If you want to be encouraged, read this chapter!
The bottom line is simply this, (and it has been throughout the book)… God is going to do away with all evil and re-create everything new.
In this chapter we see a new earth and sky (heavens). I’m not sure how the whole earth is “re-created” but it will appear drastically different from this one. For one thing, the “sea” is gone. Now, I don’t think the author means all seas, but that could certainly be the case. I think he means the sea of Galilee. Usually when the Jewish writers were talking about “the sea” it was either the Galilee or the Mediterranean. A counter point to that stance is the scientific belief that all earth was once originally connected, with no seas between them. (Pangea). If that observation is true, then there isn’t any reason to believe when God re-creates the earth he wouldn’t do the same thing again.
Heaven seems to be the place discussed here, even though it also sounds like earth. I’m not sure if the two are different at this point. For instance, God will dwell here, there isn’t any night, every tear is wiped away, no sickness or pain…and the streets of Jerusalem are paved with gold…and Oh…you name has to be in the Book of Life to get in. I’m thinking that we are being told that the new earth will be “heaven” where God will dwell with His people. Which is interesting, because there is also a place called heaven right now that exists outside of our field of view. I wonder if that place will become visible and settle onto the new earth. That would mean that all the created beings that are circling the throne and praising God would be here on the earth. I imagine that would be right on top of what used to be the temple mount…but now it will be God’s literal throne room. Wow.
I think I measured out the dimensions of the city once, and it was larger than the United States.
Moving on:
The description of the city provides some clues for us. The twelve gates represent Israel (Hebrews). There is no entrance into the city without the Hebrews, since Jesus was born of that nation. The gates are never closed, which means there is perfect peace on earth…nothing to fear. The city itself is built on the disciples, so that means we aren’t talking about Judaism here…this is Christianity. You enter in by accepting the Old Testament and then you live and are changed by the New. (I’m not sure that really applies….just thinking aloud; for instance, you are changed by the OT as well). One thing is certain, you must accept both Testaments in order to arrive inside the city.
Praying to see it soon,
PR