Mysteries of the New Jerusalem, Part 1

Mysteries of the New Jerusalem

Part 1, “I Will Come Again”

I’m not the only person to notice the similarities between the cubic New Jerusalem and the science fiction Borg cube. There was once a web site devoted to teaching that the coming “New Jerusalem” was a threat to humanity! Apparently the spirits that inspire some of todays’ fascinating sci-fi know what’s “going down”, and “tremble” (James 2:19).

Chapter 22 Preview: Since antiquity almost the entire ancient world has believed in “going to heaven”. The notion was so prevalent that “orthodox Christianity” rather early on adopted it from the pagan world to keep the natives happy, tho not without stirring up some heated warnings from the faithful few at the time who urged them to remain true to the Biblical teachings. The history of the “Christian” adoption of a pagan heaven is quite well explained on this outside link. Part 1 of this chapter focuses considerable attention on the Texts from Revelation, concerning New Jerusalem, that were—and continue to be used—to justify “going to heaven”. A simple reading of these Biblical references reveals that they say NOTHING of the kind! See what the Bible does say about “New Jerusalem”! We’ll also examine many other descriptive Biblical references about the city that get precious little press.

Whenever you go to a funeral you’ll hear snipets of Revelation chapter 21 and 22 always taken out of context and always in the present tense. Yet the various Biblical descriptions of the “heavenly city” always describe it as a place nearby, but still awaiting her first earthly guests! Casting aside the baseless fabrications about going “way up there” and reading the texts for what they actually do say, we’ll need to address a whole new set of questions: How can New Jerusalem be adorned as a bride? What does New Jerusalem have to do with the Wedding Supper of the Lamb? And, where is the Wedding Supper?

The verses involving the mysterious “city” that John called “New Jerusalem” are quite numerous. (I later separated this chapter into two because so many of the verses deal with a future use of the city by flesh and blood human beings! The sequel: New Jerusalem: A Place of Safety! Asks: Where will you be during the Great Tribulation?) This chapter simply compares the relative Biblical passages with the jaded notions now extant.

Among those who know that “heaven comes to us”, rather than the other way around, there are other serious misconceptions. Many assume that New Jerusalem’s arrival is removed by a thousand years from the most joyous event to ever take place on earth! Is it worth your trouble to consider the relative Texts?

New Jerusalem is the hope of most of the world’s 2,076,000,000 Christians. And since most of them somehow equate New Jerusalem with their “going to heaven”, it is quite interestingly to read that Yeshua plainly denied that cloudy notion:

John 3:13 NO ONE HAS GONE UP TO HEAVEN, EXCEPT THE ONE WHO CAME DOWN FROM HEAVEN, THE SON OF MAN WHO IS IN HEAVEN. GV

Of course, Yeshua has promised to prepare what He termed a place for His followers—but we should ask: “Do we go to our everlasting “place” or does the “place” come to us? Here is a classic “going to heaven” passage that, upon inspection, has Yeshua doing the traveling!

John 14:2-3 There are many dwelling places in My Father’s house; otherwise, I would have told you; because I’m going to prepare a place for you to live. 3 If I go to prepare that place for you, I’LL COME AGAIN and accept you as My own; so that WHERE I AM you can also be. GV

Shortly after this quote John elaborated saying that Yeshua, (Jesus*) wanted for His followers to be where He was going to be—on this “world”.

John 17:1, 21-26 After Yeshua said these things, He looked up toward Heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; cause Your Son to be renowned, so that your Son can make You renowned ... 21 so that they can all be one; as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; so that they can also be one with Us; so that the world [note] can believe that You sent Me. 22 The magnificence that You gave Me, I have given to them; so that they can be one, just as We are One. 23 I in them, and You in Me; so that they will be perfected into one; and so that the world [note] can know that You sent Me, and that You loved them, just as You loved Me. 24 Father, I want for those You have given Me to be with Me where I am; so that they can see the splendor [the reference is only to Isaiah 66:18—on earth] that You have given Me; because You loved Me before the foundation of the world was laid down. 25 Righteous Father, the world failed to recognize You; but I have certainly known You, and the ones that You sent Me have understood. 26 I have made Your name known to them; and I will continue to make it known; so that the brotherly love that You have loved Me with, will be in them, and I in them”. GV

After that perhaps surprising statement, Yeshua went on to say that when He comes He wont leave our “reward” out there somewhere!

Revelation 22:12 I will come quickly! My compensation is with Me, to give to everyone according to what they have done. GV

The following detailed description that most people consider to be the “pearly gates” of Heaven is actually describing an earth bound city that comes from “deep space heaven” to the earth’s atmosphere. If you are planning on going here when you die, you may pass it on its way down!

Revelation 21:10-27 10 He brought me in the spirit realm to a great and high mountain, and he showed me the sacred city of Jerusalem, descending out of the sky from Yehovah, 11 having the splendor of Yehovah, as a brilliant light, resembling a very precious gem; like a jasper stone, a transparent crystal. 12 It had a massive and high wall that had twelve palacial gates, and names inscribed on them, that are the names of the twelve tribes of the descendants of Israel. 13 On the east, three gates; on the north, three gates; on the south, three gates; and on the west, three gates. 14 The walls of the city had twelve foundations, and on them the twelve names of the twelve envoys of the Lamb. 15 The one who spoke with me had a golden measuring reed, so that he could measure the city, and its gates, and its wall. 16 The city was quadrangular; its length was the same as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed, at twelve thousand stadia; and the length and the breadth and the height of it were all equal. 17 He measured its walls, a hundred and forty-four cubits [an apparent tie to the 144,000],, the human measurement, that the Messenger was using 18 The walls were made of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. 19 The foundations of the city wall were adorned with many types of precious stone. The first foundation, jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; 20 the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, a beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, golden green beryl; the eleventh, jacinth; the twelfth, amethyst. 21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls [Imagine the size of the oysters!].; one for each gate, and each gate was one pearl; and the broad street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. 22 I saw no Temple sanctuary in it [as opposed to the earthly temple of Ezekiel 40-47]; because Yehovah Almighty is its Temple, and the Lamb. 23 The city did not need the sun or the moon to enlighten it; because the brightness of Yehovah enlightens it, and the Lamb is it’s menorah. 24 The nations that were rescued from destruction will live in it’s light, and the earthly kings will bring the splendor and wealth of the human family into it. 25 It’s gates wont be shut during the day; (and there is no night [darkness] there). 26 They [those earthly kings] will bring the splendor and honor of the human family into it. 27 No one Levitically unclean will ever enter it, or anyone who performs idolatrous abominations, or a liar; only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. GV

Notice that whole nations will be saved and walk in the light of New Jerusalem (v.24). Also note that the kings of the earth will bring people there, probably indicating the Feast Days. These nations will not be aspiring to go to a far off city, deep in outer space!

Revelation 21:9-12 One of the seven Messengers came to me, who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last calamities, and told me, “Come, I will show you the fiancee, the Lamb’s virgin”. 10 He brought me in the spirit realm to a great and high mountain, and he showed me the sacred city of Jerusalem, descending out of the sky from Yehovah, 11 having the splendor of Yehovah, as a brilliant light, resembling a very precious gem; like a jasper stone, a transparent crystal. 12 It had a massive and high wall that had twelve palacial gates, and names inscribed on them, that are the names of the twelve tribes of the descendants of Israel. GV

Contrast that to the first time when the kings see New Jerusalem overhead.

Psalm 48:1-6 1 Yehovah is great, and greatly to be praised, in the city of our Elohim, in His dedicated mountain. 2 Beautiful in elevation, Mount Zion is the joy of the whole earth, in the extreme north, the city of the great King. 3 Elohim has shown Himself in her citadels as a refuge. 4 The kings gathered together, they passed by together. 5 They saw it and they were amazed. They were terrified, so they fled in panic. 6 Trembling took hold of them there, pain like a woman in childbirth. WE

There are other descriptions of the city in Revelation. In two accounts the place that houses the “throne” room of God is described as a “sea of glass”.

Revelation 4:1-6 After these things, I looked and saw a door open in the sky! The first voice that I heard was like a trumpet talking with me. It said, “Come up here, and I will show you the things that must happen after this”. 2 Instantly, I was in the spirit; and a throne was placed in the sky; and there was Someone seated on the throne! 3 The One who sat there had the appearance of a jasper and sardonyx stone. A rainbow of the clouds surrounded the throne and it resembled emeralds. 4 Around the throne were twenty four thrones; and on those thrones I saw twenty four elders, who were clothed in white clothing, and on their heads were golden crowns. 5 Lightning came rom the throne, and the sound of thundering; and seven lamps of fire were burning in front of the throne, that are the seven spirits of Yehovah. 6 In front of the throne it was like a a sea of glass, like crystal; and near the throne, around it, and before the throne, were four living beings, full of eyes, both in their front and in their rear. GV

I am convinced that the entire chapter of Ezekiel 1 is describing the same sea of glass. Particularly notice verse 22:

Ezekiel 1:22 Over the head of the living creature there was something resembling a watery expanse, like an awesome ice crystal that spread out, stretched out over their heads above. WE

Revelation 15:1-4 I saw another miracle in the sky, great and wonderful; seven Messengers, having the seven last calamities. With these Yehovah’s wrath is finished. 2 I saw, as it were, a sea of glass mixed with fire; and those who had been victorious over the Wild Beast, and over his image, and over the number of his name, were standing on the a sea of glass; and they had the harps of Yehovah. 3 They were singing the song of Moses the servant of Yehovah, and the song of the Lamb, singing, “Great and marvelous are Your deeds, Master Yehovah Almighty; just and true are Your ways, O King of the ages. 4 Who wont fear you Master, and glorify Your name; since You alone are sacred and just. Every nation will come and worship in front of You, since Your righteousness has been revealed”. GV

Dont assume that “every nation” represents dead people. Zechariah also described this time when “the nations” would come and worship before God:

Zechariah 14:16 It will happen that everyone who is left [the survivors] of all the nations that came against Jerusalem will go up from year to year to worship the King, [Yehovah] of Armies, and to keep the Feast of [Tabernacles]. WEB

Virtually every Sabbatarian who I talk to believes that the arrival of the New Jerusalem will be postponed for a thousand years. Those who feel that New Jerusalem is in the distant future have to assume that the “sea of glass” is some strange thing that God just happens to be occupying in the mean time.

I like to think of the sea of glass as sort of like the watery window on Stargate SG1 that people use to travel to other planets. Perhaps that resembles what the bottom side of New Jerusalem will look like.

Some would rather believe that the Apostle John’s description of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21-22, are allegorical references to a rehabilitated earthly city, not unlike other cities that will be rebuilt:

Isaiah 61:4 They shall [re]‘build’ [01129: build or rebuild] the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations. WEB

Isaiah 65:17-18 For, behold, I create New Heavens and a New Earth; and the former things shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. 18 But be you glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for, behold, I CREATE Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. WEB

The word “create” is not used loosely in the Bible. It is almost always associated with the activities of God.

But John provided far too many details concerning New Jerusalem for it to simply be flowery speech about a rebuilt old ruin. Figurative words may be the spice of a spiritual meal, but they should not become the main course.

As a break from tradition, I am going to state my conclusions and suppositions concerning the many verses listed up front—that way you wont have to rush thru the chapter to see where it is leading.

Conclusions:

1) The New Jerusalem will be the home of God the Father, Yeshua, the Sons of God, and human visitors.

2) The New Jerusalem will arrive just prior to the Great Tribulation, engulfed by black clouds, and become visible during the Day of the Lord.

3) Its shape will be cubic, 1379 miles in diameter (12,000 X approximately 606 feet and 9 inches to a stadium) as indicated in Revelation 20:16 (or possibly pyramidal.) The immense size of the city would obliterate the Mediterranean or “Great” sea were it to “land”, but the sea will remain just as it is—except for the salt! (Ezekiel 47:10-20)

4) First visibility of New Jerusalem will astound the human kings of the earth: “As soon as THEY SAW IT, they were ASTOUNDED”. (Psalms 48:1-6)

5) The foundations of the city will perhaps literally rest on the mountain tops. It will hover over the land but not occupy the surface:

Isaiah 2:2 ... the mountain of [Yehovah’s] house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it. WEB

6) There will be access from the mountains; people will literally “go up” to Zion:

Isaiah 2:3 Many peoples shall go and say, “Come, let’s go up to the mountain of [Yehovah], to the house of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in his paths. WEB

7) There will be cities beneath the New Jerusalem; a new Earthly Jerusalem will be rebuilt, complete with States or Provinces for each of the twelve tribes of Israel at the beginning of the Everlasting Kingdom. (Ezekiel 36, especially v.33)

8) Both the Father and the Son presently live in “Jerusalem above”, the one Yeshua went to prepare. They will both continue to occupy New Jerusalem when it is relocated here.

9) Earthly Jerusalem will have a temple. Ezekiel 40-47—eight whole chapters—describe it! Yet there is no temple in New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:22-23)!

Perhaps you have heard that the happy ending part of the book of Revelation is that “we win”. Where does it talk about us winning in that “Final Chapter” of the book? Do “we win” at the end of “this present evil age” or 1000 years afterward? Revelation 1 thru 19 starts with seven mostly disappointing Assemblies (not really Churches*) and ends with the Beast and his armies being defeated. Chapter 20:1-3 deals with Satan. IF we were to assign Revelation 20:7 thru the end of the book to the time after the millennium, as some do, then only the three remaining verses in between, as well as Revelation 22:12-15, deals with us winning during the millennium! Even in “our first three verses”, we have to share the limelight with “the Beast”, “his image”, “his mark”, “the second death” and also “the rest of the dead” (who live after the millennium)! Here are the three left over verses, where “we win”.

Revelation 20:4-6” I saw thrones, and Saints sat on them, and judgment was given to them, and I saw the bodies of those who were beheaded for the Testimony of Yeshua and for the Words of Aloha. These are the ones who hadnt worshiped the WILD BEAST, OR HIS IMAGE, nor had they taken the mark on their forehead or on their hand. They lived and reigned with their the Messiah during the thousand years. 5 This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and sacred is anyone who has part in this first resurrection; over them the second death has no influence; but they will be priests of Yehovah and of His the Messiah; and they will reign with Them during the thousand years. GV

[Note: The words: “the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished”, are not in the earliest Syriac and Aramaic manuscripts, or the earliest Greek manuscripts, such as the Codex Sinaitic and Codex Alexandrine.

Here are the remaining verses that deal with us winning right away. But notice that the very context of this verse ties entering the gates of New Jerusalem to the time of Yeshua’s return!

Revelation 22:12-15 I will come quickly! My compensation IS WITH ME, to give to everyone according to what they have done [same word as in Revelation 20:13]. 13 I am the Aleph and the Tau, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the Ending. 14 Blessed are those who do His Commandments, so that they will have the right to the Tree of Life, and can enter THRU THE GATES OF THE CITY. 15 Those who are outside of the city are dogs, and sorcerers, and prostitutes, and murderers, and idolaters, and anyone who loves and practices deceit. GV

New Jerusalem has its foundation in the clouds. It protects and illuminates the earthly Jerusalem and the surrounding 1,901,641 square miles (1379 X 1379).

1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then, we who are still alive, having survived, will be carried away together with them into the clouds, to meet our Master in the lower atmosphere; and this is how we will accompany our Master forever. GV

Again, this location is not a temporary staging point:

John 14:3 If I go to prepare that place for you, I will come again and accept you as My own; so that where I am you can also be. GV

Where will Yeshua be when He comes here? He is going to bring His very “HOUSE” or “home” or “place” and those “mansions” with Him! Continuing:

John 14:23 Yeshua replied, “Anyone who loves Me, and regards My teachings; My Father will love, and WE will come to them [both Father AND Son!], and make Our dwelling place [mansion] with them! GV

The Greek word translated as both “mansions” and “home” is only found in this chapter of the Bible, both English words describe the same “place” and refer to the same time and event!

If you have believed in “going to heaven”, the best place to start reading about the “happily ever after” part of the Bible that will begin in the near future, is to carefully read Revelation Chapters 21 and 22 (in their entirety below). The other prophetic references that follow will also confirm when these things will happen by establishing the time order of these events in relation to the other end time events. The references in Ezekiel, concerning their near future timing, are seemingly not in dispute. Is God’s current home, the “old heaven” just going to “pass away”? The term “parerchomai” that is translated as “pass away” has some more interesting alternative meanings. The second renderings for “pass away” are literally: “to come near, come forward, arrive” as shown below. Interestingly, as the the old ways of doing everything ‘pass away’ (parerchomai #1), that is when the New Heaven and New Earth ‘arrive’ (parerchomai #2),

New Jerusalem will be “near ... it shall not be far off”.

Isaiah 46:12-13 Listen to Me, you stout-hearted, who are far from righteousness: 13 I bring near My righteousness, it shall not be far off, and My salvation shall not wait; and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel My glory. WEB

Revelation 21:1-9 I saw a New Heaven, and a New Earth; because the first Heaven and the first earth had gone; and there was no more sea. 2 I saw the sacred city, the New Jerusalem, descending from Yehovah out of the sky, like a fiancee made ready for her husband. 3 I heard a great voice from the sky, that said, “Look, the tabernacle [dwelling place] of Yehovah is with humanity [anthropos]. [The near future context of this verse can be established by comparing this statement to Ezekiel 37:28 and Ezekiel 43:7 &amp 9]. He lives with them; they will be His people; and Yehovah will be with them, Yehovah Himself will be with them”. 4 Every tear will be wiped from their eyes; and THERE WILL BE NO MORE DEATH, [for the Saints only—Timing: First Resurrection & Restoration of Israel: 1 Corinthians 15:54-56, Isaiah 25:6-9, Hosea 13:14, Revelation 7:17] or mourning, or crying [Same timing—Isaiah 30:19-20]; nor will the previous painful state exist anymore; because the previous evil things have departed. [from apo and erchomai: has to do with both arriving and departing—Timing: Isaiah 42:9,14-16]. 5 The One who sat on the throne, said, “Look, I am making everything new”. And He said, “Write this down; because these are the faithful and true words of Yehovah”. 6 He told me, “I am the Aleph and the Tau, the Beginning and the Ending; I will allow anyone who is thirsty to drink freely from the spring of living water. [More on this is found in Ezekiel 47:1-5] 7 Anyone who is victorious will inherit these things; and I will be their Aloha, and they will be My offspring. 8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the sinful, the polluted, murderers, male prostitutes, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, are destined for the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, that is the second death”. [The second death is also in the near future: John 5:28-29] 9 One of the seven Messengers came to me, who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last calamities, and told me, “Come, I will show you the fiancee, the Lamb’s virgin”. GV

Names are never added to The Book of Life, but many names are removed! The unrepentant sinner will “by no means enter” New Jerusalem. Ezekiel explained the entrance requirements to God’s sanctuary city. These gates, along with the names of the tribes, are all listed in Ezekiel 48:31-35, the context is specifically when Israel is assigned its land at the beginning of the Everlasting Kingdom.

Ezekiel 44:6-9 You shall tell the rebellious, even to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord [Yehovah]: you house of Israel, let it suffice you of all your abominations, 7 in that you have brought in foreigners, uncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh, to be in My sanctuary, to profane it, even My house, when you offer My bread, the fat and the blood, and they have broken My covenant, to add to all your abominations. 8 You have not performed the duty of My holy things; but you have set performers of My duty in My sanctuary for yourselves. 9 Thus says the Lord [Yehovah], No foreigner, uncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into My sanctuary, of any foreigners who are among the children of Israel. WEB

Actually, even today, the Father and Son live in Jerusalem!

Galatians 4:25-26 Now Hagar represents Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to present-day Jerusalem, and is serving in bondage, she and her children.

26 But the Jerusalem ABOVE, in the Heavens represents the free woman. She is our motherland. GV

Yeshua will have had precisely 2000 years, since Passover 31 AD to prepare “a place” for “His own”. Just as God will “renew the face of the earth”, He will have renewed Jerusalem. The word “place” literally means strictly a “limited space” but figuratively it can also imply an “opportunity” or even a “room”.

Revelation 22 All: He showed me a river of living water, transparent as crystal, flowing from the throne of Yehovah and the Lamb. 2 In the middle of its broad street [New Jerusalem’s]., and near the river on both sides, are Trees of Life that produce twelve kinds of fruit, they yield a different type of fruit each month; [This is expanded on in Ezekiel 47:11-12.] and the leaves of the Tree are for the medicinal use of the human family. 3 Nothing there will wither away; and the throne of Yehovah and the Lamb will be in it; and His servants will serve Him. 4 They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. 5 There will be no more darkness; and they will have no need for the light of a candle, or of the light of the sun; because Yehovah gives them light [Compare to the end time fulfillment in Isaiah 60:1-2,19-20]; and They will reign forever and ever. 6 He told me, “These words are faithful and true. Yehovah of the spirit of the prophets, has sent me, His Messenger, to show to His servants the things that must, of necessity, occur quickly. 7 I will not be delayed! Blessed is anyone who holds fast to the prophetic statements of this book”. 8 I, John, actually saw and heard these things. When I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the Messenger who showed me these things. 9 But he told me, “Dont do that; because I serve the same Master, I’m your brother, an inspired spokesman and a guardian of the words of this very book. Worship Yehovah”. 10 Then he told me, “Dont seal the words of this document of prophecy, for the time is near. 11 Anyone who is evil will continue to do evil; and anyone who is filthy will remain filthy; and anyone who is righteous will remain righteous; and anyone who is sacred will remain sacred. 12 I will come quickly! My compensation is with Me, to give to everyone according to what they have done. 13 I am the Aleph and the Tau, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the Ending. 14 Blessed are those who do His Commandments, so that they will have the right to the Tree of Life, and can enter thru the gates into the city. [This is where the “throne of God” [v.1] is, as well as the “tree of life”.] 15 Those who are outside of the city are dogs, and sorcerers, and prostitutes, and murderers, and idolaters, and anyone who loves and practices deceit. 16 I Yeshua have sent My Messenger, to testify these things to you, before the Assemblies. I am the offspring of the family of David; and the brilliant Morning Star. 17 The spirit and the fiance say, “Come”. Anyone who hears, should say, “Come”. And anyone who is thirsty should come. Anyone who really wants to can receive the living water as a gift. [Opportunity for eternal life is now being offered to everyone.] 18 I testify to everyone who hears the words of this prophetic book, that if anyone adds to them, Yehovah will add to them the calamities that are written about in this book. [These end time plagues are not just for those who just happen to be alive at the end!] 19 If anyone takes words out of this prophetic book, Yehovah will take away their destiny from the Tree of Life, and from the sacred city that is described in this book. 20 The One who testifies to these things, says, “Yes, I come quickly. Aw-mane’. Come, Master Yeshua”! 21 May the compassion of our Master Yeshua the Messiah, be with all the Saints. Aw-mane’. GV

Consider the following Texts concerning the New Heavens:

Isaiah 65:17 For behold, I create New Heavens and a New Earth; and the former things shall not be remembered nor come to ‘mind’ [Strongs 03820: Possibly meaning be your “inclination”.] WEB

Isaiah 66:22 For as the New Heavens and the New Earth, which I will make, shall remain before Me,” says [Yehovah], “so your ‘seed’ [descendants] and your name shall remain”. WEB

Revelation 21:1 I saw a New ‘Heaven’ [“the vaulted expanse of the sky with all things visible in it”] and a New Earth; because the first Heaven and the first earth had gone; and there was no more sea. GV

The time frame of the New Heavens and the New Earth’s restoration is associated with the timing of the Day of the Lord:

2 Peter 3:10-13 Yet the Day of Yehovah will come like a thieving false “minister in the time of moral stupidity and darkness, when the Heavens will suddenly pass by with a great noise; and the former things, will be released from bondage by being set on fire; and the land and everything being done there, wont be found. 11 Since these things will be dissolved [same word as ‘melt’], what kind of people should we be, in sacred conduct, and in practicing the true religion, 12 anticipating and desiring the coming of the Day of Yehovah, when the Heavens being tried in the fire will be dissolved [also same word as ‘melt’: to loose what is compacted or built together, to break up, demolish, destroy], and the former things being ignited will melt? 13 But we, according to His promise, expect new Heavens, and a new earth where righteousness dwells. GV

Elements melting is probably volcanic activity. That would account for the “great earthquake” and it would explain why “the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light”.

While the Hebrew references to “New Heavens” are plural they all refer to the same sky. This is a one time event. Isaiah Chapters 65 &amp 66 describes the seventh thousand years and probably the time beyond that. The earth will not be entirely destroyed during the Day of the Lord as some teach and there is no indication that it will be destroyed a thousand years after that. If there are to literally be “a thousand generations” then there is far more time for humankind. That phrase is always associated with the word “covenant”—but perhaps God is just kidding us.

Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that [Yehovah] your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps covenant and loving kindness with them who love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations ... WEB

[Also repeated in 1 Chronicles 16:15 and Psalms 105:8]

At the time of the “New Heaven” and the “New Earth”, “ALL FLESH” will “worship before Me” (Isaiah 66:22-23). There are, of course, three heavens (Deuteronomy 10:14). The term “first” is “protos” in Greek, it means: “foremost in time, place, order of importance, best, chief”. The protos heaven—the sky—has always been a part of the earth. The second heaven is the heaven of the night sky; the stars, the planets, comets etc. The “third heaven” is God’s home. Paul called it “paradise” (2 Corinthians 12:2-4) I believe it to also be the New Jerusalem. It is the “foremost heaven” that is being renovated, just as the “Earth” will be “New”; literally meaning “refreshed” or “renewed”. Earth’s atmosphere, the first heaven will be purified, and the gaseous ratios corrected, and the breath of fresh air will be great. Perhaps few would argue that earth’s heaven will be our primary immediate concern. The New heaven will replace the one that “rolled up like a scroll”.

Revelation 6:14 The sky disappeared like when a scroll is rolled up; and every mountain and island was shaken out of place. GV [As in Isaiah 34:4]

A cosmic catastrophe appears to accompany the Day of the Lord, and God likely has a rearrangement in mind for the heavens (Revelation 12:7-11). I strongly expect for mankind to need to colonize space in a few centuries. See: Population Bomb takes out Millennium!

It is the singular “New Heaven” that John “saw” that is of paramount concern to us. Just as the earth will be renewed so will earth’s “heaven” be renewed. However, the great news is that the third heaven, probably beyond the physical universe, will not be abandoned as space junk, it will become our new home. God has spent 2000 years preparing it for His people! It will be presented to us, along with our “New Earth”. HEAVEN COMES TO US!

Does the term New Heaven mean that God just pulled it out of a box and discarded the Styrofoam peanuts? The Greek term “kainos” (Strong’s # 2537) does mean “New” but “freshness” is the implied meaning. Strong’s indicates that another word, # 3501, is the word that has to do with newness in strict terms of age. Acts 3:19 indicates that there “may come times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord”. Indeed they will.

Psalm 132:13-16 For [Yehovah] has chosen Zion. He has desired it for His ‘habitation’ [house]. 14 “This is My resting place forever. Here I will live, for I have desired it. 15 I will abundantly bless her provision. I will satisfy her poor with bread. 16 Her priests I will also clothe with salvation. Her Saints will shout aloud for joy. WEB

Isaiah 2:2-5 It shall happen in the latter days, that the mountain [“mountain” indicates the enormity] of [Yehovah’s] house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it. 3 Many peoples shall go and say, “Come, let’s go up to the mountain of [Yehovah], to the house of the God of Jacob; [the “house” will be accessible!] and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths.” For out of Zion the law, shall go forth, and the word of [Elohim] from Jerusalem. 4 He will judge between the nations, and will ‘decide’ [Hebrew implies both judging and vindicating] concerning many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. 5 House of Jacob, come, and let us walk in the light of [Yehovah]. WEB

This “Tabernacle” in the sky blocks out the light of the sun, storms and rain!

Isaiah 4:3-6 It will happen, that anyone who is left in Zion, and anyone who remains in Jerusalem, will be called sacred, everyone who is recorded among the living in Jerusalem; 4 when Adonay has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and purged the blood of Jerusalem from its midst, by the spirit of justice, and by the spirit of burning. 5 Yehovah will create ABOVE the whole habitation of Mount Zion, and ABOVE her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for ABOVE all the splendor will be a place of shelter. 6 There will be a sukkah [tabernacle] for a shade in the daytime from the heat, and for a refuge and a chuppah [wedding shelter] [1] from storm and from rain. —The Word of Elohim, Gabriel Version (WE)

[1] Traditional Jewish weddings have a clear view of the sky directly above, when viewed from within a chuppah. The other two times this word is used is in connection with a strong bridegroom traversing heaven, (Psalm 19:5-6) and an end time marriage (Joel 2:16). You dont suppose this has anything to do with the wedding of the Lamb do you?

During the Day of the Lord, the “firstborn” of Israel will “take refuge in” “Zion”. Zion will be a “refuge”, a place of “safety”, at the same time that “slaying” and “killing” is going on for her enemies. “Founded” is used here in the same way that it is used in Proverbs 3:19: “By wisdom [Yehovah] founded the earth ...”

Isaiah 14:25, 30-32 ... that I will break the Assyrian in My land, and tread him under foot on My mountains. Then his yoke will leave them, and his burden leave their shoulders ... 30 The firstborn of the poor will eat, and the needy will lie down in SAFETY; and I will kill your [Philistia’s] root with famine, and your remnant will be killed. 31 Howl, gate! Cry, city! You are melted away, Philistia, all of you; for smoke comes out of the north, and there is no straggler in his ranks. 32 What will they answer the messengers of the nation? That [Yehovah] has founded Zion, and in her the afflicted of His people WILL TAKE REFUGE. WEB

This Zion, or Jerusalem is the “house”, not the “home”.

Isaiah 33:20-21,24 Look at Zion, the city of our appointed festivals. Your eyes will see Jerusalem, a quiet home, a TABERNACLE that wont be removed. It’s stakes will NEVER be plucked up, nor will any of its cords [Literally: “a measuring line; by implication a district or inheritance: as measured”] be broken. 21 But Yehovah will be there with us in majesty, a place of broad rivers and streams, where no galley with oars will go, nor will any gallant ship pass by there. ... 24 The inhabitants wont say, “I’m sick”. The people who live there will be forgiven of their depravity. WE

Yeshua will reward (compensate), everyone—both the righteous and the wicked, at His return:

Revelation 22:11-12 Anyone who is evil will continue to do evil; and anyone who is filthy will remain filthy; and anyone who is righteous will remain righteous; and anyone who is sacred will remain sacred. 12 I will come quickly! My compensation is with Me, to give to everyone [not just “good” people] according to what they have done. GV

New Jerusalem will outshine the sun and the moon so that the Holy Land will not need their light. Like the stars in the daylight, they are still there, but not easily discernable. Yet there will still be New Moons visible from above the city.

Isaiah 66:23 It shall happen, that from one New Moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before Me,” says [Yehovah]. WEB

Ezekiel 46:1 Thus says the Lord [Yehovah]: The gate of the inner court that looks toward the east shall be shut the six working days; but on the Sabbath day it shall be opened, and on the day of the New Moon it shall be opened. WEB

In part 2 we’ll consider Isaiah’s three chapter discourse about the future of Jerusalem and God’s people Israel.

Seems to me that Isaiah 60-62 is earthly Jerusalem and Revelation 21-22 is “Jerusalem above” ... “in the clouds”!

Psalm 68:33-34 To the One who rides across the ancient heaven of heavens; His voice resounding, a mighty voice. 34 Proclaim Elohim’s power! His majesty is over Israel, His power resides in the clouds.

Now for Part 2