Twelves — Eternal Perfection of New Jerusalem
In the Bible the numbers seven and twelve both indicate completion, but seven is for the past and for this age while twelve is eternal. In Revelation 1–17 there are many sevens. But in the description of New Jerusalem there are only twelves, including one hundred forty-four (twelve times twelve).
Twelve in the Bible is three, signifying the Triune God, times four, representing the creation¹, with man as the most important part.
Twelve is the number used in eternity. It is the most precious number in the Bible….In the New Jerusalem, the union of God and man is no longer seven, but twelve. It is no longer three plus four, but three multiplied by four. Multiplication is a perfect union, something which can never be separated. When the Creator mingles with the creature it is twelve, and twelve is the number of perfect union. In the new heaven and new earth, God and man will become one, and God and man can no longer be separated.²
The hindrances to our oneness with God were removed by Jesus dying on the cross and by our believing in this redeeming death. At the same time He released the divine life which we received in His resurrection (1 Peter 1:3). Now we are one with God in life but still need much of the Spirit’s renewing (Titus 3:5) to bring our entire being into this oneness.
Ultimately we will be fully renewed and even our mortal body will be redeemed (Phil. 3:21) to make us fully one with God except not sharing in His Godhead. This condition of oneness will characterize New Jerusalem for eternity.
¹ NT examples inclue four winds (Mark 13:27), four living creatures (Rev. 4:6), four corners of the earth (Rev. 7:1).
² 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 June 13, 2022
