Revelation 21:9-27
“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, Having the glory of God... 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.”
King James Version
John's vision of the New Jerusalem descending from God — the eternal dwelling of God with His people, lit by the glory of God and the Lamb.
Fulfillment References
Revelation 21:1-4 Isaiah 60:19-20 Ezekiel 48:35 Hebrews 11:10
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalGod Himself is the temple and light (v.22-23); the Lamb is the glory of God — the one God dwelling forever with His people in the face of Jesus Christ.
JewishBuilds on prophetic hopes of a glorified Jerusalem and a renewed Zion (Isa. 60; Ezek. 40-48); Judaism awaits the restoration of Jerusalem in the age to come.
CatholicThe heavenly city is the consummated Church, the Bride of the Lamb, in eternal communion with God.
ProtestantThe eternal state — God dwelling with redeemed humanity; read as the believer's ultimate hope beyond the present heavens and earth.
OrthodoxThe deified communion of the saints with God; the uncreated light of God replaces created lights, an image of theosis fulfilled.
DispensationalThe eternal New Jerusalem following the millennium and final judgment, the everlasting home of the redeemed.
AcademicScholars see a deliberate reversal of Eden and of Babylon (Rev. 17-18): the harlot city judged, the bride city descending as gift.
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Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, PhD · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.