Eternal Joy in God’s Tearless City

Revelation 21:1-8

In the Pilgrim’s Progress, we read these words: After some time, Christian arrived at the narrow-gate. Now, over the gate was written, “Knock, and it shall be opened to you.” He knocked several times, saying, “May I enter - though I have been an undeserving wretch? If so, I shall sing His everlasting praise!” At last, one named Good-will came and asked who he was and what he wanted. Christian responded, “I am a poor burdened sinner, coming from the City of Destruction. I am going to the Celestial City, that I may be saved from the wrath to come. Will you let me enter?” Good-will replied, “I will with all my heart!” And he opened the gate. As Christian stepped in, Good-will suddenly yanked him.“Why did you do that!?” Good-will explained, “A short distance from this gate, there is a strong castle, of which Beelzebub is the prince. From there, both he and his minions shoot arrows at those who come up to this gate - hoping to kill them before they can enter in!” Then Christian said, “I both rejoice and tremble!” (Then Good-will asked who else came with him. Christian said Pliable did but only for a while.) “Indeed, he did come with me - until we came to the Swamp of Despond, but we fell in! Pliable became so discouraged, that he would not go further. Being disheartened, he got out of the swamp on the side nearest to his own house - and he told me to go to the heavenly country alone! So he went his way and I continued to this narrow-gate.” Then Good-will said, “Alas, poor Pliable! Is Celestial Glory of so small a value to him - that he does not count it worth running the hazard of a few difficulties to obtain it?” Christian hung on but Pliable didn’t. Why? Because he believed in the glories of heaven; the reversal of all things. And he hung on and pressed on for that glory and reversal. And this glory and reversal is what we begin to explore today. We see 3 descriptions of that celestial city in our passage. Firstly, it’s a renewed universe purged from sinfulness. Secondly, it’s a rejoicing universe filled with holiness. Thirdly, it’s a rewarding life achieved by a limitless savior.

Firstly, a renewed universe purged from sinfulness. Verse 1 - “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.” The fact that John used the word “and” means it’s connected with the previous verse; Revelation 20:15 - “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” So the description of the celestial city is connected with the final judgment. When the old heaven and old earth fled away at God’s judgment, he renews everything. It’s a new universe. So there are 2 parts to the final judgment - the scary part, but the positive part - there’s renewal, rejoicing, and rewards. I’m sure after reading about the horrifying Great White Throne, the 7 churches have felt scolded and rebuked. Maybe you too - but now, they’re given a glimpse of the celestial city. We don’t fear judgment. The lake of fire is not our destiny. It’s the new heaven and new earth for over-comers - true believers. And this is not a totally new concept. The 7 churches would’ve remembered Isaiah 65:17-18 - “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.” These words were originally written to comfort Jews facing persecution by Babylon; to fill them with hope. But now the fulfillment.

And we see it covers everything - heaven and earth. The whole universe - physical and spiritual. He makes all things new. But it’s not a completely new kind of creation. Rather, it’s better. The Greek word for new here is kainos, which means new in quality, not new in kind. So it’s still related to what we have now. God’s not creating from scratch. He already rested on the Sabbath Day, and continues in that rest. For example, our intention is not to tear this building down to rebuild something completely new. But we are renewing this building. It’s a transformation, renovation, renewal, rejuvenation. Like our old bodies will be resurrected and transformed. So from this, we know that the new heaven and earth will be physical. It’s not vastly different from what we have. We learn later there will be trees and rivers. Isaiah 65 implies there are animals - lambs and lions. People will build houses and live in them. They’ll plant vineyards and eat the fruit. They’ll always succeed. Even the world now is awaiting that renewal, Romans 8. So the celestial city will be tangible, physical, and bodily. There will be textures, sights, sounds, tastes, smells, colors - but more intense. There will be similarities to life now, but enhanced to the greatest possible potential. Why? Because there’s no sin.

A curious phrase in verse 1 tells us - there’s no more sea. It’s the first of 7 no mores. In verse 4, we see there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, and pain. But what is the meaning of no more sea? We’ve seen this already. The sea represents chaos and evil. The false prophet rose up from the sea. The wicked were resurrected from the sea. So to say that there is no more sea is to say that everything sinful is permanently removed. That’s why the celestial city is sinless. It’s better than Eden. Adam and Eve lived in a perfect place, but the celestial city is better. We live in the sinful state, but the celestial city is sinless. It’s a great reversal. In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth. Here, God creates the new heaven and earth. In the beginning, God created the lights in the sky - sun, moon, and stars. Here, we see later on, there are no lights - no sun or moon because God’s glory illumines the celestial city. In Eden, there was Satan who came to deceive. But here, the devil is cast into the lake of fire forever. In Eden, there was a tree of life - but an angel with a sword guarded it from people. But here, God’s people can eat freely from the tree of life. In Eden, when man fell, he was guilty and banished from God’s presence. But here, man is clothed in white and given a white stone, and brought to the king’s table. When man fell, work was a curse - filled with thorns and thistles and sweat. But here, man will work joyfully. After man fell, paradise was lost. But here, paradise is gained. And it’s far better. So what’s the result of being in this renewed universe purged from sinfulness? There’s joy and holiness.

Secondly, a rejoicing universe filled with holiness. Verse 2 - “And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” Now, what’s the New Jerusalem? On one hand it’s just another name for the new heaven and new earth; John uses the terms interchangeably. But it’s also distinct. The holy city comes down from heaven. Same but distinct. And it’s not a literal city. How do we know? Context. You see, John is describing a contrast. In past chapters, we learned about another city - great city which controls the whole world. Do you remember the name of this great city? Babylon. But it wasn’t literally Babylon but a metaphor of the community of wicked who live in defiance of God. So the New Jerusalem is not Babylon, but a better city. It’s God’s city. Babylon is man’s city, filled with man’s virtues and philosophies. At Babel, mankind had multiplied all over the world and became powerful. They came to build a tower to reach God, to show their self-sufficiency, to show their rejection of God. It’s the same with Eve, who was tempted to eat the fruit so she could be like God. Therefore, the New Jerusalem is the opposite of Babylon. It’s a metaphor for a community of holy people living in God’s renewed universe. But it’s not just a city or community.

Verse 2 calls it a bride on her wedding day adorned for her husband. Who’s the husband? Verse 9 - the Lamb. The New Jerusalem is Christ’s bride - the church. At this moment, Christ is preparing his bride for that day, Ephesians 5. And on that day, she’d be perfect. So what’s the New Jerusalem? A city? A people? Yes, both. The New Jerusalem, the church, the community of people, the new creation - are all identified with each another. It’s a people and a place. But the emphasis of that place, is the people. If you visit the Louvre, it’s a wonderful museum with great art pieces and architecture. But the crown jewel is the Mona Lisa. What am I getting at? Now, we know Revelation describes heaven as being paved with gold, with a river running through it. With many foundations and jewels. It’s magnificent! But the first time it’s described, it’s described as a bride. Meaning, the most important thing is not its gold or jewels; it’s the holy bride of Christ. Therefore, this vision here is of a holy people, in a holy city, in a better universe. And this would’ve encouraged the 7 churches. They were struggling, ugly, compromising, weak, insignificant - but they’d be magnificent and holy. Are you struggling today? Are you spiritually ugly? Are you compromising? Are you weak? One day, you’ll be with that company of believers - triumphant. What do you think of the glories of the Celestial City? Christ’s preparing the church to be that city. That’s how much he thinks of her.

Christ thinks so much of the church that he blesses the church. Verse 3 - “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” Now, how does God bless his church? With himself. This bride is not just a city or community of saints. She enjoys the very presence of Christ. 3 times in verse 3, it’s said God will dwell with them. We’re his people. No longer will God be just a Sunday thing. Yes, he should be an everyday thing. And we struggle with everyday. Some struggle with Sunday. But there in the celestial city, he dwells with us - everyday forever. This is a reward. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve had unlimited access to God - but sin caused them to be banished from his presence. But God wanted a relationship with his people. So he used the temple, that through a priest, sinners could be brought near him! But not exactly; only the priests could get near. Then came Christ! By his sacrifice, we have direct access to God. We can come boldly to the throne of grace. But, we’re not face to face. Which is what Moses wanted. But in the celestial city, we’ll be face to face. And that’s why there’s absolute joy - another blessing. Verse 4 says God will wipe away all tears from our eyes, there’s no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain.

How’s this? Since there’s no more sea - no more chaos, wickedness, sin - there are no more tears. You remove sin - the curse - you remove tears, death, sorrow, and pain - the result of the curse. They are past things. This would’ve encouraged the 7 churches - they’d nothing but tears, death, sorrow, and pain. But here was the assurance that these are passed away. One day, they’d be completely gone - once and for all gone. Meaning? An ambulance may have passed by, but you still hear the sound of its siren. That’s not what it is. A fire has been put out, but you can still smell the smoke. That’s not what it is. You’ve eaten something disgusting, and you vomit it out, but the burn lingers. That’s not what it is. It’s once and for all gone. It’s so drastic because sin and death are cast into the lake, there are no more tears, death, sorrow, or pain. Only joy.

And that speaks to each one of us. We’re sinners married to sinners. We give birth to sinners. Our children disappoint us and we disappoint them. Our neighbors are sinners. We work with and for sinners. And yes, now on earth God commands us to rejoice, and again I say rejoice - but we can’t - not perfectly. Our joy is impeded because of resentment. We have unfulfilled expectations. We struggle with contentment. Why? We’re sinners and others are sinners. There’s never perfect joy here. You’re alone, you feel lonely because you’re a sinner. You’re married - but you feel lonely because you’re a sinner. But in the celestial city, God will give us joy. Contentment is cast away - now it’s absolute joy. Every single tear he will wipe away. Every former thing - every disappointment now - gone. No more meaningless jobs, busy work, no more accidents, disease, cancer, rotten neighbors. No more rebellion. No more sinful lusts. No more gossip in church. No more disappointing pastors and elders. No more difficult church members. No more unfulfilled desires. No more sinful desires. Only joy. This is the blessing above. But why and how do we receive such blessings? From our savior alone.

Lastly, our rewarding life in the celestial city has been achieved by our limitless savior. Verse 5 - “And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.” Now, in this book, we’ve heard various voices - from angels - around the throne and out of the temple - making pronouncements from God. But here, Christ himself speaks. And it’s the second time God speaks. Meaning, there’s no question who’s responsible for this celestial city. I make all things new! I wipe away tears. I give joy. This celestial city is not a result of programs or planning or preaching, but the eternal God himself. And he says that he’s making all things new. It comes from him. Remember? The New Jerusalem descends from heaven. It’s not Babel, built from the ground up. And he’s making all things new - from the tiniest thing to the largest thing. It’s renewed by him. We have atoms and subatomic particles. We have stars larger than our solar system in far flung corners of our galaxy. And there are 2 trillion galaxies, that’s 10^24 stars and planets. That’s more than all the grains of sand on Earth. So whatever it is now, it’ll be far more glorious next time. From the smallest to the largest, God creates. And he told John to write - meaning, what he says about the celestial city is true and dependable. And how can God claim this? He’s limitless. Verse 6 - “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” These terms show he’s limitless. Beginning, end, alpha, omega - the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. These polar opposites emphasize totality. He’s the creator - Alpha and beginning; he’s the one who can end all things - Omega and end. This is why he can do what he says he’d do. We are not Alpha and Omega. We can’t guarantee happiness. Only he can.

And only he can give us life and true fellowship. You think you can ensure your success and your children’s success by your engineering? You really think you can choose a companion that gives you lasting joy? Or as you take your wedding vow, you really think you can make your spouse happy? You’re not Alpha and Omega. You’re not limitless. You really think you can get a life? Whatever you get, you’ll always thirst. That’s why married people are lonely. Rich people are dissatisfied. More and better always elude smart and accomplished people. The woman at the well knew the water she drew wouldn’t satisfy - she’d need to come back. She had 5 husbands, and living with another man - she had no satisfaction. But Jesus told her that who drinks of his water shall never thirst. It’ll be a fountain in him springing up into everlasting life. We taste a bit of that life here as believers. When Christ lives in us, and we live by faith in the Son of God, we will taste it. But as sweet as it is now, it can’t compare to life in the celestial city. That’s life. I’ll give the water of life freely. Water was something scarce and valuable in the Judean wilderness. That’s why it was used to illustrate. What’s scare in your life? Companionship? Money? Friendship? Ability? You will never get it here perfectly. But God promises fill all by giving himself. Because he has everything.

Verse 7 - “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” There’s eternal fellowship. That’s fulfillment. I’ll be your God, you will be my son and daughter. You see beloved, that promise is given to us now. We can find satisfaction in God alone. If we really knew God, we wouldn’t want satisfaction elsewhere. And perhaps that’s the reason why we have little joy. We haven’t understood the water he gives is better than everything else. And if you really don’t know or believe that, then you’re not an overcomer. You must believe. You will be God’s son. But do you know why you can be God’s son? It’s because of God’s son.

Can you imagine that you can be God’s son or daughter? As early as Exodus 4, God referred to Israel as My Son. My firstborn son. As such, they should’ve reflected God’s image. But they failed over and over again. So God took one person from Israel - as the representative of the people - the king. But what happened? The kings failed. And so God sent his Son - in whom he was well-pleased, and Jesus succeeded where everyone had failed. In Christ, in God’s Son, we can be sons of God. This is the only way we can experience that fellowship and life forever. 1 John 5:12 - “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” Which is why verse 8 reminds us of those who have not the Son. It starts with “but” - “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” This is list of different kinds of apostasy. John’s not speaking to unbelievers. He’s speaking to those who don’t over-come; people Christ in chapters 2-3 called to repent and be over-comers. There’d be those in the 7 churches, there’d be those here, who don’t see the glories of the celestial city. They’ll turn back like Lot’s wife, like Pliable - and have their part in the lake of fire and brimstone. But those who like Christian have entered the narrow gate, will find themselves in the celestial city. No tears, no sorrow, no pain. Former things are passed away. All your deepest longings will be fulfilled. You will have absolute joy because Christ is there.

Conversation for Change: