“And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” (Revelation 21:2)
God will make everything new—the entire world. At that time, God’s reign will no longer be confined to heaven but will come to earth. This is what the descent of the holy city signifies.
In a sense, the New Jerusalem is already descending upon us: the Holy Spirit now dwells and works in God’s Church. He changes our hearts, transforms our lives, and grants us God’s peace. But it is only when Jesus returns that the full glory of this will be revealed. At that time, the bride—God’s people—will be gloriously beautiful.
From the beginning, God has dwelt among His people. In the desert, He used the tabernacle, a tent, for this purpose. Later, a temple was built in Jerusalem. Since Pentecost, the Church of Christ has been the temple of the living God, where He lives among His people. However, that closeness is still marred by sin.
When the New Jerusalem descends, the happiness of God’s children will be complete. There will be no more sorrow, no more mourning, no more pain, no more sin, and no more death.
When the bride—God’s Church—is ready, Jesus will return. Will you be there? Will you share in God’s incredible future?
What a magnificent promise that is!