My daughter Kristen’s wedding was a wonderful time of celebration. The banquet hall was beautifully decorated. Delicious food was served. As father of the bride, I offered a toast. A gorgeous wedding cake was cut and eaten. My daughter, the bride, had hand-crafted name cards that were also keepsake bookmarks.

It is no wonder that Scripture often compares our union with Christ to the joyous event of a marriage! In Revelation 21, the heavenly New Jerusalem is called the bride of the Lamb (vv. 2, 9–10). Why? Because of the people who live there (v. 27)—believers, the church, already identified as the bride of the Lamb (Rev. 19:7). The citizens of this city, in fact, include all God’s people, showing the unity of Old and New Testament believers.

The New Jerusalem shines with the glory of God (vv. 11–21). It is built of gold and jewels—including the famous “streets of gold”—both valuable and beautiful. It has twelve gates for the twelve tribes of Israel, reminding us that God has kept all His promises and covenants to His people. The city has twelve foundations for the twelve apostles, reminding us of the Lamb’s completed mission of redemption. The measurements show that the city is a perfect cube, as was the Most Holy Place in the Tabernacle and the Temple. Believers will dwell with the Lord inside a giant Most Holy Place!

That’s why no separate temple is needed—the Father and the Son are the temple (vv. 22–27). No light is needed, for the “glory of God gives it light” (v. 23). There will be no darkness, no impurity, no sin. Perfect holiness will reign. The gates will never be shut, for there are no enemies left. There will be perfect well-being and security, that is, shalom (meaning “peace” in Hebrew).

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