EP 155 – God has prepared a heavenly home for us
It’s so precious that one of God’s names is “the Lord will provide.” The everlasting, self-existing and infinite one has prepared for us since eternity past. The Father, the Lord and the Holy Spirit have an ever ending love dream. Only the Trinity God knows it best, and this was their joy ahead. Although man sinned, God prepared for us our precious Saviour and the perfect salvation. For this to happen, the Beloved Son of God had to become a man forever. The Father prepared a body for Him. Because of love, the Lord also desired to be a man forever. To show His determination, the Father even swore to appoint Him as the High Priest. This oath ensured that the Lord would surely become a man and die for us. Furthermore, He will live for us forever, in order to bring us back to Himself and for us to enjoy Him—the origin of all blessings, life, love, beauty, truth and sincerity. He is the living spring that satisfies all our hearts.
We were created for the Father, the Lord, the Holy Spirit, and Their will. We were to become the household of God. The Lord went to prepare a place for us, which is called the Father’s house. We are men, created to become God’s family. This is also God’s house, the Father’s house and our house. We are most deeply united with God. The Lord is preparing a place for us. He told us that there are many rooms in His Father’s house. It is so precious that our names have already been written in the Lamb’s book of life. The most beautiful Beloved of manifold love prepares for us a dwelling place. Itis a place that exceeds far beyond what any groom on earth can prepare for his bride. The King of manifold love has prepared a better home for His bride. This home is the most magnificent place in the whole universe, a restful dwelling place for God and us through eternity.
When we face so many challenges on earth, the Lord is capable of preparing a table before us in the presence of our enemies. By our Beloved, we can come up from the wilderness. When I thought about New Jerusalem, prepared for us by the Father, I couldn’t help but to clap my hands while I was walking along the street today. 1 Corinthians 2:9 tells us: “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— Only God knows all. Now we can only comprehend as much as God has revealed to us. Since we have gained the Father and the Lord as well, we know for sure what has been prepared for us is extremely precious, beautiful and marvelous! When you have this knowledge, you would know it’s beyond words, truly the best! That’s why I couldn’t help but to clap my hands on the street. When I thought of what our true Beloved had prepared for us, I clapped my hands again! This reminds me of what happened years ago: when I was preaching the gospel to the children on the street, I talked about the streets of gold and walls of jasper. Although they had not yet believed, they also clapped their hands!
We were created for the Father, the Lord, the Holy Spirit, and Their will. We were to become the household of God. The Lord went to prepare a place for us, which is called the Father’s house. We are men, created to become God’s family. This is also God’s house, the Father’s house and our house. We are most deeply united with God. The Lord is preparing a place for us. He told us that there are many rooms in His Father’s house. It is so precious that our names have already been written in the Lamb’s book of life. The most beautiful Beloved of manifold love prepares for us a dwelling place. Itis a place that exceeds far beyond what any groom on earth can prepare for his bride. The King of manifold love has prepared a better home for His bride. This home is the most magnificent place in the whole universe, a restful dwelling place for God and us through eternity.
When we face so many challenges on earth, the Lord is capable of preparing a table before us in the presence of our enemies. By our Beloved, we can come up from the wilderness. When I thought about New Jerusalem, prepared for us by the Father, I couldn’t help but to clap my hands while I was walking along the street today. 1 Corinthians 2:9 tells us: “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— Only God knows all. Now we can only comprehend as much as God has revealed to us. Since we have gained the Father and the Lord as well, we know for sure what has been prepared for us is extremely precious, beautiful and marvelous! When you have this knowledge, you would know it’s beyond words, truly the best! That’s why I couldn’t help but to clap my hands on the street. When I thought of what our true Beloved had prepared for us, I clapped my hands again! This reminds me of what happened years ago: when I was preaching the gospel to the children on the street, I talked about the streets of gold and walls of jasper. Although they had not yet believed, they also clapped their hands!
EP 156 – Is the heavenly New Jerusalem 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.
Today I want to share a very important message about New Jerusalem. It says in Revelationchapters 21 and 22 that it is our ultimate final destination. It’s the completion of God’s will, the most precious and important. The city itself is very precious, but what’s inside the city is even more precious and beautiful. It's most appropriate for the most beautiful people to dwell in the most amazing place. New heavens and new earth are even more marvelous than the garden of Eden!
I’d like you to know that New Jerusalem is a real city. Since it’s very important, let me explain it in greater detail, so that you may have assurance about it. Many believers don’t fully understand New Jerusalem. They may have been misinformed by some preachers, even though these preachers maybe precious and well known. We must understand New Jerusalem according to the words of God. And since this is about the completion of God’s will, it could bring severe consequences if this truth is misrepresented!
Hebrews chapter 12 is very precious. Verse 22 reads, “But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem...”Whether the city is real or not is very important. Now we have come before God’s throne. With confidence, we have come before God. But where is God? Where is His throne? Paul told us to mind the things that are above. Things that are above are very precious. Every detail mentioned in this passage is rich in meaning. For example, the phrase “Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant” is short, yet it is very rich in meaning. Even the covenant is already very amazing, not to mention the name “Jesus”. What the covenant represents is truly beyond words!
What can we find in New Jerusalem? Let’s continue with verses 22 to 24:“...and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.”
“The spirits of the righteous made perfect” refer to those believers who died before the time of the church. They were in Sheol and rested in Abraham’s bosom. The Lord has taken them up to heaven . Therefore, paradise is now in heaven. Paul also talked about his experience of being caught up to the third heaven, to paradise. These spirits of the righteous are not part of the church. The firstborn are the church.
This passage is very important because it helps us to be clear about a lot of things. It also helps us in many aspects, and corrects a lot of wrong teachings. For instance, many believers still have misunderstandings about drawing near to God and praying to God. They believe that they should pray towards their hearts. That is why this is referred to as a “centering prayer.” Now we see that when we pray to God, we are not drawing close to our hearts; rather, we are coming to heavenly Jerusalem, where God’s throne is. We are coming to the throne of grace, before God. This is extremely important.
This passage clearly tells us New Jerusalem is a real city. Hebrews chapter 12 tells us who will be in the city. If the city was only a spiritual interpretation or symbolic expression, the Book of Hebrews would not have told us so many details about it. And why would it mention the throne if it wasn’t real, or the spirits of the righteous if they were not real spirits? And Hebrews chapter 12 also mentions us! It doesn’t make sense to think that New Jerusalem is the church. How could the church be inside the church, and how could the assembly of the firstborn be inside the church? How could the spirits of the righteous be part of the church? Clearly, these are two different groups.
This passage also talks about the assembly of the firstborn and the festal gathering of innumerable angels. So, how could the festal gathering of innumerable angels be part of the church? Therefore, thinking that New Jerusalem is the church doesn’t make sense. New Jerusalem is a real city, where the church dwells. Among those who dwell in the city, the church is the core. We are the firstborn and the bride.
New Jerusalem is a real city. Otherwise, how could the church assemble inside the church? The Lord is in heaven. It doesn’t make sense to say that His resurrected body is inside the church. His body cannot be in heaven and on earth at the same time. The city and the church are two different entities. The city is a real city whereas the church is a group of real people, the firstborn. The city is not the church.
New Jerusalem is rich in spiritual meanings. It also shows the glory of the church. Being God’s creation, New Jerusalem expresses God’s glory, and it illustrates what the church should be like.
Today I want to share a very important message about New Jerusalem. It says in Revelationchapters 21 and 22 that it is our ultimate final destination. It’s the completion of God’s will, the most precious and important. The city itself is very precious, but what’s inside the city is even more precious and beautiful. It's most appropriate for the most beautiful people to dwell in the most amazing place. New heavens and new earth are even more marvelous than the garden of Eden!
I’d like you to know that New Jerusalem is a real city. Since it’s very important, let me explain it in greater detail, so that you may have assurance about it. Many believers don’t fully understand New Jerusalem. They may have been misinformed by some preachers, even though these preachers maybe precious and well known. We must understand New Jerusalem according to the words of God. And since this is about the completion of God’s will, it could bring severe consequences if this truth is misrepresented!
Hebrews chapter 12 is very precious. Verse 22 reads, “But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem...”Whether the city is real or not is very important. Now we have come before God’s throne. With confidence, we have come before God. But where is God? Where is His throne? Paul told us to mind the things that are above. Things that are above are very precious. Every detail mentioned in this passage is rich in meaning. For example, the phrase “Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant” is short, yet it is very rich in meaning. Even the covenant is already very amazing, not to mention the name “Jesus”. What the covenant represents is truly beyond words!
What can we find in New Jerusalem? Let’s continue with verses 22 to 24:“...and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.”
“The spirits of the righteous made perfect” refer to those believers who died before the time of the church. They were in Sheol and rested in Abraham’s bosom. The Lord has taken them up to heaven . Therefore, paradise is now in heaven. Paul also talked about his experience of being caught up to the third heaven, to paradise. These spirits of the righteous are not part of the church. The firstborn are the church.
This passage is very important because it helps us to be clear about a lot of things. It also helps us in many aspects, and corrects a lot of wrong teachings. For instance, many believers still have misunderstandings about drawing near to God and praying to God. They believe that they should pray towards their hearts. That is why this is referred to as a “centering prayer.” Now we see that when we pray to God, we are not drawing close to our hearts; rather, we are coming to heavenly Jerusalem, where God’s throne is. We are coming to the throne of grace, before God. This is extremely important.
This passage clearly tells us New Jerusalem is a real city. Hebrews chapter 12 tells us who will be in the city. If the city was only a spiritual interpretation or symbolic expression, the Book of Hebrews would not have told us so many details about it. And why would it mention the throne if it wasn’t real, or the spirits of the righteous if they were not real spirits? And Hebrews chapter 12 also mentions us! It doesn’t make sense to think that New Jerusalem is the church. How could the church be inside the church, and how could the assembly of the firstborn be inside the church? How could the spirits of the righteous be part of the church? Clearly, these are two different groups.
This passage also talks about the assembly of the firstborn and the festal gathering of innumerable angels. So, how could the festal gathering of innumerable angels be part of the church? Therefore, thinking that New Jerusalem is the church doesn’t make sense. New Jerusalem is a real city, where the church dwells. Among those who dwell in the city, the church is the core. We are the firstborn and the bride.
New Jerusalem is a real city. Otherwise, how could the church assemble inside the church? The Lord is in heaven. It doesn’t make sense to say that His resurrected body is inside the church. His body cannot be in heaven and on earth at the same time. The city and the church are two different entities. The city is a real city whereas the church is a group of real people, the firstborn. The city is not the church.
New Jerusalem is rich in spiritual meanings. It also shows the glory of the church. Being God’s creation, New Jerusalem expresses God’s glory, and it illustrates what the church should be like.
EP 157 – Satan causes man not to be clear and assured about the things in heaven
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.
We can see that what is mentioned in Revelation chapter 13 is happening quickly. The world’s condition, including the pandemic, is setting the scene for the prophecies in the Bible. Your cellular phone also reminds you that the beast will control the world in the future.
Revelation 13:5-6 reads, “And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven.”
This passage tells us the deep relationship between the beast and Satan. Satan utters blasphemous words against God’s name and His dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. Satan and the evil spirits work together to influence this world. Satan wants to insult God, blaspheme Him and His dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. He has been working really hard to cause many believers not to desire things in heaven, even to a point that they think heaven is boring and monotonous. This causes them not to look forward to going to heaven. But Abraham and the old saints desired a better country, a heavenly one.
Satan’s scheme is to hinder us from knowing God’s will and the place He is preparing for us; God is the designer and builder of the city, the conclusion of God’s will. Conclusion does not mean it’s the end; rather, it will continue to grow in beauty and glory. If you don’t know what kind of city it is, or whether it is real or not, you won’t desire it. It is hard for us to desire something that is not real or something that we are not sure of. We need the Lord to open our spiritual eyes, so that we can see what He has prepared for those whom He loves. It is beyond what we can imagine or describe. The garden of Eden is far from comparison.
Satan also blasphemes against those who dwell in heaven. Hebrews chapter 12 talks about the church in heaven. The firstborn who passed away are there. Therefore, it is very important for us to understand New Jerusalem, because it is our eternal home! For those who want to immigrate toother countries, will they not learn about the condition of the place they are going to? Where should we invest our life?
Hebrews chapter 12 is very precious. It helps us to see clearly that New Jerusalem is a real city. If the city was the church, how could the spirits of the righteous, the festal gathering of innumerable angels and others be there? Hebrews chapter 12 tells us that it is the destination of our life journey. Where will the Lord receive us when we finish our life journey? New Jerusalem. New Jerusalem is also the destination of our spirits, because there is the gathering of the Father, the Lord, the Holy Spirit and the church. Church gathering allows us to experience God’s presence together. Nothing is more precious than this final destination; nothing could be higher than the infinite God.
The Book of Hebrews is a conclusion of many things. The early chapters talk about the Lord becoming a man, a priest who endured great pains and what He accomplished. He brought us back to God, to experience and enjoy Him. We also love Him more and more and live with Him. 1Thessalonians 5:10 reads, “Who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with Him.”
Satan causes many to be unclear about what will happen in the future, though the Bible has told us a lot. He also shakes our belief so that we don’t desire the future, and are unable to enjoy it and exercise faith. Therefore, we need to be sure about the truth. This passage in Hebrews is very precious. It helps us to mind the things that are above. What it tells us about the things in heaven is very precious. It helps us to behold and see God’s love. What He prepares for us demonstrates His love toward us.
Some misinterpret Revelation chapter 13, saying that it is only symbolic or it represents the church. They ought to reconsider it carefully before the Lord. When we say this is a real city, we are not neglecting its meaning. In fact, this city carries more meaning than any other representations or symbols. The heavens declare the glory of God. The new heavens and new earth declare more of God’s glory. More so, this city, New Jerusalem declares the glory of God. No other substances will be more meaningful than this. While we believe and claim that it is a real city, it by no means undermines the precious symbolic meanings it bears. Similarly, we believe many symbolic meanings in the Bible. But if we said this city was merely a symbolic expression and not a real city, we would be mistaken.
We can see that what is mentioned in Revelation chapter 13 is happening quickly. The world’s condition, including the pandemic, is setting the scene for the prophecies in the Bible. Your cellular phone also reminds you that the beast will control the world in the future.
Revelation 13:5-6 reads, “And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven.”
This passage tells us the deep relationship between the beast and Satan. Satan utters blasphemous words against God’s name and His dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. Satan and the evil spirits work together to influence this world. Satan wants to insult God, blaspheme Him and His dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. He has been working really hard to cause many believers not to desire things in heaven, even to a point that they think heaven is boring and monotonous. This causes them not to look forward to going to heaven. But Abraham and the old saints desired a better country, a heavenly one.
Satan’s scheme is to hinder us from knowing God’s will and the place He is preparing for us; God is the designer and builder of the city, the conclusion of God’s will. Conclusion does not mean it’s the end; rather, it will continue to grow in beauty and glory. If you don’t know what kind of city it is, or whether it is real or not, you won’t desire it. It is hard for us to desire something that is not real or something that we are not sure of. We need the Lord to open our spiritual eyes, so that we can see what He has prepared for those whom He loves. It is beyond what we can imagine or describe. The garden of Eden is far from comparison.
Satan also blasphemes against those who dwell in heaven. Hebrews chapter 12 talks about the church in heaven. The firstborn who passed away are there. Therefore, it is very important for us to understand New Jerusalem, because it is our eternal home! For those who want to immigrate toother countries, will they not learn about the condition of the place they are going to? Where should we invest our life?
Hebrews chapter 12 is very precious. It helps us to see clearly that New Jerusalem is a real city. If the city was the church, how could the spirits of the righteous, the festal gathering of innumerable angels and others be there? Hebrews chapter 12 tells us that it is the destination of our life journey. Where will the Lord receive us when we finish our life journey? New Jerusalem. New Jerusalem is also the destination of our spirits, because there is the gathering of the Father, the Lord, the Holy Spirit and the church. Church gathering allows us to experience God’s presence together. Nothing is more precious than this final destination; nothing could be higher than the infinite God.
The Book of Hebrews is a conclusion of many things. The early chapters talk about the Lord becoming a man, a priest who endured great pains and what He accomplished. He brought us back to God, to experience and enjoy Him. We also love Him more and more and live with Him. 1Thessalonians 5:10 reads, “Who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with Him.”
Satan causes many to be unclear about what will happen in the future, though the Bible has told us a lot. He also shakes our belief so that we don’t desire the future, and are unable to enjoy it and exercise faith. Therefore, we need to be sure about the truth. This passage in Hebrews is very precious. It helps us to mind the things that are above. What it tells us about the things in heaven is very precious. It helps us to behold and see God’s love. What He prepares for us demonstrates His love toward us.
Some misinterpret Revelation chapter 13, saying that it is only symbolic or it represents the church. They ought to reconsider it carefully before the Lord. When we say this is a real city, we are not neglecting its meaning. In fact, this city carries more meaning than any other representations or symbols. The heavens declare the glory of God. The new heavens and new earth declare more of God’s glory. More so, this city, New Jerusalem declares the glory of God. No other substances will be more meaningful than this. While we believe and claim that it is a real city, it by no means undermines the precious symbolic meanings it bears. Similarly, we believe many symbolic meanings in the Bible. But if we said this city was merely a symbolic expression and not a real city, we would be mistaken.
EP 158 – Are physical substances not spiritual?
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!
It’s funny that some believers are “too spiritual,” in the sense that they think physical substances are not spiritual. This is wrong! Things that are physical doesn’t mean that they are non-spiritual. The essence is whether we are following the Holy Spirit. Physical substances are actually an important part in God’s will. Genesis chapters 1 and 2 clearly show that there is a physical world, of which God said it is good. Even before man was created, He already considered this physical world good. So God considered these physical things such as light and plants good. How could anyone say that they are not good and not spiritual?! God considers all physical substances good. After God created man, He said it was very good. God first created a body for Adam, then breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.
The ancient church, and even some churches of this generation, have been under the influence of Greek philosophies and heresies to believe that physical substances are not good. Let us consider the fact that the Lord became flesh. How can we say that physical substances are not good? The Bible says, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”(John 1:14) Shouldn’t we treasure this? Last year, a group of brothers and sisters visited Israel. It’s so precious that the beloved Son of God became a man for you and me. He came to a real place on earth. His footsteps can be retraced. Furthermore, when the Lord resurrected, it was His body that rose from the dead. He spoke to His disciples, “Touch me and see.”(Luke 24:39) Therefore, if we were to shake hands with the Lord, we would feel the flesh of His hands. The Lord has a real body, a glorious resurrected body that will never die nor can it be corrupted. When the Lord was on earth, He interacted with the disciples who were in flesh and blood. He prepared food and ate with them. In eternity, when we have a resurrected body like the Lord’s, we will be able to interact with those people who will continue to multiply through eternity. They have earthly bodies. We will be able to dine with them. How warm and sweet it will be!
It is very precious that man has a body and spirit. We will govern the whole universe. It will be so pleasant because the universe will be filled with physical substances, such as animals and plants. Man in eternity will have a physical body. This is important because they will multiply. After He created man, He wanted man to multiply and fill the earth. Unfortunately, man failed and sinned. But God’s will will not fail. The Bible tells us that Abraham’s descendants will be as many as the stars and sand. Though it has not been fulfilled yet, the people of Israel will exist through eternity. Some people, such as the saints from the Old Testament, will have a resurrected body. But for those who live through the Millennium and move to the new earth, they have earthly bodies and will continue to multiply endlessly. I have no idea how many they will become, but I’m sure their number will be more than stars and sand.
Therefore, we need to be clear that physical substances are not non-spiritual. It just depends on how we use them. Do we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us? For example, we will be rewarded when we exercise physically for the Lord. We can glorify God in our body. Our healthy eating and drinking habits can also glorify God. Let’s consider: in eternity, when the people with earthly bodies eat and drink but we could only look at them and not be able to eat together. I don’t think the fellowship would be that sweet.
Hebrews chapter 12 tells us about the assembly of the firstborn in New Jerusalem. If New Jerusalem is the church, it would be a church within a church. That would be so wrong. Indeed, we have come to Mount Zion and the city of the living God, heavenly Jerusalem. Note that we have not come to a mere symbolic expression, but a real physical city.
It’s funny that some believers are “too spiritual,” in the sense that they think physical substances are not spiritual. This is wrong! Things that are physical doesn’t mean that they are non-spiritual. The essence is whether we are following the Holy Spirit. Physical substances are actually an important part in God’s will. Genesis chapters 1 and 2 clearly show that there is a physical world, of which God said it is good. Even before man was created, He already considered this physical world good. So God considered these physical things such as light and plants good. How could anyone say that they are not good and not spiritual?! God considers all physical substances good. After God created man, He said it was very good. God first created a body for Adam, then breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.
The ancient church, and even some churches of this generation, have been under the influence of Greek philosophies and heresies to believe that physical substances are not good. Let us consider the fact that the Lord became flesh. How can we say that physical substances are not good? The Bible says, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”(John 1:14) Shouldn’t we treasure this? Last year, a group of brothers and sisters visited Israel. It’s so precious that the beloved Son of God became a man for you and me. He came to a real place on earth. His footsteps can be retraced. Furthermore, when the Lord resurrected, it was His body that rose from the dead. He spoke to His disciples, “Touch me and see.”(Luke 24:39) Therefore, if we were to shake hands with the Lord, we would feel the flesh of His hands. The Lord has a real body, a glorious resurrected body that will never die nor can it be corrupted. When the Lord was on earth, He interacted with the disciples who were in flesh and blood. He prepared food and ate with them. In eternity, when we have a resurrected body like the Lord’s, we will be able to interact with those people who will continue to multiply through eternity. They have earthly bodies. We will be able to dine with them. How warm and sweet it will be!
It is very precious that man has a body and spirit. We will govern the whole universe. It will be so pleasant because the universe will be filled with physical substances, such as animals and plants. Man in eternity will have a physical body. This is important because they will multiply. After He created man, He wanted man to multiply and fill the earth. Unfortunately, man failed and sinned. But God’s will will not fail. The Bible tells us that Abraham’s descendants will be as many as the stars and sand. Though it has not been fulfilled yet, the people of Israel will exist through eternity. Some people, such as the saints from the Old Testament, will have a resurrected body. But for those who live through the Millennium and move to the new earth, they have earthly bodies and will continue to multiply endlessly. I have no idea how many they will become, but I’m sure their number will be more than stars and sand.
Therefore, we need to be clear that physical substances are not non-spiritual. It just depends on how we use them. Do we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us? For example, we will be rewarded when we exercise physically for the Lord. We can glorify God in our body. Our healthy eating and drinking habits can also glorify God. Let’s consider: in eternity, when the people with earthly bodies eat and drink but we could only look at them and not be able to eat together. I don’t think the fellowship would be that sweet.
Hebrews chapter 12 tells us about the assembly of the firstborn in New Jerusalem. If New Jerusalem is the church, it would be a church within a church. That would be so wrong. Indeed, we have come to Mount Zion and the city of the living God, heavenly Jerusalem. Note that we have not come to a mere symbolic expression, but a real physical city.
EP 159 – New Jerusalem is a real city (1)
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.
We believe that New Jerusalem is a real city. At the same time, we also accept all correct explanations about its spiritual meaning. The Lord’s words , prayers, and actions on the night before His crucifixion was very precious.
One of the Lord’s promises was described in John 14: 1-3: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”
From this passage, we can be certain that the Lord was talking about the Father’s house. We know now that He was referring to New Jerusalem, a place that has many rooms. It is not a symbolic expression but a house, a real dwelling place with many rooms. The Lord also said that if it were not so, He would have told us. He clearly said, “...for I go to prepare a place for you.” Therefore, He is preparing the place now. And He continued to say, “... I go and prepare a place for you...” Some other translations use the word “mansions” instead of “rooms,” so we know that He is not just preparing a tiny room for us.
The word “prepare” appears in both the previous passage as well as 1 Corinthians 2: 9, which says “What God has prepared for those who love him...”and in Revelation 21: 2, which reads, “...prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” Some people think that New Jerusalem is not areal city, but their explanation does not make sense . If the place and city mentioned in the Bible were not real, what could be real in the Bible then? Actually, John 14:3 is simple and direct. By referring to other Bible passages as well, , we know for sure that New Jerusalem is a real city.
Let’s read Hebrews 11: 8-10, “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” This passage is very clear.
Let’s continue to read verses 13-16: “These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.”
These people were waiting for a real city; it was impossible for them to look forward to something that had no real substance . It would be ridiculous to say that they desired a sign or symbolic expression! Furthermore, how could God be the designer and builder of a mere symbolic expression? These people who were seeking their homeland also acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. They made it clear that they were seeking an everlasting and better country. Indeed, they had already seen what God had promised them, such as a real country. .They greeted those promised things from afar. For this, they even left their former homeland. What they desired was a better country, not a better symbolic expression. The scripture says very clearly that God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared for a city for them.
If this city was a reference to the church, then Abraham and all these people would have been waiting for the church. How could that be? It would have been impossible because the church was a mystery in the Old Testament time. Not even the prophets knew about the church. Therefore, it was impossible that they were waiting for the church, since they did not have any knowledge of the church. On the other hand, if they had misunderstandings about this city that they were waiting for,, I think God would have corrected them. But actually , they were not mistaken; God even praised them and declared that He is not ashamed to be called their God. God has truly prepared a city for them. They desired a better country. The homeland they left was a real place, just as the better country they desired and sought was also real. This better country is in heaven.
God is the designer and builder of the city. It will be the most beautiful. It is very clear that it is NOT the church. Neither is it something symbolic and immaterial. They were seeking a real place. No other explanation makes sense . Hebrews chapter 12 also tells us clearly that the heavenly Jerusalem is neither the church nor a symbol, because there are many concrete and important elements. The festal gathering of innumerable angels will not take place within the church, nor will this gathering be a symbolic one . It is also impossible for the spirits of the righteous to be within the church. This cannot be a symbol either. The scripture is actually very clear. The misunderstandings come from man because it is hard for them to accept the truths behind New Jerusalem. They cannot believe the enormous size of the city. On the contrary, we think the enormous size of the city makes it more believable. Otherwise, the rooms for us will be way too tiny. This proves that it is God’s word. Some people think it is impossible to have pearls taller than 1000 miles to be the gates. Actually, it makes sense for the pearls to be this large. It’s because they symbolize how much the old saints suffered in order for the church to come into being.
Hebrews 13: 14 reads, “For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. ”We cannot say that the cities of that time were real, but that New Jerusalem was not. Also, consider that the word “we” in the verse e refers to the church. So it wouldn’t make sense for the church to seek for the church, if “the city” actually referred to the church. This is impossible. Therefore, we know for sure that New Jerusalem is a real city.
We believe that New Jerusalem is a real city. At the same time, we also accept all correct explanations about its spiritual meaning. The Lord’s words , prayers, and actions on the night before His crucifixion was very precious.
One of the Lord’s promises was described in John 14: 1-3: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”
From this passage, we can be certain that the Lord was talking about the Father’s house. We know now that He was referring to New Jerusalem, a place that has many rooms. It is not a symbolic expression but a house, a real dwelling place with many rooms. The Lord also said that if it were not so, He would have told us. He clearly said, “...for I go to prepare a place for you.” Therefore, He is preparing the place now. And He continued to say, “... I go and prepare a place for you...” Some other translations use the word “mansions” instead of “rooms,” so we know that He is not just preparing a tiny room for us.
The word “prepare” appears in both the previous passage as well as 1 Corinthians 2: 9, which says “What God has prepared for those who love him...”and in Revelation 21: 2, which reads, “...prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” Some people think that New Jerusalem is not areal city, but their explanation does not make sense . If the place and city mentioned in the Bible were not real, what could be real in the Bible then? Actually, John 14:3 is simple and direct. By referring to other Bible passages as well, , we know for sure that New Jerusalem is a real city.
Let’s read Hebrews 11: 8-10, “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” This passage is very clear.
Let’s continue to read verses 13-16: “These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.”
These people were waiting for a real city; it was impossible for them to look forward to something that had no real substance . It would be ridiculous to say that they desired a sign or symbolic expression! Furthermore, how could God be the designer and builder of a mere symbolic expression? These people who were seeking their homeland also acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. They made it clear that they were seeking an everlasting and better country. Indeed, they had already seen what God had promised them, such as a real country. .They greeted those promised things from afar. For this, they even left their former homeland. What they desired was a better country, not a better symbolic expression. The scripture says very clearly that God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared for a city for them.
If this city was a reference to the church, then Abraham and all these people would have been waiting for the church. How could that be? It would have been impossible because the church was a mystery in the Old Testament time. Not even the prophets knew about the church. Therefore, it was impossible that they were waiting for the church, since they did not have any knowledge of the church. On the other hand, if they had misunderstandings about this city that they were waiting for,, I think God would have corrected them. But actually , they were not mistaken; God even praised them and declared that He is not ashamed to be called their God. God has truly prepared a city for them. They desired a better country. The homeland they left was a real place, just as the better country they desired and sought was also real. This better country is in heaven.
God is the designer and builder of the city. It will be the most beautiful. It is very clear that it is NOT the church. Neither is it something symbolic and immaterial. They were seeking a real place. No other explanation makes sense . Hebrews chapter 12 also tells us clearly that the heavenly Jerusalem is neither the church nor a symbol, because there are many concrete and important elements. The festal gathering of innumerable angels will not take place within the church, nor will this gathering be a symbolic one . It is also impossible for the spirits of the righteous to be within the church. This cannot be a symbol either. The scripture is actually very clear. The misunderstandings come from man because it is hard for them to accept the truths behind New Jerusalem. They cannot believe the enormous size of the city. On the contrary, we think the enormous size of the city makes it more believable. Otherwise, the rooms for us will be way too tiny. This proves that it is God’s word. Some people think it is impossible to have pearls taller than 1000 miles to be the gates. Actually, it makes sense for the pearls to be this large. It’s because they symbolize how much the old saints suffered in order for the church to come into being.
Hebrews 13: 14 reads, “For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. ”We cannot say that the cities of that time were real, but that New Jerusalem was not. Also, consider that the word “we” in the verse e refers to the church. So it wouldn’t make sense for the church to seek for the church, if “the city” actually referred to the church. This is impossible. Therefore, we know for sure that New Jerusalem is a real city.
EP 160 – The new Jerusalem is a real city (2)
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.
2 Corinthians 12:2-4 reads, “I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter.”
Paradise is in heaven. Actually, the heavenly Jerusalem is paradise, and it is the most amazing garden city. It is more beautiful than the garden of Eden. In heavenly Jerusalem, Paul said that “he heard things that cannot be told.” If the new Jerusalem were only a symbolic expression, it would be very strange for Paul to be caught up to someplace that didn’t actually exist. Paradise is a real place. Believers who passed away are already with the Lord in paradise, which is the new Jerusalem.
It wouldn’t make sense to think of the new Jerusalem as the church either. Galatians 4:26 reads, “But the Jerusalem above is free and she is our mother.” The Jerusalem above is the heavenly Jerusalem. I would find it strange if it referred to the church. The verse that says “She is our mother” means that the heavenly Jerusalem is our mother. It would be impossible for the church to be its own mother. Hebrews chapter 12 says that we have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God. If the city was the church, it would not make sense to say that we, as the church, have come to the church. We have come before God, not before a symbol or a sign.
What Revelation chapter 21 tells us is true. Let’s take a look at verse 5: “And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ Also he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’”
Revelation 21:1-2 reads, ”Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”
All of us believe that the new heaven and new earth are real. Verse 2 reads, “And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” Here it says “prepared.” Given that the new heaven and new earth are real, you cannot say that the new Jerusalem is something symbolic or immaterial . The city will come down out of heaven from God to the new earth. If New Jerusalem was the church instead of a city, then the saints would have no place to live. They would have to roam around on the new earth, while the people of the coming generations would have their own homes. On the contrary, the church is the most glorious and prestigious group of people in the whole universe. It would not make sense that believers with resurrected bodies would have no place to stay, but angels and other humans would have their own dwellings. If heaven was empty and there was no dwelling place for the saints, then I cannot imagine what would happen to those who have already fallen asleep in Christ.
This city is extremely beautiful, “prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” The bride will surely make herself very beautiful on her wedding day. Here it uses a simile to compare the city to a bride. But we cannot say that the bride, which is the church, is the city itself. It would be ridiculous to think that the new Jerusalem was a symbolic expression. How could a symbol prepare itself as a bride and come down out of heaven? I don’t understand this interpretation. It makes it difficult for us to understand the rest of the biblical truths.
When the Bible defines something as holy, it is often referring to something real, either a person or a thing. Since the new Jerusalem is called the holy city, it must be a real city. Therefore, this city is as real as the tabernacle and the temple, which were real structures in the Old Testament time. The tabernacle and the objects inside had special meanings. Likewise, the temple was real, and the objects inside also had their own meanings. Therefore, the new Jerusalem is a real city that carries even more extraordinary meanings.
Revelation 21 Verse 5 is clearly written, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” This makes it very clear to us that all the things to come are true, even though they seem too incredible to us. These words would be unnecessary if it was talking about something that wasn’t real.
Revelation chapter 22 gives us an account of the city and what can be found in the city. What did the angel say? Revelation 22:6 says, “And he said to me, These words are trustworthy and true.’” These words were spoken previously by the One seated on the throne; now the angel was repeating these same words. These words were spoken when the new Jerusalem was first mentioned, and they were now being repeated here. It is very dangerous for us to say that the new Jerusalem is a symbol instead of a real city . A symbolic expression can be interpreted in many different ways. But the words spoken by the angel are trustworthy and true. We are truly so blessed! New Jerusalem is so beautiful and real!
2 Corinthians 12:2-4 reads, “I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter.”
Paradise is in heaven. Actually, the heavenly Jerusalem is paradise, and it is the most amazing garden city. It is more beautiful than the garden of Eden. In heavenly Jerusalem, Paul said that “he heard things that cannot be told.” If the new Jerusalem were only a symbolic expression, it would be very strange for Paul to be caught up to someplace that didn’t actually exist. Paradise is a real place. Believers who passed away are already with the Lord in paradise, which is the new Jerusalem.
It wouldn’t make sense to think of the new Jerusalem as the church either. Galatians 4:26 reads, “But the Jerusalem above is free and she is our mother.” The Jerusalem above is the heavenly Jerusalem. I would find it strange if it referred to the church. The verse that says “She is our mother” means that the heavenly Jerusalem is our mother. It would be impossible for the church to be its own mother. Hebrews chapter 12 says that we have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God. If the city was the church, it would not make sense to say that we, as the church, have come to the church. We have come before God, not before a symbol or a sign.
What Revelation chapter 21 tells us is true. Let’s take a look at verse 5: “And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ Also he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’”
Revelation 21:1-2 reads, ”Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”
All of us believe that the new heaven and new earth are real. Verse 2 reads, “And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” Here it says “prepared.” Given that the new heaven and new earth are real, you cannot say that the new Jerusalem is something symbolic or immaterial . The city will come down out of heaven from God to the new earth. If New Jerusalem was the church instead of a city, then the saints would have no place to live. They would have to roam around on the new earth, while the people of the coming generations would have their own homes. On the contrary, the church is the most glorious and prestigious group of people in the whole universe. It would not make sense that believers with resurrected bodies would have no place to stay, but angels and other humans would have their own dwellings. If heaven was empty and there was no dwelling place for the saints, then I cannot imagine what would happen to those who have already fallen asleep in Christ.
This city is extremely beautiful, “prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” The bride will surely make herself very beautiful on her wedding day. Here it uses a simile to compare the city to a bride. But we cannot say that the bride, which is the church, is the city itself. It would be ridiculous to think that the new Jerusalem was a symbolic expression. How could a symbol prepare itself as a bride and come down out of heaven? I don’t understand this interpretation. It makes it difficult for us to understand the rest of the biblical truths.
When the Bible defines something as holy, it is often referring to something real, either a person or a thing. Since the new Jerusalem is called the holy city, it must be a real city. Therefore, this city is as real as the tabernacle and the temple, which were real structures in the Old Testament time. The tabernacle and the objects inside had special meanings. Likewise, the temple was real, and the objects inside also had their own meanings. Therefore, the new Jerusalem is a real city that carries even more extraordinary meanings.
Revelation 21 Verse 5 is clearly written, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” This makes it very clear to us that all the things to come are true, even though they seem too incredible to us. These words would be unnecessary if it was talking about something that wasn’t real.
Revelation chapter 22 gives us an account of the city and what can be found in the city. What did the angel say? Revelation 22:6 says, “And he said to me, These words are trustworthy and true.’” These words were spoken previously by the One seated on the throne; now the angel was repeating these same words. These words were spoken when the new Jerusalem was first mentioned, and they were now being repeated here. It is very dangerous for us to say that the new Jerusalem is a symbol instead of a real city . A symbolic expression can be interpreted in many different ways. But the words spoken by the angel are trustworthy and true. We are truly so blessed! New Jerusalem is so beautiful and real!
EP 161 – New Jerusalem is a real city (3)
EP 162 – New Jerusalem is a real city (4)
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EP 163 – New Jerusalem is a real city (5)
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