The Light on the Nations around New Jerusalem
God in the Lamb is the light of New Jerusalem; “the glory of God illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb” (Rev. 21:23b). And, around New Jerusalem “the nations will walk by its light” (v. 24a).
All the people whom God has obtained from the dispensation of the patriarchs, the dispensation of the law, and the dispensation of grace will become a bride to be presented to Christ in that day. All the people who are still living at the end of the age of the kingdom and who have not been deceived by Satan will be transferred to become the people on the new earth. These people are the nations mentioned in verse 24. All those who are living in the city will have resurrected bodies; they are the sons and the kings. However, those who are on the new earth will still have a body of flesh and blood; they are the people and the nations of the earth.*
God’s people and the nations are two distinct groups living on the new earth. God’s people are one in Him, “one Body,” “one new man.” In contrast, those living around New Jerusalem are multiple “nations” (v. 21:24, 26); a little more about them is in the posts named below.
Revelation 21–22 has very little description about these nations because they are not the focus of God’s eternal purpose. God’s purpose is to gain a corporate expression of Himself in humanity and a bride for Christ. This is New Jerusalem. We should respond to the gospel today, receive Jesus Christ as our Savior and life, and let Him grow in us to reach God’s goal.
The Nations around New Jerusalem (1) to (7)
New Jerusalem is Light to the Nations
Nations Walk by the Light of New Jerusalem
* From chapter 5 of The Glorious Church by Watchman Nee, published and © by Living Stream Ministry, available at www.ministrybooks.org/ and www.livingstream.com/en/the-church/8012401-glorious-church-the.html.
Posted by Don on August 8, 2022
