The New Jerusalem is a concept in Judaism and Christianity, referring to the abode of God where believers will go at the end of time or when they die. It can be a literal or figurative place, and is associated with the restoration of God’s kingdom and the removal of sin and suffering. Jerusalem is significant to both faiths, and is seen as the likely site for Jesus Christ’s return.
Sometimes a term for heaven or eternity, the term “New Jerusalem” is a concept found largely in Judaism and Christianity. It is called the city of God, the tabernacle, Zion and many other names. Mostly, it refers to the abode of the Jewish and/or Christian God, which believers will see at the end of time or when they die.
The New Jerusalem can be a figurative or literal place, depending on one’s interpretation of Scripture. Hebrew prophets spoke of the establishment of Zion and the return of rulership to the line of King David, a time when God will restore his kingdom to the earth. This is often referred to as “The Lord’s Day.”
In the book of Revelation in the Christian New Testament, the Apostle John refers to the New Jerusalem in his writings. He says, “And I John saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven” (Revelation 21:2a, KJV). This occurs after John’s visions of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, after Christ has defeated Satan once and for all. Once Satan is defeated, God will create a new Heaven and a new Earth, of which the New Jerusalem is a part.
Whether the New Jerusalem is a literal or figurative city, the concept, for both Jews and Christians, is that it will be where God will reign. As such it will be a place without pain, without death, pain or suffering. Each person will be whole and happy. The stain of sin will be removed from the earth and mankind will be fully restored to fellowship with God, as it was in the days of the Garden of Eden, only without a serpent waiting behind its wings to destroy it.
In all likelihood, the use of Jerusalem as the culmination of God’s kingdom is due to the fact that this was a concept familiar to both Jews and early Christians. Jerusalem has always been the holiest city for both faiths and was in fact the true center of worship for the Jews, as their Temple rested there, by God’s command. Jerusalem was the “official” place of worship for the Jews. Jews, the only place where they could offer sacrifices and receive atonement for their sins. Restoring a perfect new Jerusalem makes sense when viewed in this light. Since Christians revere Jerusalem as the site of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, they believe it is also a likely site for his return.
No short article can cover the intricacies of the New Jerusalem concept. It has been studied and analyzed by biblical scholars and rabbis for centuries. However, it is safe to say that the New Jerusalem, both literal and figurative, is a place of peace, happiness and blessing.
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