When we read about Heaven and the New Jerusalem in the Bible it’s very easy to assume the descriptions aren’t literal– gold streets, precious gem walls, gates made of pearl, a city that measures 1500 miles wide, long and high. These extravagant descriptions can seem fantastical and hard to accept until we reflect on the beauty we can already observe in this world. We’ve all seen beautiful gold, pearls and precious gems that GOD created and placed on the Earth. Some of higher quality, some of lesser quality–some in large vein deposits, others were found in a more isolated setting. We also know from telescope pictures that there are planets, stars and galaxies much larger than our own. So, the idea of larger and grander is not foreign to us.
Still, I have heard some people flat out dismiss the dimensions of the New Jerusalem. Apparently, their mind cannot accept a city so large that its walls go into outer space. Since The New Jerusalem and the New Earth are the best places that GOD can imagine and create, why would we try to make the dimensions of the city more comfortable for our own ideas? We shouldn’t be able to totally wrap our minds around the size and vastness of the New Jerusalem. I don’t want to go to a place that human beings can just neatly pack into their understanding. I want to go to the New Jerusalem that’s described in the Bible!
The New Jerusalem will be the greatest city ever constructed, and it should be, it’s God’s dwelling place! How could someone try to minimize the city that houses GOD’s throne? Our GOD is an awesome GOD, His city, dwelling, and throne, will be unequaled in the universe, a supernatural master craftsmanship worthy of the great I AM, the alpha and the omega, the Holy One of Israel, the creator and sustainer of all things, the one who dwells in unapproachable light, the one which no created being can muster strength enough to stand in His presence, the one who is worthy of our worship, the ancient of days.
The first time you see the New Jerusalem, you won’t nonchalantly say, “that’s pretty cool dude.” When Ezekiel tried to describe GOD’s glory and throne, he was so overwhelmed that he couldn’t find the words. He writes, “as if”, “the likeness of”, “the appearance”, “looked like.” Ezekiel was so awestruck that every time he saw GOD and His glory he collapsed on the ground. He couldn’t even stand up unless the Spirit gave him strength. (Ezekiel 1)
When we understand some of the magnitude and glory of GOD we can understand more of the glory of Heaven.
The Bible calls the New Jerusalem the Lamb’s Wife–this means she is precious, pure, and beautiful. Why wouldn’t GOD use transparent gold? Every material used to build the city is costly. God surrounds himself with beauty, perfection and purity. —this is a reflection of GOD’s personality. We shouldn’t think, “it’s too good to be true.” Instead, we should rejoice, “GOD is so glorious, it’s true.”
If the biblical descriptions of Heaven are not literal, then Heaven will be a giant let down. But we know we will not be let down because everyone in the Bible who saw into that realm was awestruck. Additionally, when John was told to write these things down, he was given facts about the city. Revelation 21 is filled with specific facts and descriptions. The main street is at least transparent gold or something far better. Be assured, our heavenly Father used the best and most costly materials to construct His masterpiece.
It is also important to remember GODs love and plan for us.
“Who am I, Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? 19 And as if this were not enough in your sight, Sovereign Lord, you have also spoken about the future of the house of your servant…2 Samuel 7:18-19 NIV
GOD loves you so much, He wants you to walk on gold and live in an environment filled with all sorts of costly things. You are a royal priest and a son/daughter of the king, why wouldn’t He give you the best things He could imagine and create? GOD built the city with precious materials in order to make a home for His most precious possession—you.
Reflection
You are precious to GOD. He proved it by sending His Son Jesus to die for your sins. He will never leave you or forsake you. He is thinking of you and building you a home in Heaven. Jesus cannot wait to see you and He is anticipating your arrival. Spend a few moments thanking and praising Him for your eternal destiny.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14:3