The Grace of Calvary in the Glory of the New Jerusalem

This weekend marks the final lesson(s) in our topical study of Eschatology (the theology of the end times). For the close of our time in the Scriptures it only fits that we would descent in faithful exposition of the final two chapters of God's written revelation to mankind (Revelation 21, 22).

The focus of the Eternal State (aka "the new heavens and the new earth" or "heaven" as we know it) is the New Jerusalem, which is the holy city and the capitol of the new heaven and earth. John has more than a vision or dream of heaven; he is literally, spiritually transported from the Island of Patmos where he was exiled by Roman authority to the holy city, Jerusalem (21:10).

The predominant characteristic of the celestial city, as described in detail and wonderment by John, is the glory of God. With the arrival of the New Jerusalem, and the dwelling place of God finally and fully being with man, the eternal glory of God fills the heaven and the earth.

The gates of New Jerusalem are large, single pearls. It makes one wonder why pearls are God's choice for the twelve gates fixed in the walls of His holy city. In John MacArthur’s commentary, John Phillips explains [of the nature of pearls and significance to why they are Jerusalem’s gates]:

How appropriate! All other precious gems are metals or stones, but a pearl is a gem formed within the oyster--the only one formed by living flesh. The humble oyster receives an irritation or a wound, and around the offending article that has penetrated and hurt it, the oyster builds a pearl. The pearl, we might say, is the answer of the oyster to that which injured it. The glory land is God’s answer, in Christ, to wicked men who crucified heaven’s beloved and put Him to open shame. How like God it is to make the gates of the new Jerusalem of pearl. The saints as they come and go will be forever reminded, as they pass the gates of glory, that access to God’s home is only because of Calvary. Think of the size of those gates! Think of the supernatural pearls from which they are made! What gigantic suffering is symbolized by those gates of pear! Throughout the endless ages we shall be reminded by those pearly gates of the immensity of the sufferings of Christ. Those pearls, hung eternally at the access routes to glory, will remind us forever of One who hung upon a tree and whose answer to those who injured Him was to invite them to share His home. (Exploring Revelation, rev. ed. [Chicago: Moody, 1987; reprint, Neptune, N.J.: Loizeaux, 1991], 254)