Israel’s Path to New Jerusalem
Revelation 21:12 says about New Jerusalem, “It had a great and high wall and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names inscribed, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel.”
These names show that Israel participates in New Jerusalem. What is their path to this eternal city? Abraham is their model. He “eagerly waited for the city which has the foundations, whose Architect and Builder is God” (Heb. 11:10).
Hebrews 11 speaks of others up to David and Samuel and the prophets, plus many whose names are not recorded. The end of Hebrews 11 tells us that “these all, having obtained a good testimony through their faith, did not obtain the promise, because God has provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.”
They will be made perfect with us for “something better,” New Jerusalem! In addition to the people of faith in Hebrews 11, in New Testament times some Israelites have believed into Jesus Christ and by this will be in New Jerusalem.
Finally, at the end of this age Jesus Christ will return visibly. Revelation 1:7 declares, “Behold, He comes with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the land will mourn over Him. Yes, amen.” “Those who pierced Him” and “all the tribes” refer specifically to Israel.
Zechariah 12:10 tells us more of this seeing and mourning, which will bring all Israel back to God in a strong way. Then they will participate in the blessings of the kingdom age and of New Jerusalem.
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Posted by Don on October 8, 2021
