OUR HEAVENLY HOME And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it, 23). 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. 24). And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it. 25). And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. 26). And they shall bring the glory and honor of the nations into it. 27). And there shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life. REVELATION 21:22-27
As enjoyable as traveling may be, most of us would admit to having a sense of security and delight upon arriving back home. There’s just something comforting about opening the door, seeing familiar things, and feeling we’re where we belong.
The apostle John was given a vision that included glimpses inside our future home, the new Jerusalem. You may be surprised to know that some things from our old abode will be missing. But what replaces them will be infinitely better.
For one thing, there were no church buildings in John’s vision, “for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple” (Revelation 22). No longer will denominations divide up the body of Christ. Nor will the sun or moon shine on the city in that day, “for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb” (verse 23). Imagine–no need for electricity, flashlights, or candles.
One other difference is that the city gates will always be open. Since sin will not be a factor, locks will be unnecessary in our heavenly home. Death and decay will also be absent. In fact, nothing impure will ever enter that future residence–utter holiness will characterize the heavenly place, and suffering will be a thing of the past. What we have to look forward to is the abundant life in Christ, pure and unmarred.
Think about the comfortable feeling you have as you open your front door. That’s but a hint of what we’ll feel some day on arriving at the place our Father has lovingly and personally prepared for us in heaven. We will finally–and permanently–be “at home” in a way that defies description.
-IBC
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