We are in New Jerusalem Based on Grace
Revelation 21:14 tells us that “the wall of the city [New Jerusalem] had twelve foundations, and on them the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.”
The twelve foundations [of the wall of New Jerusalem] bearing the twelve names of the apostles, who are the representatives of the grace of the New Testament, signify that the New Jerusalem is built upon the grace of God according to the New Testament. The entrance of the city answers the requirements of the Old Testament law, and the foundations of the city show the grace of the New Testament. The law is for the entry, and the grace is for the foundation. We enter into the New Jerusalem according to the requirement of the law, and we are in the New Jerusalem according to and based on the grace of the New Testament.*
The foundations with the apostles’ names show grace, as in Ephesians 3:8 “To me, less than the least of all saints, was this grace given to announce to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ as the gospel.” Also, Romans 1:5 brings together “grace and apostleship.” Furthermore, many epistles end with a blessing of grace to us.
Grace came to us in the incarnation of Jesus Christ (John 1:14, 16-17). This grace supplies us richly for our enjoyment and experience of Christ in us. This grace will continue, and increase, into eternity because Christ our grace will be on the throne of New Jerusalem.
* From chapter 36, Witness Lee, God’s New Testament Economy, published by Living Stream Ministry, © Witness Lee, 1986.
Posted by Don on March 31, 2023
