Rev. David Holwick
First Baptist Church
West Lafayette, Ohio
October 2, 1988
Revelation 21:1-5
THE CITY OF GOD
I. Focal point of the new heavens and earth: the New Jerusalem.
A. "New" - not just in time, but in character.
B. "Jerusalem" - the city of the Lord.
C. "coming down out of heaven" - its origin is not of this world
D. "from God" - he has created and sent it.
E. "prepared as a Bride" - very important clue.
1) Rev 19:7-8 - the Church is the bride of Christ.
a) The saints (=bride) are clothed with righteous living
2) The city of God is more a people, than a place.
II. God's people as a building.
A. 1 Peter 2:5
1) Christians are living stones.
2) We are being built into a spiritual house.
3) Our purpose is to be a holy priesthood, serving God.
4) Jesus is the cornerstone.
a) Application - live a holy life. (2:11-12)
B. Matthew 5:14, "You are the light of the world. A city set
on a hill cannot be hidden."
1) The New Jerusalem is set on a great mountain. 21:10
2) It cannot be hidden. 21:25
3) It shines with the light of God. 21:23
a) We are the light of the world. (Jesus)
b) Our light is expressed by our love and concern.
III. Nature of the city.
A. Perfect cube, points to Holy of holies in temple, tabernacle.
1) Normal plan - temple is in capital city.
2) Revelation -
a) No temple in city.
b) God is its temple.
c) The city (=church) dwells within God as the
Holy of holies.
d) It is a symbol of our dwelling within God's care.
1> 3:12 - Overcomers are pillars in God's temple.
A> Contradiction? No temple!
B> Once again, symbol of relationship with God.
2> 21:3 - "The dwelling of God is with men,
and he will live with them."
B. Nature of life in the city.
1) No more tears, death, mourning, crying or pain. 21:4
2) No unredeemed sinners can enter it. 21:27, 22:14-15
3) The redeemed will be healed. 22:2
IV. Christians are becoming part of the New Jerusalem right now.
A. Jesus' body is a temple.
B. The church is his body.
1) 1 Cor 11:27 - sin against other Christians is sin
against the body of Christ.
2) The people next to you will be with you for all eternity.
C. How are we treating the Body of Christ?
1) Positive acts:
a) Love, expressed in actions.
b) Forgiveness.
c) Encouragement - go out of your way.
2) Negative acts:
a) Holding grudges.
b) Bad-mouthing.
c) Ignoring. (Selfish attention to ourselves)
V. Will we be on the outside looking in?
