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Our Lord Jesus Christ promised those who trust in Him a place in heaven and that He will return to take them to be with Him in heaven (John 14:2, 3). This place in heaven is where our dream home and perfect living will be realized. Revelation chapters 21 and 22 give a graphic description of this wonderful heavenly place and our perfect life there.
John was shown the New Jerusalem with 12 gates, with names of the 12 tribes of Israel written on them, guarded by 12 angels and with 12 foundations having the 12 apostles’ names written on them. The Holy City has the same dimensions in width, length, and height, 2200 kilometres for each side and height and with 65 meter thick walls. The Holy City itself is described as “pure gold, as pure as glass”, and having precious stones everywhere. The great street is also “pure gold, like transparent glass”. There is no Temple, since the Lord, the Lamb is the Temple. There is no sun or moon since light is from God and the Lamb; the gates are never closed, and there is no night. The Holy City shines with the glory of God, brilliantly like precious jasper, clear as crystal. Nothing impure can enter and those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life are the ones present. The river of the water of life and tree of life, bearing fruit each month, are also described.
God lives with us there and He wipes away every tear from our eyes. There is no more death, mourning, crying or pain. The old order of things has all passed away. PRAISE THE LORD!
The book of Hebrews tells us that Abraham looked forward to the heavenly City whose architect and builder is God (Heb. 11:16). The Christians who have gone before us served God faithfully with this heavenly hope in mind. This same hope should keep us going steadfastly on earth till we meet our Lord in heaven. On earth we face troubles and decay, but in heaven we have perfect peace and eternal bliss in the presence of God. The prospect of living in this perfect City with our loved ones whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life and enjoying the presence of God must keep us faithful on earth. We must realize that our perfect home is in heaven and not in this world!