as the rulership is `with the rod of iron.`

`They shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning - hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.` (Micah 4: 3)

`I will cause showers to come down in their season;....then the trees of the field shall yield their fruit,...`(Ex. 34: 26 & 27)

There will be many generations of people during this thousand years and even though they have been under God`s blessing the human rebellious carnal will, still desires to have its own way. Thus when Satan is let loose, he deceives the nations who think they can again destroy God`s plan of rulership through Israel. This time God just sends fire from heaven as a complete judgment upon them.

`Now when the 1,000 years have expired Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, together them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea.

They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints & the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. And the devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (Rev. 20: 7 – 10)
 
Final Judgments

Here we are shown the most awe-inspiring vision of earth and sky being `rolled up.`

`Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them.` (Rev. 20: 11)


Then we see the Lord Jesus Christ enthroned in Judicial Authority. This is the final great judgment where every person will be resurrected to appear before Him. Wealth, nobility, fame or earthly honours will be immaterial.

`And I saw the dead, small & great, standing before God, & books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.

The sea gave up the dead, who were in it, and death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.` (Rev. 20: 12 & 13)


These books contain meticulous, accurate and complete records of every individual.

The `Book of Life,` the only one designated, is the one of supreme importance. Herein are recorded the only exemptions from this judgment. This is the register of the `Church, the Body of Christ,` already redeemed and enthroned in Heaven.

The names of the remaining books are not mentioned; nor need we speculate. However, what is certain, is that all who have rejected the Lord Jesus Christ as personal saviour will be relegated to join Satan in the `Fiery Lake of Eternal Punishment.`

Whoever will be recorded as having never actually heard the Gospel: but, by their works have acknowledged and worshipped God, by virtue of the wonders of His Creation; they will be granted eternal life upon the earth.


`Then death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.` (Rev. 20: 14 & 15)

 
THE NEW HEAVENS and NEW EARTH.

There is a specific time when God will purge and purify the heavens and the earth by fire.

`And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.` (Rev. 21: 1)

It is the time when God in the highest heaven makes all things new for His sons Israel, in the New Jerusalem and Israel and the nations on earth. Thus the new city made by God in heaven is complete with the appointed people and so descends to its appropriate area near the earth. It is here that the nations of the world will be guided and ruled.

` Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,...`(Rev. 21: 2)

The New Jerusalem is thus the Administrative centre for God`s rulership through Israel over the earth. It is also the means whereby God connects and interlocks the spiritual and physical realms. The symbol of this is the `Bride,` representing this connecting and interlocking.

`Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God.` (Rev. 21: 2 & 3)

Here we see the fulfillment of what God had promised to Israel. (Isaiah 54) God promised to Israel that He would come and dwell with them and they would know His presence and His glory in their midst. Excluded from this wonderful life are those who have turned away from God.

`And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” `Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new,” And he said to me

Write, for these words are true and faithful.”`And He said to me, “It is done!
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.
I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts he who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.

But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” (Rev. 21: 4 – 8)

 
THE NEW JERUSALEM

`Then one of the 7 angels who had the 7 bowls filled with the 7 last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying,
“Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb`s wife.” (Rev. 21: 9)

Now one of the angels who showed the Apostle John the `great harlot,` calls him to come and see the great city of God, `the bride, the Lamb`s wife.` This we know is all those who looked by faith for this city. They resided in the General Assembly till the time for them to descend in the city to their rightful place in the lower heavens. (the Universal heavens)

`you have come to....the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem ...to the General Assembly ...to the spirits of just men (Old Testament saints) made perfect.` (Heb. 12: 23)

From the `great and high mountain,` the heavenly Mount Zion, John is able to see the great city, the holy Jerusalem descend from the third heaven to the lower heavens, the Universal heavens just above the earth.

`And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. ` (Rev. 21: 10)


Now we see the New Jerusalem as not only the dwelling place of God in the midst of His people but the place where He can manifest His great glory. This glory comes through the power and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ.

`the great city....having the glory of God.`(Rev. 21: 11)


The `light,` like a `jasper stone` presents Jesus as the mighty conqueror, the one through whom all this is made possible.

` And her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. `(Rev. 21: 11)

Jasper – Tribe of Naphtali – meaning Conqueror. (Gen. 30: 8)

 
The Government of the City - Kings.

The Gates - the Inheritance - access to the city.

`Also she had a great and high wall with 12 gates, and 12 angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the 12 tribes of Israel: three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west. (Rev. 21: 12 & 13)

Gates are the entrance to a city and give access to what is within. These represent where the wise men and councilors of the city would sit to rule and give judgment of cases. The 12 tribes are represented there with their covering angels. This is the promised inheritance to Israel - a heavenly city.

`they all died in faith, not having received the promises....Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.`(Heb. 11: 9, 10 & 16)


The Walls - the Kings. Protection and Security.

Walls are for protection and here they represent Christ`s government ruling in the city.

`Now the wall of the city had 12 foundations, and on them were the 12 apostles of the Lamb.`(Rev. 21: 14)

The 12 apostles were promised rulership over the 12 tribes of Israel. Their rulership is under Christ, so it is just and righteous. Thrones symbolise rulership - kings.

` you who have followed me will also sit on 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Israel.`(Matt. 19: 28)


The City - The Covenant: faith in God.

`And he who talked with me had a gold reed to measure the city,....`(Rev. 21: 15)

The `gold reed,` speaks of faith in what God has promised. These people believed that God would take them to this city in the heavenlies. The shape is that of the Holy of Holies and is the place where God dwells by His Spirit and speaks to His people.

` And the city is laid out as a square and its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed;
12 thousand furlongs. Its length, breadth, and height are equal.` (Rev. 21: 16)


Furlongs – a fixed measurement - fig. a covenant. (Gk. `stao,`)
 
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