READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l Revelation is not just about the end times; it is about revealing Jesus Christ (Rev 1:1). Through vivid visions, John shows how Satan deceives the world (Rev 12:9) and tempts believers to compromise kingdom values. He reveals the judgment to come (Rev 20:11-15) and the hope reserved for the faithful (Rev 21:7). Revelation teaches us how to live now, faithful until the end. In earlier chapters, we saw the sobering reality of punishment and judgment for those who reject God. Today, John lifts our eyes to the other side, to hope, to glory and to what heaven, our future home, will be like.
Weddings are redemptive and the start of a new life. Two individuals become one (Gen 2:24). A pastor walks with the couple, prepares them for marriage, and warns them not to ruin their wedding day with foolish choices. The wedding march, the pronouncement, the unveiling of the bride are key moments to mark the beginning of a new life together. John saw something greater; the New Heaven and New Earth; an eternal wedding celebration. He saw “the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband” (Rev 21:2). These verses are the linchpin for the chapter and give us a vision of what is coming.
What Heaven (Our Future Home) is Like.
- Heaven Is a City (Rev 21:1–2)
John’s readers were city people from seven cities (Rev 2–3). They knew the power of Rome, which John called “Babylon the Great” (Rev 17:5), prostituted to Satan to proclaim Caesar is lord. They knew the pain of Jerusalem’s destruction in AD 70. John says heaven is a city; not Rome, not Babylon, but a holy garden-city where sin and curse are gone (Rev 22:3). - Heaven Is a New City
John uses two words for “new.” Neos (new in time) and kainos (new in quality). Revelation 21 speaks of a kainos heaven and earth, renewed in quality, transformed and perfected. Just as Jesus spoke of “new wine in new wineskins” (Matt 9:17), God will make everything new in substance and essence. - Heaven Is a City from God (Rev 21:2,10)
Unlike Babel (Gen 11), built from the ground up to exalt man’s name, this city comes down from heaven. It is God’s work, God’s creation and a gift of grace (Rev 21:6).
- What is Not There?
a. No Evil, Pain or Curse
“There was no longer any sea” (Rev 21:1). In Scripture, the sea represents chaos and evil (Isa 57:20; Rev 13:1). Now there is no disaster, no rebellion, no death. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Rev 21:4). The curse is removed (Rev 22:3), Eden restored (Gen 2) and creation will rejoice (Rom 8:21).
b. No Cowards or Pretend Believers
“The cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, murderers, sexually immoral… and all liars, they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulphur” (Rev 21:8). GK Beale notes these are not just outsiders, but those who once claimed faith yet compromised under persecution. They feared man more than God (Matt 10:33). They followed the beast, not the Lamb. Only those who confess “Jesus is Lord” will be in the city (Rom 10:9).
c. No Temple, Sun or Moon
“I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple” (Rev 21:22). The city does not need sun or moon as “the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp” (Rev 21:23). The whole city is the Holy of Holies (1 Kings 6:20). Life will be entirely in God’s presence.
- What Is There?
a. God’s Presence – Face to Face
“Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people” (Rev 21:3). Like a bride unveiled before her groom, we will see God’s face (Rev 22:4); what Moses longed for but could not (Ex 33:20). We will bear His name and reign forever (Rev 22:5).
b. Glory, Joy and Fulfilment
The city “shone with the glory of God” (Rev 21:11). Its brilliance was like jasper, clear as crystal. God’s light will fill everything, bringing endless joy and satisfaction.
c. Peoples, Nations and Responsibilities
“The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendour into it” (Rev 21:24). Every culture will be there, redeemed and glorified (Isa 60:3). Diversity will remain, yet all will be one in Christ. We will have holy, meaningful work; ruling and creating with Him (2 Tim 2:12).
d. Life – Abundant and Eternal
John saw “the river of the water of life” and “the tree of life” bearing twelve crops of fruit (Rev 22:1-2). This is complete provision and healing. Jesus says, “To the thirsty I will give water without cost” (Rev 21:6). Death is gone forever (1 Cor 15:54).
- How to Get There?
This is not automatic and Revelation contrasts two ways: the Bride or the Harlot (Rev 17 vs 21). Which do we choose? Will we receive the righteous King or bow to the beast? “These words are trustworthy and true” (Rev 22:6). Jesus says, “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of this prophecy” (Rev 22:7). So stay faithful, don’t compromise, don’t ruin the wedding day by flirting with the world.
GK Beale sums it well: “Our future home will be a city where God and the Lamb shine as its lamp. God’s people, in full fellowship with Christ, will be joyful as they reflect His glory.”
Our wedding day is coming. Hold fast to Jesus. Be ready. For soon, the Bridegroom will come and we will see His face.
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Study Scripture
a. Read 21:1-8 – Reflect on your thoughts on the new creation vs so many people’s concept of the afterlife. How will our body transform and what does it mean to be with God all the time? Who are included and who are excluded?
b. Read 21:9-22:7 – Share your thoughts on the image vs the garden of Eden in Genesis – how similar or different will it be? What is the relationship between God and the city? What does it tell you? - Recall Sermon
a. What’s there in our future home?
b. What’s not there in our future home?
c. What does “new” city mean?
d. What’s required of us in order to be part of this new city? - Relate Personally
a. Do you believe in “heaven” and also eternal punishment? Where do you think you will be? Will your name be found in the “Lamb’s book of life”?
b. What’s your motivation to follow Jesus – is it for personal gain or “rewards”, or to go to “heaven”? How does that view differ from the worldview of the early church – where the goal is to “be with Jesus forever”. - Commit to Action
a. What do you think God is speaking to you through this passage? Are there any areas of 21:6-8 that describes you?
b. What does faithfulness to God look like for you so that you will be found faithful?
