Genesis chapter 22 is very special. The event of Abraham offering Isaac as a burnt sacrifice depicts how the Father forsook His only begotten Son. This chapter foretold what the Father and the Son would undergo to accomplish the salvation. For instance, Isaac, the only son of Abraham, represents that Jesus is the only begotten Son of the Father. The journey taken by Abraham and Isaac together to Mt. Moriah represents the Father and the Lord’s journey to the cross. Moreover, the Father intensely experienced what the Lord endured on the cross. Through this passage, I hope that we can have a deeper understanding of the Father’s heart.

We can compare and contrast the books of Genesis and Revelation. It’s so precious that for our ancestors, God prepared the garden of Eden. In the garden, there was the tree of life and all kinds of plants and animals. All of these were real. And for us, God has prepared the New Jerusalem. Revelation chapter 2, verse 17 mentions “a white stone” and “a new name” showing His personal love to each one of us. What God has prepared for us is more beautiful and amazing than the garden of Eden.

Revelation 21:17 records the measurements of the new city. The wall was measured by human measurement, which is also an angel’s measurement. Verses 24 to 26 mentions about the nations bringing their glory into New Jerusalem. It also talks about the sun, the moon, day and night in the new heaven and new earth. In the city, there is the throne of God and of the Lamb, as well as the tree of life and the river of the water of life. All these let us know that New Jerusalem is not a symbol, nor is it the church. It is a real physical city.

Revelation 21:9-10 describes New Jerusalem as the Bride. This represents that the most important people dwelling in New Jerusalem is the church. Revelation 21:16-17 writes about the gates, the wall and the dimensions of the city, indicating that it is a real city. Its length, width and height written on verses 21 to 27 are equal, showing that this city is the true form of the reality represented by the holy of holies in the Old Testament. This proves that New Jerusalem is a real city and the scripture is truly God’s word.

2 Corinthians chapter 12 gives an account of Paul being caught up into paradise, the new Jerusalem, which is a real city. Galatians 4:26 also mentions “the Jerusalem above,” hence it's clear that this is not referring to the church, but the city. Revelation chapters 21 and 22 state “these words are trustworthy and true” when mentioning the new Jerusalem. We know that new heavens and the new earth are real. Therefore, the new Jerusalem cannot be a mere symbolic expression. the new Jerusalem is a real city.

It is incorrect to say that physical substances are not spiritual. Physical substances are indeed a key part in God’s will. Genesis chapters 1 and 2 gave an account of God’s creation of this physical world. “And God saw that it was good” again and again. When the Lord came to this world, the Word became flesh. He appeared in the flesh. After His resurrection, He has a glorious resurrected body. In the future, we will also have a resurrected body. Those who dwell in the new heavens and new earth will also have a physical body. They can multiply and fill the earth. We know the value of physical substances, and we also place importance on our spirits. Moreover, we will go to New Jerusalem which is a real physical city!

Revelation chapter 13, verses 5 and 6 tells that Satan utters blasphemies against God, blaspheming His name and His dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. He causes believers not to desire the things in heaven, even to a point that they think heaven is dull and boring. Hebrews chapter 12 shows us clearly that New Jerusalem is a real city. It is the final destination of our life journey and spirits. It also helps us to mind the things that are above, and see God’s love towards us. New Jerusalem is a real city, yet at the same time, rich in meanings.

In John 14: 1-3, the Lord said He prepared for us the Father’s house, the New Jerusalem. Clearly, the Lord was referring to a real dwelling place. Hebrews chapter 11 tells us that Abraham and many old saints desired a better country, and God had prepared for them a city. Hebrews 13: 14 tells us that New Jerusalem is a lasting city. All these scriptures confirm that New Jerusalem is a real city.

Revelation chapters 21 and 22 talk about New Jerusalem as the completion of God’s will. This is very important! Unfortunately, some mistaken it as a symbolic expression, and some think it only refers to the church. It states clearly in Hebrews 12: 22-24 that firstly, when we draw near to God or pray, we aim toward heaven, not inside of a person; secondly, New Jerusalem is a real city, because there will be the festal gathering with innumerable angels, the assembly of the firstborn—the church, and the spirits of the righteous made perfect, etc.

One of God’s names is “the Lord will provide”—on the mount of the Lord it shall be provided. It is so precious that God prepared for us the Lord Jesus and His salvation. The Lord even became a man forever and He brought us to God. Both the Lord and Abba are preparing the heavenly home for us—the New Jerusalem. This is the Father’s house: most amazing, far beyond what has been seen, heard or imagined. This is the eternal heavenly home prepared for the Bride, by the Lord, our Beloved of manifold love.