The Eternal Kingdom

The first twenty three verses of Revelation 21 give physical description of the New Jerusalem.  The city is the capital of God’s kingdom, and Revelation 21:24-27 describe the attitudes and atmosphere of the city.  “And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.  And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.  And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.  And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.”

The various countries around the world are united in and proud to be a part of God’s kingdom, instead of constantly jockeying to get ahead as we see in every world alliance throughout history.  Unlike human governments, the doors are open to everyone around the clock, and since those with evil attitudes have been consigned to the Lake of Fire, along with Satan, only those who have placed their faith in Christ will be in the New Earth.  For eternity it will be like it was during the millennium of Christ kingdom, when as Isaiah 1:9 says, “They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.”

While the entire city will be beautiful, even the decorative aspects are for the benefit of the people, as we see in Revelation 22:1-5.  “And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.  In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.  And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.  And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.”

The river of the water of life flows down the main street, and is available to everyone in the city.  Along both sides of the river, on the main street are rows of the tree of life, where they are accessible to everyone.  They have different fruit every month of the year, and the leaves are effective medication for every health problem.  God the father and Jesus Christ personally meet with the people every day.  Because they are eternal there will be no political competition with different political figures trying to gain influence.  People in the present world have never seen anything like it, but it is surely going to happen, as Revelation 22:6 makes very clear.  “And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.”

God’s eternal kingdom on the New Earth will complete the fulfillment of the prophecies of Isaiah 9:6-7.  “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.”