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REVELATION CHAPTER 21
Rev_21:1 A new heaven and a new earth.
Rev_21:2 The new Jerusalem.
Rev_21:3-7 The blessedness of God’s people.
Rev_21:8 The judgment of the wicked.
Rev_21:9-27 A description of the heavenly Jerusalem.
Chapter Introduction
This chapter begins with the vision of the new heaven and the new earth, by which all understand a new state of the church, but are divided in their opinions, whether what is spoken be to be understood of the church militant upon the earth, or of the church triumphant in heaven. Those who understand it of the church militant here upon earth, are divided in their opinions as to that period of the church which is here spoken of; some understanding it of the thousand years after the time of Constantine, for which I see no reason (nor, I believe, will any that wisely considers the state of the church in that time); others understanding it of the thousand years mentioned Rev_20:1-3, in which (as was said) the church should enjoy great quiet and peace. I must confess I choose much rather to agree with them who judge it signifieth the church triumphant, being overcome with the reasons given by those reverend authors, a summary of which may be found in Mr. Pool’s Latin Synopsis.
1. That interpretation carrieth on the history in order; whereas, according to the other, we must say the history, Rev_20:1-5, was interrupted by the battle with Gog and Magog, and the account of the day of judgment, Rev_21:7,15.
2. In reason, as the close of the former chapter gave us an account of the issue of the day of judgment, as to wicked men, so this should give us some account how it should fare with the saints.
3. We shall find some things in the new Jerusalem here described, which will agree to no state of the church upon earth: see Rev_21:22,23.
A new heaven and a new earth; a new and glorious state of things relating to the church.
For the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea; for now there was an end to the world, and all the troubles that the people of God had met with in it, as well as the material earth, heaven, and sea, were passed away. This new heaven was prophesied of of old by Isaiah, and more lately by Peter, 2Pe_3:13.