Daily EncouragementSample

“He is describing a complete transformation of all things, but he uses the language of heaven and earth, for he has no other language” so Leon Morris wisely comments. And this is not the only area of the Book of Revelation where to be too literal is to lose your way. Perhaps Spurgeon spoke too strongly when he said, “Only fools and madmen are positive in their interpretation of the Apocalypse,” but he had a point.

The direction from which the Holy City comes is significant - “coming down out of heaven from God.” Man’s effort to build the city of God is futile. The saints have always adopted Abraham’s outlook - “He was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Heb. 11:10). In connection with this viewpoint the amazing words are written - “Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them” (verse 16).

The characteristics of the city are also meaningful. The mixing of metaphors is inevitable in apocalyptic literature. The city is holy - “Nothing impure will ever enter into it” (Rev. 21:27). It is new, but it has a link with the old, for it is “the new Jerusalem.” Its hallmark is beauty and bliss - “prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.”