New Jerusalem, the Center of God’s Administration
Revelation 22:3 says, “the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it [New Jerusalem].” This is the eternal consummation of God’s kingdom, God’s administration over the universe.
Twelve is the number of absolute perfection and eternal completion in God’s administration. In the Old Testament…the twelve tribes were for God’s administration. In the New Testament the twelve apostles’ preaching was for the producing of the churches, and the churches are God’s government for God’s administration. Thus, both the twelve tribes in the Old Testament and the twelve apostles in the New Testament are for God’s governmental administration….The entire New Jerusalem will be the consummation of God’s administration. This is why the center of the New Jerusalem is God’s throne, which is mainly for God’s governmental administration.*
In Genesis 1:26-28 God blessed created man with His image (to express Him) and dominion (to represent His authority). However, in a short time man turned from God to Satan and could no longer be God’s expression or representation.
Later, God was incarnated in the man Jesus to redeem man, impart His life into man, and restore man as His expression and representation. This representation is in God’s administration of His kingdom. Therefore, the first proclamation of both John the Baptist (Matt. 3:2) and Jesus (Matt. 4:17) is “Repent, for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.”
Through the Lord’s death, resurrection, and ascension the kingdom was fully brought forth. It is now a reality within us (Rom. 14:17) and will be openly displayed by New Jerusalem.
* From chapter 35, Witness Lee, God’s New Testament Economy, published by Living Stream Ministry, © Witness Lee, 1986.
Posted by Don on March 10, 2023
