Richard Baxter was a pastor in the 1600s. When he was 35, he suffered a severe sickness in the dead of winter that was so terrible, the doctors gave him no hope that he would survive. He began to mediate on the glories of heaven, anticipating his arrival. It consumed his thoughts. He was ready, eager even, to be with Jesus. But he survived. In fact, he lived another 4 decades. From his daily meditation on the world to come, Baxter wrote the book, The Saints Everlasting Rest. For hundreds of years, it was the most influential book on heaven ever written besides the Bible. 

Each day, Baxter meditated on heaven for half an hour. He claimed that his daily meditations “benefitted me more than all the studies of my life.” Keep in mind, Baxter wrote 140 books, so that’s no small boast. 

He asked his readers the question: “If you would have light and heat, why are you not more in the sunshine?” In the book, he argues that fixing our minds on heaven each day stirs up love, desire, hope, courage, and joy. He wrote: 

“Take your heart into the land of promise; show it the pleasant hills and fruitful valleys; show it the clusters of grapes which you have gathered, to convince you that it is a blessed land, flowing with better than milk and honey; Enter the gates of the Holy City, walk through the streets of the new Jerusalem; walk about Zion, and go round about her; tell of the towers thereof; mark well her bulwarks; consider her palaces; so that you may tell it to your soul.”

I like the sound of that. “Tell it to your soul.” We listen to ourself more than anyone else. We might as well tell ourselves something powerful. Let’s continue our tour of heaven and behold the capital city, the New Jerusalem from Revelation 21-22. Jesus wants us to see and marvel at the beautiful world He’s prepared for us. The Angel invites John to behold the new city, coming down from heaven like a bride adorned for her husband. I’ve been to enough weddings to know what that means. “All rise…”   

Is the New Jerusalem a real city? It’s called that at least 15 times in these two chapters in Revelation. What’s the takeaway? In his book, Heaven, Randy Alcorn explains: 

“Everyone knows what a city is—a place with buildings, streets, and residences occupied by people and subject to a common government. Cities have inhabitants, visitors, bustling activity, cultural events, and gatherings involving music, the arts, education, religion, entertainment, and athletics. If the capital city of the New Earth doesn’t have these defining characteristics, it would seem misleading for Scripture to repeatedly call it a city.” 

I know that paragraph may shock some Christians who grew up with a more platonic view of the world to come. For them, thinking of heaven in material, physical, tangible terms is not only difficult, but troubling. But remember, Jesus is restoring the world, not throwing it away. His resurrection was a “first fruit” of what we can expect in a new, restored, glorified existence. He pronounced every physical, material thing he created “good” at the beginning and will no doubt restore it to perfection when He returns. 

So, why a city? Because sin has isolated us—from God, and from one another. And why a “New Jerusalem”? Because Jerusalem was the capital city. It was where people came to worship, feast, celebrate, and see the King. That won’t change. The New Jerusalem will be the central feature of heaven, a joyful place of restored community.

Maybe you’re like some folks who are troubled by the thought of spending all eternity in a city. That’s not heaven for them. It’s something else. The thought of a city makes them claustrophobic. The overcrowding, smog, crime, and grime of the city prove too much. Not to mention the concrete, metal, congestion, obscene graffiti, and noise pollution. Then there’s the snobbery of the city, the exclusive, elite culture often reinforced there.    

But none of those problems will plague this city. The description we read is of a beautiful, radiant, community with massive dimensions, accessible entrances and exits, and a sacred center where rivers, trees, leaves, and fruit await our enjoyment. This is a city like no other, designed by God for our ultimate enjoyment of Him, one another, and His restored creation—all because of the successful rescue mission of Jesus. He’s the central attraction, and invites His redeemed to gawk and anticipate their eternal stay here. It’s a city like no other. A world like no other. A bride like no other—for us. 

The writer of Hebrews says, “For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come” (Hebrews 13:14). Finally, an unshakeable city that will last forever. A city that will bring healing, not exhaustion. A city that will radiate forever with the glory of Christ, not fade with the passing of time and sin. This city is incomparable. 

Can you imagine the sounds, smells, tastes, and sights of this new city? The description is breathtaking. God uses terms that build excitement and anticipation. The entire city is shaped like one massive cube that stretches on for thousands of miles. Heaven will not be overcrowded, and the presence of God will permeate every corner. The only other shape that’s comparable in the Bible is the holy of holies in the Temple—where God dwells. But this entire city functions as a temple. God is fully present in every place.  

It’s gorgeous, a city filled with wealth, beauty, and glory. But not built on the backs of slaves or in sweat shops. Jesus built this city. He’s the slaughtered lamb that all of heaven adores. This is His city, a gift to His bride, the church. 

We’ll eat, drink, work, play, travel, rest, and celebrate. We’ll run, jump, sleep, swim, climb, ride, and some people think we’ll even fly. We’ll have to wait and see on that one. 

Why the walls, gates, and guardian angels? Because God posts visible reminders that heaven is secure. Remember, the gates never close. No fear. No danger. No threat. Nothing that harms shall ever enter, and nothing accursed. This is the garden city that will make the most breathtaking landscapes here appear boring and the most lavish, glorious cities dull. Redeemed culture at its best, with Jesus enthroned as He deserves. 

I can’t wait to move in!