The New Jerusalem update

In the New Jerusalem was it a literal place in the sky or symbolic of the church Gods new bride?

By Thracia Gharst

Please ignore all spelling and punctuation errors due to the fact that my hands were paralyzed. I use voice recognition software that is very inadequate

In the New Jerusalem the tree of life (That represented Christ) had leaves on the tree which were suppose to be for the healing of the nations. That is the reason why it can not represent heaven in the sky, it is taught that we do not need any healing in heaven because we are spirit beings. That to is why there is no need to drink literal water in heaven. There are two streams of water that flow from either side of the tree that represents the waters of life that once you drink from them you will never thirst again. Remember the woman at the well? Jesus offered her spiritual waters that if she drank she would never be thirsty again. They are spiritual waters that represent the holy spirit. Outside the pearly gates are dogs and whore mongers representing sinners. This also cannot be talking about heaven paradise, because sinners are not going to be hanging outside of the pearly gates they would be in hell. The pearlygates are open day and night so that the sinners can come in and eat from the tree of life and drink from the water and be saved. By now I hope to show you that the New Jerusalem was a symbolic picture of the church. Please do not misunderstand what I am about to say to you. Jesus promised us eternal life with him it was just not in the literal New Jerusalem. The New Jerusalem was in no way literal, but was a symbolic picture of the church.

The new Jerusalem in Revelation was coming down as a bride adorned for her husband. Making the new Jerusalem female and a bride getting ready to marry her husband, Christ. This is not God marrying a literal building, but the early church, the bride of Christ.

To understand the New Jerusalem you have to understand and know what the New Jerusalem city represented and what happened in the garden of Eden. This is because the New Jerusalem and Gods coming was all about restoring his people back to life. Here's the question, did Adam and Eve need restored back to spiritual life or physical life ?

The truth is God knew from the very beginning that Adam and Eve were going to eat from the tree of the knowledge if good and evil. The bible says that Jesus died before the foundations of the world. He didn't want Adam and Eve to be like robots having no choice but to serve him. He wanted them to serve him because they wanted to. That is why he gave them an option. To eat from the tree of life and the other trees and live or eat from the forbidden tree and die.

Adam and Eve were given one commandment and that was not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The question is, what does the tree of the knowledge of good and evil mean? If you think about it there is only one thing in the bible that gives you knowledge of what is right and wrong and that was the law.

The following scriptures prove the law and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil were one.

1.The Tree of the the knowledge of good and evil was declared "good" along with everything else He created

in the garden of Eden (Genesis 1:31).

2.The Law is good (Romans 7:12).

3.Eating from the Tree of the knowledge of good and evil brought a curse (Genesis 3:17).

4.The Law brings a curse (Galatians 3:10).

5.The Tree the knowledge of good and evil brought death (Genesis 2:17).

6.The Law brings death (2 Corinthians 3:17, Romans 7:5,10).

7.The Tree of the knowledge of good and evil enlightened the eyes of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:7).

8.The Law enlightens the eyes (Psalm 19:8).

9.The Tree of the knowledge of good and evil was forbidden by God to be eaten (Genesis 2:17).

10.The Law is forbidden for believers to be sought after (Galatians 5:4).

11.The Tree of the knowledge of good and evil makes one wise (Genesis 3:6).

12.The Law makes one wise (Psalm 119:98).

13.The Tree of the knowledge of good and evil made Adam and Eve sin-conscience (Genesis 3:7).

14.The Law brings consciousness of sins (Hebrews 10:1-3).

15.The Tree of the knowledge of good and evil caused Adam and Eve to hide them selves from God (Genesis 3:8).

16.The Law disconnects people from God (Galatians 5:4).

17.The Tree of the knowledge of good and evil brought fear to Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:10).

18.Slavery to the Law brings about fear (Romans 8:15, also see Galatians 4:25).

19.Adam eating from the Tree of the knowledge of good and evil brought condemnation (Romans 5:14-18).

20.The Law is a ministry of condemnation (2 Corinthians 3:9).

21.Adam and Eve began to judge each other after eating from the Tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 3:12-13)

22.The Law causes people to judge one another (1 Corinthians 6:6).

23.By Adam eating from the Tree of the knowledge of good and evil, many were made sinners (Romans 5:19).

24.The Law came in so that sin might increase (Romans 5:20).

25.The Tree of the knowledge of good and evil brings knowledge of good by definition (Genesis 3:5, 22).

26.The Law is the embodiment of knowledge and of the truth (Romans 2:20), which is good (EphesiansHYPERLINK "http://biblia.com/bible/kjv1900/Ephesians 5.9"5:9).

27.The Tree of the knowledge of good and evil brings knowledge of evil by definition (Genesis 3:5, 22).

28.Through the Law comes the knowledge of sin (Romans 3:20).

Adam was created from the dust of the earth. The breath of life that was breathed into him was spiritual life. We know this , because when Jesus ascended into heaven it says he breathed the breath of life into his disciples. Eve came out of Adam, so she was spiritually alive as well. They were spiritually alive because they had access to the tree of life and did not know what right and wrong was bass group.With the exception of the one commandment God had given them not to eat from the forbidden tree.

Once they broke Gods commandment they spiritually died and knew what was right and wrong. The reason I know and am sure of this is because 1.God told them in the day that ye eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil ye shall surly die and they did not die physically in that day 2.Satan told them that they wouldn't die in the day they ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil they wouldn't die and we know that Satan lied. 3.The bible says sin is lawlessness and 4.Without the law there is no sin. If Adam and Eve eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil brought sin into the world then that means the tree was the knowledge of good and evil was the law. God said that it brought a curse upon man kind and that he would do away with the curse by crushing Satans head.

When Jesus died the bible says he became a curse for us. It also says he made an end of sin. This is doing away with the curse and sin for anyone who wanted to be saved under the new covenant. He had to come and finish what he started by ending the law and restoring his people spiritually by marrying his new covenant bride and resurrecting spiritually the souls of those who had already died.

He did this by coming in judgment against Jerusalem and destroying the temple and restoring his people spiritually in 70 A.D. After reading this please read the articles on this website heaven and earth and the article explaining what his coming was. I will give you a hint. God came in the clouds in the old testament which the prophets said would be another nation coming against them for their sins. Also the prophets said the sun moon and stars would fall or not give their light in the O.T. This did not happen literally, but was referring to a change in government. Please read the article on the sun, moon and stars. Heaven and earth in bible prophecy represented 1. Gods people, which Moses called heaven and earth. 2. His covenant with them. 3. The land where they lived. Heaven and earth being destroyed was the old covenant, his old covenant people that rejected his new covenant and Jerusalem which he destroyed using the Roman army. Now the new heaven and earth is 1. Jew and Gentile in one body. 2.The new covenant of grace 3.The New Jerusalem city which is a heavenly city (the church)

Rev it says the New Jerusalem came out of heaven. I believe that was referring to the church Gods new church Jew and Gentile in one body. Coming out of the old heaven and earth ( unbelieving Jews) So that the new heaven and earth (Jew and Gentile) New Jerusalem (church) could marry their groom, Jesus.

1st Corinthians 3: 8-17

Note: As you read the following scripture notice that Gods people are called a building and that the foundation is Jesus Christ and what his disciples added to that. Which means the foundation was the gospel message that Jesus started and his disciples built on (added) to which was the gospel message of salvation. There were 12 disciples. That is why the New Jerusalem church was established on the 12 foundations gospel message of Jesus Christ and his disciples.

9For we are laborers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.

10According to the grace of God which is given unto me, (God) as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon.

But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.11For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

12Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

13Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try

every man's work of what sort it is.14If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

15If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

16Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

17If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

Note: The fire that tried them was the holy spirit. Gods people are his "new covenant" people , his temple (tabernacle) city set on a hill,the new Jerusalem (church) . He offered it first to the Jews who rejected except for his remnant. Then to the Gentiles. His new people were going to be believing Jew and Gentile New Jerusalem church. God wanted to bring his people back to the place where the original fall occurred. Where there was no more spiritual death and that was in a beautiful spiritual garden. That is exactly what the new Jerusalem symbolic picture is, a beautiful garden like Eden. Once again Jesus is the tree of life, just like he was originally in Eden. Jesus died on a cross (tree) he did this,because Adam and Eve fell when they ate from a tree and he came to undo the curse and bring people back to spiritual life. The first Adam didn't resist Satan the 2nd Adam, which was Christ did resist Satan. The first Adam's wife did not resist Satan. The 2nd Adam (Christ) wife (the church) did resist Satan when he was a Dragon chasing her in Revelation. Also, notice the tree of the knowledge of good and evil(sin) are not in the New Jerusalem (church.)

Hebrews 11

8By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed;

and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

9By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise

Note: The bible says first comes the natural and then the spiritual. Abraham dwelt in literal tabernacles, but Gods desire was for the people in the future to dwell in a spiritual tabernacle and city.

10For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. (Compare with Cor 3:8 and 9 above.)

12Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.

13These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off ( 12 and 13 prove the Israelites already received Gods promise by having ancestors as many as the stars in the sky.)

14For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

15And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.

Note: If the Israelites had obeyed God and not worshipped false Gods then God would have resurrected them in the future and they could have stayed on earth in the country God originally gave them.

16But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: (not earthly) wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

Note:This makes it plain to see that the future New Jerusalem city was going to be a spiritual city and not a physical city.

Then there is a long list of people in the old testament that waited by faith for the promise.

39And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

40 God having provided some better things for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

Note: Jesus became a curse for the church, so that we could be sin free and perfect in the eyes of God.

Hebrews 12

18For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,

Note: Notice the people of the old testament from Abraham on hoped that they would receive the promise of a heavenly country and city, but they did not live long enough to see it, but in Hebrews verse 18 & 40 above they were told God provided better for them. That meant that they would live to obtain the promise of the heavenly country/ city the New Jerusalem during the lifetime of the early church.

19And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard entreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:

20(For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:

21And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)

22But ye are come unto mount Sion,(Zion) and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

23To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect.

Note: The church living in the New Testament had come to the new covenant (Mt Zion) into the heavenly city, The New Jerusalem, because verse 22 and 23 prove it and the new church the bible says was a city set on a hill. Also , it was their spirits made perfect. This happened on the day of Pentecost when Christ, holy spirit entered them.

24And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.

Note This is a perfect example of the scripture first comes the natural then the spiritual. Cain the first & natural did not give God a sacrifice from the heart. He represented the Old covenant Church . While Abel represented the New Covenant Church the second the Spiritual . For it was he that gave God a sacrifice from the heart .

25See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:

Note: If you have not read the article "Heaven and earth" on my page in the Old and New Testament God referred to his people , their land, and his covenant as heaven and earth.

26Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. (old covenant)

27And this word, Yet once more, signified the removing of those things that are shaken, (those not saved under the new covenant) as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. (those saved under the new covenant)

28Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

29For our God is a consuming fire.

Note: Notice most futurists believe that grace and salvation came when Christ died and that Christ coming is yet future, but they don't understand that they were receiving a kingdom (grace) they had not yet fully received. The bible throughout the New Testament talks about them having something and then it yet being fu true in another verse. This is because in this scripture even though they had been saved until Christ returned they did not fully receive grace. Just like their salvation was not complete until Christ came, because the bible constantly has scriptures talking about salvation being at the door or coming soon.

Hebrews 13

10 We have an (spiritual) altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.

11For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.

12Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

Note: This shows 10-12 that there is no need for a temple then or in the future, because Jesus became the one time sacrifice for sin outside the gate and the only sacrifice God accepted from that moment on. Even though they kept sacrificing in Gods mind the sacrifices stopped with Jesus.

13Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

14For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

Note: Here is a good example of the yet but not yet in Hebrews 12:22. They were already a city. Here in 14 they seek one to come. They had started a church, but it wouldn't be complete until Christ came. Also, note they had no continuing city, because they knew the destruction was soon to come.

15By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

Note:At the top verse 10 they had an alter that the people who were going to the physical temple standing had no right to go to. This scripture verse 15 proves what they sacrificed on that spiritual alter. It was praise and fruit from their lips. This is a perfect time to mention in Ezekiel when it is describing the new temple it was a spiritual temple with spiritual sacrifices. The bible says that we are the temple of God. Therefore the temple in Ezekial is the Christ the new Jerusalem where we give spiritual sacrifices of praise and worship.

which is the city of God a heavenly Jerusalem not earthly.23- It's also the church of the first born,which was Christ. He lets us know there names are written in heaven to God, who is their judge, so we know there names are written in the lambs book of life. 24- He also lets us know that Jesus is the mediator of a new covenant. 26- He shook the earth in the OT, but 27- Now he was going to shake the heavens (old covenant) those that remain are those that can't be shaken,because they have been saved under the NC They that remain receive a kingdom, which cannot be removed,which he says let us have grace. 13:10-11 Sin is burned outside the camp. 12- Jesus sanctified his people with his own blood outside the gate. 14- For we have no continuing city (old Jerusalem city) but they seek one to come(New Jerusalem church) So they offered sacrifices are praises to God. 20- Jesus through his blood is giving them an everlasting covenant. I like the words in this paragraph from the article The New Jerusalem and creation -

Isaiah’s prophecy of the new Jerusalem. In this prophecy we find both a re-created "Jerusalem" and "people" (Isa 65:17–19).

For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; For behold, I create Jerusalem for rejoicing And her people for gladness. I will also rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in My people; And there will no longer be heard in her The voice of weeping and the sound of crying." (Isa 65:17–19)

t

This paragraph is from the following website

Interestingly, in Galatians 6 Paul speaks of the new creation in the context of a transformed "Israel of God" existing in his day: "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation. and as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, even upon the Israel of God" (Gal 6:15–16; cf. Ro 2:28–29). In that same epistle, he urges a commitment to the "Jerusalem above" (the heavenly Jerusalem, Heb 12:22) rather than to the cast out Jerusalem that now is (the historical capital city of Israel, Gal 4:25–26).

-from this website: http://againstdispensationalism.com/2012/05/new-jerusalem-and-new-creation/#sthash.aFAzxIyl.dpuf

I would like to add that no weeping and sound of crying is from being separated from god. When he came back he restored his people so we can

live in his presence once again like Adam & Eve did when they lived in Eden.

Conclusion

If you read all of chapter 11 you will find that Abraham’s country 11:9 & 14 he was looking for was a city 11:10 & 16 in chap 12:22 we find the city is a heavenly Jerusalem. The bible says that we (the church) is a city set on a hill. It also says we (the church) are the light of the world In REV we find the new Jerusalem coming down as a bride adorned for her husband. Making the new Jerusalem female and a bride getting ready to marry her husband, Christ. This is not God marrying a building, but the church, the bride of Christ. After reading 22 and 23 we know the heavenly Jerusalem was and is the church, country, and city Abraham was seeking.

Ezekial

This excerpt came from the following website- http://creationconcept.wordpress.com/2012/03/08/why-did-ezekiel-describe-a-temple/#respond

Why did Ezekiel describe a temple?

Ezekiel’s vision of the temple included copious details. His description was given before the second temple was built, but there was no attempt by the Jews who returned from the exile to follow his design. It was a much larger and more impressive structure than either the second temple, or the previous one built by Solomon. In comparison, the one actually built was not ideal, and would not be the temple which was to be filled with God’s glory, as promised for Ezekiel’s temple. [Ezekiel 43:5; 44:4]

Stephen said to the Jews, when Herod’s temple was standing, "Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands." [Acts 7:48] Paul said the same to the men of Athens. [Acts 17:24]

A temple is where people offer sacrifices to God. Some wonder why Ezekiel described an altar, and sacrifices, if his temple has to do with the Christian church, as those things have passed away; but in Hebrews we read, "We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle." [Hebrews 13:10]

In the New Testament, the saints are described as a temple. [Ephesians 2:20-22] They offer spiritual sacrifices. The sacrifices offered in Ezekiel’s temple must be types and figures of these spiritual offerings. Peter said, "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." [1 Peter 2:5]

Some claim that in the millennium, animal sacrifices will be resumed, but that contradicts scriptures such as Isaiah 65:25, "The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD." How can animal sacrifices be literally offered, if nothing may be hurt literally there?

Jesus identified himself with the temple of God, and the Spirit was given to him beyond measure. [John 3:34] He said God’s temple is to be a house of prayer. [Luke 19:46, citing Isaiah 56:7] He said, "destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." [John 2:19] Since Jesus was raised up from the grave,the temple of God was revived, and ascended to heaven.

According to Paul, every believer is a temple of God. [1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19] The church, consisting of those who are "in Christ," is depicted as a temple, [Ephesians 2:20-22] and the saints "sit together in heavenly places." [Ephesians 2:5-6]

Living holy lives, acceptable unto God, is "our reasonable service," Paul said. [Romans 12:1] He encouraged believers to be "fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer." [Romans 12:11-12] He wrote: "the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God… therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another." [Romans 14:17-19]

Peter said the saints are "a royal priesthood," who "shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." [1 Peter 2:9]

John said the saints who overcome will be made pillars in the temple. [Revelation 3:12] In his vision of the New Jerusalem, John saw no temple, but said "the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it." [Revelation 21:22]

When Jesus was raised from the grave, and ascended to heaven, Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled: "And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills." [Isaiah 2:2] Jesus represents "the mountain of the Lord’s house."

*The dimensions of the temple provided by Ezekiel reveal that its courts are spacious, and that everything in the temple conforms to a plan; its dimensions need to be taken in a spiritual sense. A spiritual temple is not measured in units consisting of literal cubits. Ezekiel specified that the cubits in his prophecy differed from regular cubits. The measuring reed employed was "six cubits long by the cubit and a hand breadth." [Ezekiel 40:5] The dimensions of the altar are also specified in these unusual units. [Ezekiel 43:13] Similarly the heavenly Jerusalem is described in terms of "angelic cubits." [Revelation 21:17] Who knows what an "angelic cubit" might be? It signifies a spiritual standard of measurement. Of one thing we can be certain; it is not a literal, earthly cubit, as spiritual things are not designed with dimensions given in earthly units.

The location of Ezekiel’s temple also has a spiritual significance; it is removed from the existing Jerusalem. Ezekiel connected the temple with the promised land, and with "the mountains of Israel." It is, in fact, one of the "mountains of Israel," as it is a revelation that included several promises, and those mountains represent God’s promises. By its central location, on a high mountain, Ezekiel’s temple appears as the most prominent feature of the land. Within its boundaries, territory is assigned to the priests and Levites, and to the city.

Ezekiel’s description includes the wall, porches, gates, courts, the altar, and the temple itself. The wall signifies a boundary that separates the church from the outside world. This implies the temple must be designed for the present age, as in the age to come, why would there be any need for a wall? In the day when the earth is "full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea," why have a wall?

Since there is a wall, it could not be a "millennial temple," as some have claimed; in some millennial theories, the hordes of Gog and Magog are said to come against "a land of unwalled villages." That would not apply to the existing Jewish state, where there is a very prominent wall, and neither could it apply in a millennium, if Ezekiel’s temple was present, with its impressively thick wall; how could it be a future millennial temple, when it has a prominent wall?

Ezekiel’s prophecy of the temple depicts the church as a spiritual temple located in the promised land. The land is associated with Christ, as for the priests who minister there, possessing God is in lieu of possessing land. "I am their inheritance: and ye shall give them no possession in Israel: I am their possession." [Ezekiel 44:28]

The spiritual temple, located in the promised land, is not an earthly, literal one. The land where it is located represents the "better country" in Hebrews 11:16, "But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city." It is the "place" Jesus said he would prepare for his saints:

John 14:1-3

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also..Note.. I would like to add that mansions is the Greek word abodes. Why do people think that we get a literal mansion.

I would like to add that the Greek word for mansion is "abodes" which is a dwelling place for God, not a literal mansion. Unsaved people have mansions in this life and the mansions do not give them happiness or peace. Why would Christians think the literal mansion in the sky would give them happiness and peace?

The New Jerusalem's measurements are symbolic

Some consider the new Jerusalem to be a literal city that will literally descend from heaven down upon the new earth*, and that we will literally live inside of it for everlasting.

The quickest way to find out if the new Jerusalem is spiritual or literal is by doing a quick parallel study between Ezekiel 48 and Revelation 21.

The size

This is incredibly simple. Ezekiel 48 says that each of the four sides of the new Jerusalem will be 4500 cubits in length, for a total perimeter of 18,000 cubits. Revelation 21 says that each of the four sides of the new Jerusalem will be 12,000 stadia, for a total perimeter of 144,000 stadia. ( Was it also a: coincidence that the remnant was 144, 000 a symbolic number for God's church)

Now, cubits, even in Scripture, vary in length. But the "long" cubit was about 1.7 feet, so for the sake of simplicity, we'll just go with this "long" cubit. Ezekiel's new Jerusalem has sides of 4500 cubits; multiply by 1.7, and each side of the city comes out to be roughly 1.5 miles long. John, on the other hand, measures distance in stadia, a Roman unit that was about 607 feet. The sides are each 12,000 stadia; multiply by 607 feet, and each side of the city comes out to be about 1380 miles long. Honestly, I don't know much beyond simple math, but I do know that a single object cannot simultaneously be 1.5 miles long and 1380 miles long.

Please read the following article by-

The Kingdom of God and The Kingdom of Heaven

by Ward Fenely

http://www.newcreationministries.tv/the-kingdom-of-god-and-heaven.html

Revelation 21

King James Version (KJV)

21 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 first heaven and the first earth represented 1. God's old covenant people 2. God's old covenant with them. 3. The land where they lived Jerusalem and it was destroyed in 70 A.D by the Romans. The new heaven and new earth was 1 God's new covenant 2. God's new covenant people 3. The New Jerusalem heavenly city representing the church. The old Jerusalem had a sea in a bowl that represented people once Jerusalem was destroyed there was no more people.

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.

The bible says that "we are a city set on a hill," speaking of the church and the New Jerusalem ( God's new bride believing Jew and Gentile) came out of the old heaven (God's old bride) that was being destroyed. She ( the church) was prepared like a bride, because the church was the bride of Christ ready to marry Jesus under the new covenant.

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.

When God's precense came in 70 A.D he restored his people back to spiritual life and dwelt within them his people on earth that was his church. They in turn dwelt within him in the heavenly realm.

4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

The tears sorrow, pain was from being separated spiritually from God in the garden of Eden. Now we can feel God's presence again and be restored spiritually. This is not to be taken literal like we have been told since birth it was.

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.

6 And he said unto me, It is done. 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.

I explained above that the waters and fountain were spiritual waters representing God's holy spirit.

7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

8 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.

Those who were liars, idolaters and committed abominations did not escape the city like the church. They were killed, judged by fire in 70 A.D. Other people believe that's a literal punishment that will last forever. The bible said the fires of Sodom and Gomorah would burn forever and it always meant until something was completely destroyed. The bibles says, that "the wages of sin is death."

9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.

As the last angel is sent with the last plauges to destroy the old Jerusalem and its unbelieving people. We have proof that the New Jerusalem is the bride, the lambs wife, which we know is Jesus Christ, because the angel says "I will shew you the bride the lambs wife." Referring to the New Jerusalem city. We also know this, because when the New Jerusalem was coming down it was a bride adored for her husband. Not a literal building or a place you go when you die.

10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

First of all I believe the great and high mountain represented Mt Zion, because that is where Gods New Covenant people were to be. It doesn't make sense for Gods people to be coming down from literal heaven. It does make sense that once the old heaven and earth (The old Jerusalem, people,covenant.) were destroyed that Gods new people. ( Believing Jew plus Gentile new covenant new Jerusalem, new heaven and earth) was coming out of the old heaven and earth. That is because they were spiritually the new heaven and earth, the new Jerusalem city. Jesus said to his people through the disciples you are a city( The New Jerusalem) set on a hill (Mt Zion)

11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;

12 And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:

This makes total sense in verse 11 God is comparing his church to a beautiful jasper gem.I believe the 12 gates represent the 12 apostles. They preached the New covenant message of salvation which is the only way a person can enter the church.

13 On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.

The number 3 is used constantly throughout the bible and it represents 1. Death burial and resurrection. 2. Man coming to maturity. For example, Paul got his eye sight back and was baptized on the 3rd day. Ect..

14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

Once again I believe the 12 foundations represent the 12 apostles doctrine ( gospel) message of salvation. Which is what the church is founded on. We know the gospel is the word and in John it says "In the beginning was the word and the word was made flesh and dwelt among us." Jesus was the gospel. He was the foundation of the new Jerusalem city. The chief cornerstone.

15 And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.

This is totally symbolic.

16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.

I'm not very good at math, but I do know that 12 thousand x 3 = 36,000

I showed above that the number 3 represents resurrected, mature, spiritually that is and we know in the bible that 6 is the number of man. So 36,000 is a spiritually mature man. The church is made up of the suns of God. This also to me shows its not a literal building.

17 And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.

The old covenant people came out of one man and that one man was Jacob who had his name changed to Israel. Every Israelite got its name from Jacob. The new covenant people came out of Jesus Christ a man who died for their sins and just as Eve the bride of Adam came out of his side (Rib) when Jesus had his side pierced and water came out that represented the church. His bride coming out of his side. This happened when they were baptized.

18 And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.

When you heat up gold really hot it becomes clear like glass. The early church was tried through the fire of tribulation during the great tribulation and they came out symbolically as pure gold.

19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald

I find that it is no conscience that Jesus who was the first foundation was seated on his throne with a green emerald colored rainbow over him in Revelation. The same as the 4th color being emerald in the New Jerusalem.- Jasper (probably the green jasper), an opaque variety of chalcedony (quartz), was the third stone in the fourth row in the high priest's breastplate (Exodus 28:20), the twelfth stone. Green is symbolic of new life, resurrection life, fresh green oil (fresh anointing). Three is the number of resurrection life, of divine completeness. Four is the number of the earth and the creation (four corners of the earth), and the number of end times, as the fourth watch is the last watch. Twelve is the number of apostolic order that brings forth maturity (Ephesians 4:12-13). I believe the jasper is symbolic of an end-time many-members new creation man (Ephesians 2:15), walking in the maturity and divine completeness of resurrection Life! Jesus Christ was the prototype of this ‘people’, and He came to bring MANY SONS into manifesting His glory!

Revelation 4:3 KJV

And He that sat thereon was to look upon like a jasper and a sardius stone; and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in appearance like unto an emerald.

the crystalline brightness of] jasper and [the fiery] sardius..." Sardius is a red stone and was the first stone in the first row of the breastplate of Aaron, the high priest (Exodus 28:17). Jasper was the last of the gems (the third stone in the fourth row) in the high priest's breastplate (Exodus 28:20), probably the green jasper. I believe that it certainly is NO coincidence that OUR High Priest, the One who is the First and the Last, the Beginning and the Ending (Revelation 1:8) has the appearance of the first and last stones of the breastplate.

According to Ephesians 6:14, the breastplate speaks symbolically of righteousness, "Stand therefore... having on the breastplate of righteousness", and of our High Priest, 2 Corinthians 5:21 states, "For He hath made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." When we compare those Scriptural truths, the meaning of the colors of the stones takes on great significance.

You see, red speaks symbolically of the shed Blood of Jesus and the fiery wrath of God that was poured out at the Cross as the Father literally "made Him (Jesus) to BE SIN for us." Just as the red sardius was the FIRST stone, even so the very foundation of the new Covenant is the shed Blood of Jesus, the full judgment of God poured out at the Cross, in order that "we might be made the righteousness of God in Him."

What was in blue above came from the following article http://www.dougfortune.org/a187.htm The writer is unknown.

The Hebrew word yushphah may have designated a green jasper.The jasper of antiquity was in many cases distinctly green, for it is often compared with the emerald and other green objects. Jasper is referred to in the Niebelungenlied as being clear and green. Probably the jasper of the ancients included stones which would now be classed as chalcedony, and the emerald-like jasper may have been akin to the modern chrysoprase - Wiki

20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.

21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.

People teach that a physical temple will be built in the future and the New Jerusalem will hover above and eventually come down to earth. Reading this scripture proves that false. The Lord and the lamb are the temple, because Jesus was a temple that his saints dwell in ever since he came back in 70 A,D and people dwell in now when they're saved. The other temple , the lamb, has the Lord God in dwelling in our spirits. When Jesus and his church were married (70 A.D) they became one spiritual temple. Remember Jesus said "tear down this temple." speaking of his body and in 3 days I will resurrect it. Above I gave countless scriptures of the church being called the temple of the holy ghost.

23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

Jesus dwelt within his city (his people) that is why he told them in Matthew 5:14- 16

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.(Greek word temple) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

24 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 honor into it.

Since Christ had a new people Jew and Gentile in one body and his other people or nation was destroyed. Everyone no matter what nations they are from are one nation in his eyes. Also, the bible says "we are kings and priests of God." This is not talking about a physical kings.

25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.

The gates are always open, because the church always is open for sinners to come in and be saved.

26 And they shall bring the glory and honor of the nations into it.

27 And there shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Revelation 22

King James Version (KJV)

22 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

I believe this is talking about the same water spiritual water representing the holy spirit that Jesus talked about to the woman at the well in John 4:9-13.

7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)

9 The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.[a])

10 Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."

11 "Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?"

13 Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was 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.

The tree of life represents Jesus who gives you life if you eat from his tree. This is nothing more then people believing what came out of his mouth and his disciples mouths. A good example is the scripture "by their fruits ye shall know them." Not speaaking literally, If a woman is saying pleasent things out of her mouth. Shes is producing pleasant fruit.

3 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:

The bible says "until heaven and earth pass away not one jot or one tittle will pass from the law till all things be fulfilled." This was not speaking of the literal heaven and earth passing away, but it is referring to bible prophecy heaven and earth representing Gods people, his old covenant and Jerusalem. So until the law passed away which happened in 70 A.D the law was still in effect. In the following verse you will see where Jesus became a curse for us at Calvery,but until 70 A.D the New Covenant was not fully established.

10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them." 11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for "the just shall live by faith."12 Yet the law is not of faith, but "the man who does them shall live by them." 13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"[h]), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.Galatians 3:10-12

4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.

It would take along time to explain what Gods name in their foreheads was. If you want to read it go to my website http://apostolicpreterist.com/Marks___Seals_n_Prophecy.html

Here is just a little excerpt from it. "A Mark (seal, sign, token, frontlet) is placed upon the forehead or hands, either as a sign of a curse or as a sign of redemption. "

5 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.

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.(Greek word temple) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

Notice it was to be done shortly.

7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

Coming quickly, not 2000 years and counting.

8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.

9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.

Daniel said in the last chapter of the book of Daniel to seal up the vision and the prophecy for the time is not at hand. This was about 500 years before Christ. If God thought 500 years was along time so long that he had the book sealed then what does it mean when in Rev the first chapter John is told not to seal the vison of prophecy for the time was at hand. Even if it was going to be 500 years before Christ came he thought that was along time for Daniel, let alone 2,000 years and counting. Then he says above the time is at hand.

11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

He is emphasizing over and over how quickly hes coming.

13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

Let us turn our attention for a moment to this One who is on the Throne. "And He Who sat there appeared like [the crystalline brightness of] jasper and [the fiery] sardius..." Sardius is a red stone and was the first stone in the first row of the breastplate of Aaron, the high priest (Exodus 28:17). Jasper was the last of the gems (the third stone in the fourth row) in the high priest's breastplate (Exodus 28:20), probably the green jasper. I believe that it certainly is NO coincidence that OUR High Priest, the One who is the First and the Last, the Beginning and the Ending (Revelation 1:8) has the appearance of the first and last stones of the breastplate.

14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

Sinners can come into the New Jerusalem, because the gates of the church the NJ is open day and night for them to come in and be saved by eating from the tree of life, which is believing Gods words and drinking the waters that flow of either side of the tree of life representing the holy spirit.

15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

A star in Genesis is for rulership. Jesus had a star in the sky that the wise men followed. That represented that he was a new ruler or king. Mary, Jesus' mothers linage could be traced to David, but more than that David had Solomen who built a physical temple and had a kingdom that was physical. Jesus was the spiritual son of David who was a temple and brought an everlasting kingdom. Remember Jesus said "tear down this temple and in three days I will resurrect it.Speaking of his body.

17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

Like the woman at the well spiritual water.

18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus

He emphasizes again that he is coming quickly and he did. 40 years later from the time he died. It was a coming in judgment for the wicked using the Roman Army in 70 A.D and for the righteous it was his presence coming. To consumate the new covenant and so he could dwell within his believers on earth and they could spritaully dwell with him in the heavens and so that he could restore them back to spiritual life where the curse was forever broken. That is why there was no tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the NJ. Just the tree of life. It was because Jesus had done away with sin and the law which is what the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was the law.

Everywhere I have notes in blue it was excerpts from an article from this website-http://www.dougfortune.org/a187.htm The author is unknown. I recommend everyone read an entire article that is in that website