I’ve come to love this word:
Palingenesia
Again Genesis!
Again Eden — only better! Often translated “At the renewal of all things.” Jesus used the word almost casually, “At the renewal of all things…”
What always bothered me about Revelation was its view of heaven, but I was not interpreting Revelation according to the genre, making a basic hermeneutical mistake! Now I understand. Revelation uses symbols, pictures that are puzzles, and should not be interpreted so literally. Let me explain.
I’ve been so blessed in my life to live so many of my days near water, with the sound of waves, the kaleidescope of reflecting colors, and the life giving air! So when I read that in heaven there would be “no more sea,” I grieved! I also love sunsets and starry nights, so I grieved at the thought that there would be “no more night.” But I was misinterpreting apocalyptic literature, which is an intense form of prophesy using signs and symbols.
I now believe there will still be sights like this in heaven, like the scene below, caught one summer night from my deck. Yet even this, as C. S. Lewis says, is only “the scent of a flower, the echo of a tune, the news of a country we have not yet visited.”
Normally, as we read the Bible, we remember the dictum, “interpret literally unless you are forced to interpret symbolically,” but with apocalyptic literature, as in Revelation, G. K. Beale and Dr. Campbell write, in their longer commentary: “The book’s precise mode of communication (See Revelation 1:1) is that the warp and woof of it is symbolic, so that the preceding dictum should be reversed to say “Interpret symbolically unless you are forced to interpret literally. Better put, expect that the main means of divine revelation in apocalyptic literature to be symbolic.”
So, hurrah!
No more sea symbolizes no more dragon!
No more night symbolizes no more sin, no more sorrow!
In my younger years I thought John’s descriptions sounded like scenes from the Wizard of Oz. I avoided Revelation for it seemed not only weird, but cold, with its gold streets and crystal temple. I’m so happy to know those are are just symbols for the best and the finest.
I did know the Jehovah’s Witnesses had to be wrong when they said there would be only 144,000 people in heaven, and that it would be just them. But I didn’t realize that all the numbers in Revelation are symbolic, or the sheer beauty of that symbolism. We’ll see that again, with the 144,000, this week.
The new heaven and new earth is beyond our wildest imaginations, for as Paul said:
With the dragon and sin banished, there will be nothing to keep us from experiencing the presence of God. The promise repeated throughout the centuries is given a final time to John, in Revelation 21. This will be our continual reality in the new heaven and new earth:
And yes, Laura, we will have new bodies. Even Job, when covered with sores knew he would have skin like a newborn baby. He saw it when he said, “In my flesh I will see my Redeemer upon the earth.” But our bodies will be “again Genesis” — like the glorious bodies of Adam and Eve before the fall, or like the body of Jesus after His resurrection when he could eat, walk through walls! Of course I don’t really know all our grand new bodies will be able to do, for eye has not seen, and ear has not heard what God has prepared for us. I love this from Andrew Peterson.
Sunday:
- What stands out to you from the above and why?
- How has this study in Revelation changed your thoughts about heaven?
Monday: The Radiant Bride, Shining Like the Sun
Listen to the Andrew Peterson song above and meditate on these lyrics in particular:
So be my God and guide me
Till I lie beneath these hills
And let the great God of my fathers
Be the great God of my children still
God of my grandfathers
Gone these many years now
Well, I guess they’re shining like the sun
3. Read Revelation 21:9-14
A. What did the angel say to John and what did he then do?
B. Describe this holy city who is also a bride — what do you learn about her in verse 11?
C. If you remember, 144,000 symbolizes all of God’s people. First, there is 12 squared, which equals 144. How do you see two people groups of twelve, and who do you think they represent, in verses 12 through 14?
D. If you remember, the 1,000 is a Trinity of 10 times 10 time 10. 10 being the number of completion. How would you explain who the 144,000 represent, and why are their names on the gates of heaven?
4. In Mystery Explained, under THE NEW JERUSALEM read up to THE MEASUREMENTS OF THE CITY. Share what stands out to you.
Tuesday: Measuring = Protection
We want our heavenly city to be measured, because measuring symbolizes protection. You may remember in Rev. 11:2, the outer court was not measured, representing the believers vulnerability to physical attack. Now all is measured, and we are completely protected.
Likewise, as Dr. Campbell says, there is a thread running through Scripture centering on the place of God’s presence. He was in the Garden, in the holy of holies, and now again, in the garden City of the New Jerusalem.
5. Read Revelation 21:15-17. What familiar numbers do you see — and do you remember what any of them mean?
6. In Mystery Explained, read everything under The Measurements of the City and share what stands out to you.
In their longer commentary. Beale and Campbell explain that if the measurements were literal, it wouldn’t make sense proportionately. They are symbolic, such as the height being again 144,000 representing that this is not a literal building but all of God’s people.
Wednesday: Materials = The Weight of Glory
7. Read Revelation 21:18-21 — how do you see glory in the materials?
Beale and Campbell explain in their longer commentary that because the temple is people, this represents the glory of God which God Himself puts on them. Yes, they are shining like the sun, like stars in the universe.
8. In Mystery Explained, read under THE MATERIAL OF THE CITY and share what stands out to you.
Tim and Kathy Keller, after listening to a series of excellent young preachers, commented on their skill. Yet Kathy said, “They don’t yet have the weight of glory.” The value of age may be wisdom, and in that there is weight. Our God is eternal — can you even imagine the weight of His glory?
9. C. S. Lewis wrote: “The Weight of Glory.” I want to share a few quotations from it here, for it is relevant, and ask for your comments:
A. The books or the music in which we thought beauty was located will betray us if we trust in them…for they are not the thing itself; they are only the scent of a flower we have not found, the echo of a tune we have not heard, news from a country we have not visited. Thoughts?
B. …to be loved by God, no meredly pitied, but delighted in as an artist delights in his work or a father in a son — it seems impossible, a weight or burden of glory which our thoughts can hardly sustain. But so it is. Thoughts?
C. What would it be to taste at the fountainhead that stream of which even these lower reaches proves so intoxicating? Thoughts?
D. To remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which, if you say it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. Thoughts?
Thursday/Friday: The Features of The City
10. This city is a bride, meaning it is people, rather than a literal city — and she is beautiful. Revelation 21 is a fulfillment of Isaiah 60:1-3. What does that say?
We do indeed have a story to tell to the nations, a story of a great Savior who has wrought a great salvation, not just from the penalty of sin, but also from the power, and one day, even the presence of sin! The words of this song have now become particularly meaningful to me, as I realize what heaven will really be like.
11. Read Revelation 21:22-27
A. Why will there be no physical temple in heaven?
B. Do you remember how Jesus hinted at this?
C. By what light will the nations walk?
D. What will come into this city and what will not come into this city?
12. Read in Mystery Explained everything under THE FEATURES OF THE CITY and share any comments.
Saturday:
13. What is your take-a-way and why?
78 comments
I’m so sorry I haven’t been able to join along but I do read over your notes each week as I can. What you wrote this week, Dee, has really piqued my interest and heightened my excitement for the new Jerusalem! Goodbye, world, goodbye!! We do indeed have a story to tell to the nations! The darkness will turn to dawning, and the dawning to noonday bright! And Christ’s great Kingdom will come to earth! The Kingdom of love and light! Oh, Lord Jesus, how long, how long, till we hear the glad sound, Christ returneth! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Amen! Maranatha! Even so come quickly, dear Lord Jesus! I only pray that You delay until my precious children have become Your children, too!
You make me sing, Miriam.
Yes, may our children and children’s children all know Him before He comes!
Missy, I do love that song. I remember singing it countless times in the Philippines when I was growing up. Now it means so much more to me! Amen to your prayers for our children to be His before He comes again!
So good to see your post, Missy! I join you in your prayer that your precious children, and all of our children and grands will become His children too!!
Oh WOW. As I started reading this week’s post, a whisper was going off in my head–I feel so sad that after years of being consistently here, I have been so unable to participate lately-my world lately feels crazier than when we went to China!, but then as I kept reading I felt overflowed by His grace, by the Home that awaits, and I just love this “I now believe there will still be sights like this in heaven, like the scene below, caught one summer night from my deck. Yet even this, as C. S. Lewis says, is only “the scent of a flower, the echo of a tune, the news of a country we have not yet visited.”
Thank you for your faithful teaching Dee. Even as I have struggled to participate I am so blessed by the wisdom you have shared with us on Revelation and by all of you here processing through this. It’s amazing how my view of Revelation has changed in this study and reading Campbell–just completely turned upside down from being weird and scary and a book I actually avoided–to one full of HOPE and power and the beauty of restoration. Thank you!!
Lizzy, this stood out to me, too! “C. S. Lewis says, is only “the scent of a flower, the echo of a tune, the news of a country we have not yet visited.” I am excitedly waiting for the new heaven and new earth to come! No more distance between you and me and our dear sweet sisters here! Oh, what a day that would be!
Lizzy — always so good to see you hear, my dear girl. Thank You for your encouragement.
Oh, Lizzy! How good to see you here! I love the C.S. Lewis quote too! It is like a peek through the “wardrobe closet” to Narnia! and this study has done that very thing for me~ turning Revelation from a dark, haunted tunnel to a lighted path to Glory!
Jim and I have been traveling this week and will be through the middle of February. I would of liked to of commented last week but did follow along. Will try to comment as I can this week but I have so enjoyed this study and appreciate all the work you have put into it Dee and your perseverance. I enjoyed the Peterson song, one I had never heard and will listen to again. This study has given me a hope of a new kind for heaven and am looking forward to what will be. I agree…hurrah!!!
Safe travels, Sharon! Been missing our bantering here. Tell me if my onion metaphor (see my answer to today’s #2 question) brings another metaphor to your mind. Not sure if I made sense. Sometimes I tickle myself silly with my words. I think Jesus has a wicked (hah-should I even use that word) sense of humor and He laughs with us here.
You sound like you are from the NE Bing! (Wicked) haha
Haha, Laura! I am actually from the SE! (Asia)
Hope your travels are good, Sharon — some relaxation and family?
Thank you all for your prayers and “safe travels.”Yes Dee, family in Washington and Oregon, then on to Hawaii to see my sister.
Praying for safe travels for you and Jim, Sharon. I have so enjoyed all of your insights throughout this study!!
Thank you Patti. We were in Seattle last Wednesday and thought of you…so sad to see what’s going on in that once beautiful city.
Oh, Sharon! You were so close!! Yes, it is a lesson from Revelation that seems to be happening right here. The city was so beautiful once ~ not that long ago. It is really hard to believe. Enjoy your family! You may get some yummy mangoes in Hawaii!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Wow! I love that you gave us the answers to the symbolism of the sea and the night! It has been such a hard study for me.
2. How has this study in Revelation changed your thoughts about heaven?
Oh my gosh, in so many ways, Dee. Thank you for helping us understand! I never really studied Revelation, so I don’t know if I have changed much. I’m like your pickle ball friends who don’t think about heaven (UGH). I guess I am surprised by much of it; it is here, I will have a body, I will know people. It does excite me that I will live pain free and joyful 😉.
You have been a trooper, Laura, especially given how you struggle with symbols and metaphors! Oh how you will dance!
What stands out to you from the above and why? “…expect that the main means of divine revelation in apocalyptic literature to be symbolic. ” That makes it a lot easier to figure things out or at the very least it’s less frightening.
How has this study in Revelation changed your thoughts about heaven? I still think that heaven is going to be filled wth things we’ve never seen before, but maybe not creatures with multiple heads or ones with eyes all over their bodies.
Dawn, yes, no creatures with multiple heads or ones with eyes all over their bodies! how are things with you and your new job?
Hi Bing, Everything is going very well. Great atmosphere! Thanks for asking.
Dawn — you made me laugh out loud.
Amen Dawn! I did not like those creatures!!!
Sunday:
What stands out to you from the above and why? C. S. Lewis says, is only “the scent of a flower, the echo of a tune, the news of a country we have not yet visited.” With the dragon and sin banished, there will be nothing to keep us from experiencing the presence of God. The promise repeated throughout the centuries is given a final time to John, in Revelation 21. This will be our continual reality in the new heaven and new earth. I thought that there will be no night literally and it will always be day! It does make sense now that “no night” means no more sin or sorrow! Yes, yes! I checked out the references from Genesis to Revelation and wow-God has this awesome promise and He repeated it many times in history to His people. and here we are in the tribulation days and we have this hope, “I will be their God and they shall be my people) to cling to as we await His second coming!
2. How has this study in Revelation changed your thoughts about heaven? I feel like studying Revelation is like peeling an onion layer by layer. Sans the tears, well, should I say including the tears? Many wonderful truths were uncovered week after week. And at the end, I am seeing the beauty of the message that has been there all along, a beauty meant to capture and turn our hearts to our Blessed Creator. I will never look at an onion the same way again. Just as I would not look at and interpret the images in Revelation the same way ever again.
LOVE your onion analogy, Bing. Because you persevered to the end, you got to see the beauty.
Dear Bing! This quote spoke to my heart too! I love love love your onion analogy! It included tears for me, but it truly peeled back the dark of night to reveal such incredible beauty! Have been so blessed by your responses through the study.
Patti, you are so kind. and I love that we are here. For so long of a time, I feel like the enemy has used his wiles to keep me from enjoying the Christian life here on earth by withholding the truth about Heaven. But I know everything is beautiful in His time. He has indeed given us such sweet revelations through Revelation and the timing is perfect!
Bing, love your onion analogy, so perfect. I must say that for me it’s been like peeling a mango…there is frustration because it isn’t easy but yet I know that what is underneath is so sweet, juicy and savory. In Africa we always said that the best place to eat a mango is in the bathtub because they’re so messy, thus we could totally enjoy it (I had to strip away all my former thoughts of Revelation…then I could enjoy it)! But that seed seems to rob you of getting all that you can…so you must have another. This study of Revelation has been wonderful but peeling back week by week has brought frustration, then sweetness and then I want more…so the cycle starts again ! Oh, I have learned so much but more importantly, God has done a work in my heart and continues to do so.
I thank the Lord for you and all that are here…the challenge, sharpening one another and the encouragement is amazing!
Hah, Sharon! In the Philippines, we just climb the mango tree, sit on a branch and let the juice run over our hands to fall on the ground. Then we lick our fingers clean until we can get to a faucet! Nowadays, somebody might not want us to do the licking as the mango may have Covid! LOL My, how the times have changed.
I think it was Ann Voskamp’s visitor “at her porch” who said that we Americans are so clean, we can’t handle diseases very well. The guest writer found out about her immunosuppressed condition in a remote place in Africa! And no American doctor could figure out what was wrong with her. I think this woman is now a best seller cookbook writer on paleo recipes. Her name is Danielle Walker.
I do like your mango analogy and the frustration with the big seed inside. My husband always ate as much as he can around the seed when we were in the Philippines. Have you ever used a butter knife to punch the seed and eat around it? I imagine BIG mangoes in the new earth. You and I and Patti and the others would make a run for it. The last one to the tree is a rotten egg! Oh, no rot in heaven! Rabbit trailing, again. Oh, well, we need some digressing to “survive” our study of Revelation, right? As Dee has said, Dr. Campbell will be proud of us.
Oh, yes! Would love to see those mangoes in the new earth!!
Very interesting mango discussion and parable.
3. Read Revelation 21:9-14
A. What did the angel say to John and what did he then do?
The angel said to come with him so he could show John the bride, the wife of the Lamb. He went with the angel to a mountain to view the city of Jerusalem.
B. Describe this holy city who is also a bride — what do you learn about her in verse 11?
It was extremely bright, like God in His glory. It was like a precious stone, like Jasper, as clear as Crystal. Side note: Jasper is a form of quartz. The city wall was broad and high. There were twelve gates guarded by 12 angels. The names of the 12 tribes were written in the gates. Three gates were in each side of the walls, N, S, E, W. The wall if the city had 12 “foundation” stones with each tribes name, as well.
1.)What stands out to you from the above and why?
Oh, dear Dee! Thank you so much for your faithfulness to the Lord, to His Word and for sharing His Word through this Blog. This study has opened up a whole new way of looking at Revelation for me! It was a book that I used to fear, even though I have take studies on it in the past~ yet now, I see great beauty in it. These words of yours describe exactly how I now see clearly what was so dark to me : “But I was misinterpreting apocalyptic literature, which is an intense form of prophesy using signs and symbols.” I love the C.S. Lewis quote and the words to Andrew Peterson’s lovely song. And “We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations”! So true! This study was worth every minute. I do think Campbell and G.K. Beals added so much to my understanding, as well. It has been Pure Joy! I almost wish we could all do it again in a year or so! 🙂
2.)How has this study in Revelation changed your thoughts about heaven?
Oh, In So Many Ways!! It has changed my thoughts of Heaven to better than my BEST dreams! I did not like all the glass and gold~ but now that I see the symbolism, I see that we still have all of God’s beauty of sea and sky and stars and so much more that we can not imagine! During this study, that song has constantly run through my mind! “I can Only IMAGINE!” I received a post on Facebook this morning, from a friend in Arkansas. I had to share it! It is by a group called Silent Art. It is digital art, but it has some great things that I can imagine in Heaven!
Patti, “I can only imagine,” indeed! Like you, I am seeing the beauty of Revelation. So glad we can see it now somehow while still here on earth. HOPE-this is what Revelation gives us.
I Can Only Imagine is a perfect song for this week.
Patti, you are such a Barnabas — I love you!
xoxoxo
oh Patti–I love this “It has changed my thoughts of Heaven to better than my BEST dreams!” I so agree! And it’s funny you mentioned I can Only Imagine. I was at a funeral this past Saturday (my second in 2 weeks) and that song was sung–it had been a while since I’d heard it and the words are just so heart-piercing.
Monday: The Radiant Bride, Shining Like the Sun
Listen to the Andrew Peterson song above and meditate on these lyrics in particular:
So be my God and guide meTill I lie beneath these hillsAnd let the great God of my fathersBe the great God of my children stillGod of my grandfathersGone these many years nowWell, I guess they’re shining like the sun
3. Read Revelation 21:9-14
A. What did the angel say to John and what did he then do? The angel asked John to come with him and see the bride, the wife of the Lamb. John was then taken away by the Spirit to a great mountain where he saw the Holy City, Jerusalem, dressed as a bride.
B. Describe this holy city who is also a bride — what do you learn about her in verse 11?
It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. WOW!
C. If you remember, 144,000 symbolizes all of God’s people. First, there is 12 squared, which equals 144. How do you see two people groups of twelve, and who do you think they represent, in verses 12 through 14?
12 tribes of Israel representing all peoples of every tribe and nation in the OT or before Jesus’ time
12 apostles all people who believe in Jesus including us (NT times to the present)!
D. If you remember, the 1,000 is a Trinity of 10 times 10 time 10. 10 being the number of completion. How would you explain who the 144,000 represent, and why are their names on the gates of heaven?
The 144,000 represent all believers in Christ.
1. In Mystery Explained, under THE NEW JERUSALEM read up to THE MEASUREMENTS OF THE CITY. Share what stands out to you.
“Christians on earth experience the beginning fulfillment of OT prophecies, which are completely fulfilled in the eternal Jerusalem: Isaiah 60 Arise for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. Zechariah 2 I will be to her a wall of fire all around and the glory in her midst; Daniel 12 shine…like the stars forever and ever.
The church represented by the apostles is the foundation of restored Israel.
I am now experiencing the beginning fulfillment of the OT prophecies. I can be shining right now for God. It is a call to lead a holy life before God and man depending on God o work out his purposes for me. As Paul has said in Philippians 2:12-16 “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.”
I am now experiencing the beginning fulfillment of the OT prophecies. I can be shining right now for God.
Love this — reminds me of a song with a chorus “Shine, Christian, shine…”
You always have such a beautiful way of expressing your thoughts, Bing. I love this last paragraph.
Bin–this is beautiful- “I can be shining right now for God. It is a call to lead a holy life before God and man depending on God to work out his purposes for me.” Amen!
Monday
3. Read Revelation 21:9-14
A. What did the angel say to John and what did he then do?
Come with me, I’ll show you the bride, the wife of the lamb.
He took John in the Spirit to the holy city of Jerusalem which was on a great high mountain descending out of heaven.
B. Describe this holy city who is also a bride — what do you learn about her in verse 11?
Shown with the glory of God, sparkling like a precious stone, like jasper, as clear as crystal.
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? – To think only 144,000 would make it into heaven out of the mass amount of people in this world and to those who thought it was only them (the Jehovah Witness) no pride at all in that bunch. I have to go back and look up all those scriptures now. I love sunrises and sunsets and all that God has created around us in his beauty on earth. It definitely would be sad to not see it any longer. I am amazed at the stars in the sky that are so bright that I thank him each time I see them. I only hope the beauty in the new earth will be even more spectacular. I enjoyed the song, but I have to say the clip with the family on that huge rock formation made me a bit nervous, so glad I was not there in person. YIKES.
2. How has this study in Revelation changed your thoughts about heaven? – I haven’t done the whole study and hope I can go back at some point and go through it once my life is not so crazy, but I can see the bits I have participated in has opened up my eyes more to know just how serious it is to not wait on having a relationship with Jesus. And saddened and blessed at the same time know just what he did for us, His heirs because of his love for us. I can’t even comprehend some of the things but anticipate a majestic beauty once in heaven.
Laughed out loud at this:
I enjoyed the song, but I have to say the clip with the family on that huge rock formation made me a bit nervous, so glad I was not there in person. YIKES.
Julie, I loved your comment about the rock too! I kept getting distracted, thinking…how did they get up there? How are there getting down? No way would I do that! 🙂 🙂 thanks for mentioning it! 🙂
Patti, I know I kept looking to see, but boy it was making me nervous with the child up there 🙂
Monday: The Radiant Bride, Shining Like the Sun
Listen to the Andrew Peterson song above and meditate on these lyrics in particular: when I listed to the song the first time, these were lines that jumped out at me. I need God daily to guide me, so I don’t fall to the false teachers out there, so I continue to be on the path he has chosen for me and not pick my own path. I pray for my kids and grandkids to know Jesus and to really want to seek him out, not because I have, but because they truly want to know him for themselves.
So be my God and guide meTill I lie beneath these hillsAnd let the great God of my fathersBe the great God of my children stillGod of my grandfathersGone these many years nowWell, I guess they’re shining like the sun
3. Read Revelation 21:9-14
A. What did the angel say to John and what did he then do? – The angel said to him “Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” He then carried John away in the spirit to the great high mountain and showed him the holy city, Jerusalem.
B. Describe this holy city who is also a bride — what do you learn about her in verse 11? – She is arrayed with God’s glory her radiance is like a precious jewel. Like a jasper stone clear as crystal.
C. If you remember, 144,000 symbolizes all of God’s people. First, there is 12 squared, which equals 144. How do you see two people groups of twelve, and who do you think they represent, in verses 12 through 14? – The first 12 mentioned are the 12 tribes of Israel, which would be all the descendants that have come from these tribes. The 2nd set of 12 are the 12 apostles of the Lamb. I think they represent all of us that have come to follow Jesus.
D. If you remember, the 1,000 is a Trinity of 10 times 10 time 10. 10 being the number of completion. How would you explain who the 144,000 represent, and why are their names on the gates of heaven? – Well, I really don’t know here, but the 12 apostle’s names were on the foundation, so I think that represents those that started to follow Jesus from the beginning, the ones he chose to follow him. The 12 tribes were on the gates so these all came after the chosen 12 and they are leading us into the eternal life with Christ. I think the 144,000 represents all of those who have a personal relationship with Jesus who have decided to leave the idols behind and followed Him instead.
4. In Mystery Explained, under THE NEW JERUSALEM read up to THE MEASUREMENTS OF THE CITY. Share what stands out to you. – There are comparisons in this section that show the evil done by Babylon and the good and faithful bride, how they both had jewels, but for one they were used to entice and pull them away from the Lord and the other represented the godly works that were done.
C. If you remember, 144,000 symbolizes all of God’s people. First, there is 12 squared, which equals 144. How do you see two people groups of twelve, and who do you think they represent, in verses 12 through 14?
The twelve tribes are represented as well as the 12 apostles (NLT). I’m not sure I understand the question since it tells me what they are? Are you looking for the tribes representing the Jewish people and the apostles representing the gentiles?
D. If you remember, the 1,000 is a Trinity of 10 times 10 time 10. 10 being the number of completion. How would you explain who the 144,000 represent, and why are their names on the gates of heaven?
12 times 12 is 144. If I multiply that by 10, 3 times, I get 144,000. That means the 144 is “completed.”
They represent all believers. I think their names are there because it is where they belong. It is their home.
4. In Mystery Explained, under THE NEW JERUSALEM read up to THE MEASUREMENTS OF THE CITY. Share what stands out to you.
We are reminded of the woman with the beast as a contrast to the beautiful bride. Babylon vs Jerusalem.
John is linked to Ezekiel by way of being “…carried by the spirit…”
OT prophesied that the heavenly city would be on a mountain.
God’s people will shine like the light of a star; like God Himself. Paul calls us to be the light in the world of darkness. We can do this now on Earth.
Isaiah speaks of a city and Ezekiel, a temple. John has merged this into a city-temple. I don’t know how Campbell “gets” that Ezekiel’s temple is symbolic rather than literal 🤷🏻♀️.
The 12 apostles represent the church.
12 12 = 24; the two groups together represent the saints already in heaven.
Thanks Patti. I am so unsure of myself in this study 🤷🏻♀️. Just trying to hang in there!
Looks like you are making it, Laura — just one week to go!
3. Read Revelation 21:9-14
A. What did the angel say to John and what did he then do?
The angel told John to Come with him and he will show John the bride, the wife of the Lamb. The bride is the church/holy city and the wife of the Lamb/Christ.
B. Describe this holy city who is also a bride — what do you learn about her in verse 11?
The city was coming down out of heaven, from God. The city is filled with God’s glory. The city is brilliant, like crystal clear jasper.
C. If you remember, 144,000 symbolizes all of God’s people. First, there is 12 squared, which equals 144. How do you see two people groups of twelve, and who do you think they represent, in verses 12 through 14?
There are a lot of twelves! 12 gates; 12 angels; names of the 12 tribes; names of the 12 apostles. It sounds like it represents the entire lineage of all the lives that have been brought to Christ by multiplying the lives of all of the descendants of the tribes of Israel, now the church and the lives changed by the message of the apostles. Christ’s message has traveled through the voices of the descendants throughout the earth.
D. If you remember, the 1,000 is a Trinity of 10 times 10 time 10. 10 being the number of completion. How would you explain who the 144,000 represent, and why are their names on the gates of heaven? The 144,000 represents those who trust in God and refuse to compromise, in the face of persecution and adversity.; the fulfillment of Revelation 2:26. This is the Completion of God’s promise to the faithful church=144,000 (Campbell)
4. In Mystery Explained, under THE NEW JERUSALEM read up to THE MEASUREMENTS OF THE CITY. Share what stands out to you.
I loved the quote from Zech 2:5 “I will be to her a wall of fire all around…and I will be the glory in her midst.” Protection for the God’s Church. and also Campbell points out “Radiance” In Dn 12:3 it is prophesied that in the last days God’s people shall shine like the brightness of the sky above…like the stars forever and ever.” And we who have been on earth since the time of Christ’s Resurrection and Ascension represent those stars~ our commission, as God’s people, is to shine for Him, to draw others to Him, so they may partake in His heavenly Glory.
Patti–these words, for some reason, made me tear up, so much joy–“And we who have been on earth since the time of Christ’s Resurrection and Ascension represent those stars~ our commission, as God’s people, is to shine for Him, to draw others to Him, so they may partake in His heavenly Glory.”
Amen to Lizzy’s comment, Patti.
Tuesday: Measuring = Protection
We want our heavenly city to be measured, because measuring symbolizes protection. You may remember in Rev. 11:2, the outer court was not measured, representing the believers vulnerability to physical attack. Now all is measured, and we are completely protected.
Likewise, as Dr. Campbell says, there is a thread running through Scripture centering on the place of God’s presence. He was in the Garden, in the holy of holies, and now again, in the garden City of the New Jerusalem.
5. Read Revelation 21:15-17. What familiar numbers do you see — and do you remember what any of them mean? – I will review what others have said, I wasn’t in the study for the whole time.
6. In Mystery Explained, read everything under The Measurements of the City and share what stands out to you. – The measured city is square, like the temple and altars were described in the Old Testament. The similarities here center on God’s presence. The holy of holies was symbolic of the garden as it showed carvings of fruit and trees and angles guarding it. Adam and Israel both failed at the mission of being a light to the nations, but Christ, the 2nd Adam, succeeded in this mission with the presence of God being in the church, his world temple but will only be fulfilled in the new Jerusalem. The #12 stands for the people of God in all ages, multiplied by 1,000 to show completeness
In their longer commentary. Beale and Campbell explain that if the measurements were literal, it wouldn’t make sense proportionately. They are symbolic, such as the height being again 144,000 representing that this is not a literal building but all of God’s people.
Thank you Dee for always helping me see things a bit clearer.
It was Beale and Campbell who made it clear to me.
I’ve been doing Paige’s study on 1 Samuel, and I loved how she brought Charlotte’s Web in when Charlotte wrote SOME PIG in her web, Mr Zuckerman said, “We have some pig!” And Mrs. Zuckerman said, “Seems to me we have some spider!” And Paige said, when revelation comes, it is because we have “Some God!” I stand on the shoulders of others who stand on the shoulders of others and all because we have some God!
I loved that comment from Paige too! It gives me chills to think of His power!
5. Read Revelation 21:15-17. What familiar numbers do you see — and do you remember what any of them mean?
I looked up several translations of theses number….1400 miles is 12,000 stadia (Greek). About 200 feet is 144 cubits.
12 x 12 =144 (twelve tribes and twelve apostles)
12 x 1000 = 12,000 (perfection times 3!)
6. In Mystery Explained, read everything under The Measurements of the City and share what stands out to you.
The angel that measures (with a golden rod!) represents the being in Ezekiel who also measures, and in Zechariah. It displays Gods protectiveness over us. No longer does he measure just the inside, but rather ALL of the building. No more paganism to contest with on the outside as before.
The building is a perfect square. Inside is the Holy of Holies. It is where God resides. It is symbolic of the garden of Eden, with carvings of trees and fruit just like before. It is protected by angels. The purpose is that the presence of God be throughout all creation, as before. But Adam failed where Christ did not.
This city is a contrast to the earthly city of Babylon.
The measuring is symbolic; the measurements don’t jee-haw! The numbers are all symbolic to the perfection and completion of all of God’s people. The human measurement is also the angels measurement meaning it is spiritual in nature.
The numbers don’t jee-haw!
You are definitely getting it, Laura!
Wednesday: Materials = The Weight of Glory
7. Read Revelation 21:18-21 — how do you see glory in the materials? – the foundations are all precious gems that go along with the birthstone for each month, or at least it appears that’s what they are. Interesting!
Beale and Campbell explain in their longer commentary that because the temple is people, this represents the glory of God which God Himself puts on them. Yes, they are shining like the sun, like stars in the universe.
8. In Mystery Explained, read under THE MATERIAL OF THE CITY and share what stands out to you. – The 12 jewels are related to the breast piece worn by the high priest. The 12 stones on the breast piece had the names of the 12 tribes which symbolizes the tribes were represented every time he entered God’s presence. The foundation stones have the apostle’s names on them which are representative of the church, the new Israel and this includes Jews and Gentiles. I found this interesting too…the mention of precious stones in Ezekiel 28.13 suggests that the new Jerusalem is a restoration of God’s original creation, the garden.
Tim and Kathy Keller, after listening to a series of excellent young preachers, commented on their skill. Yet Kathy said, “They don’t yet have the weight of glory.” The value of age may be wisdom, and in that there is weight. Our God is eternal — can you even imagine the weight of His glory?
9. C. S. Lewis wrote: “The Weight of Glory.” I want to share a few quotations from it here, for it is relevant, and ask for your comments:
A. The books or the music in which we thought beauty was located will betray us if we trust in them…for they are not the thing itself; they are only the scent of a flower we have not found, the echo of a tune we have not heard, news from a country we have not visited. Thoughts? – not quite sure on this, but I know when I listen to praise music it calms my spirit down and brings be back from the ledge of despair. I believe those musicians or authors have a gift from God that they need to use. A book can give a whole new meaning to something otherwise not understood.
B. …to be loved by God, no meredly pitied, but delighted in as an artist delights in his work or a father in a son — it seems impossible, a weight or burden of glory which our thoughts can hardly sustain. But so it is. Thoughts? – the unconditional love of God just amazes me. He isn’t just being my friend out of pity, he chose me as his heir and truly wants to be able to confide in me if I trust in him completely.
C. What would it be to taste at the fountainhead that stream of which even these lower reaches proves so intoxicating? Thoughts? – I’m not sure what this really means, but haven’t we already tasted what is good and true in the relationship we have with Jesus? And anyone can taste it if the respond to his invitation.
D. To remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which, if you say it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. Thoughts? – I think we need to be very careful at all times of where our eyes are focused. We can easily be lured in to the trap of what appears to be good when in reality it is nothing even close to good and will only lead us in the wrong direction…away from Jesus.
Love your meditations on The Weight of Glory, Julie.
7. Read Revelation 21:18-21 — how do you see glory in the materials?
Well, glory is defined as great praise, honor, distinction. The jewels draw attention to the walls; they are sparkling, colorful, and beautiful. Gold is dazzling, especially as much as is described here; the streets. I don’t know why it would be clear though, since gold is, well, gold! Sounds beautiful though. The entire place reminds me of how a gingerbread house looks on the outside (!).
8. In Mystery Explained, read under THE MATERIAL OF THE CITY and share what stands out to you.
The gold and jasper represent the glory of God (the brilliance).
The jewels in the breastplate represent the high priest of the OT. There are 12 which represent the twelve tribes. In this vision of John’s they represent the 12 apostles, representatives of the church (Jews and Gentiles).
The breastplate is a miniature Holy of Holies of the temple. It represents perfect righteousness and points backward to the garden and forward to the bride of Christ (the church).
The pearls are ridiculously out of proportion. One pearl was 144 cubits tall?
Two bodies lay in the streets. They represent the faithful church (?). I see this referenced in 11.8, but not here.
What stood out to me: Palingenesis! I peeked in to the study to see how far you are in Revelation — and thought I might just hang out on the outside until Lent. But I’d never seen that word before — so I read the post, and here I am , for today anyway 🙂 . But that word — I couldn’t quite wrap my brain around it enough to pronounce it. I looked up the pronunciation (kinda thought “duh” when I heard it). I did see some wordy definitions, too. However, “again, Genesis” is so much more vivid, encouraging, and exciting. I know I’ll be meditating on it the rest of the day. I LOVE that word now, even though I got a little cross-eyed when I first saw it.
Also, “We’ve a story to tell to the nations” brings back good memories; I hadn’t heard it for a long time.
P.S. new email address. I moved during the summer and am getting ready to ditch the old email.
Renee! I was just thinking of you this morning! I hope you are well ♥️
Renee — so happy to see you here!
Renee!!!! Good to see you here!
Tuesday: Measuring = Protection
We want our heavenly city to be measured because measuring symbolizes protection. You may remember in Rev. 11:2, the outer court was not measured, representing the believers’ vulnerability to physical attack. Now all is measured, and we are completely protected.
Likewise, as Dr. Campbell says, there is a thread running through Scripture centering on the place of God’s presence. He was in the Garden, in the holy of holies, and now again, in the garden City of the New Jerusalem.
5. Read Revelation 21:15-17. What familiar numbers do you see — and do you remember what any of them mean?
The gates and its walls were a cube. City 12, 000 stadia in length and as wide and high. Wall was 144 cubits thick. This signifies completion of the number of people from every tribe and nation called by God.
6. In Mystery Explained, read everything under The Measurements of the City and share what stands out to you.
In their longer commentary. Beale and Campbell explain that if the measurements were literal, it wouldn’t make sense proportionately. They are symbolic, such as the height being again 144,000 representing that this is not a literal building but all of God’s people.
The number 12 stands for the people of God in all ages multiplied by 1000 to reinforce the idea of completeness.
John sees things before him and records what he sees, but the meaning of them must be understood spiritually and in line with the OT Scriptures, which are continually referenced.
My thought: God’s protection in the New Jerusalem for His people is also available now for me but awaits completion when Jesus comes again.
9. C. S. Lewis wrote: “The Weight of Glory.” I want to share a few quotations from it here, for it is relevant, and ask for your comments:
A. The books or the music in which we thought beauty was located will betray us if we trust in them…for they are not the thing itself; they are only the scent of a flower we have not found, the echo of a tune we have not heard, news from a country we have not visited. Thoughts?
“…the scent of a flower we have not found…” ahhh, I LOVE this thought! Beauty is not the beauty on this earth! it is way more than what we know.
B. …to be loved by God, no meredly pitied, but delighted in as an artist delights in his work or a father in a son — it seems impossible, a weight or burden of glory which our thoughts can hardly sustain. But so it is. Thoughts?
He will delight in me? Wow! I’m nothing here on earth, but with Him I am His artwork in which He enjoys.
C. What would it be to taste at the fountainhead that stream of which even these lower reaches proves so intoxicating? Thoughts?
I’m not certain I understand this one? I suppose it means that here, things can intoxicate me (a runners high for example, or a glass of wine), but it’s nothing compared to a heavenly intoxication.
D. To remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which, if you say it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. Thoughts?
I don’t get this one at all….
On D — his point is that we are on a trajectory of children of God or children of Satan — His children will become gloriously bright and Satan’s horrendously frightening.
Plus, see what Bing says below. We don’t look at people as we did once.
10. This city is a bride, meaning it is people, rather than a literal city — and she is beautiful. Revelation 21 is a fulfillment of Isaiah 60:1-3. What does that say?
““Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you. Darkness as black as night covers all the nations of the earth, but the glory of the Lord rises and appears over you. All nations will come to your light; mighty kings will come to see your radiance.”
Isaiah 60:1-3 NLT
We are all a part of this city of light, of brightness! We can actually be this, in this life, right now.
Wednesday: Materials = The Weight of Glory
7. Read Revelation 21:18-21 — how do you see glory in the materials?
Beale and Campbell explain in their longer commentary that because the temple is people, this represents the glory of God which God Himself puts on them. Yes, they are shining like the sun, like stars in the universe.
Precious stones signify their beauty and purity and there were also twelve of them.
Just a side comment:
This brings to mind what I have learned about one classification of people living with dementia (she calls it GEMS® states) as Teepa Snow, a dementia expert, shared with us at a conference. Though these loved ones may have cognitive losses, they are still very precious. Caregivers can see past the loss and work with what remains-sapphire, diamond, emerald, ruby, amber, and pearl. “By being able to recognize a person’s GEMS State and thereby noticing the skills and abilities a person still has, care partners are able to provide the right support and care to help the person shine.”
How much more does God see His people as He works in us to make us shine like stars in the universe!
8. In Mystery Explained, read under THE MATERIAL OF THE CITY and share what stands out to you.
Tim and Kathy Keller, after listening to a series of excellent young preachers, commented on their skill. Yet Kathy said, “They don’t yet have the weight of glory.” The value of age may be wisdom, and in that there is weight. Our God is eternal — can you even imagine the weight of His glory?
No, it is hard to imagine the weight of glory that God has!
The foundation stones have written on the names of the 12 apostles, not the tribes, representative of the church, the new Israel. The church is the foundation of spiritual Israel, which includes Jews as well as Gentiles.
The presence of God in the garden was provisionally and in a very limited way reintroduced into the holy of holies. But it will be restored in an ultimate sense in the new Jerusalem.
9. C. S. Lewis wrote: “The Weight of Glory.” I want to share a few quotations from it here, for it is relevant, and ask for your comments:
A. The books or the music in which we thought beauty was located will betray us if we trust in them…for they are not the thing itself; they are only the scent of a flower we have not found, the echo of a tune we have not heard, news from a country we have not visited. Thoughts?
There is nothing on this earth to compare what glory will be revealed to us when creation is fully restored.
B. …to be loved by God, no meredly pitied, but delighted in as an artist delights in his work or a father in a son — it seems impossible, a weight or burden of glory which our thoughts can hardly sustain. But so it is. Thoughts?
I have nothing to show to earn the love of God. It is pure grace.
C. What would it be to taste at the fountainhead that stream of which even these lower reaches prove so intoxicating? Thoughts?
The words to this song come to mind: “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine, O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchased of God born of His Spirit, washed in His blood (the ministry of the Trinity)
D. To remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which, if you say it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. Thoughts?
Not sure what this means. Perhaps to remind us that we should never look at a human being and judge him/her according to our human standards.
Yes on D — and see my response to Laura above.
11. Read Revelation 21:22-27
A. Why will there be no physical temple in heaven?
God and the Lamb will be the temple.
B. Do you remember how Jesus hinted at this?
Talking to the disciples?
“Jesus replied, “Yes, look at these great buildings. But they will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!””
Mark 13:2 NLT
C. By what light will the nations walk?
The glory of the Father and the light of the Lamb.
D. What will come into this city and what will not come into this city?
Only those whose names are written in the Book of Life; no evil. BUT, I thought all evil was defeated by this time?
12. Read in Mystery Explained everything under THE FEATURES OF THE CITY and share any comments.
I’m not sure I understand the protection of the gates and the fact that evil will not be allowed in if evil has been destroyed already (the triune devil). God would not miss any potential evil during the destruction of the beast, false prophet and the dragon, right?
Right, Laura. I still can’t figure out why a dancer is so literal! 🙂 Evil is gone, so no evil will get in.
Thursday/Friday: The Features of The City
10. This city is a bride, meaning it is people, rather than a literal city — and she is beautiful. Revelation 21 is a fulfillment of Isaiah 60:1-3. What does that say?
The bride is called to arise and show forth the glory that is God’s in her.
We do indeed have a story to tell to the nations, a story of a great Savior who has wrought a great salvation, not just from the penalty of sin, but also from the power, and one day, even the presence of sin! The words of this song have now become particularly meaningful to me, as I realize what heaven will really be like.
11. Read Revelation 21:22-27
A. Why will there be no physical temple in heaven?
The Lord God and the Lamb, are the temple.
B. Do you remember how Jesus hinted at this? Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” John 2:19
“We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.’” Mark 14:58
C. By what light will the nations walk? The glory of God gives it light and the Lamb is the lamp.
D. What will come into this city and what will not come into this city? Those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life will come into this city. Nothing impure or anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful.
12. Read in Mystery Explained everything under THE FEATURES OF THE CITY and share any comments.
If the saints, figuratively speaking, constitutes the new Jerusalem, then God and the Lamb, figuratively speaking, constitutes the new temple.
…the gates that remained open symbolize open, unhindered access to the presence of God.
… the book of life…drawn up before the foundation of the world 13:8. I have been chosen!!!
Saturday:
13. What is your take-a-way and why?
I have always liked reading mystery books that have good endings. In fact, I have the habit of reading the end of the story so I know ahead of time that no matter how bad the in-between, I am assured of a happy ending. Having read Revelation (well, after next week’s study) and knowing the ending give me such comfort. And no matter which camp I am in for its interpretation, the final end is the same. Jesus will reign and we will reign with Him as well. And forever-that is so mind-boggling but true! This temporary world does not have a hold on us because Jesus holds us fast in His grip!
Oh Bing, how wonderful it is to know the end of the story!
9. C. S. Lewis wrote: “The Weight of Glory.” I want to share a few quotations from it here, for it is relevant, and ask for your comments:
A. The books or the music in which we thought beauty was located will betray us if we trust in them…for they are not the thing itself; they are only the scent of a flower we have not found, the echo of a tune we have not heard, news from a country we have not visited. Thoughts?
The first thing that came to my mind in reading this is, this world is not my home, I can enjoy the beauty around me but it will never compare to my eternal home and therefore should not get too comfortable here.
B. …to be loved by God, no meredly pitied, but delighted in as an artist delights in his work or a father in a son — it seems impossible, a weight or burden of glory which our thoughts can hardly sustain. But so it is. Thoughts?
O, love that will not let me go, that’s the love the Father has for me and He delights in me!
C. What would it be to taste at the fountainhead that stream of which even these lower reaches proves so intoxicating? Thoughts?
I feel this is saying that the relationship we experience now with our Lord is amazing and intoxicating but just imagine what being at the fountainhead will be like…one day we will be in His glory, not just seeing a glimpse.
D. To remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which, if you say it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. Thoughts?
Wasn’t sure about this one but what you wrote to Laura and how Bing responded helped.
What came to mind was when Samuel was picking a new king from the sons of Jesse, he learned that God looks on the heart.