Did you know that God gave us great details of what heaven looks like...even measurements?
We are so blessed that God gave us a hope and glimpse of Heaven through John, his disciple, in a vision which John kept record of.
"As it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." 1 Corinthians 2:9
The Three Heavens
There are actually three heavens described in the Bible. The first heaven is what is called the firmament or sky, that covers the earth. This is the realm of birds and clouds that surrounds the entire earth.
The second heaven is where the stars, the sun, and the moon reside. This is the space beyond the earth and it covers the entire universe. It is as far as the human eye can see with the help of gigantic telescopes such as the Hubble Space Telescope.
The third heaven is unseen and is the residence of God, including Jesus Christ. This is where the dead martyrs and saints (followers of God) are today. This is the location of the throne of God and where the holy angels surround His throne, singing day and night to the Lord God.
In Revelation 21, verse 1, God does a complete make-over of heaven and earth (Isaiah 65:17; 2 Peter 3:12–13). The new heaven and new earth are what some call the “eternal state” and will be “where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13). John was given a glimpse of it in his vision: “The Holy City, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully adorned for her husband” (Revelation 21:2). This is the city that Abraham looked for in faith (Hebrews 11:10). It is the place where God will dwell with His people forever (Revelation 21:3). Because God's presence is light, heaven does not need a sun or a moon, because the Lord Himself is its light (Revelation 22:5). Inhabitants of this celestial city will have all tears wiped away (Revelation 21:4). There is no more sorrow, sin, pain, diseases, nor death in His Kingdom.
The New Jerusalem, as John records, is a city nearly 1,400 miles long, and it is as wide and as high as it is long—the New Jerusalem being equal in length, width, and depth (Revelation 21:15–17). The city will be dazzling in every way. Each of the precious stones reflecting and bouncing beautiful colors off the other, brightly lighted by the glory of God (verse 23). Its twelve foundations, bear the names of the twelve apostles, and are “decorated with every kind of precious stone” (verse 19). In verse 17, "The angel measured the wall using human measurement, and it was 144 cubits [that is 200 feet] thick." Verse 18: The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass.
19 The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.
It has twelve gates, each a single pearl, bearing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel (verses 12 and 21). The street will be made of pure gold (verse 21): "The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass."
The New Jerusalem will be a place of unimagined blessing. The curse of the old earth will be gone (Revelation 22:3). In the city are the Tree of Life “for the healing of the nations” and the River of Life (verses 1–2). It is the place that Paul spoke of: “In the coming ages, God shows the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:7). The New Jerusalem is the ultimate fulfillment of all God’s promises. The New Jerusalem is God’s goodness made fully manifest.
Who are the residents of the New Jerusalem?
The Father and the Son of God, Jesus, are there (Revelation 21:22). Angels are at the gates (verse 12). But the city will be filled with God’s redeemed children.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:1-3).
