The classic allegory, The Pilgrim’s Progress, was written in 1678 by pastor John Bunyan while imprisoned for his faith. The main character, Christian, goes on a journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. He has adventures and experiences along the way, which represent typical events in the Christian life.

At the end of Bunyan’s book, we get a peek at the Celestial City. Similarly, we get a glimpse of the New Jerusalem at the end of the book of Revelation. After the Millennium comes “a new heaven and a new earth,” which we also call the “eternal state” (v. 1). The lack of a sea likely indicates there is now no more sin, death, or rebellion against God. Everything will be made new (v. 5).

At this time, believers will live in heaven, seen here as the heavenly New Jerusalem (vv. 2–4). In this city God will dwell eternally with His people, thus fulfilling the desire of every worshiper’s heart (Psalm 84). There will be no more sorrow, pain, or death, because “the old order of things has passed away.”

The Lamb said to John, “It is done” (vv. 6–8)—reminiscent of His words from the cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30). He’s the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. As He was there at Creation, so now He’s there at the end of history and time. There are only two eternal destinies: One is in heaven, with Christ and those who have accepted God’s gift of the water of life (Isa. 55:1; John 4:10; 7:37–38). The other is in hell, the “second death,” with sinners. Why are the “cowardly” on this list? They chose fear over faith. All this encourages believers not only to stand firm and endure but also to spread the good news of the gospel (Matt. 28:19–20).

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