New Jerusalem, Habitation of the God of Peace
New Jerusalem is the center of the new creation. Salem, equivalent to the Hebrew greeting shalom, means peace. There are multiple interpretations of Jerusalem, including foundation of peace and habitation of peace. Now we look at some New Testament verses about peace.
New Jerusalem is a city of peace because it is the dwelling place of “the God of peace.” This phrase is in Romans 15:33 and 16:20, Philippians 4:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (quoted below), and Hebrews 13:20.
“The God of peace Himself sanctify you wholly, and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The God of peace imparts His holy nature into us to sanctify us, to make us holy constituents of “the holy city, New Jerusalem” (Rev. 21:2). He does His sanctifying (with our cooperation) wholly and completely to match New Jerusalem which is perfect in every aspect.
This God of peace in Hebrews 13:20 will (v. 21) “perfect you in every good work for the doing of His will, doing in us that which is well pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ; to Him be the glory forever and ever.” His sanctifying work in us is well pleasing to Him and brings forth glory to Him now and increasing greatly to New Jerusalem.
Posted by Don on October 29, 2021
