Revelation 20 : 1-8 (Daily Bread of 01/09/2017)

THE NEW JERUSALEM 

Key verse 20:2

The description of the New Jerusalem is unimaginable. We are the future citizens of this city, so we must absolutely retain some points.

The dimension and the materials are described in the second part. Inter alia, what is the most impressing is the size of the pearl as a whole which will constitute the door, and the golden public square. It's enormous and it's very expensive. 

But the most important is the spiritual dimension. First, it's not a renovation of the present world, but it's a new creation of the earth, like those who will have accepted Jesus. Then, the lasting presence of God in mankind, not from time to time (note the repetition of "with" thrice in verse 3). Then, it's not a momentary peace, but the complete and entire consolation which will silence the negativity of the earth (note the repetition of "nor" four times in verse 4). Moreover, there will be no doubt, because the master of doubt will be eliminated. The world is certain and true (5; 1Co 13:12). Isaiah says "come and freely drink" and Jesus has confirmed it in John 7 about the river of water. Jesus confirms it in God's kingdom. But the thirst is an unchanged condition. Jesus freely gives, but not really freely. God always requires the thirst of mankind. These who are sluggish will be deprived of water, they will be not unhappy, but they will be bored J. Jesus can fully satisfy, because he is the A& W, and he is the beginning and the end. 

There also is the complete union with God (7b, 3). It's the greatest heritage of the winner and those who fight by faith like the heroes of Hebrews 11. It's the reward for the good, but the punishment will come to those who are wicked. Let us recap: there is the removal of the redeemed people before the tribulation, during it, John and two witnesses will be sent among the great tribulation (1260 j) to preach the news and the two witnesses will die. Those who will resist the Antichrist (who will not have the mark of his seal on their forehead) will join God's people. After 1000 years, thecondemned will be resurrected to be judged at the same time as the fallen angels. All the glory of the earth will be replaced with eternal glory of Christ (24). Alleluia !