077 - Revelation 21.9 to 22.6

REVELATION 21.9 to 22.6

INTRODUCTION

 

Eight things that will take place in the millennium:

 

        I.     Jesus will illuminate the world (Rev. 21:23);

       II.     Living waters will come out of Jerusalem (Rev. 22.1);

     III.     The trees will bear their fruit from month to month (Rev 22.2);

       IV.     All desolate places in Israel will be rebuilt;

        V.     Jerusalem will be built of precious stones (Rev. 21: 19-21);

       VI.     The cow and the bear will graze together (Isa 11.7);

     VII.     A covenant will be made between Israel and all the animals of the field and the reptiles of the land (Hosea 2:18);

   VIII.     There is neither weeping nor crying nor pain on the Creator's holy mountain (Isa 11.9).

 

Features of today's New Jerusalem (spiritually) and the millennium (physically):

 

·       There is a temple outside the New Jerusalem: there are still imperfections, weaknesses and limitations that prevent us from serving Jesus in the lives of individuals;

·       The doors (Rev 21.20): the conditions of entry;

·       The foundations (Rev. 21.19): although Jesus is the only foundation (1Cor 3.10, 11), He is named in twelve different ways (see Rom. 15:20);

·       The wall (Rev 21.17): its perfect security;

·       And nations will walk in its light (Rev. 21.24): universal influence;

·       and the kings of the earth will bring her glory and honor to her (Rev. 21:24). And they will bring the glory and honor of the nations (Rev. 21.26): universal recognition;

·       “And their doors will not be closed during the day, because there will be no night there. That is, work and worship have no pause, because there is no tiredness.

·       And nothing that contaminates, and abomination and lies will enter it; but only those who are inscribed in the Lamb's book of life (Rev. 21.27): immunity from contamination and desecration (no element foreign to the kingdom of the Eternal enters).

·       River of Life (Rev 22.1): the type of cleanliness and the correct way to quench people's thirst;

·       Tree of Life (Rev. 22.2): true food and healing.

·       Throne of the Creator and the Lamb (Rev. 22.1): the direct Relationship with the Creator, without intermediaries like kings or priests.

·       The service (Rev 22.3): direct to the Creator with greater intelligence, performing service of a higher level and with more noble companionship;

·       And they will see His face (Rev. 22.4): the intense degree of intimacy between the Church and the Bridegroom (2Cor 3.18; 1John 3.1.2);

·       They will reign forever and ever (Rev. 22:e5): durability of authority.

 

Here are some analogies between Ezekiel and Revelation:

 

·       Both had their vision on a high hill (Ezek 40.2; Rev 21.10);

·       The glory of the Creator in the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21.11) corresponds to the glory of the Creator who comes from the east in the temple of Ezekiel (Eze 43.1, 2);

·       Ezekiel focuses on the temple of the millennium, while John describes a great city, whose temple was so despicable, when compared to the glory of the Creator, that John did not see him (Rev. 21:22).

 

Similarities between Revelation 17 and Revelation 21:

 

REVELATION 17	REVELATION 21
"And one of the seven angels who had the seven vials came and talked with me, saying to me, Come here, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot sitting on many waters,".	"And one of the seven angels who had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, Come here, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife."
And he carried me away into a desert by the Spirit. (Rev 17.3).	And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain (Rev. 21.10; as in Ezekiel 40.2). However, she spent time in the desert (Rev. 12.6.14).
And she was gilded with gold and precious stones and pearls. (Rev. 17.4).	The doors were pearls (Rev 21.21), the foundations were adorned with all precious stones (Rev 21.19) and the streets were of gold (Reva 21.18, 21).
It is called the Great City by the wicked.	Measurement of man, that is, of angel, is used to measure. From an angel's perspective, it is a large city, but of a reasonable size; within human vision, its measurement seems to be astronomical, as it is extremely more excellent in everything that was in Greater Babylon.

 

Millennium Features:

 

  I.     Removing the curse (and there will never be a curse against anyone there again). Life will be pure and full of blessings, as each effect of the Creator's hatred for sin will be completely removed;

II.     The great kingdom has finally arrived (and there will be the throne of Creator and the Lamb - this proves the divinity of Jesus). This kingdom will awaken sacred service within the soul and will:

1. awaken the truest and most sincere feeling for service;

2. charge the highest service capacity;

3. reveal the best opportunity for service;

III.     Eternal and wonderful service (and His servants will serve Him). This is the most honorable title in the universe:

a.  When does this service start? When Jesus has wiped out all the wicked;

b.  How does it start? With Jesus.

c.  How is it conducted?

                   i.   Without weakness;

                 ii.   Without boredom;

                iii.   Without distraction;

                 iv.   No interruption or break (either to do physical work or sleep);

                   v.   Without the slightest defect, imperfection or sin;

d.  Where is it kept?

e.  How long will it last? It will be an eternal service;

f.  What is its characteristic? It is a priestly service, but at the same time of royalty;

g.  What effort will be required to fulfill it? It will be a service and sabbatical work, that is, to participate in the rest of the Creator;

h.  Reward: it will be a rewarding service that expresses gratitude.

IV.     The eternal, perfect and most wonderful vision or, if you prefer, the true image (And they will see His face). This is prophesied in (Job 19.26; Ps 41.12; Isa 52.8). This is an allusion to the privilege of Moses (Exo 33.11; Num 12.8; Deut 34.10), which can only be experienced by the righteous who will be perfected (Job 42: 5-6; Isa 6: 5; Ps 17.15; Heb 12.14), that is, the pure in heart (1 John 3:2-3), as the children's angels see Him (Matt 18.10). Today we see the Creator in the face of Christ (2Cor 4.6), but in the New Jerusalem we will see Him face to face (1Cor 13.12) and will be like Him (2Cor 3:18; Rom. 8:29; 1John 3: 2).

The fact that they see the face of the Creator implies:

a.  Certain salvation;

b.  Humble, holy and full confidence in coming to the throne of grace to obtain mercy (Heb. 4:16);

c.  Clear knowledge of Christ, being possible to see Him in His glorified and exalted body;

d.  Favor, that is, a perfect rejoicing of the Creator's love and mercy;

e.  Great intimacy;

f.  Complete transformation;

g.  Honor. Not everyone can see a king's face (Esther 1.14);

h.  Power. Those who see the face of the king are usually his relatives or advisers, vice-regents, etc., all who do his will and whom he can trust. In relation to Jesus, this privilege is for the winners (Rev 2.26,27; 3.21).

  V.     The eternal and most wonderful mark that anyone can receive (and on their foreheads will be His name). The name on the face shows how evident the character of Christ is, not in our actions, but in our beliefs. Those who are of the Creator will be eternally identified with Him, there being no doubt about who belongs to Him or not. This resembles the blade of pure gold on the head of the high priest where “holiness to the Lord” was engraved (Exodus 28.36; 39.30; see also Zechariah 14.20) – the high priest was the representative of all Israel before the Creator. The prophet was the Creator's representative before Israel;

VI.     The eternal day (And there will be no more night there, and they will not need a lamp or sunlight, because the Lord God illuminates them - Isa_9: 19). This is a repetition (Rev 21.23; Rev 21.25).

VII.     The eternal reign of those who believe in Jesus (they will reign forever and ever). This kingdom is beautiful:

a.  All natural beauty will be in it;

b.  All artistic beauty will be in it. The artist's instinct is to reveal the beauty of something in its most diverse aspects and in this realm every artist will find the necessary inspiration for this.

c.  All moral beauty will be in it. The beauty that is in Christ and His purity and holiness will adorn every spirit.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MILLENNIUM

• “And one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the last seven plagues came to me, and he spoke to me, saying, Come, I will show you the wife, the Lamb's wife.” (Revelation 21.9).

 

It is dangerous not to attend Christ's call immediately (remember Lot's wife and Num 13).

The same angel who showed Great Babylon to John, also showed him the New Jerusalem. He is one of those who had the seven plagues (Rev. 17.1). This teaches us that the ultimate blessing on the Church is connected with judgment on enemies. This angel is not an angel who does evil work, but only announces evil.

Now the Bridegroom is Husband (the bride's metaphor was used twice - Rev 19.7; 21.2). From Rev 21.9 to 22.6, we have the New Jerusalem of the millennium, which is a figure of the eternal New Jerusalem (the Church) that will come into force after the White Throne Judgment.

What does it distinguish the Bride?

 

1. Your wedding dress and ornaments

 

Ø  “I will greatly rejoice in Jehovah, my soul will be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the robes of salvation, He covered me with the robe of righteousness like a bridegroom adorns himself with ornaments, and like a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” (Isaiah 61.10).

 

2. Their indissoluble union (Rom 8.38,39).

 

Go up and see the Bride like you never saw her (and neither did she expect to be), namely, how it was decreed that she be:

 

1.  In the joy of the most intimate communion;

2.  Participating in the highest honors - dressed in white robes;

3.  Having a broader and deeper knowledge;

4.  Entirely absorbed contemplating the Bridegroom;

5.  Beyond the power of the tempter;

6.  In addition to the rags of poverty and the experience of hunger;

7.  By far removed from the enemy's darts;

8.  Out of all the curse and boredom of the past;

 

Get up here and see how the bride will be in relation to her Husband:

 

1.  Her husband paid her debts;

2.  Her husband is immutable;

3.  There is no divorce;

4.  No danger of alienation from her;

5.  There is no more death;

 

Get up here and see how the Bride will be forever:

 

I.      Your origin;

II.     Its location: centralized;

III.   Its splendor;

IV.     Its breadth - it is made up of individuals from every tribe, language, people and nation;

V.      Its lighting system: brighter than the sun and moon. It is perfectly lit 24 hours;

VI.     The insignificance of its temple;

VII.   Its magnitude in relation to the world: “Beautiful on high, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.” (Ps_48: 2).

VIII.  His supreme holiness.

IX.     Its wonderful construction. After all, the craftsman and builder is the Creator. Its foundation is eternal (foundation of the apostles - Mtt 24.35). There is no gap, failure, weakness or deformity. It is square, that is, perfect everywhere;

X.      Its sovereign is the most powerful and excellent. There is no corruption, disorder, anarchy, injustice, rebellion, etc.;

XI.     Your security. In addition to the walls and doors, there are twelve angels guarding each door;

XII.   Its population: immense in number (Gen 22.17; Ap 7.9) and honorable in occupation (Rev 7.15) and its holiness (Rev 19.8).

XIII.  Its miraculous and pure irrigation system: River of Life.

XIV.   Its purity (Rev. 21.27).

XV.     His glory (Isa 9.11; Habakkuk 2.14).

XVI.   His joy and blessings (Ps 48.2; 1Cor 15.28 - The Creator is all in all);

XVII.  Its wonderful provision: one tree of life which suffuse along the River of Life, bearing twelve types of fruit throughout the year, whose leaves are for the healing of the nations.

 

To make the contrast between the Great Whore and the Bride of the Lamb, the same type of angel (one of those who had the seven bowls) is sent to show John both women (Rev. 17.1). Also note how the expression used “come, I will show you the bride” reminds you of the angel's way of presenting Great Babylon to John (come, I will show you the condemnation of the great prostitute). The fact that it is this angel is very consistent, since the Creator's judgment ends all confusion, making the difference between the true Church and the cheap imitations of Ha-Satan very evident.

While the Bride of the Lamb is dedicated exclusively to Him, the Great Whore seeks a political-religious organization powerful enough to fascinate and enthrall the many waters (groups of people - Rev 17.1) and, with this, induce everyone to support the end of individual freedoms (encouraging them to demand the mark of the beast to exclude dissidents - Rev 13.16,17).

The Church's goal is not to form a religious organization made up of the most diverse groups of individuals who, although they have different interests and desires, agree to come together to do one thing. Rather, the goal is the formation of a family, sharing the only Favor of life (see 1Peter 3.7), that is, having all the life of Christ in them (see Gal 2.20) and for this reason, living in the hearts of others.

In another way, it is about Jesus living here the most diverse characters (the poor, the rich, the slave, the free, the man, the woman, the child, the young, the old, etc.) through each person’s life. Jesus relates only to a people (John 10.16; 2Cor 6.16; Rev 21.3), who seeks everything only in Him.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MILLENNIUM

·       “And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of Heaven from God,” (Rev 21.10).

 

Again John is taken in spirit (Rev. 1.10), that is, he not only saw, but experienced everything.

Ezekiel had a similar vision: a great mountain, on which was a city building (Ezek 40.2). The difference is that, here, the one who descends from heaven on the part of the Creator is the Church. In the millennium it is installed on the top of a high mountain; in eternity, the high mountain will fill the whole earth, so that New Jerusalem will be in a flat place (Dan 2.35). There will be no more priority, but the Creator will be all in all (1Cor 15.28).

To understand this question well, let's outline:

 

1º - Ha-Satan gathers the nations to fight against the New Jerusalem that is on a high mountain (Isa 2.1);

2º - Fire descends from heaven and consumes these people;

3º - Heaven and earth flee from the Creator (Rev 20.11);

4º - All the dead who had no part in the first type of resurrection are now resurrected. The sea gives the dead that were in it.

5º - Everything on earth and in the first heaven is consumed by fire (2Pet. 3:10-12). The lake of fire and sulfur, which was only in a portion of the earth (Isa 66.24 - like the Geena of Mk 9.42-48), will now take over the entire land.

6º - After the judgment, death, hell and all who were not in the Lamb's book of life will be thrown into the immense lake of fire and brimstone that has become the earth;

7º - The Creator will then recreate heaven and earth, reducing the lake of fire and sulfur to a portion of the earth (Rev 14.10.11) to serve as a memorial. Contrary to the flood in which the water had to disappear to make the dry portion appear, now the immense mountain that appeared in the millennium to settle New Jerusalem fills the whole earth, remaking it (Dan 2.34,35,44,45).

 

·       “having the glory of God. And its light was like a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.” (Rev 21.11).

 

While in the Testament of the Law the earthly Jerusalem eventually received the visit of the glory of the Eternal, from the millennium onwards the Eternal Himself is the glory of the New Jerusalem (see Zech 2.5; Rev. 21.23), that is, the One who makes it something different.

This is consistent with the role that Jesus requires of the Church (Matt 5.14-16; Phil 2.14.15) to be operated by Him acting in her (John 8.12; 9.5; Rev. 21.23; 22.5). It even matches the promise made to Jerusalem (Isa 60: 1,2,2), which was fulfilled at Jesus' first coming, but will reach its peak in the millennium.

But, what does it mean for the Eternal to live in Jerusalem? After all, He is a spirit, cannot be touched, nor limited to a physical place.

Think: what defines someone's presence? We often think that it is the possibility that this one is in the place doing something. But the truth is that when we do or say something that characterizes someone, it will make everyone remember Him (see 1Cor 11.24,25). In other words, the presence of Jesus is determined, first of all, by His character living in each person's life.

The brilliance of the New Jerusalem is the combination of the glory of the Creator with the unique ability to reflect the light of the New Jerusalem, showing exactly who the Creator is.

 

·       “And it had a great and high wall, with twelve gates. And on the gates were twelve angels, and having names inscribed, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel:” (Rev 21.12)

 

First of all, what would be the purpose of this wall after the millennium? None! After the millennium, this wall will not exist. The wall has four purposes:

 

·       Definition: make evident what is holy and what is profane;

·       Limitation: those inside are limited to the good that is inside. Such ones should not being able to go out to fool around on things that taint the soul and steal time;

·       Defense: protect those who are inside of any satanic onslaught of those who cannot or do not want to receive and practice everything that reveals Jesus (Acts 16:20-21).

·       Separation: those who are outside have to sanctify themselves in order to have access to those who are inside.

 

Physically the high wall will be for double security:

 

·       Although nations will no longer learn war (Isa 2.4; 4.3), remembrance of Gog and Magog's terrible attack on the unguarded cities (Ezek. 38.11) will mark the hearts of the Israelites for many, many years. In addition, an attack of this magnitude will be repeated after the millennium (Rev 20.7.8);

·       To prevent the Israelites from being seduced by other nations. After all, sin, although it is lessened, will not be extinguished. It is good to remember that the Antichrist's rebellion will be characterized by Israel's marriage to the world.

 

Furthermore, the wall serves to free the followers of the Lamb from the agony of being forced to contemplate evil (fulfilling the promise of Zephaniah 3.15 - you will see no more evil), whether it is the evil that works in the lives of people who are outside or the torment that fell on the “goats” of Matthew 25.41-46 (Isa 66.24).

That is, the wall represents the action of the Eternal preventing His Church and the Israelites from seeing evil (see Zephaniah 3.15). It is good to remember that no harm or damage will be done in all the holy Mount of the Eternal (Isa 65.20-25), nothing that contaminates or commits abomination and lies will enter it (Rev 21.27) and a pure language will be given to the peoples to that all may serve the Eternal with the same consensus (Zephaniah 3.9)

In addition, the Israelites will have the heavens opened (Jesus will be reigning in the New Jerusalem personally). However, all this does not mean that they will be immune to everything. To protect them, the Creator will cause the Israelites to be on Mount Zion surrounding the Church and the temple of Ezekiel (Zech 2.4). All will be turned to the group of saved ones reigning with Christ (Rev. 20.4) and serving in the temple (Rev. 7.15), as well as to the twenty-four elders judging, to wit: the twelve apostles, over Israel (Matt 19:28) and the other twelve elders judging the non-Jews.

The Church's presence in the millennium will show Jews in the flesh that the real tabernacle is not the temple of Ezekiel, but the Church of Christ. On the other hand, the Church may, through this, have the opportunity to have its doubts resolved, in addition to seeing confirmed the idea that there is no religious ritual, however perfect, that can transform someone's life.

Not to mention the promise to the victorious Church to rule the nations with an iron rod (Rev. 2:26,27) and sit on the throne to reign (Rev. 3:21). However, note that the Church will do this with Jesus or, if you prefer, Jesus will do everything. The Church, as well as all above quoted, will only serve as a testimony in His reign and judgment.

Let it be clear: although the angels are there to physically prevent the wicked from entering, first of all, they will serve as a reference for anyone thinking of entering the New Jerusalem. The idea is that the love and purity of the Eternal in their lives constrains anyone who comes to contaminate or commit abomination and lies (Rev. 21.27).

It is good to remember that there will be individuals in the millennium living in the flesh whose names will be written in the book of life and, thus, will enter the New Jerusalem to honor and glorify them with their lives on the occasion of the feast of tabernacles (Zech. 14:16-21).

However, despite the various opportunities that the inhabitants of Jerusalem will have to go to the New Jerusalem, the majority will still not convert to Jesus. They will prefer to stay out of it, restricting themselves only to celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles in the temple of Ezekiel.

These angels will also protect the Israelites who will be encamped around the New Jerusalem.

 

·       “And it had a great and high wall, with twelve gates. And on the gates were twelve angels, and having names inscribed, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel:” (Rev 21.12).

 

What is the purpose of the door? Certainly, it is not to allow those in New Jerusalem to leave (not that they cannot leave; the point is that they have no such interest). The brilliance of the Creator's glory (added to the jasper-like brilliance of the wall) in their lives encourages those inside to not want to leave. The only thing inside can see towards the door are the angels (and that is what they want to see), and they are not at the door to prevent those inside from leaving.

The door is to allow entry for those who wish to bring their honor to New Jerusalem (Rev. 21: 24-27; see Jer 15:19). They have to go from year to year to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles (Zech 14: 16-19) and to bring the glory and honor of the nations into it (Rev. 21: 24-27). However, despite the countless opportunities they will have to travel to New Jerusalem, they still do not change their minds. They prefer to stay out of it.

The names of the twelve tribes of Israel are written on the doors, which resembles the names of the twelve tribes of Israel written on the two onyx stones (Exodus 28.9) and on the twelve pectoral stones (Exodus 39.14) (contrast this with the names of blasphemy in the beast - Rev 17.3). This is due to the fact that what will allow non-Israelites to access the New Jerusalem is the fact that they will be coming in obedience to the commandment established by the Israelite worship of the Creator. It will be an opportunity for the nations to see Jesus “tabernacling” in this world.

The names of the apostles and tribes of Israel engraved on non-perishable material indicate that, in the millennium, the Israelites will serve the Creator with their rituals, but based on the doctrine of the apostles, from the point of view taught by them.

·       "From the east three gates, from the north three gates, from the south three gates, and from the west three gates." (Rev. 21.13).

 

Why three doors and not just one? It would be easier to maintain security.

Why three doors and not four, five, etc.? It would be easier for people to get in.

Indeed, for what wall, since the Creator has thousands of angels at His service who could together constitute a great and perfect wall? Not to mention that the Creator himself promised to be a wall of fire around Jerusalem (Zc 2.5).

 

There is something similar in Ezekiel's prophecy (Ephraim and Manasseh are not mentioned):

Ø  three doors to the north: the Reuben, Judah and Levi doors (Ezek 48.31);

Ø  three doors to the east: Joseph's, Benjamin's and Dan's (Ezek 48.32);

Ø  three doors to the south: the door of Simeon, the door of Issachar and the door of Zebulun (Ezek 48.33);

Ø  three doors to the west: the door of Gad, the door of Asher, and the door of Naphtali (Ezek 48.34).

 

In contrast, the arrangement in the book of Numbers is different (Joseph and Levi are not mentioned):

 

Ø  three tribes camped east of the tabernacle: Judah, Issachar and Zebulun (Num 2.3,5,7);

Ø  three tribes camped south of the tabernacle: Reuben, Simeon and Gad (Num 2.10,12,14);

Ø  three tribes camped west of the tabernacle: Ephraim, Manasseh and Benjamin (Num 2.18,20,22).

Ø  three tribes camped north of the tabernacle: Dan, Asher and Naphtali (Num 2.25,27,29);

 

However, these tribes camped around the tabernacle. Around them were the Levites:

 

Ø  Gerson's families camped west (behind) the tabernacle (Num 3.23).

Ø  Coate's families camped south of the tabernacle (Num 3.29);

Ø  Merari's families camped north of the tabernacle (Num 3.35);

Ø  The families of Moses and Aaron camped east (before) the tabernacle (Num 3.38);

 

The name of each tribe on a door points to the tribe of Israel who will be positioned in front of each door to receive non-Israelites who come to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. That is, one group will be administered by the tribe of Reuben, another group by the tribe Simeon, etc.

The doors were quoted clockwise and were perfectly square, with no slip. And Jerusalem will be known as "The Lord is there" (Eze 48.35 in comparison with Rev 21.3) because Jesus and His Church would be there.

 

·       "And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb." (Rev. 21.14).

 

The fact that each foundation is made of a precious stone also serves to show the manifold grace (1Peter 4.10) and wisdom (Eph 3.10) of the Creator. Just as each animal has a peculiarity impossible to be perfectly imitated by human wisdom and each precious stone reflects the light in a unique way, each individual has something unique to reveal about the Creator (Ps 25.14).

In the past, it was customary for building owners to demand that their names were engraved on the building's foundations for their memory. Although the apostles are not the owners of the New Jerusalem, their names are on the grounds because they were used by the Lamb to lay the groundwork for true faith.

Such as when artists make a work of art, they put their names on painting or sculpture, here the individuals who will support others (like the apostles) will receive what they identified: their names, namely, the name that Christ gave them and that manifested to everybody their character and ministry.

 

ORIGINAL NAME OF THE APOSTLE (Matt 10.2-4; Mk 3.16-19; Lk 6.14-16)	NAME GIVEN BY CHRIST
Simon	Peter
Andrew
James	Boanerges
John	Boanerges
Philip
Nathanael	Bartholomew
Thomas	Twin
Levi	Mateus
Jeames (son of Alpheus)
Lebbeus (Judas)	Thaddeus
Simon	Zealot
Judas Iscariot

 

In the twelfth groundwork is the name of Judas, especially because Paul considers himself a traitor to Christ (1 Tim. 1:15) before his conversion (1 Cor. 15: 9). In addition, Jesus said that His twelve apostles (including Judas Iscariot) will sit on twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel (Matt 19:28). Furthermore, Peter, when he proposed the idea of ​​someone taking the place of Judas Iscariot, he quoted a prophecy from the book of Psalms "Let another take his overseership." (Acts 1.20). Therefore, the position belongs to Judas, although it was later occupied by Paul.

Just as the number of the tribes of Israel can be considered 14 (plus Ephraim and Manasseh), so also the number of the apostles (plus Matthias and Paul).

 

·       “And he who talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city and its gates and its wall.”. (Rev. 21.15).

 

In Revelation 11.2 the outer court was not measured because it was given to pagans. Therefore, when measuring the whole city here, it is implied that the whole city is consecrated. For a city of gold, nothing is more appropriate than using a gold rod to measure.

But if, on the one hand, in earthly Jerusalem, only the sanctuary is measured (not even the outer atrium of the temple is taken into account), in the New Jerusalem all of it is measured, even in the smallest things, which shows the care of the Creator.

Who measures here is not a man, nor John (as in Rev 11.1), but an angel, the same one who showed to John the New Jerusalem.

Realize that, although the doors should be measured, the measure of them is not included. Perhaps because the measure of them is according to the physique of the one who was going to enter, so that it would not be too loose for some and too tight for others.

 

·       “And the city lies four-square, and the length is as large as the breadth. And he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand stadia. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.” (Rev 21.16)

 

The wealth of the New Jerusalem is prophesied in (Isa 54:12). The great size of the city shows that the people, in addition to being numerous, will be perfectly united in one place. It is big enough to fit all the people in the world (meaning there is room for everyone, although most will not want it). Its measure denotes a large and complete number:

 

·       1 cubit = 45 cm.

·       1 stadium = 400 cubits.

·       Each side of the city with 1000 stadiums = 400,000 cubits = 18,000,000 cm = 180,000 m = 180 km.

 

The perfect number resembles the Most Holy place.

People will be amazed at the size of Greater Babylon, but it is nothing compared to the size of New Jerusalem.

New Jerusalem will be located on a high mountain, where no harm will be done (Isaiah 11: 9). The glory of the Creator will illuminate the interior of the entire city, but the high wall is also meant to conserve all this light only inside the city. The Israelites will set up camp outside the city, surrounding it (see Rev 20.9).

The city is not planned according to man, nor built on the basis of the mere gathering of individuals close to each other, but planned by the Creator on the basis of the characteristics of His love (Eph. 3:18). It is also not limited by something physical (hills, rivers or ravines).

The city had equal length, width and height, each measuring a thousand stadiums (consider that twelve thousand stadiums correspond to the city, and not just one side of the city). Considering the perfect symmetry of the city, it is very likely that the distance between the beginning of the wall and the nearest door, as well as the distance between the doors is two hundred and fifty stadiums.

 

·       "And he measured its wall, a hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel." (Rev 21.17)

 

Measurement is a protection symbol.

The fact that the measure of man is equal to that of the angel means that, now, the human being will no longer judge by the sight of his eyes, by appearance, but by right justice (John 7.24). This also means that the angel did not use a measurement outside of human standards.

Its wall was one hundred and forty-four cubits and was made of jasper (Rev. 21.18).

Let us think: what is this measure about? It is certainly not the length, since it must be at least the length of the city. Otherwise, there is no point in talking about a wall. Was it the height? If so, then most of the city will be above the wall.

Therefore, the measurement of 144 cubits is relative to the thickness of the wall. Considering that the door is narrow and the path is tight (Matt 7.13,14), it is very likely that the opening of the door is exactly the width and height of the individual who will enter, and this with the whole body lying on the ground (without slack). This serves to deprive the insiders of seeing the evil that is on the outside and to discourage anyone thinking of leaving, as well as filling anyone with fear of entering with malicious intent. And the angel before the door accentuates this. Notice how the angels stand outside the Church to guard it, just as cherubs were placed to the east of the Garden of Eden to guard it (Gen. 3:24).

For outsiders, you can only see a sample of everything inside and what will have to be renounced in order to enter life.

Note that New Jerusalem measurements are expressed in multiples of 12. When measuring any construction, the instrument to be used in Holy Scripture was the measuring rod (see Ezek 40.3; Zech 2.1; Rev. 11.1). And the fact of being an angel to measure implies perfection of measure. It is good to remember that the measure of the human being is never able to accurately match the measure of the Eternal.

But, if so, how can the measure of man be that of an angel? What happens is that, in the New Jerusalem, people will be like angels (Matt 22:30) and will measure things, not according to what they see or feel, but according to the guidance of the Eternal. Trying to measure the things of the Eternal with carnal methods will never be perfect.

 

·       “And the foundation of its wall was jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass.” (Rev. 21.18).

 

The city of gold implies beauty and wealth far greater than anything in this world.

Here, it is impossible to have gold and transparency like glass at the same time. Even if this were possible, it could not be used in construction. Excellencies will be combined in the New Jerusalem, which are now incompatible.

The city was built on the rock, which is Jesus Himself (1Cor 10.4). The foundation of the apostles and prophets is the Word of the Creator (1Cor 3.11; Luke 6.47, 48) and Christ's life is the cornerstone (Eph. 2.20). The Church is a pillar and stronghold (truth) of the truth (1Tim. 3:15). Therefore, the Church constitutes the pillars of the New Jerusalem (Rev 3.12) and the truth, the golden bricks that make up the buildings (see Prov 2.3-5; 3.13-15; 23.23)

The wall, like the rest of the city, is constructed of pure gold. However, each foundation is made of jasper, decorated with precious stones. After all, since each gemstone has a different degree of hardness, it is not convenient for the material of each foundation to be different. Each part of the wall would be supported differently.

In addition, the Holy Scripture is clear in saying that there is only one foundation: Christ (1Co 3.11).

 

·        "In that day this song shall be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; He sets up salvation as our walls and banks. " (Isaiah 26: 1).

 

·       “And the foundations of the wall of the city had been adorned with every precious stone. The first foundation, jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprasus; the eleventh, hyacinth; the twelfth, amethyst. ” (Rev 21.19,20).

 

We would certainly like to efface some colors, for example the red color that represents pain, suffering, tears. However, the result would be miserably disappointing, as the royal purple color is composed of blue and red, the golden color has red at its base and the perfect white light requires all colors (even the darkest ones) to be complete. You cannot reach the jasper superstructure without going through the ordeal with patience and perseverance.

This city has depth: the foundation of the apostles.

The children of this world blindly err on the assumption that the redeeming city is a narrow enclosure which hides and separates them from the wide variety they imagine to exist in the world. However, each foundation was made of jasper and adorned with a type of precious stone (Rev 21.14,18-20), something already prophesied by Isaiah (Isaiah 54.11,12):

 

·        “Afflicted one, storm-tossed and not comforted, behold, I will lay your stones among antimony, and lay your foundations with sapphires. And I will make your battlements of ruby, and your gates of carbuncles, and all your borders of pleasant stones.” (Isaiah 54.11,12).

 

They resemble the stones of the high priest's breastplate (Exodus 28.17-20; 39.10; Ezek 28.13; Isaiah 54.11), in which were the names of the twelve tribes of Israel (Exodus 39.10-14):

 

·        “And Moses' father-in-law said to him, The thing that you do is not good. You will surely wear away, both you and this people that is with you. For this thing is too heavy for you; you are not able to perform it alone. Listen now to my voice; I will give you counsel, and God will be with you. You be for the people toward God, that you may bring the causes to God. And you shall teach them ordinances and laws, and shall make them know the way in which they must walk, and the work that they must do. And you shall look out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating unjust gain. And place such over them to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.” (Exodus 28:17-21).

 

And each gemstone has its characteristic. Let's look at each of them:

 

·       jasper ->it was probably diamond (see Rev 4: 3) and represents Christ. It is mentioned in connection with the city light (Rev 21.11) and the material composing the wall (Rev 21.18). It is related to the tribe of Benjamin;

·       sapphire ->Transparent variety of high-value corundum, sky blue (Exodus 24.10) (probably lapis lazuli), containing small amounts of cobalt, chromium and titanium oxides; it is very precious (Job 28.16). It represents calm and peace, which comes from resting in Christ and a sense of forgiveness. It is related to the tribe of Issachar;

·       chalcedony -> Chalcedony it is white, but contains a mixture of other colors. It represents the purity of the fervent young disciple of Christ: not perfect and not free in selfishness. It is related to the Levi tribe;

·       emerald ->Transparent gemstone of bright green color, which represents the disciple's hope to continue in the faith despite all his difficulties. It is related to the tribe of Judah;

·       sardonic ->reminiscent of a mixture of sardium (red) with onyx (white) (as a white surface on a dark floor). It is a kind of onyx, highly valued because it is possible to record images on it. This reminds us when the fervor of first love is gone and the time of temptation has arrived, which induces many to cool off in faith and even think of retreating (Heb 10.38,39). The dark background resembles the old nature, which, estimated dead, reappears. It is related to the tribe of Joseph;

·       sardium ->it has the color of blood, symbolizes suffering, patience and death in the face of trials, which resembles Christ (and the One who was seated was, in appearance, similar to the jasper and sardonic stone - Rev 4.3). This reminds us suffering, which is used by Christ to correct our impurities. When the fervor of faith and the brilliance of love diminishes, then the dark spirit of this world reappears under the white profession of faith in Christ. At this time, it is time to taste the cup of Christ's martyrdom (Mk 10.39), return to be a companion in His sufferings (2Cor 1.5; Col 1.24; 1Peter 4.3) and live in conformity with His death (Gal 6.14,17). It is related to the tribe of Reuben;

·       chrysolite ->is a radiant golden yellow gemstone, showing what the follower of Christ looks like after the baptism of fire (refined and glorious as gold - 1Peter 1.6,7). It is related to the tribe of Asher;

·       beryl ->another shade of blue, representing heavenly calm, but it is richer, deeper and clearer blue than sapphire because this second peace (from baptism with Christ in His sufferings) is deeper and more lasting. It is related to the tribe of Dan;

·       topaz ->Topaz is green mixed with yellow. It is an exquisite mixture of the joy achieved with the joy expected. It is related to the tribe of Simeon;

·       chrysoprase ->it's a mix of gold and blue. The riches of the Creator's love and grace and the peace that surpasses all understanding are most pure, deep and refined. It is related to the tribe of Naphtali;

·       hyacinth ->it is the darkest purple, an emblem of victory and triumph. It is related to the tribe of Zebulon;

·       amethyst -> gemological variety of quartz, colored blue-purple (lighter purple). It is related to the tribe of Gad.

 

Anyway, there are two types of precious stones:

 

·       The stone that is precious for being ornamental;

·       The stone that is precious because of its enormous utility.

 

In summary, the colors of the precious stones are: bluish (sapphire, hyacinth, amethyst), greenish (jasper, chalcedony, emerald, beryl, topaz, chrysoprase, reddish (sardonic, sardium) and yellowish (chrysolite)

But after the Amethyst comes jasper, which is the symbol of Christ. Everything starts in Christ and ends in Him.

The great men of the Eternal were waiting for this city that has foundations (Heb 11.10). Considering the symmetry of the city, each door was situated between two foundations. Therefore, the individual was obliged to enter or leave the city creeping or crawling (humiliating himself), always bearing in mind the truth (contained in the wall and on the ground) and at least two of the foundations of faith with Christ.

 

•       “And the twelve gates were twelve pearls. Respectively, each one of the gates was one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, as transparent glass.” (Rev 21.21).

 

The pearl is the most common of the jewels (Matt 7.6; 13.46; 1Tim 2.9). She is formed from the fight of the oyster to defend itself from an antigen.

The door was narrow in width and tight in height (Matt 7.13,14), so that, in order to pass, the individual had to enter this mini-tunnel crawling and without taking anything with him, whether from outside to inside (so as not to contaminate the holy city), or from inside to outside (not to sanctify the profane - see Ezek 44.19; analyze Lev 16.23,24). This tunnel will be of 144 cubits.

What differentiates one door from another is where the individual will enter New Jerusalem. Considering the enormous dimensions of the city, this makes a huge difference. However, this does not change the fact that the way to enter is the same (being chaste and following the Lamb wherever He goes - see Jer 2.2; Rev. 14.1-4).

One may ask: but why does the Eternal's path have to be so difficult? It is only difficult for those who are anxious and full of desires. Such people want to run after riches that encourage everyone to be committed to them, when they themselves have no interest in making a commitment to others. When the individual yearns to achieve things, any obstacle (including the own limitations) is a torment. It is good to remember that the Church is not made up of the will of the flesh, blood, or any man (John 1:12,13), but only of receiving Jesus.

Jesus is this living door (John 10.9), the prophetic word (John 1.1) that we must observe while we are in the dark tunnel of the Creator's lack of knowledge (2Peter 1.19). It is composed of a group of people who are so united, as if they were one man (see Joshua 6.16; Judges 20.1,8,11; 1Sam 11.7; 2Sam 19.14; Ezrae 3.1,9; 6.20; Nehemiah 8.1): it is goodness and mercy that spring from the truth (the wall is truth and the door, kindness and mercy).

However, for those who see true wealth, crawling on the gemstone foundation will not be a torment, but an opportunity to see:

 

·       the beauty of Christ within those who make up the floor, whose faith serves as support for those who walk, as well as to clean the feet and hands of those who enter. It is also an opportunity to see the goodness and mercy (see Ps 23.6) that are open to those who accept the Truth;

·       themselves, as well as the Eternal's love for themselves, through the light of the Eternal reflected in these tunnels (Phil 2: 14,15);

·       the foundation of Holy Scripture.

 

It is a moment of learning, growth, and knowledge of the main facet of the Eternal's love. For those inside, the idea is that, if someone thinks about deviating from the faith, they can have enough time to contemplate the reflection of what the Eternal has already started to do in their life, as well as another reference of goodness and mercy of the Eternal that they are despising and, thus, have time to repent, convert and return to the New Jerusalem. For outsiders, the idea is that all of this encourages the individual to want to be accepted permanently within.

The question comes: how can someone, when they regret thinking about diverting, manage to return to the city, since the road is tight and the door is narrow? Note that the conversion is not related to a change of direction, but of a view. Instead of looking ahead, he must remain looking at the walls of the tunnel and contemplating its beauty.

If the individual is entering New Jerusalem and look ahead, they will see the city. If they are leaving it looking ahead, they will see the world. Both hypotheses are bad. The individual must remain looking at the love that holds the tunnel stones together, and not at what they can gain by willingly to serve Christ (in front of whoever enters), let alone what the world can apparently offer to the flesh (in front of those who leave).

As for the “golden street”, it is good to remember that in other transations “gold square” appears. Considering that the whole city is made of gold and that there are probably several streets, the most reasonable is that the best translation is “gold square”.

But if the whole city is made of gold, why stress that the square is made of gold? Probably to inform that there will be a square and that it is in harmony with the rest of the city.

 

·       "And I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty is its temple, even the Lamb." (Rev 21.22).

 

In the millennium, there will be the temple of Ezekiel. John did not see him because the object of all worship (the Creator) and the great sacrifice (the Lamb) will be there, overshadowing all the beauty and significance of the temple. In addition, the temple will be around the New Jerusalem.

The sacrifices offered there will only be to confirm that the problem with their ineffectiveness (Heb 7:11,18) was not due to the imperfection of the Levites and priests of the Testament of the Law, but rather to the sacrifices themselves that were unable to touch the soul and the spirit of the worshiper.

The light of the New Jerusalem:

 

I.      It is peculiar;

II.    It is immutable;

III.   It's festive;

IV.    Fills the entire place;

V.      It is the light of love.

 

In this world, Ha-Satan is the prince because the worldly ones serve him thinking about the things of the world; and he is the god of this century because the worldly worship him based on the concepts, values ​​and desires of this century.

However, from the millennium on, the whole earth will be filled with the glory of the Lord (Isaiah 9.11; Habakkuk 2.14) and, then, it will be us who will physically dwell in the Eternal, that is, we will have uninterrupted, immediate and direct communion with Him. Jesus mentioned this (John 4: 21-24). Nevertheless until this day many have failed to figure out the message.

Here we are the Creator's sanctuary (1Cor 3.16; 6.19; 2Cor 6.16). In the millennium the Creator and the Lamb will be the sanctuary. In eternity I believe it will be both.

 

·       “And the city had no need of the sun, nor of the moon, that they might shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it, and its lamp is the Lamb.” (Rev 21.23).

 

Ancient Jerusalem sometimes received the glory of the Creator. The New Jerusalem has the Creator in His glory.

Only in Jerusalem there will be no day and night because the sun and moon will be ashamed of the glory of Christ:

 

·       "Then the moon shall blush, and the sun shall be ashamed, when Jehovah of Hosts shall reign in Mount Zion, in Jerusalem, and gloriously before His elders." (Isaiah 24.23).

 

The presence of the Eternal Himself in the New Jerusalem makes it independent of the entire creation of the Creator (see John 17: 2; Eph. 1:21-23, where everything is being placed under the feet of the Church). For example, it does not depend on sunlight, moon and stars (see Isa 24.23; Isa 1.60.19,20; Rev 21.11; 22.5).

The glory of the Creator illuminates as if it were the sun (widely), only with more intensity and 24 hours a day; the Lamb illuminates as a lamp (locally), only 24 hours a day. The golden candlestick in the tabernacle is a sample of this.

 

·       "And the nations of those who are saved will walk in the light of it; and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it." (Rev 21.24).

 

The nations of the millennium will walk by the meaning of the light of the Eternal that leaves Jerusalem (see Isaiah 2.2). The kings of the earth who once valued the glory and honor of the nations (Isaiah 60: 3,5,11), in the millennium will place them at the feet of Jesus in order to prevent someone from growing too much to despise the neighbor. The wealth of the nations will no longer be of value, for in addition to the New Jerusalem being all made of precious stones, no one there will be corrupted because of it.

But, what is this glory to be brought? These are also the Israelites who are still scattered around the world (Isa 60.9; 66.20). In the millennium, the Israelites who are in the flesh do not enter the New Jerusalem. In New Jerusalem in particular, only glorified saints will be found. Many Israelites will live on Mount Zion, where it will do no harm or damage (Isa 11.9; 65.25).

Others, however, will spread throughout the land and will only go there to praise the Creator periodically. Hence they are carried on their shoulders or on animals to her (see Isa 19:23-25; Zech 8:23; some Israelites will only go up encouraged by the Gentiles).

But then, why do kings bring glory and honor to the nations, if New Jerusalem does not need any of this? What is this glory to be brought?

What happens is that the kings will finally realize that all this takes place in their lives. This will lead them to consider everything as refuse in order to be able to walk in the light of Christ (Isa 2.2; Phil 3.8).

It is no wonder that the glory of the New Jerusalem is indescribable. The glory of the Eternal alone is more than enough (Rev 21.11), since He is indescribable (Rev 4.3). Added to this, we have the nations bringing their glory and honor to it.

In the millennium, the New Jerusalem will reign over the Israelites on Mount Zion, and over other peoples throughout all nations. As for hierarchies, the objective is simply to coordinate things, so that those who have more to offer are placed in a position that gives them better conditions to serve.

 

·       “And its gates may not be shut at all by day, for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honor of the nations into it.” (Rev 21.25,26).

 

New Jerusalem will be an imperial city that receives tribute from other nations (Isa 45.14; 49.23; Isa 60.10-11). Your doors will not close:

 

·       “Therefore your gates will always be open; they will not be shut day nor night, to bring to you the wealth of the nations, and their kings may be led.” (Isa 60.11).

 

All this splendor and wealth had already been promised by the Creator (Isa 54.11,12).

In the millennium, nations will walk according to the light of the New Jerusalem, namely, Christ (John 8.12; 9.5). And since it never runs out (Isa 60.11.20; Rev 22.5), there will be a continuous free entrance to it to all who wish. There is no day or hour. There will always be someone ready to receive all worldliness from the hands of the faithful (Rev. 21.26), just as today we can reach the presence of the Eternal at any time and place. Only we can deprive ourselves of the Creator's grace (see John 6.37; Heb 12.15; Rev. 22.17).

While the Great Babylon will have to prostitute to achieve this "glory" and "honor" (and this without being able to retain it), New Jerusalem will achieve it with purity and holiness in Christ for all eternity.

New Jerusalem’s night features:

 

      i.    There is no natural light;

     ii.    There is no night of sin;

   iii.    There is no night of suffering;

     iv.    There is no night of ignorance;

      v.    There is no night of illness;

     vi.    There is no night of mysterious measures;

   vii.    There is no night of hindered prayers;

  viii.    There is no night of separation;

     ix.    There is no night of temptation;

      x.    There is no night of death;

     xi.    There is no night of bad changes;

   xii.    There is no boredom night;

  xiii.    There is no night to hide the beauty of Christ in the world (Rom. 1:20);

   xiv.    There is no night with overcast or waning light.

 

The question comes: how will the inhabitants of New Jerusalem count days, months and years if sunlight and moon make no difference in New Jerusalem?

 

·       “And there shall in no way enter into it anything that defiles, or any making an abomination or a lie; but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life.” (Rev. 21.27).

In New Jerusalem there is no contamination from the Great Babylon (Rev. 17: 4, 5). Only those who are in the book of life will come in (Rev 3.5; Rev 13.8; Rev 17.8; Rev 20.12,15).

The blessings of the New Jerusalem:

 

·       There is no more curse;

·       The throne of the Creator and the Lamb will be there;

·       The Creator's desire and His perfect authority will be confessed, being a great cause for joy;

·       Your servants will serve Him with peace, liveliness, promptness and delight effectively. No one will do a job poorly, with ill will, let alone with impure motives.

·       Everyone will see the face of the Creator. It will be full intimacy, fraught with joy;

·       Everyone will have on their foreheads a confirmation that they belong to the Creator;

·       There will be no kind of night;

·       They will reign with Christ forever.

·       Everything there is pure (see 2Peter 3.13).

 

Features of the book of life:

 

1.  It is the Lamb's book of life, Who is the author of life, the head of the Church, the final judge;

2.  The book of life was written by Christ and talks about His life

3.  The names written are of all sinners who have repented of all ages, countries, dispensations and conditions;

4.  The rewards shown there are: honor and divine wealth, heavenly glory, as well as all kinds of good;

5.  Its content must produce: unspeakable joy, complete trust, holy care, fidelity and persevering obedience.

6.  No minister, sacrament or sacred service can make someone's name written on it. Nobody is written either because of their family and birthright.

 

How many individuals would like to have their names and even their life recorded in a book or dvd, so that their influence can continue after their death ...

Many see Holy Scripture with the eyes of the world, assuming that "not entering" means that they will be barred, prevented from entering by the angels who are at each door. While this is also true, the point is that many will not want to enter because of their attachment to the things of the world. They cannot stand so much purity and holiness.

The rulers come to New Jerusalem with all the honor and glory of the nations (which are folly in the eyes of the Eternal - 1Cor 3: 18-20) in order to give those born in the millennium the privilege of growing up in a world of social equality. However, this glory and honor does not enter the New Jerusalem to be part of it, but to be annihilated. The idea is that, seeing the beauty of the New Jerusalem, the glow of this world is extinguished before them.

After all, the New Jerusalem will not need more glory than it already has, since the Eternal is her glory. In other words, kings will renounce the glory (that which identifies the nations) and honor (all the possibility that the nations have of generating followers that will carry on their customs) of the nations so that they will be able to be identified by what the Eternal is and then, to propagate it.

But after all, what would be an impure thing?

It is not a matter of mere dirt (like fine dust in the air), but something that corrupts the character of individuals. Nothing unclean enters the city because it can corrupt the Israelites who are there. Here you can understand why things brought by the kings of the earth will not become part of the New Jerusalem.

Neither will enter the New Jerusalem who practise:

 

·       Abomination -> Who sows strife between brothers (Prov 6.19), that is, who stimulates one to want to be greater than the other, to stand out over this one.

·       Lie -> Who distorts or modifies the truth.

 

Note that it is not written "tell the lie", but "make a lie". This resembles the verse below:

 

·       “And none thinks within his heart, nor is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread on the coals of it; I have roasted flesh and eaten; and shall I make the rest of it an abomination? Shall I fall down to the stock of a tree? He feeds on ashes; a deceived heart has turned him aside, so that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?” (Isaiah 44.19.20).

 

·       “And he showed me a pure river of Water of Life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.” (Rev 22.1).

 

In some places in Holy Scripture we have a special river being prophesied in the Old Testament (Isa 33:21; 35: 6, 7; Joel 3:18; Eze 47: 1-12; Zech 14: 8).

·       In Genesis, the river left Eden to water the garden, dividing after it into four arms (Gen. 2: 10-14) to sate common trees and man;

Ø  “And a river went out of Eden to water the garden. And from there it was divided and became four heads.” (Gen. 2.10).

·       In the book of Ezekiel, the river left the temple (Ezek 47.1) to make the waters healthy;

Ø  “And he led me again to the door of the house. And behold, water came out from under the threshold of the house eastward. For the front of the house is east, and the water came down from under the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar.” (Ezek 47.1).

Ø  “And he said to me, these waters go out toward the eastern circuit, and go down into the Arabah, and go into the sea. They are brought out into the sea, and the waters shall be healed.” (Ezek 47.8).

·       In the book of Zechariah, living waters came out of Jerusalem (Zech 14: 8);

·       In the Testament of the Law, the prophets used the river to symbolize wealth, provision and peace (Isaiah 48.18; Zech 14.8; Eze 47.1-9):

Ø  “There is a river, its channels gladden the city of God glad, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God shall help her at the turning of the morning.” (Ps 46.4.5).

·       Here, however, the river leaves the throne of the Eternal and the Lamb. This river comes straight from the Eternal's throne to water the tree of life, so that it could bear its fruit from month to month.

Ø  “And he showed me a pure river of Water of Life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of its street, and of the river, from here and from there, was the Tree of Life, which bore twelve fruits, each yielding its fruit according to one month. And the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” (Rev 22.1,2).

 

Ezekiel and Zechariah refer to Jerusalem of the millennium, when there will be a river coming out of the temple of Jerusalem, on which is the throne of the Creator and the Lamb, which will purify all waters (Ezek 47.8-10). This is the physical river that cheers the city of the Creator (Ps 46.7).

However, the only river capable of cheering the city of the Eternal (Ps 46.4) is the River of Life (Jn 7.37-39). The Living Water is promised in Revelation three times (Rev 7.17; 21.6; 22.17), as a fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy (Isaiah 44.3).

The river of life is much more excellent, feeding the individual from the inside out (John 4.10,14; 7.37-39), being resplendent as crystal. It was obviously stain-free. If, on the one hand, in Rev 4.6 there is a sea of ​​crystal-like glass before the throne, here we have the River of Life resplendent as a crystal coming out of the throne of the Eternal and the Lamb.

Physically, the river of life is characterized by:

 

Its source: heavenly;

Its properties:

o   It's purifying: It purifies wherever it goes (Ezek 47.8-10);

o   It's a river of power (it comes from the throne of the Creator who is in His temple - see Ezek 47.1): Whoever drinks from it or passes by it lives again;

o   It is beautifying and fruiting: (Isaiah 35.1,6.7; Isaiah 58.11);

Your progress: leaves for the eastern region, and goes down to the desert and enters the sea (Ezek 47.8). In other words, it is not a source of stagnant water or a brook of wild water, but a deep river, with a large volume of water and continuous movement.

Its durability: its waters will always be flowing without ever being extinguished;

Its appearance: crystal clear (Rev 22.1).

 

• “In the midst of its street, and of the river, from here and from there, was the Tree of Life, which bore twelve fruits, each yielding its fruit according to one month. And the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” (Rev 22.2).

 

In the days of Holy Scripture, trees (in particular, oak) played an important role. For example:

 

·       In Genesis 3:24, cherubs were placed to the east of Eden to guard the garden and a fiery sword guarded the path of the tree of life;

·       The Creator manifested Himself to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3.2);

·       Jacob, willing to serve the Creator with all his heart, collected all the idols and hid them under an oak tree that was in Shechem (Genesis 35.4);

·       When Deborah, Rebecca's nurse, died, she was buried at the foot of Bethel, under the oak tree whose name she called Oak of Weeping (Genesis 35.8);

·       Joshua wrote the words of the Israelites in the book of the law of the Creator; and he took a great stone, and erected it there under the oak that was next to the sanctuary of the LORD (Joshua 24.26);

·       An oak was used to mark the boundaries (Genesis 12.6; Judges 4.11; Judges 9.37; 1 Samuel 10.3; 1 Samuel 17.2.19; 21.9; 1 Kings 13.14);

·       Deborah prophesied under a palm tree (Judges 4.5);

·       The angel of the LORD came and sat under the oak tree in Ophrah when he went to summon Gideon to war (Judges 6.11,19);

·       Abimelech was made king by an oak tree (Judges 9.6);

·       The Creator used the mulberry trees to signal to David the time to attack the Philistine camp (2Samuel 5.23.24);

·       Absalom was trapped in the branches of a large oak tree (2Samuel 18.9,10,14);

·       Saul and his sons were buried under an oak (1 Chronicles 10:12);

·       It was under shady trees that the people prostituted themselves spiritually (Isaiah 1.29; 2.13; Ezekiel 6.13; Hosea 4.13);

·       Idols were often made of wood (Isaiah 44.14);

·       Trees were used as a symbol of Israel and the Church (Isaiah 1.30; 6.13) and even enemies (Amos 2.9);

 

Features of the Tree of Life:

 

·       Its root is centralized - it is in the middle of the square;

It is vital - it is the origin, the end (Rom 14.7.8) and the source of our physical and spiritual life;

·       It is wonderfully fruitful;

·       It suits each season perfectly;

·       Heals universally;

·       Its fruits are pleasant (Song 2.3);

·       Its fruits are profitable and gladden the heart of those who eat them (Judges 9.13);

 

What will this Tree of Life provide individuals?

 

·       What is perpetuated is not the natural life of the body, for it had many other trees in Eden and the body remained alive after being deprived of the Tree of Life. Furthermore, if the Creator wanted, He could take the life of Adam, since Jesus is the Life (John 11.25; 14.6);

·       What is continued is not spiritual life because this means much more than immortality. Furthermore, if the Eternal wants someone not to have fellowship with Him, it is enough for Him to be silent.

·       So this is referring to the soul and the ability to stay young. Without the Tree of Life, man began to have to eat the sweat on his face (Gen. 3:17), that is, he became subject to fatigue and old age.

 

The disease of nations:

 

·       It is universal;

·       It is very ingrained. It is not a superficial or accidental disease, but a constitutional disease;

·       It makes the individual unpleasant to the Creator;

·       It is the source of all people's misery and curse.

 

Here the Tree of Life bears fruit, not just once a year, but all year round; not just one type of fruit, but twelve. So all tastes can be satisfied, having nothing useless about it or which tends to decay.

The leaves are something that the tree produces naturally (by itself). The fruit, on the other hand, depends on fertilization. Fertilization generates the seed of life and the fruit to protect and nourish this seed. If the branch does not bear fruit, it is because fertilization does not occur:

 

·       or it has no flower;

·       or its pollen is infertile;

·       or its pollen is attached to the flower and it is impossible to be carried by the wind or an insect.

 

Although the leaf is extremely important to the tree, the fruit is the confirmation that the branch remains mature and living in love and truth.

This is why the branch that does not bear fruit is cut and thrown away (John 15.2). It symbolizes the birth of a child (seed), where the fruit of the Holy Spirit is the food that protects this child, which later will serve as food for many lives, that is:

 

·       to feed the body;

·       to feed the mind with knowledge and wisdom;

·       to feed the feeling with comfort, hope, happiness, etc.

·       to feed the spirit with the presence of the Holy Spirit.

 

The square is in the middle of the city and the Tree of Life, in the middle of the square (Rev 2.7 - the Tree of Life will be in the middle of the paradise of the Eternal, just as in Genesis 2 it was in the middle of the Garden of Eden - Gen 2.9).

The question comes: are the leaves of the Tree of Life for the healing or health of nations? There is a version that says "cure" and others, "health". In other words, are the leaves of the Tree of Life to remedy an evil or to preserve what is good?

 

·       “Now if we have already died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him; knowing that since Christ was raised from the dead, he no longer dies; death no longer has dominion over hiam.” (Rom 6.8.9)

·       “But those who are deemed worthy of reaching the world to come, and the resurrection from the dead, will neither marry nor be given in marriage; because they can no longer die; for they are like angels, and they are children of God, being children of the resurrection. ” (Lk 20.36).

 

Considering that the fruits of the Tree of Life are to keep the individual alive (Gen. 3.22) and that, as seen above, whoever is resurrected no longer dies, therefore this tree only serves in the millennium, to grant longevity to Israelites and non-Israelites and to provide healing to non-Israelites (see Ezek 47.12). Since there will be no harm or damage in the entire holy mountain of the Creator, the Israelites, in the millennium, will not be sick (Isaiah 11.9).

Unlike those who advocate that Adam and Eve did not eat from the Tree of Life (based on Gen 3.22), if eating only once was enough, then there was no need for the Tree of Life to be producing fruit forever. The man would be immortal, independent of it. As we well know, in all eternity, we will depend on Jesus (the Tree of Life). There is no real blessing that comes to us outside the communion square.

Therefore, Adam and Eve ate from the Tree of Life. In addition, remember that all those who lived before the flood came to live almost a thousand years. It is very likely that this was a consequence of Adam and Eve eating from the Tree of Life. Its effect could be seen for several generations, gradually decreasing until nothing remains.

 

• “And every curse will no longer be; but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His servants will serve Him.  And they will see His face, and His name will be in their foreheads.” (Rev 22.3,4).

 

There will be no more the curse of sin that took place in (Gen. 3.17, 22-24), the so-called Adamic curse. Although the curse entered this world through the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (Deut 11.26; 30.19), it became active from the moment that Adam tasted it. From then on, Adam was expelled from paradise and prevented from returning by means of cherubs and a fiery sword that guarded the path of the tree of life (Gen. 1:24), being condemned to an exhausting and unprofitable work wherein all is lost with time. Not to mention that he would return to dust (Gen. 3:19).

However, this curse is not an essentially bad thing. Imagine that human beings can live forever as a walking curse (Gen. 3.17). Imagine being eternal, leaving a curse trail wherever they go.

Fortunately, Jesus rescued those who believe in Him from the curse of the law of the “will” (Gal 3: 10,13), so that they no longer need to die to end their curse walk. Now, all they have to do is die for themselves (Matt 11.28.29; Rom 6.1-4; Gal 2.20; Col 3.3) and their curse walk will end (they will pass from death to life - John 5.24; 1 John 3.14).

Glories to the Eternal who puts an end to the curse because of Himself (Isaiah 43.24.25), because He cannot endure iniquity, nor contemplate evil (Habakkuk 1.13).

The Bride of Christ is characterized by continuous communion with the Eternal, as in a marriage, where the goal is perfect unity with the Holy Spirit (John 17.11,21-23; 1Cor 6.17).

Of course, in such circumstances, there is no place for a curse, since who is able to wish or do something bad, being guided individually by the Holy Spirit, seeing, feeling and understanding things in the right way?

However, the blessing in the millennium is so wonderful that, even for physical Jerusalem, there will be no physical curse because she will live safely (Zech 14.11). Notice how the safety of the Eternal (corroborated by the fact that He is there - Eze 48.35) is indispensable for the end of the curse. And all creation waits for this day (Rom 8.20,21).

The most anticipated promise for those who love the Creator is to be able to see Him face to face. See some of these verses:

 

• "As for me, I will behold Your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with Your image." (Ps. 17:15).
• "and even after they corrupt my skin, yet this: in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not a stranger's; though my heart be exhausted in my bosom." (Job. 19:26, 27).
• " Blessed are the pure in heart! For they shall see God." (Matt. 5: 8).
• For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face." (1 Cor. 13:12).
• "... We will see him as he is" (1 John 3: 2).

 

Here the narrative moves on to the future tense. The presence of the throne of the Creator and the Lamb is a consequence of the absence of any source of curse (Joshua 7: 12,13), including that of Genesis 3:16-19:

 

·       Pain when giving birth;

·       Fight between the sexes;

·       The need for hard and futile work to support man;

·       Death.

 

Let's analyze each of the characteristics:

 

• The name of the Creator and the Lamb will be on the forehead of the believer -> In Rev 7.3; 14.1, only 144,000 receive the seal containing the name of the Creator and the Lamb on their foreheads. However, here everyone who believes is seen with this seal. Therefore, these 144,000 are a sample of what will be given to all who believe. And the fact that the Church is marked with the name of the Creator is a confirmation of its affiliation, before all the celestial citizens, which took place within the heart (Rev. 3.17).

Furthermore, while the mark of the beast was received on the forehead and in the hand (Rev 13.16,17 - to enjoy the world), in imitation of the Old Testament legal regime (Exodus 13.13.16 - to enjoy the Creator's physical promises), those who believe need only a seal on their forehead (to confirm their affiliation), because the law of the Creator is not dead in them (see 2Cor 3.6), but lives through the Love present within. Furthermore, the Creator's seal is not for someone to show off, but to transform the character and mind of the recipient. This, in turn, already implies a change in attitude;

• His servants will serve Him, and they will see His face -> While, in the Old Testament, the servants of the priests (the Levites) could not even approach the Holy Place or touch the sacred things, here even the most humble servants of the Lamb will see Him face to face;

Let it be clear: this is not a retribution. In other words, we are not going to serve the One who served us (especially because Jesus never served us. Rather, He served the Father). We will serve the One Who is worthy.

One may ask: "but in heaven will we not rest?" From our fatigue (Rev 14.13), and not from the service.

But that is not all! The fact that everyone in heaven is a servant puts an end to any distinction of social classes, as well as demonstrating that anyone here on earth can have access. Just accept Jesus' invitation and His terms. From then on, although we are servants, we will reign with Him.

• The throne of the Creator and the Lamb is in the New Jerusalem -> Everyone will be sure they are doing the right thing. This way ...
• There will never be a curse.

 

• “And there will be no night there. And they need no lamp, or light of the sun; for the Lord God gives them light. And they will reign forever and ever.” (Rev 22.5).

 

Again it is said that “there will be no more night” (Rev 21.25). There will be no need for artificial (lamp) or natural (sun, moon) light. The night exists today because that is when Jesus seals His instruction in us. (Job 33.15,16).

• "And he said to me, These sayings are faithful and true. And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show to His servants the things which must shortly be done." (Rev 22.6)

 

It is curious how in (Rev 1.1) only one servant is mentioned (John) and now several servants are mentioned.

The God of the spirit of the prophets sent His angel to speak, that is, He does not sit dumb on His throne and is watching everything happen without doing anything. And He speaks to a single individual as if they were unique.

Three times it is said that the Revelation is faithful and true Word of the Eternal (Rev 19.9; 21.5; 22.6) (something similar occurs in Dan 8.26). Amid so many trials and struggles (like the ones John and his companions were witnessing), it is often difficult to believe in the glorious promises of the Eternal. We are so used to the misery of this fallen world that when the Eternal reveals something as wonderful as Rev 19 to 22 it seems hard to believe. So much so that it is very difficult for someone to study the Revelation. And when they do, they are concerned only with the beast, false prophet, the great prostitute, etc. Unfortunately, it is very difficult for anyone to be interested in the Bride of the Lamb: first, for the pleasure they have in evil; second, because of the difficulty in believing that love overcomes everything.

With respect to the first hypothesis, we need not waste time wishing evil for unbelievers, as they are already in evil. May we make better use of time by removing the servants of the Eternal from the world who are trapped in the clutches of Ha-Satan.

Regarding the second hypothesis, you can believe that the Word of the Eternal is not a mere utopia of a visionary, but the only source of truth. Although those who uttered it were simple human beings, never has any prophecy of Holy Scripture been uttered by anyone's will or for the sake of particular interests (2Peter 1.21). Rathere, the prophets spoke inspired by the Holy Spirit (1Peter 1.11) as the Eternal granted them to speak (1Cor 12: 4-11). Hence the expression “the Lord God of the spirits of the prophets”. Although the spirit of the prophets was subjected to them (1Cor 14.32), not even for this reason anything was out of the Creator's control.

Anyway, what John is saying is that the Revelation, as well as all other prophecies, are worthy of total credibility. It is Jesus (Rev. 1.1) sending His angel to show His servants what must happen quickly. In other words, the Revelation is a book to keep all the people of the Eternal alert, so that, when all this happens, none will be taken by surprise.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CHURCH TODAY

1st - It is a new creation that is part of a new creation

• “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth. For the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. And the sea no longer is.” (Revelation 21.1).

 

We are often living the New Testament in the same way that Israel lived the Old Testament. Unless we change our attitude, the tendency is to happen as shown below.

 

·       "I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly." (Proverbs 5.14).

 

Unfortunately, people were used to going to religious institutions to perform rituals instead of using the time to get to know each other better, to get closer and be more intimate with Jesus and, above all, to be ready to be used by Him (Luke 12.36).

Christians are so attached to their rituals that, if a beggar, wanderer, drunk, etc. enters the religious institution, they try to oust them instead of welcoming them, and each one minister the gift of Jesus in their lives (Psalm, teaching, languages, revelation, etc. (1Cor 14.26). After all, the Church is a spiritual hospital (see Isaiah 14.32), where each member needs to be prepared for the action of the Holy Spirit.

The Church does not survive from rituals, but from every Word that comes out of the Creator's mouth (Deut 8.3; Matet 4.4; Lk 4.4). Jesus speaks to those who earnestly desire to hear from Him and it is this Word that penetrates to the division of the soul and the spirit (Heb. 4:12), restoring our inner man.

2nd - Its origin is heavenly and its adornment is for His Groom, and not for strangers

• "And I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her Husband." (Revelation 21.2).

·       “Houses and riches are the inheritance of fathers, and a prudent wife is from Jehovah.” (Proverbs 19.14)

 

Just as the prudent wife comes from the Creator, the true Church is something heavenly, supernatural and built up by Jesus Himself (Matt 16:18). As the good gift and the perfect gift come from the Creator, she descends from heaven, from the Father of lights (James 1:16,17).

 

It does not need human adjustments. It is addressed by the Creator, who adorns it for Himself (and not for others). That is why, many times, we are unable to see beauty in many of the members of the Church: the transformation promoted by the Creator in their lives does not aim to please our flesh, but rather to fulfill His mission, which is often to discipline and treat us.

3rd - It is founded by Jesus in person (Matt 16.18) so that He can dwell in this world

• "And I heard a great voice out of Heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God." (Revelation 21.3).

 

What is the Church? "Here is the tabernacle of God with men." The Church corresponds to those who have a personal relationship with Jesus and, therefore, serve as a reference for those who wish to know Him better and have contact and even intimacy with Him.

 

What is the purpose of the Church: the Creator wishes to use it to dwell among men. This is not a mere sporadic visit (as seen in many services where the Holy Spirit is called for). No! We are not visitation temples, but the dwelling of the Holy Spirit (1Cor 3.16; 6.19; 2Cor 6.16).

 

What the Creator wants through the Church? To create for Himself a people, a seed of pious (Mal 2.15) that portrays who the Creator is in His essence.

 

Who is this God who is with His people? He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Mal 3.6; Hebrews 13.8), whether in heaven or on earth. It is not a different God, but it is the same God who acted in the Old, in the New Testament, who acts today, will act in the millennium and for all eternity. Although He can change His ways, He does not change His character.

 

What benefit does this bring to the people? The Creator is the God of the victors, that is, the full satisfaction and fulfillment of each one, so that He is the supply of all our needs (Ps 37.4).

4th - Is always ready to comfort, quicken, listen, sympathize

• “And God will wipe away all tears from their eyes. And there will be no more death, nor mourning, nor crying out, nor will there be any more pain; for the first things passed away.” (Revelation 21.4).

 

Although the full fulfillment of each of these items will take place after the Last Judgment, the Church is able to manifest each of these spiritually. So, let's analyze item by item:

 

·       "And God will wipe every tear from their eyes" - Jesus concluded His ministry here by making those who believe in Him His ambassadors (2Cor 5.18-20) and ordering them to minister the gospel to everyone (Matt 28.18-20; Mk 16.15).

 

It is clear that, for the Church to fulfill Her role, it is necessary that she carefully observe the verse below:

 

·        “My son, listen to my words; bow down your ear to my sayings. Let them not depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and health to all his flesh.” (Proverbs 4: 20-22).

 

Note how obedience to this verse enables the Church to do the following:

 

·       “And there will be no more death” - Jesus is the Word of the Creator who brings life to all who encounter Him, in addition to making them a source of water that jumps into eternal life (John 4.13,14; 7.37-39).

 

·       “And there will be no weeping” - whoever answered the Creator's words and received His consolation very present in anguish (Ps 40.1), is ready to serve as consolation (2Cor 1.3-5), that is, of encouragement in the midst of struggles (see how the Creator treated Elijah's depression - 1 Kings 19).

 

·       “And there will be no outcry” - whoever listens to the Creator's reasons is able to hear the despair of others, suffer together with them, seeking in Christ the victory that will now be for both (hence the reason why those who believe in Jesus are more than winner - Rom 8.37).

 

·       “And there will be no pain” - Jesus' word is health for the whole body.

 

·        "Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones." (Proverbs 16:24).

 

·       “Because the first things are already passed” - those who do not let their eyes drift from what Jesus says are always coming to His throne to reach His mercy (Heb 4.16) which is renewed every day (Lam 3.22,23) and enables to walk in newness of life (Rom 6.4; 7.6; 2Cor 5.17).

5th - Walk in a new spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter (Rom 7.6)

 

• “And He sitting on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And He said to me, Write, for these words are true and faithful.” (Revelation 21.5).

 

We are often too attached to the past and to rules, especially when we are victims of abuse. However, we must always keep in mind that:

 

·        “The way of the wicked is as darkness; they know not at what they stumble.” (Proverbs 4.19).

 

Although they may deserve punishment, we must guard our hearts, since it is the source of life (Prov 4.23), as well as bad designs (Mark 7.20-23). We do not allow the wicked to succeed in dirtying our hearts, leaving them in complete darkness, and therefore unable to realize that they may be tripping over something valuable.

Although laws have their value, they should only be a reference to guide the new in the faith to Christ (Galatians 3:24,25). However, the ultimate goal is direct communion with Christ, heard right from His mouth the right decision to be made in every situation we live in.

In short: the Church walks in newness of life (Rom. 6.4), forgetting the things that remain behind, and advancing towards those that are before her, continuing to the target, for the prize of the sovereign vocation of the Creator in Christ Jesus (Phil 3.13,14).

6th - Everything she does is according to what she hears and sees of Jesus, moved by His power and aiming to know Him better

• “And He said to me, It is done. I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who thirsts I will give of the fountain of the Water of Life freely.” (Revelation 21.6).

 

Jesus, not only is the Beginning (Truth) and the End (eternal Life 1 John 5:20), but also the Way that leads to the Truth and to the Life:

 

·        “Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me.” (John 14: 6).

 

This is understandable:

 

·        “For all things were created in Him, the things in the heavens, and the things on the earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers, all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.” (Colossians 1.16,17).

·        “For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things; to Him be glory forever! Amen." (Romans 11:36).

 

This means that the Church is only authorized to act:

 

·       after hearing Jesus' guidance. Who doesn't wish to be devoured by the fire of the Creator, needs to recall that Jesus is the First (Revelation 22.13);

·       the way Jesus instructed. We have no right to do things our way, according to the methods of the world;

·       aiming only to know Jesus better and glorify His name. We must never seek Jesus for personal interests, since we must lose our life in this world to find it in Christ (Matt 10.39; Col 3.3).

 

7th - It is always ready to feed and quench the spiritual thirst of anyone who wishes for free

• “And He said to me, It is done. I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who thirsts I will give of the fountain of the Water of Life freely.” (Revelation 21.6).

 

The Church obeys the Creator's determination:

 

·        “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. You have received freely, freely give.” (Matthew 10.8).

 

No one has the right to charge to praise, preach the gospel, pray, etc. First, because the one who really does the work is the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, whoever gives the message to the prophet or enables someone to understand and preach the gospel, to praise with anointing, is He:

 

·        “For who makes you to differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” (1Cor 4.7).

 

And if someone seems anointed or spiritual and does not obey Holy Scripture, let him be ignored (1Cor 14.38) because there is no light in him:

 

·        “To the Law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this Word, it is because no light is in them.” (Isaiah 8.20).

 

And the gospel is to be preached to all persistently, in time and out of time, reproving, rebuking, exhorting with all longsuffering and doctrine (2Tim 4.2). It doesn't matter whether people seem to be resistant to the gospel or are in a state that seems impossible to understand Jesus' message:

 

·        "So then it is not of the one willing, nor of the one running, but of God, the One showing mercy." (Rom. 9:16).

 

In short: the Church does not retain faith in Jesus by showing favoritism (Jas 2.1), nor preaching or teaching out of impious greed (Jas 1.11).

8th - She doesn't let herself be overcome by worldly temptations

• “He who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son. But the fearful, and the unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, will have their part in the Lake burning with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” (Revelation 21: 7,8).

 

The Church always boldly faces the enemy's machinations to make things work (Prov 28.1):

 

1.  The Church is not intimidated by the scorns, persecutions, pressures, threats and even punishments of the wicked (Dan 3.17-21; 6.13-17). Nor does it kills individuals who do so. She remains confident, always praying, consecrating, evangelizing and living the gospel;

2.  The Church does not sink in the faith when the world seems ready to collapse on her head. Insteads, he always keeps her fidelity and good conscience (1Tim. 1:19) instead of using the world's concepts and values ​​to sort out problems;

3.  The Church does not practice abomination, that is, she does not try to promote intrigue (as the Antichrist will do - Dan. 8.23) in order to achieve privileges and resources, nor does it try to be superior to others;

4.  The Church does not fornicate with other gods, nor does it attempt to resolve her marital and sexual problems with someone who was not chosen by the Creator to be her spouse. She does not try to indulge her flesh without assuming an alliance with the Creator with this individual;

5.  The Church does not try to violate the Creator with "Christian witchcraft", namely, by practicing rituals that aim to convince (and even compel) Him to do what she wants. Rather, she seeks to know the will of the Creator and submit to Him.

6.  The Church does not idolize, that is, she does not trust the powerful and powers of this world to solve her problems (Ps 20: 7; 147:10,11). Jesus is Her only Lord, Savior and Treasure (Gen. 15.1).

7.  The Church does not practice lying, that is, it never tries to deceive someone to get rid of a difficult and embarrassing situation, much less to deprive the other of what is their right. Rather, she always tells the truth, even though she knows she can be harassed, hassled or punished.

9th - She doesn't boast; rather, it is humble under the powerful hand of the Creator (James 5.5-7)

• "And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of Heaven from God," (Revelation 21.10).

 

John was transported to a great and high mountain in order to see with precision all the greatness and glory of the New Jerusalem. The same thing Ha-Satan did with Jesus, only with a different purpose. And the similarity of the sentence “And took me in spirit to a great and high mountain” (ARC) with the sentence “And took me in spirit to a desert”, also serves to accentuate the contrast between the Great Babylon and the Lamb's Bride.

Note that the Church does not come down willingly, but as an ambassador for the Creator (see 2Cor 5.18-20). That is, it does not try to force equality, but it is the Creator Himself who promotes her, exalting or humiliating her according to the need (Ezek 17.24; Dan 4.17,25).

The high mountain on which the New Jerusalem will be built and which will fill the whole earth is Jesus (Dan 2.35; Matt 16.18).

10th - Has the glory of the Creator

• “having the glory of God. And its light was like a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.” (Revelation 21.11).

 

The temple city that came down from heaven, although literal, also represents the Bride of the Lamb.

“Who” or “what” was the Church before she became the Lamb's Bride?

 

·       She had no noble or powerful relative to boast about;

·       Her lineage was not real, but base and despicable;

·       She had neither beauty nor prettiness;

·       She had neither kindness nor the capacity to love, and therefore she was unworthy of being loved (Rom. 3: 9-18);

·       She had no personal or family recommendation;

·       She was a foreigner (Ephesians 2.12, captive to sin and rebellious (Rom. 7.13-21; Ephesians 2.1-6; Col. 1.21)).

 

After Jesus' operation, she was able to receive and reflect all the beauty of Christ's glory and holiness (Ps 29.2; 96.9).

11th - It is the light of the world (Matt 5.14-16)

·       “having the glory of God. And its light was like a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.” (Rev 21.11).

 

Likewise, as jasper is a crystalline stone, it purely reflects the light that falls on it, without modifying it. New Jerusalem, as a whole, has this characteristic. We must all shine the light of Christ (John 8:12) with accuracy and purity better than stars in the world (Phil 2:a14,15), that is, as one who does not focus the light in one direction. The idea is for everyone to see and benefit (Matt 5.14-16), and not just those we want. The great virtue is to preserve the character of Christ, even in the midst of adverse situations. We should not expect a reward for doing right. Rather, our reward must be to show everyone how firm the character of the Eternal is.

We do not acquire knowledge to arbitrate, but to serve anyone who wants the truth and that Jesus puts in our lives to serve.

Whoever respects people is behaving like a judge and, obviously, having bad thoughts. There is no reason to deny any benefit to someone who wants something really good (even if, unfortunately, few people want it). In fact, when this world denies any benefit to someone, it is because such a thing is bad, that is, it stimulates the individual's flesh in the sense that some have privilege over others. Hence the division of society into social classes and, of course, the discrimination of people (Rom. 2.11; Eph. 6.9; Col 3.25; James 2.1.9; 1Peter 1.17).

12th - She is perfectly separated and protected from this world

• "And it had a great and high wall, with twelve gates. And on the gates were twelve angels, and having names inscribed, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel:" (Revelation 21:12).

 

Spiritually, this wall represents double protection for the Church:

 

·       Consider that Jesus is powerful to keep us from stumbling (Jude 24; 1Cor 10.13) and to keep our deposit (2Tim 1.12) until the day He comes to fetch us. He keeps us in His hand (John 10:28,29).

·       Jesus is our advocate (1 John 2.1). He gives us all the necessary resources (namely, all kinds of spiritual blessings in heavenly places - Eph 1.3):

o   His gifts (Eph 4.8);

o   His talents (Matt 25.14.15);

o   His body (the Church - John 6.51-57);

o   His Spirit (John 16.8);

o   His grace and mercy (Heb. 4:16);

o   His fruit (Gal 5.22);

o   His armor (Eph 6: 10-18);

o   All things that concern life and piety (2Peter 1.3);

 

In ancient times, the wall had four proposals:

 

1.  Definition: the Church's position in relation to the world must be well defined.

2.  Limitation: wall is to close the people around a limit, so that the Church is not in a band of wanderers wandering aimlessly and without destiny like unclean spirits. The Church, although she is a foreigner and a pilgrim in this world (1Peter 2.11), she is on the Way and with a destiny: to dwell forever with Jesus.

3.  Defense: to prevent the invasion of cruel devouring wolves that do not spare the flock (Matt 7.15; Acts 20.29);

4.  Separation: prevents individuals who walk unruly from entering and leaving without any restrictions. Only those who follow the Creator's commandments revealed in the Testament of the Law enter, but from the point of view of the Covenant of the Eternal's Favor.

 

However, the Church has twelve doors, that is: its members are not there for lack of option (because it is not possible to leave); and, the outsiders are not there because there is no possibility of entering (the problem is that they do not want to follow the laws that enable them to interact within it).

Note that it is not for the Church to defend herself. It is the Creator who justifies and protects us (Rom. 8.32), and not ourselves (see 1Sam 25.39). The wall is built by the Eternal Himself, in order to grant His good eyes to the outside (Matt 6.22.23; Lk 11.33-36; Titus 1.15; Rev 3.18) and keep His good eyes to the inside.

The wall serves to show that the Church cannot have contact with evil. It is Christ's empowerment so that His own will be contaminated when evangelizing. After all, it is not for the Church to ignore the excuse that it is not to be contaminated. Each one must submit to Christ (Jas 4.7) and let Him use the angel who is camped around us to decide who should approach or not (Ps 34.7).

Wall implies separation. The wall being large (thick) and high implies extreme protection, security. On the other hand, open doors of continuous (Rev 21.25) implies freedom. The Church is free (2Cor 3.17), but at the same time safe. But what are you safe against?

Against the possibility of perishing in the faith. The wall indicates inner protection, an incentive to remain contemplating heavenly places (Eph 2.6), instead of staring at evil and being obliged to beg the favor of senseless and heartless men.

That believer who is part of the wall serves to take away the freedom of the individual from evil, so that they do not do what they want, but what Jesus wants (Gal 5.16, 17). The wall keeps those inside and outside; the angel prevents outsiders from entering unduly.

13th - It is free internally, within the limits established by the Creator

·       “And it had a great and high wall, with twelve gates. And on the gates were twelve angels, and having names inscribed, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel:” (Rev 21.12).

 

Spiritually, Jesus is the door (Isa 28:16; 1Peter 2: 4-5; Isa 26:1; John 14:6). Each one who has Jesus in their heart is like a door to the Creator. They are always opened, trusting the Creator who encamps His angel to protect them (Ps 34:7). The open door represents perfect peace, freedom and the possibility to enter.

The presence of angels, on the other hand, represents intelligent security, not based on human and worldly wisdom, but on Him whose ways are higher than our ways, and whose thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55.9).

That is, security is not in worldly strength and power, but in the strength of love that moves angels to camp together with the servants of the Eternal (Ps 34.8) for the pleasure of being able to know the Creator better (Eph 3.10; 1Peter 1.12).

Note that there is an angel for each door, which implies personal (not collective) security. This is reminiscent of Genesis 3:24, when the Creator placed cherubs on the east side of the Garden of Eden to guard it (Gen. 3:24).

It is the Eternal who justifies and protects us (Rom. 8.32), and not ourselves (see 1Sam 25.39).

It is clear that the door is just a rectangular opening to indicate a change of context (outside and inside), as well as the possibility of change.

Without a door: whoever is inside is obliged to obey; outsiders have no possibility of salvation. However, the door points to the possibility of someone going astray (as it was with Ha-Satan), as well as the possibility of conversion and transformation.

And what allows this transition is the flesh (just as the flesh of Jesus was the veil of the tabernacle - Hebrews 10:21):

 

·       The lusts of the flesh that lead those who believe to deviate and those who do not believe to remain distant from the Creator;

·       It is the crucifixion of our carnal nature (the death of our earthly nature - Gal 2.20; 6.14; Col 3.5), which is operated by Christ from top to bottom (Phil 2.12, 13; Col 2.11), which allows us free access to the Kingdom of the Heavens;

 

When the individual has not yet converted to the Creator, sin behaves like a massive door that closes the opening of the heart (the door, which is Christ and that should serve him as freedom, for the entrance of Christ and His Church - 2Cor 3.17). It is only possible to enter the life of this individual from another part, namely, invading, either through the windows of the soul (eyes, seduction) or breaking into its walls through fear, the awakening of the desires of the flesh or the promise of being independent and having everyone under control.

However, when the individual is converted to themselves, this door of sin is broken down and the individual is free again.

I know this sounds weird. However, in the Lord's Prayer we ask the Creator to bring His kingdom to us. If it were for us to convert to Christ and walk with Him towards heaven, prayer should be "take us to Your kingdom".

Furthermore, in Revelation 3:20, Jesus says that He is at the door of our heart hitting. Therefore, we do not need to go to Him: He is always at the door trying to get in. Jesus is the Good Shepherd and, at the same time, the door (opening) of our heart (John 10: 7,11). He just doesn't come in because this freedom that Jesus gave us in Himself (door, opening) was closed by the massive door of sin.

Therefore, the individual, instead of being selfish (living thinking about everything and everyone), must be converted to themselves, accepting th e kingdom of the Creator within them (Lk 17:21). You may question: "but the Holy Scripture says to be converted to Christ" (2Cor 3.16; 1Thess 1.9).

Right. But how do we do this? It is not going towards heaven, but opening ourselves to Jesus, so that we can live heaven here on earth within us. So much so that the prodigal son repented when he came to his senses (Lk 15:17). And the father of this young man was clear: “he was lost, and he found himself” (Lk 15:32).

So, when the individual becomes part of the Creator's Church, they are baptized with Christ in His death (Rom. 6.4-7). Since then, there is no more obstacle closing the door of the Church (as there was the veil in the tabernacle). Remembering that Jesus is the door (the space that allows the entrance and exit) of the sheep and His angel, the doorman (see John 10:3, 7).

The Church needs to be open to all, trusting that the Creator will only allow those who walk in His ways and observe His ordinance to enter (Zech 3.7), and this for:

 

·       Bring justice and judgment of Christ to us, since it is through them that the inhabitants of the world learn justice (Isaiah 26.9);

·       To serve as a guard for the good deposit of the Creator in us (2Tim 1.14);

·       To have free access among those whom Jesus placed within us, in order to communicate some gift with us (see Romans 1.11; Phil 4.15).

 

As for the name of the twelve tribes of Israel on the doors, this shows that grace does not nullify the purpose of the law, but completes and perfects it. Only those who obey the purposes (not the precepts) of Holy Scripture that are recorded in the Old Testament are allowed to enter the body of Christ. After all, only those who have learned to submit to the Creator can access grace.

As for open doors, it is important to be clear that the Eternal never designed a house (and obviously doors, windows, walls, etc.). In Eden, after creating all things, the Eternal makes it clear that everything that was created was very good (Gen. 1:31), perfect. The Eternal rested, on the seventh day, in the perfection of His work (Gen. 2.2) and there was no house or anything like that. After all, the Eternal's goal has always been to generate a single family (Mal 2.15) without any separation barrier.

The wall is an evil that has become necessary because of sin. The idea is shown below:

 

·        “The sinners in Zion are afraid; terror has surprised profane ones. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly; he who despises the gain of oppressions, who shakes his hands free from holding bribes, who stops his ear from hearing of blood, and shuts his eyes from seeing evil;” (Isaiah 33,14,15).

 

Although the door of our heart must remain opened, we must still be surrounded by the wall of fire of the Eternal (Zech 2.5) and with the angels guarding the doors of our heart so that we do not see or hear evil. Our eyes need to remain good (in goodness - Matt 6.21-23). Only the brilliance of the glory of the Eternal in the life of angels, added to the brilliance of the wall's jasper, causes the brilliance of this world to be extinguished and no one thinks of going out of his mind (abandoning his “principality”) to go after another flesh, ministry, etc., which has nothing to do with the project of the Eternal for themselves.

However, we must be ready to receive whoever really wants to bestow on the Creator their glory and honor (Rev. 21: 24-27; see Jer 15:19).

Finally, considering that the New Jerusalem is the Church, part of those who believe is part of the wall and part of the door.

For those who are part of the Church's wall, their role is to be perfectly adjusted and sticked with the other living stones neighboring them, so that there is no possibility of being pulled out of the wall and, with that, suffering isolated and leaving a gap that exposes a breach which can be fatal to the Church. That is, this type of follower of Christ was raised to protect the brothers.

For those who are not part of the wall, such protection is available, which allows them to surrender without reservation to the Creator in order to call sinners to repentance (Matt 9.12,13; Lk 15.7).

If you accept to live the life of Christ, that is, to let Him live His life in you (Gal 2:20), placing yourself in the hands of Him who came to save sinners (see Luke 15.7), even at the risk of being afflicted (1Peter 3.8,9; 4.12-19), you will certainly have this gift in your life.

Finally, the believer wall must serve to prevent evil from entering, but at the same time to manifest the glory of the Creator within so that no one can find reasons to apostatize the faith.

14th – She does not respect people. It is always opened on all sides for good (Deut 10.17; 16.19; 2Chr 19.7; Job 13.10; 32.21; Mal 2.9; Acts 10.34; Rom 2.11; Eph 6.9; Col 3.25; Jas 2.1,9; 1Peter 1.17)

• "From the east three gates, from the north three gates, from the south three gates, and from the west three gates." (Revelation 21.13).

 

The believer's door constitutes an opening in the rigid wall that allows the Church to connect with the world. These are the evangelists who give openness to Christ Himself to manifest to those outside and, at the same time, give space for Jesus to bring those who have accepted His salvation inside.

For you who are the door, do not judge anyone (Matt 7.1). Do not respect people (Deut 10.17; 16.19; 2Chr 19.7; Job 13.10; 32.21; Mal 2.9; Acts 10.34; Rom 2.11; Eph 6.9; Col 3.25). Maintain communion with the “city wall”, always trusting the angels that the Eternal has designated to camp around you (Ps 34.7) and decide who enters or not. Do not let your agency interfere and, for sure, you will remain pure, even if you open yourself to everyone that the Eternal One brings to you (Matt 25.34-46; Rev. 3.20). Above all, learn to hear the voice of the Shepherd (Jesus - Rev 3.20; John 10.2,3).

For you who are not a door, stay inside the New Jerusalem welcoming those who enter, even if that individual does not seem to be pleasant. Trust that the angel will only let in anyone who really is to be worked by Jesus.

There are different ways of approaching (intellectually and morally):

 

·       Some will come out of Eastern mysticism;

·       Others will leave the rich and refined European world;

·       Others will come out of Western ignorance;

·       Others will come out of the African jungle and poverty.

15th - Holiness is not arbitrary, but based on what Jesus is and does

• "And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb." (Revelation 21.14).

Spiritually, in the Old Testament, each man chosen by Joshua had to carry a stone in favor of the tribe he represented (Josh 4.4-9). Now, each follower of Jesus is a living stone (1Peter 2.5), placed by Jesus Himself in His holy city (Matt 16:18).

The names of the twelve apostles (and not just Peter) were placed on the foundations of the city wall (although the brothers in Jerusalem considered only Peter, James and John to be pillars - Gal 2:20). In other words, the city wall is based on what Jesus was and did in the life of the twelve apostles, being Jesus the cornerstone. So our faith must be based on what Jesus manifested in the life of the apostles.

The question comes, but didn’t Paul say that we are built on the foundation of the apostles and "prophets" (Ephesians 2.20)? Why can't you see the names of the prophets written? Because Jesus is the fulfillment of all prophecies, as well as the One who came to fulfill the prophecies (Matt 5.17).

The word of the prophets should be observed until the individual knows Jesus. (see 2Peter 1.19). After that, the individual's practice must be based on what the Holy Spirit ministers, whose teaching is based on the teaching of the apostles.

The Church sanctifies herself (separates herself from the world to be used exclusively by the Creator), not because of religious precepts (ascetic rigor - as in Col 2: 18-23) or to try to obtain (or guarantee) salvation, but because she does not have to waste time on what does not build (see John 14.12; Eph 4.29; 5.14-17; Col 4.5).

If we walk in the light with Jesus (1 John 1.7), we will have fellowship with one another and be free from darkness and all contamination (1 John 2.9-11), namely, we will be cleansed from the sins of the individuals with whom we come in contact. If the blood of Jesus purified us only of our sins, we would always be tainting and contaminating ourselves by coming into contact with the spiritual leprosy (sin) of others.

When Holy Scripture says that we have sinned (1John 1.8-10), it is referring to the sins of others that we take with us (just as it was about the Levites who took the iniquity of the children of Israel - Exodus 28.38; Lev. 10.17; Num. 18.1,23) The idea is that Jesus will use us to fulfill the promise of Isaiah 53:4-6: to carry the iniquities of people upon Himself.

From then on, we will not need to fear anything that contaminates or commits abomination and lies (Rev 21.27). We will be able to leave the door of the law of condemnation and death (2Cor 3,7,9) opened in our life (that is, it will be doable for us to give up our agency), because we will have good eyes (Matt 6.22,23; Lk 11.33-36). And, as it is well known, for those who have good eyes, nothing is contaminated or impure (Titus 1.15).

The foundations of the apostles (and prophets) imply the life that each one lived in order to testify of Christ and His Word. One of the foundations contains the name of Judas, which represents betrayal (1 Tim. 1:15, 16). However, who will be judging Israel in the seat of Judas is Paul, who is the repentant traitor. The fact that each one is made up of a precious stone implies that each disciple has a different testimony of life, but that it is precious in the eyes of the Creator and, above all, twelve solid confirmations that it is not only Jesus alone who manages to reflect the glory of the Creator present in His Word. What they lived and won served as support for the defense wall against the cooling in the faith and the attacks of Ha-Satan.

However, the fundamentals are not seen, as they are surrounded by precious stones. This teaches us that, what we must see is not the life of these great men and women of the Creator, but all the multifarious grace and wisdom of Jesus that is possible to be seen through what they lived and in the lives of those who were directly influenced by them. That is, they are not examples to be followed. Only Jesus is our example.

For those who do part of the foundation, serve as a support in the lives of individuals that the Creator adds to His Church (Acts 2:46).

For those who are not a foundation, accept to be supported (Heb 13.7; Gal 6.6).

But, after all, what are the twelve foundations of faith in Christ?

 

First foundation: “To be known by Jesus”:

 

·        "Nevertheless the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal: "The Lord knew those who are His." And, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity!" (2Tim 2.19).

 

Second foundation: “The repentance of dead works”:

 

·        “Therefore, having left the discourse of the beginning of Christ, let us go on to full growth, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,” (Hebrews 6.1).

 

Third foundation: is “the faith”:

 

·        "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11: 1).

 

Fourth foundation: “Kindness”:

 

·        "I say this lest perhaps Macedonians should come with me and find you unprepared. We (not to say you) would then be put to shame in this confident boasting." (2Cor 9.4).

·        “that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to share, to be generous, laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” (1Tim 6.18,19)

 

Fifth foundation: “Love”, since Jesus is God and God is love (1John 4.8,16).

 

·        “For any other foundation can no one lay than the one being laid, who is Jesus Christ.” (1Cor 3.11).

 

Sixth foundation: “Justice and judgment”:

 

·        “Justice and judgment are the foundation of Your throne; mercy and truth shall go before Your face.” (Psalms 89.14).

·        “Clouds and darkness are all around Him; righteousness and judgment are the foundation of His throne.” (Psalm 97.2).

Seventh foundation: “Forgive each other” or, if you prefer, “support each other”.

 

·        “with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love,” (Ephesians 4.2).

·        “forbearing one another and forgiving yourselves, if anyone has a complaint against any. As Christ forgave you, so also you do.” (Colossians 3.13).

 

Eighth foundation: “Meekness”. How did I conclude this?

 

1º - It is necessary to seek justice and meekness so that we can effectively do the work of the Creator and manifest His judgment:

 

·        “Seek Jehovah, all the meek of the earth who have done His justice; seek righteousness; seek meekness. It may be you shall be hidden in the day of Jehovah's anger.” (Zephaniah_2: 3).

 

2nd - In His Majesty the Creator rides in order to establish truth, meekness and justice together:

 

·        “And ride prosperously in Your majesty, because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and Your right hand shall teach You fearful things.” (Psa_45: 4).

 

3rd - meekness is something we need to put on and follow:

 

·        “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender feelings of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering,” (Col_3: 12).

·        "But you, O man of God, flee these things and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness." (1Tim 6:11)

 

4th - meekness must determine our journey and the path by which we must receive the Word of Jesus in us:

 

·        “I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the calling with which you are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love,” (Eph. 4: 1.2).

·        "Therefore putting aside all filthiness and overflowing of evil, receive in meekness the implanted Word, which is able to save your souls." (Jas 1:21)

 

5th - meekness must characterize our way of relating to the people that Jesus puts in our path:

 

·        “Brothers, if a man is overtaken in a fault, you the spiritual ones restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering yourself, lest you also be tempted.” (Gal 6: 1) ”.

·        “in meekness instructing those who oppose, if perhaps God will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth,” (2 Tim. 2:25).

·        "to speak evil of no one, not being quarrelsome, but forbearing, showing all meekness to all men. " (Titus 3: 2).

·        “Who is wise and knowing among you? Let him show his works by his good conduct with meekness of wisdom. ”. (Jas 3:13).

·        “but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason of the hope in you, with meekness and fear;”(1Peter 3:15).

 

6th - the meekness of Jesus (Mt 11:29) is what makes us great:

 

·        “You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; and Your right hand has held me up, and Your gentleness has made me great.” (Ps 18:35).

 

Ninth foundation: it is "goodness". Since goodness leads to repentance, which is one of the foundations of those who are Christ's, consequently goodness is a foundation as well.

 

·        "Or do you despise the riches of His kindness, and the forbearance and long-suffering, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?" (Rom 2.4).

 

Tenth foundation: "The peace of Crist":

 

·        "And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. " (Phil 4.7).

·        “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which you also are called in one body, and be thankful.” (Col 3.15).

 

Eleventh foundation: "the happiness":

 

·        “Then he said to them, Go eat the fat and drink the sweet, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared. For this day is holy to our LORD. And do not be sorry, for the joy of Jehovah is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8.10).

·        “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, Rejoice!” (Phil 4.4).

·        "Rejoice evermore." (1Thess 5.16).

·        “hough the fig tree shall not blossom, and fruit is not on the vines; the labor of the olive fails, and the fields yield no food. The flock is cut off from the fold, and no herd is in the stalls; yet I will rejoice in Jehovah, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” (Habakkuk 3.17,18).

 

Twelfth foundation: “Listen to the voice of Jesus and obey”:

 

·        “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on a rock. And the rain came down, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house. And it did not fall, for it was founded on a rock. And everyone who hears these sayings of Mine and does not do them shall be compared to a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain came down, and the floods came, and the wind blew and beat on that house. And it fell, and great was its fall.” (Matt 7.24-27).

·        “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him and he with Me.” (Rev 3.20).

16th – It is zealous with the Creator's zeal (Num 25.11-13; Gal 4.18; Titus 2.14; 1Peter 3.13; Rev 3.19). Do nothing in a relaxed way (Jer 48.10)

• "And he who talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city and its gates and its wall. " (Revelation 21.15).

 

Of course, justification comes by the Creator's Favor through faith (Ephesus 2.8,9). However, this is not an occasion for a person to bungle (even because the Creator loathes sloppy work), but to do everything perfectly (see Matt 5.48).

Finally, we must not overlook the following considerations:

 

1º -   Notice how, although every city has been measured, there is an emphasis on the wall (city includes wall);

2º -   Note that, although the wall is mentioned, the doors on the wall are also mentioned;

3º -   New Jerusalem is compared to a bride because, coming down from heaven to be among the people, it reminds a lot of what happens in a wedding. In other words, it is about Jesus coming to unite definitively with His people, known for having renounced everything the world says is good to seek, not only what the Creator has to offer, but also the own Goodness in person.

17th - It is uniform from the outside, but multiform in wisdom (Eph. 3.10) and grace (1Peter 4.10) inside

• “And the city lies four-square, and the length is as large as the breadth. And he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand stadia. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.” (Revelation 21:16).

 

Like the New Jerusalem, we must be balanced. Each must have its width, length and height. And these need to be the same. Some, however:

 

·       they are too isolated in their height, thinking only of the spiritual and neglecting the body and soul;

·       they are isolated in length, that is, they live in appearance, they think of works, many and grand, but they neglect spirituality and laws;

·       they prefer to focus on width, that is, they are people who think a lot about quality, but they close themselves in this small group. They do not expand. They surround themselves with care, to the point of not letting Jesus control everything. They value theory, knowledge.

 

Here in this world, there is never an absolute. If someone stands out in something, they are withered in other areas. In New Jerusalem, however, the Church is rich, full, strong and complete from every angle.

This extreme precision of equality is to teach us that, with the Creator, there are no two weights and two measures (Prov 20.10). He makes no compromises. Although Jesus loves everyone and welcomes all that the Father brings to Him (John 6.44, 45), He came to call only those who are willing to repent (Matt 9.12, 13), who are tired of being compulsive sinners living a life empty of meaning in a world of vanity (Matt 11.28.29); and the true Church does not give up the truth for the sake of unity.

But after all, what is the meaning of a city with length, width and height equal to 180 km? This represents the symmetry, perfection, vastness and completeness of the Church, something that goes far beyond everything anyone needs (1Cor 2.9; Eph 3.20), so that no one needs to leave it hoping to find something better.

18th - It only allows those who really want Jesus into their lives, namely, all that He is.

• “And he measured its wall, a hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel. ” (Revelation 21.17).

 

If, on the one hand, in earthly Jerusalem, only the sanctuary is measured (not even the outer atrium of the temple is taken into account), in the New Jerusalem all of it is measured, even in the smallest things, which shows the care of the Creator.

Unfortunately, in our society, leaving the individual at ease is proof of love. However, this freedom means carelessness. Everything that is important, to be done well, is built on very strict standards. The stricter the norm, the better the object. In this glorious state (without spot, wrinkle, or something like this), the Church is perfectly and fully conform to the laws of Holy Scripture.

The fact that the New Jerusalem is measured by man, that is, by angel, indicates that the true man is the messenger of the Creator. That is, he does not measure things without concoct or purport, but in according to the Creator's right measure (2Cor 10.13). Does not deviate, neither to the right nor to the left (Joshua 1.6-8).

Therefore, we must do nothing ahead of time, until the Lord comes, who will also bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will manifest the designs of hearts; and then each one will receive praise from the Creator (1Cor 4.5).

 

·        "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge according to right justice." (John 7.24).

19th – She esxpresses the wisdom of the Creator wherever he goes, without ever attracting people's attention to herself

• “And the foundation of its wall was jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass.” (Revelation 21.18).

The jasper wall implies firmness and shine. He is also great so that the beauty of the Creator's glory can be reflected over long distances (Isaiah 9.11; Habakkuk 2.14) and, at the same time, preclude those who are inside have the displeasure of seeing other thing, except the Creator’s glory.

Although the human being is not a robot, they are all stones cut according to the only reference model: the cornerstone. The whole city is made of transparent stone, meaning there is nothing to hide, nothing to be kept secret. Everything will be open to everyone because there is nothing shameful or selfish.

John used what this world considers wealth to describe the New Jerusalem in order to manifest the true value of holiness, purity and faith (1Peter 1.6,7) in the life of those who believe in Jesus.

The city is made of a resistant, precious, shiny material, but at the same time, it does not obstruct anyone's view. This teaches us that, in the relationships of the Church, there is no corruption or anything hidden, but the glory of the Eternal is reflected in every gesture, speech or act, however small it may be.

An individual does not impede the vision of others. They are always valuable for those who approach it (as ordered by Col 4.6), but they never prevents these ones from seeing the value of others around them. On the contrary: their thoughts and feelings arouse a greater interest in each other (something the world struggles to avoid).

João saw people dressed in the “armor” of justice (Rev 19.8) and girt with the “truth” (gold symbolizes the truth - see Prov 2.3-5; 3.13-15). Such people, although they are very valuable for reflecting the wisdom of the “Sun” of justice (Mal 4.2; Phil 2.14.15) in a non-perishable way (it is worth remembering that proven faith is more precious than perishable gold - 1Peter 1.6,7), never use wealth to promote themselves, but to ease people's walk, without ever hiding what is inside them, around them and under them (including their real motivation).

Everyone, when looking at each building in the holy city (1Peter 2.4,5), will see the glow of the glory of the Eternal reflected, as well as the individuals within it. This teaches us that what will bring glory to each brother in the New Jerusalem is not the beauty of his prettiness (which made Ha-Satan fall - Ezekiel 28.18), but the love of the individuals within him, as well as the possibility to reflect who the Eternal is.

20th - She is based on the faith that one has in the character of Christ and adorned by the people who are part of her

• “And the foundations of the wall of the city had been adorned with every precious stone. The first foundation, jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprasus; the eleventh, hyacinth; the twelfth, amethyst.” (Revelation 21:19,20).

 

From the moment that the good in the lives of those who love Jesus is evident when all the lived experiences come together (Rom 8.28), each precious stone reflects the light that comes from the Creator and the Lamb in a peculiar, special way, showing all the beauty that is in the Creator's word..

Precious stones:

 

·       they are the strongest things on earth and perhaps the oldest;

·       nothing is as pure and clear in this world as precious stones;

·       no other object is so free from corruption and degradation, so far beyond the reach of stain inside;

·       there is nothing so richly colored, similar to the rainbow in color and yet well seen through them;

·       are great for getting and giving light.

 

While the splendor of Greater Babylon (Rev. 18: 12) was at the head (exaltation, proudness), in New Jerusalem it is at the foundation. In other words, the Church does not invest in works (which do not bring salvation for those who practice them, nor for those who benefit from them), but in character. What is most precious, resistant and beautiful is covered up so that all glory is given to the Eternal and there is no division in the body.

The foundation is usually covered (see Ezek 13.14), underneath (see 2Sam 22.16; John 2.4; Micah 1.6). However, as the gold on the floor was transparent, it will be possible to see the fundamentals through the lives of the children of the Eternal.

And the precious foundations of the city were adorned with precious stones. Although each foundation was made of jasper and represents the Word of the Creator, twelve groups of individuals came together, each around a foundation, manifesting a special feature of Holy Scripture (namely, a foundation of faith with Christ).

New Jerusalem has twelve foundations -> " laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." (1Tim 6.19);

·       1 - To be known by Jesus -> “Nevertheless the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal: "The Lord knew those who are His." And, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity!” (2Tim 2.19).

·       2 - Repentance -> “Therefore, having left the discourse of the beginning of Christ, let us go on to full growth, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,” (Hebrews 6.1).

·       3 - Faith -> “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11.1)

·       4 - Jesus Christ - love -> "For any other foundation can no one lay than the one being laid, who is Jesus Christ." (1Cor 3.11).

·       5 - Kindness -> “I say this lest perhaps Macedonians should come with me and find you unprepared. We (not to say you) would then be put to shame in this confident boasting.” (2Cor 9.4).

·       6 - Justice and Judgment -> “Justice and judgment are the foundation of Your throne; mercy and truth shall go before Your face.” (Psalms 89.14).

·       “Clouds and darkness are all around Him; righteousness and judgment are the foundation of His throne.” (Psalms 97.2).

·       7 - Support one another -> “with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love,” (Ephesians 4.2).

·       “forbearing one another and forgiving yourselves, if anyone has a complaint against any. As Christ forgave you, so also you do.” (Colossians 3.13).

 

Detail: when the servants are subject to their masters, seeking to please them in everything without contradicting, they become ornaments of the doctrine of Christ (Titus 2.9-10). In addition to this:

 

·        “But they were silent. For in the way they had disputed among themselves who was the greatest. And He sat down and called the Twelve and said to them, If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." (Mk 9.34-35)

21st - The Church is not made up of those who want to enter, but of those who hear the Creator's voice, accept His calling (Matt 11.27; John 1.12; 6.44.45; Rev. 3.20) and serve as support and testimony in the lives of those who the Eternal puts in their lives

• “And the twelve gates were twelve pearls. Respectively, each one of the gates was one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, as transparent glass.” (Revelation 21:21).

 

These pearl doors are formed from the difficult experience that we have lived through and overcome. The twelve doors represent the twelve ways to hear the voice of the Creator or, if you prefer, the twelve types of callings.

Considering that everyone should serve as a support (Rom 15.1; Eph 4.2; Col 3.13) and wash one another's feet (John 13.14), therefore what John saw was a group of individuals full of faith and surrounded by loving individuals, in a way that together:

 

·       they endured the weakness of the weak (Rom 14.1; 15.1) until the Eternal does all the cleaning in their lives (Titus 3.4-6; see Matt 22.12);

·       they served as a testimony in the lives of those who thought of going astray (leaving the city), so that they had enough time to see the kindness and mercy they were rejecting (Ps 23.6);

·       they revealed to whom it was coming in the true wealth of the city is the perfect unity between the members.

 

Everyone must see through the street of the holy city in order to realize that the real sustenance is not on the street (in the living stones that make up the floor). Rather, the presence of the street is only to prevent any contact of the feet with the filth of this world (hence John 13:14), so that the Creator's wrath does not reach them (Num 25.11-13) for their sin (Acts 7.60).

The Church points to the true strength of people's lives, being ready to wash each other's feet (John 13.14) and serve as support in times of difficulty (Isaiah 14.32; Ephesus 4.2; Col 3.13).

There is a version that says “square” in place of “street”. The square is characterized by a public place designed to meet individuals, so that they can relax and get to know each other (Job 18.17; Isaiah 42.2; Zephaniah 3.6; Zechariah 8.4; Matthew 11.16; Luke 7.32; Matthew 20.3; Acts 17.17; Acts 28.15), or else for everyone to meet in order to deliberate about something (Deuteronomy 13.16; I Kings 22.10; II Chronicles 18.9; II Chronicles 29.4; II Chronicles 32.6; Ezra 10.9; Nehemiah 8.1.3; Ecclesiastes 12.5; Acts 16.19). It is not in vain that, in the New Testament, the sick were taken to the squares to be healed by Jesus (Mark 6.56) and religious leaders loved the greetings in the squares (Matthew 23.7; Mark 12.38; Luke 11.43; Luke 20.46).

The place where the faithful met to fellowship with one another was also made of pure and transparent gold. After all, those who are used by the Eternal to unite individuals must unite them based on the purity and extreme value of His Word (Prov 2.3-5; 3.13-15) with a view to a transparent relationship that always has in view the apostles' foundations.

To be more precise: the individual who is promoting the meeting between two or three individuals must lead them to hear the voice of the Eternal amid His will (His saving work and His Word). This resembles the mercy seat (seat of mercy) in the ark of the covenant that united the two cherubs, forming a single piece, in the middle of which the Word of the Eternal was spoken.

And it is in the middle of this square that is the Tree of Life. As it is said in Matthew 18.20, where Jesus is, His people gather themselves in His name.

For you who are one of the stones of the streets of New Jerusalem, you serve as a way for someone to be able to reach their destination. Consider that Jesus is the Way that brings us to the Father (John 14.6). Therefore, you are the instrument for Jesus to be able to present the Church to Himself as a glorious Church, without spot, without wrinkle, or anything similar, but holy and blameless (Eph 5:27).

And how will Jesus do this through you? Due to the transparency that must exist in you (the gold of the New Jerusalem is transparent as crystal - Rev 21.21), individuals will be able to contemplate the fundamentals of the apostles (Rev 21.14). But for this, you cannot be hurt when someone steps on you.

This looks horrible, but remember that streets are supportive (Col 3.13; 1Peter 5.5). Besides:

 

·        “And finally, all be of one mind, having compassion on one another, loving the brothers, tenderhearted, friendly. Never give back evil for evil, or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, giving blessing, knowing that you are called to this so that you might inherit blessing.” (1Peter 3.8.9).

 

So, if we don't want to delay Christ's blessings, don't waste time on useless activities, or try to drive the wicked away. Rather, serve as a mirror for everyone to see who they are, but without ceasing to be translucent, so that everyone can see the foundations of Christ and thus behave as described below:

 

·        “The elders of the daughter of Zion sit upon the ground and are silent; they send up dust on their heads; they gird on sackcloth. The virgins of Jerusalem hang down their heads to the ground.” (Lam 2.10).

 

It is not in vain that the Creator ordered the person to remove the shoe (or sandal) from the feet when the place was holy (Exodus 3.5; Joshua 5.15). As you are holy, you will be used to clean people's feet, just as Jesus commanded (John 13:14).

If you are not a stone in the street of New Jerusalem, learn from Jesus how to walk on these precious stones. After all, since Jesus is the Way that brings us to the Father (John 14:6), we will certainly have to walk on His stones that make up this Way. So, understand that it is not for you to step on them by humiliating, mistreating or simply using them to get where you want or need. Remember that the important thing is not just the result of things, but our walk with Christ to get there.

Try to know and have a relationship with each one that the Creator has placed to serve you as a path until your mission is accomplished.

 

·        “My eyes fail with tears; my inward parts ferment; my liver is poured on the ground for the ruin of the daughter of my people, in that the children and the babies faint in the streets of the city.” (Lam 2.11).

 

Come always to Christ (who dwells within you - 1Cor 3.16; 6.19; 2Cor 6.16) as you walk by these people so that your feet will remain clean (1John 1.7). And don't try to be self-sufficient: accept being supported (helped) by these individuals the way Jesus touches their hearts (see Matt 10.10; Lk 10.7), even if they are a “Samaritan”, that is, someone you doesn't like or even hate.

Remember: it is not going to Christ (as if He were far away), but coming to Him (John 14.6), that is, to seek Him in us and for us, in the midst of the situation we are experiencing. For example: if we are going to evangelize, we do not preach to others, but to ourselves, that is, we seek what is necessary for Christ to be seen in us while helping the individual in what he is living.

If you are part of the New Jerusalem gate, do not change to please individuals. Let Jesus mold you so that no one can enter the New Jerusalem unless they strip off everything that is not of the Creator. It does not close to anyone! Allow the Creator and His angels to control the entry and exit of individuals through you.

If you are not a door, submit to Jesus' treatment instead of just looking away or trying to get in from somewhere else (Matt 22.11,12).

If you are part of the square, be ready to receive the individuals that the Creator brings to feed of the Tree of Life.

If you are not part of the square, when you go to feed on the Tree of Life, wait for others, learn to share and step on the square so as not to spoil the gold that is part of it.

22nd - She consists of people who do not seek the Creator in a specific place (John 4.20,21), but that make the place where they are a time (and temple) of worship.

• "And I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty is its temple, even the Lamb." (Revelation 21:22).

 

Although spiritually we are in Christ (John 15,4,5,7) and seated in the heavenly regions (Eph 2.6), we are physically in this world. However, the Creator consoles us by dwelling in us (1Cor 3.16; 6.19; 2Cor 6.16) and giving us rest with His presence (Exodus 33.14; Acts 4.19) as we wander in this immense desert (Heb 11: 13-16; 1Peter 2.11) of the peoples (see Ezek 20.35).

The importance of Jerusalem was never in the city itself, but in the fact that the Eternal One allowed His name to dwell there. Likewise, the importance has never been in the tabernacle, but in the fact that the Eternal proposes to live among them (Exodus 25:8,45).

Physically, the tabernacle represented a small place in the world that would be used exclusively by the Creator Himself, where the individual could have fellowship with Him. Of course, this never worked, because, good or bad, when leaving from there, the individual returned to have contact with all the cruelty that permeates this world. This was allowed by the Eternal so that no one deludes themselves into thinking that they could be a saint by keeping in touch with this world. Only by the power of the Holy Spirit it is possible to overcome the world (1 John 5: 4) or, if you prefer, only if He comes and lives in us (John 14.21,23).

And the Church, that is, the lives of people who are committed to Jesus, is the consecrated place where we can use our gifts only to confirm the Holy Scripture, so that Jesus can live in us (Mt 18:18-20).

Let it be clear:

 

·       In the Testament of the Law, individuals sought the Eternal by going to a holy place and striving to do his ordinances and try to please Him;

·       In the Testament of the Favor of the Eternal, instead of man trying to do something to please the Eternal, it is the Eternal who seeks to live in the life of the believer (John 4.23,24).

·       In the millennium, individuals will live their lives in the Eternal (Col 3.3).

 

Let there be no confusion: in the present dispensation, we are dead to ourselves so that Christ may live within us (Gal 2:20). It is not us going to the Eternal, but He bringing us to Himself within our hearts. In the millennium, we will live our lives within the Eternal (in His reality). Rather than being the Eternal living in our limitation, we will be living in the fullness of Him, in His life (this is the promise of Rev 2.26,27; 3.21).

A question remains: why the sacrifices could only be offered in the temple?

23rd - She does not depend on the resources of this world, but, through Jesus, all things are subject to her

• “And the city had no need of the sun, nor of the moon, that they might shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it, and its lamp is the Lamb.” (Revelation 21:23).

 

Spiritually, Jesus annihilated with the Adamic curse. So, the Creator's ordinance to subject all things to man was restored (Gen. 1.28). For you have an idea of ​​how serious is the idea that we are not subject to the world, see the guidelines of Holy Scripture:

 

·       “Do not say, A conspiracy! to everything of which this people says, A conspiracy! And do not fear their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify Jehovah of Hosts Himself, and let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread. And He shall be a sanctuary for you, but for a stone of stumbling, and for a rock of falling to both the houses of Israel, for a trap and for a snare to the people of Jerusalem. ” (Isaiah 8:12-14).

·       “So says Jehovah, Do not learn the way of the nations, and do not be terrified at the signs of the heavens; for the nations are terrified at them.” (Isaiah 51.12.13)

·       “Thus says the Lord: Do not learn the way of the Gentiles, nor be dismayed at the signs of heaven; because the nations are afraid of them.” (Jer 10.2);

·       “Let your way of life be without the love of money, and be content with such things as you have, for He has said, "Not at all will I leave you, not at all will I forsake you, never!" so that we may boldly say, "The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do to me."” (Heb 13.5.6).

 

For you to understand this, if we become dependent on the world, we will be trapped in the Babylonian System that rules it and, of course, unable to love. Whether we like it or not, we will be obliged to subject ourselves to human beings, which makes us cursed and unable to see the good (Jer 17.5,6).

To illustrate this, imagine a merchant under the Adamic curse (from the sweat of your face you shall eat - Gen. 3:19). As he has a family to support, he is obliged, at all costs, to sell his merchandise, regardless of the satisfaction of others.

On the other hand, if he believes that his livelihood comes from Jesus (Ps 127.1,2; Phil 4.19) and that the job is just to have what to share with whom is needy (Eph. 4.28), even if the bills are due, he will not explore the neighbor (taking advantage of their naivete), nor sell damaged, counterfeit or shoddy merchandise (see Mt 7.12) because you don't want to lose Jesus' visitation time (see Matt 24.45; Mk 13.33-37; Lk 19.44). Furthermore, he knows that, in the end, Jesus will supply him with what is really good for his life.

That is, this freedom is important so that, as a member of Christ, we can seek Jesus both day and night (and anywhere), as well as being sought by Him when He wants to reveal Himself to someone.

Light is about beauty. Without light, beauty does not exist, since the ornamental characteristics of each individual cannot be seen. Therefore, if our eyes are good, our whole body will serve to reveal the ornaments existing in everything around us.

Light is also about knowledge, and in heaven, our knowledge of Jesus and His will will be full.

24th – she encourages the powerful to share all the glory of the nations to walk according to the Light of Christ

• “And the nations of those who are saved will walk in the light of it; and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it.” (Revelation 21:24).

 

Spiritually, this confirms what Jesus said: that the Church is the light of the world (Matt 5.14-16) to be followed by everyone (and not the opposite, as in the religious system that tries to adapt to the carnal desires of the people - see Isaiah 60.3-5). It is not the Church that follows the dictates of the world, but those who are in the world and want a change of life are the ones who decide to leave it and come to Christ (Jer 15:19).

The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines more and more until it is a perfect day (Prov. 4:18). Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12; 9.15). However, it pleased Him to make us light in this world too (Matt 5.14-16), so we must manifest the light of Christ in every moment.

In His light, nations will walk, increasingly renouncing themselves, since the worldly are unable to free themselves (Isaiah 44.20).

However, we must also receive this light from the life of the brothers in Christ. We cannot think that we just need Jesus in us. Hence Jesus says that we must be in Him and He in us (John 15:7):

 

·       To be in Him, that is, together with Him in the hearts of the brothers;

·       He in us: we must be ready to be used for His glory.

 

It is not the Church that should go after the glory of the world, but the world should bring its glory to the Church, not so that she has resources, as the religious system says, but so that each one can have exactly what needs (see Eph. 4.28). The idea is to share the glory and honor of the world, so that no one is superior and thus everyone can participate in Love in the Kingdom of the Creator (see 2Cor 8.12-15).

The Church, as a pillar and bastion of truth (1Tim 3.15), should encourage people to be tired of being who they are and of the life they have been living in order to seek: repentance, conversion and, finally, leave the world in order to be able to prepare and be ready for when Christ comes.

Detail: regeneration is the death of the old cell in order to make room for a new cell that has just been produced with the same characteristics as the old cell to perform its function. Likewise, spiritual regeneration is the death of the old man so that the new man (which is actually older than the old, as it was created first by the Creator for His glory) can take the old man's place (1Cor 15.36).

Understand: the new man is the same as the old (the person does not change his face, nor his memory), but free from sin. The old man has this title because, in the times of Holy Scripture, old age was synonymous with wisdom (Job 32.6.7). As the new man was filling himself with the wisdom, customs and tastes of the world, he became old and ended up usurping the place that belongs to the new man by right (the one who walks in newness of life (Romans 7.6).

25th - Her doors never close, but it is open to everyone, regardless of their intentions

• “And its gates may not be shut at all by day, for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honor of the nations into it.” (Revelation 21.25, 26).

 

Unlike members of religious institutions (and pagans) who are always judging people to decide who comes into their lives and who doesn't, the Church is always open to everyone.

But how? So, apparently, contaminated and unclean people will enter. Do not go (Rev 21.27) because, as you must remember, there is an angel guarding each door (Rev 21.12). Remembering that the guard is not by force of violence, but by character.

If the Church tries to select who should or should not enter, it will make a fatal mistake. First, because Jesus came to call sinners to repentance, not the righteous (Matt 9.12.13). Furthermore, as the human heart is deceptive (Jer 17.9), the person will end up choosing those that will not bring any spiritual benefit (not even physical) and leaving out those who, although in the beginning are useless (Philemon 11; 1Cor 1.26-28), then they will receive them in the eternal tabernacles (Lk 16.9).

Think: since the science of man is limited, what would be the bases on which he would make such an arbitration? It is in this context that Jesus said "do not judge, lest you be judged" (Matt 7.1). When the Church is faithful to Jesus, nothing bad penetrates her. She does not have to worry about preserving what belongs to the Creator, because He Himself watches over His Word (Jer 1.11,12) and none of His plans can be thwarted (Job 42.2).

Note that, for the second time, it is said that the glory of the nations will be brought to the New Jerusalem. This shows the importance of having contact with Jesus in order to remain consecrated.

26th - Within her, there is only room for what gives room for the Creator to act.

• “And there shall in no way enter into it anything that defiles, or any making an abomination or a lie; but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life.” (Revelation 21:27).

 

Spiritually, no one enters the Church who tries to do things by force or violence (Isaiah 35.8; Zech 4.6), but only those who agreed to be part of the Lamb's life, so as to enter into His history (see Rev 3.5; 13.8; 20.12; Phil 4.3, where it shows the importance of the book of life). Many names go down in the history of mankind, but happy those who are part of the history of the Kingdom of Heaven.

The truth is that there is no excuse for doing evil. If we give in to evil, even if it is to fight something we believe to be evil, then evil has already won. When someone wants revenge or is jealous, in fact what torments them is seeing the good in the life of the other individual. He does not accept that others are blessed, unless it brings some profit to themselves.

But after all, why is it said that evil will not enter the New Jerusalem (see Isaiah 35:8; 52: 1; 60:21; Joel 3.17; Rev. 22: 14-15)? After all, this seems inconsistent, since the idea, at first, is to show the gospel to every creature (Mk 16.15). However, here and in the Testament of the Law, much is said about the non-penetration of the unclean (for example, Ezek 44.9).

This shows that it is not the contact with the sacred things that leads someone to convert:

 

·       “Let favor be shown to the wicked, yet he will not learn righteousness; in the land of uprightness he will deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of Jehovah.” (Isaiah 26.10).

27th - in her the Holy Spirit moves constantly, because there is the throne of the Creator and the Lamb

• “And he showed me a pure river of Water of Life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.” (Revelation 22.1).

 

Spiritually, the River of Life:

 

His source: heavenly;

His properties:

o   He is purifying. He purifies those who remain in Him (Ezek. 36.25; Eph. 4.30).

o   He is a river of power (it comes from the Creator's throne). Whoever drinks of Him and remains, lives again (John 4.10; 7.37-39);

o   Yield fruits (Rev 22.12; Jer 17.8; Psalms 1.3; Isaiah 55.1);

o   He is a River of Grace, since He comes from the throne of the Lamb.

His progress: the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Creator's glory as the waters cover the sea (Ezek 47.8);

His durability: his waters will always be flowing without ever becoming extinct.

 

In (Rev 7.17; 21.6,7; 22.1) the saved are always close to the Water of Life.

 

The difference is that, in Rev 4.6, the emphasis is on the position of the people who serve the Creator in relation to His throne. Someone can only claim to serve Jesus if they are before His throne. Here, this crystal-like river symbolizes those who believe in Jesus moving towards those who wish to bear fruit for the Creator, so that He may be glorified (John 15.8).

In other words, the sea of ​​glass represents the Holy Spirit regenerating and renewing the Church (Titus 3.4-6). The River of Life represents the Holy Spirit moving the Church to regenerate, quench the inner thirst, purify, etc., those who, having received Jesus, are children of the Creator (John 1:12). It is the Church serving the Church, one another.

The supernatural joy of heavenly life is:

 

1 - abundant in its measure (river). Large cities are built on the banks of rivers to guarantee health, commerce and pleasure. Thus, for the evangelization the emblem of a river is used (Habakkuk 2.14; Ps 46.4). The Creator will spread peace over the New Jerusalem like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like an overflowing stream (Isaiah 66.12).

2 - pure in nature (crystal clear).

3 - reinvigorating in its energy (of life).

4 - according to the needs of the human soul.

5 - the result of the Creator's sovereign mercy (proceeds from the throne).

 

Why does the Church want Christ's return so much? It is impossible to secure world peace as long as sin reigns in human nature. Jesus will do everything new, will finish with the error and will bring righteousness. So the human being will be more important than material things. True spirituality will be propagated and everyone will grow in grace and, obviously, they will love the Creator more and will desire more ardently to be close to Him.

A question comes: is the New Jerusalem a paradise within a city or a city within paradise?

28º - She always produces fruit and medicine to all who need it

• “In the midst of its street, and of the river, from here and from there, was the Tree of Life, which bore twelve fruits, each yielding its fruit according to one month. And the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” (Revelation 22.2).

 

A detail to be noted is that, in Rev 7.3; 14.1, only 144,000 received the seal containing the name of the Eternal and the Lamb on their foreheads. Yet here, the whole Church is seen with this seal. And what is the purpose of it? Eliminate any doubt that may exist among the followers of the Eternal of the sincerity of love expressed to one another. The seal of the Father's identity gives us confidence that we are working for the Eternal and, obviously, that our work will not be in vain.

It is still necessary to consider that, while the mark of the beast was received on the forehead and in the hand (Rev 13.16,17 - to enjoy the world), in imitation of the legal regime of the Old Testament (Exodus 13.13,16 - to enjoy the physical promises of the Eternal), the Church only needs a seal on the forehead (to confirm its affiliation).

This is not all! The fact that the Church is marked with the name of the Eternal is a confirmation of her affiliation before all celestial citizens, which took place within the heart (Rev. 3.17).

However, for this it is necessary to be willing to accept the throne of the Eternal and the Lamb. That is, it is necessary to understand that every situation, first of all, was designed by the Eternal. This means that, instead of fighting against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6.12), we must try to understand where the Eternal wants us, what He wants us to do and how.

That is, everything happens to push us to the right place and interior conditions.

The big problem is that, most of the time, we insist on fighting the goads (Acts 9.5; 26.14). And look when Paul heard this from Jesus there was nothing or anyone, physically speaking, blocking his path or forcing him to do that. Therefore, the sting that was pricking Paul was the love and truth that came from Jesus' followers. He didn't want to give in to this. That is, although he felt something different in the lives of the disciples, he refused to accept this. Hence Jesus said that it was He who was being persecuted by Paul.

Likewise, often our thirst for vengeance prevents us from giving in to the Eternal's love for sinners and, in this way, we remain recalcitrant against all the good that He wants to do to them.

The Eternal gave the law through Moses and Jesus came to show how a man must live so that every law can be fulfilled in his life (it is not the human being fulfilling the law, but the law being fulfilled in his life - Rom 8.1-4). Note that Jesus achieved the position of judge and king as a Lamb. Hence the Eternal to say that His Favor is given to the humble (Jas 4.6; 1Peter 5.5).

Spiritually Jesus is the Tree of Life that feeds and heals the nations. He does this by inviting all nations to come to Him. Now everyone has to whom to turn. His fruits are:

 

·       Love;

·       Enjoyment;

·       Peace;

·       Long-suffering;

·       Kindness;

·       Goodness;

·       Faith;

·       Meekness;

·       Temperance;

·       Truth (Matt 12.24);

·       Grace;

·       Power.

 

Qualities of life that the Tree of Life gives us:

 

·       It is divine, that is, it is the Holy Spirit communicating His life in us;

·       It is the most excellent, immortal life;

·       It is a real and priestly life (Rev 1.6; 5.10);

·       It is a heavenly life (Eph 1.3; 2.6; 2Peter 1.3);

·       It is a life of eternal growth (see Eph 4: 11-13);

 

The fruits of Jesus' great, glorious and loving intercession:

 

·       He took the religious system captive, which held individuals captive to deceitful ministers;

·       He gave gifts to men (Eph 4.8);

·       The pouring out of the Holy Spirit without measure (John 3.34);

·       He has prepared a place in the hearts of men to dwell in each other's lives;

·       We are free from sin and have strength against temptation (Lk 22: 31-32);

·       Courage and confidence before the Creator and acceptance on His throne (Heb 4.16);

·       We, our prayers and our works become acceptable before the Creator, which provides us with an immediate answer to the challenges and accusations that are brought against us;

·       We are confident about all the promises of the Testament of the Eternal's Favor, as well as their blessings.

 

The abundant presence of leaves on the Tree of Life indicates a cure for the diseases of the soul that are a consequence of sin. In other words, the Church is to be the place where individuals have a place to find forgiveness for their sins and, obviously, a cure for their illnesses.

 

·       “And an inhabitant, the people who live in it shall not say, I am sick; iniquity is taken away.” (Isaiah 33.24).

·       “For as the lightning which lights up, flashing from the one part under heaven, and shines to the other part under heaven, so also shall the Son of Man be in His day.” (Lk 17.3,4).

 

You may say: but if every time a person sins thay reach forgiveness and healing, they will never be converted.

Many don't really:

 

·       “With my soul I desired You in the night; yea, with my spirit within me I will seek You early; for when Your judgments are in the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness. Let favor be shown to the wicked, yet he will not learn righteousness; in the land of uprightness he will deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of Jehovah.” (Is 26.9.10).

 

For those who belong to Jesus, opportunities for forgiveness will consolidate Jesus' love and justice within them; for those who are not, this will consolidate the evil, hardening their hearts (2Cor 3.1-3; 1Peter 2.5-8). However, this does not change the fact that they were given an opportunity to repent.

Jesus said that He is the True Vine (Tree of Life) and we the branches (John 15.1). In other words, the fruits of the Tree of Life are the part of the Church responsible for keeping the soul of the brothers alive (full of good thoughts and feelings), healthy and full of energy. The square being a meeting place (Zech 8.4,5; Matt 11.16), right at the center of the Church's communion must be spiritual food, the perfect sanity and, the True Drink (hence Ps 133.1). There is no real blessing that comes to us outside the communion square.

By the way, here, we see that it is not enough to be filled with the Holy Spirit. It is necessary to bear fruit, so that the individuals around us can be fed by the love of the Eternal (Gen. 5.22) and have “oil” in their vessels, in addition to being able to find forgiveness and a cure for their illnesses.

It is urgent, however, that when Jesus said that the Father is glorified because the Bride bears much fruit (Jo 15.8), this in no way implies a personal effort to fill themselves with fruit. Rather, it implies to be opened to all action of the Holy Spirit, not to put any impediment to His action in our life, letting the love and the Word of Jesus circulate within us. Doing this, the fruit comes naturally.

Therefore, being Jesus, spiritually, the Tree of Life and we are the branches, here are Jesus' healings that must spring through us:

·       Is anyone blind? Here is a leaf for this disease (Ps 146.8; Rev. 3.18);

·       Is anyone deaf enough to not hear Jesus' voice in His word or staff? Here is a leaf for you (Isaiah 35.5);

·       Is someone lame who cannot walk in the Creator's path? Here is the leaf for this (Isaiah 35.6);

·       Is someone dumb who cannot pray, praise, worship or proclaim the gospel of the Creator? Here is the leaf (Isaiah 35.6);

 

Drinking from the Holy Spirit (1Cor 12.13) and make the Church our food (John 6.51-57) it constitutes the essence of the Creator's Kingdom. This makes the Church independent from the world, since, from then on, it will not need:

 

Ø  Water, because the Holy Spirit quenches thirst (John 7:7-39);

Ø  Food, because the fruit comes from the very branches of the Church that are linked to Christ (see Eph. 4: 11-16) (see the importance of the promise to eat from the Tree of Life - Rev 2.7);

Ø  Dress, for she is clothed with the righteous acts of the saints (Rev 19.8);

Ø  Sanctuary (place of rest, protection and worship), for the Creator Himself is the temple;

Ø  Sunlight, moon or lamp, for the Creator and the Lamb illuminate it with His glory;

Ø  Doctor or medicine, because the leaves (gifts and talents) of the Church are for healing;

Ø  Embellish, for the Creator Himself adorns her with His truth, love, wisdom and God-fearing people (gold, precious stones, pearls, etc.).

Ø  Leader, because the Creator and the Lamb are on His throne leading her all the time;

Ø  Worldly people to serve, for there is a crowd, like a sea, resplendent as crystal (Rev 4.3), which:

§  will not be serving out of obligation (see John 15:14,15, where Jesus makes us friends of the Creator);

§  they will not serve the Creator at a distance, but by hearing His voice and seeing His face (something promised in Ps 17.15; Matt 5.8; 1John 3.2 and that, it won't be real now if we don't believe it) and having their minds marked by the name of the Creator (Rev 22.3,4)

§  will follow the Holy Scripture according to the concepts and values ​​of the Kingdom of the Creator (and not according to the wisdom of the system that rules this world).

To understand the importance of seeing the face of the Eternal, just remember that all who, in the Testament of the Law, wanted to see it, could not (Exodus 33.20,23; Matt 13.17). However, His glory could be seen in the face of Christ (John 1.14,18; 14:19; 2Cor 4.6). Jesus revealed the Father through His face (John 1:14,18) and as far as the Church is concerned, there will never be confusion (1Cor 14.33), as with Philip (John 14.9).

From now on, the glory of the Eternal can now be seen in the life of those who give themselves to Christ (Ps 17.15) but its peak will be when Jesus comes (Isaiah 33.17; Matt 5.8; Rev 3.12), which will make us similar to Him (1John 3.2).

As if this were not enough, the Church will also be able, in Christ, to know herself and the Eternal at the same way that she is known in the Kingdom of Heaven (1Cor 13.12).

29th - There is no curse in her. All are guided by Jesus and serve Him out of love

• “And every curse will no longer be; but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His servants will serve Him.” (Revelation 22.3).

 

What should be the reference adopted by those who serve the Creator?

 

1.  From the sovereign, rich and free grace of the Creator;

2.  From the merit and intercession of Jesus;

3.  From the efficiency of the Holy Spirit (in which you are sealed for the day of redemption - Ephesians 4.30);

4.  From the Creator's fidelity;

5.  From the immutability of the Creator.

 

Conversion is a change of service, master, reason and job.

It is important to note that the true shepherd, the leader of the flock, is not the strongest ram, but The Lamb, indicating the government of love, innocence, humility. This also implies that the herd is made up of individuals of this type.

All the promises in Revelation 22:3-5 are a consequence of the end of all curse and cursed thing, including sin.

 

No more curse	Perfect Restoration
Throne is at the center	Perfect Administration
Servants will serve the Creator voluntarily	Perfect Subordination
Everyone will see the face of the Creator	Perfect Intimacy
Name of the Creator is in all foreheads	Perfect Identification
The Creator is the light	Perfect Lighting
They will reign forever	Perfect Exultation
Nothing contaminated, unclean, nor anyone who commits an abomination or lie will enter the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21.27).	Perfect Transformation

 

In summary we can say that:

 

·       There is no curse within the Church, for Jesus became a curse for us in order to rescue us from the curse of the law (Gal. 3:13), so that we are a source of blessing.

·       In it is the throne of the Creator and the Lamb. The Church is governed by the Creator's concepts and values ​​in order to manifest that Christ is alive, namely, living as He lived.

·       In the New Jerusalem are those who serve the Creator out of love, for the privilege of knowing Him better and being with Him.

30th - She is characterized by a deep intimacy and knowledge of the Father

• "And they will see His face, and His name will be in their foreheads." (Revelation 22.4).

 

The Church sees the Creator exactly as He is. She makes no assumptions about who the Creator is. She knows the Creator well and does what pleases Him (not what is most convenient for her).

The Church is perfectly identified as belonging to the Creator. There is no doubt, because her thoughts and feelings are marked by everything that Jesus is.

31st - There is no physical rest in this world, but as a soldier, she is always ready to be used by Jesus in the life of those who He wish

• “And there will be no night there. And they need no lamp, or light of the sun; for the Lord God gives them light. And they will reign forever and ever.” (Revelation 22.5).

 

For the Church there is no night (Rom. 13: 11-14; 1Thess 5.6-8). Rather, as a soldier (2Tm 2.3-5) she should always be ready to be used by Jesus (Matt 24.45; Mk 13.33-37). If the tense used in the verb is the future (there will be) it is because, unfortunately, members of the Church, today, have not yet become aware of this, in addition to being restricted to weaknesses and carnal limits.

As a consequence, they remain dependent on the lights of this world (secular knowledge and wisdom), as well as their resources, to be falsely illuminated (see Matt 6.23) and, thus, to have their desires fulfilled.

However, the true Church has already received the abundance of the Favor of the Eternal, to the point of being the light of the world (Matt 5.14-16), thus being in total condition to reign already through Jesus. (Rom 5.17). However, for this, we must participate in the sufferings of Christ for His Bride (Phil 1.29; 3.10; Col 1.24; 2 Tim 2.12; 1Peter 4.12-19). Although the fullness of this promise will take place in the millennium and, finally, in eternity (Rev. 3:21), as promised through the prophets (Dan 7.18, 27).

If the promise of being enlightened by Jesus holds true for Israel in the millennium (Isaiah 60.19.20), how much more to the Church of Jesus today (Rev 21.23). All this splendor and wealth had already been promised by the Creator (Isaiah 54.11,12).

Just think of the promise given by the Eternal that the sages will shine like the glow of the firmament (Dan 12.3) and that we are to be the light of the world (Matt 5.14), shine like stars in the world (Phil 2.14.15). Just do all things without mumbling or strife (Ecc 9.10) and we will take advantage of every opportunity (Ecc 9.11; Eph 5.14-17; Col 4.5).

Spiritually, there will also be no need for the obscure light of the ceremonial law under the dispensation of the law (candeia), nor the clearer light of the gospel, its gifts and ordinances, because in the dispensation of the kingdom, our apparent vision will be replaced by the real and living vision of the Creator and everything that concerns Him.

The full and blessed heavenly light implies that there will not be:

 

·       Sin. Any work of darkness will be excluded;

·       Sadness;

·       Rebuke;

·       Temptation or trial;

·       Ignorance. Everyone will know who they are, who the Creator is and what His will is for them;

·       Deterioration, because there will be no corruption;

·       Loneliness;

·       Adversary;

·       Distancing.

 

Heaven's happiness and eternity is founded on:

 

·       The eternity, immutability and perfection of the Creator and His love, grace, goodness and mercy;

·       The good, perfect and pleasant will of the Eternal (Rom 12.2).

·       The power of the Creator, who is Almighty and Eternal;

·       The Creator's holiness;

·       The Creator's justice and righteousness (2Tim 4.8; 2Thess 1.6.7);

·       The eternal effectiveness of Christ's mediation;

·       The eternal communion with the Holy Spirit. He came to stay with us forever (John 14.16; 1 John 2.27).

32ª – SHE SEARCHES TO KNOW, LIVE, DELVE AND PASS THE TRUTH AHEAD

• “And he said to me, These sayings are faithful and true. And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show to His servants the things which must shortly be done.” (Revelation 22.6).

 

"Behold, I come quickly. Blessed is he who keeps the Words of the prophecy of this Book." (Revelation 22.7). Things should soon happen. This means that the time to prepare is short (Rev 1.1,3). The righteous are to be rewarded and the wicked, punished (Rev. 11:18).

Prophecy is to be communicated to others (Rev 1.3). The Church has an obligation to take note of what the Creator has revealed especially to her and, of course, to confirm the truth and fidelity of this before individuals.

LESSON TO BE APPLIED IN MARRIAGE

1st - Marriage is something completely new and heavenly

• "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth. For the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. And the sea no longer is." (Rev 21.1).

 

The New Jerusalem is compared to a bride because, coming down from heaven to be among the people, it reminds a lot of what happens in a marriage, where husband and wife leave their parents (Gen. 2.24; Ps 45.10) and everything they once lived in order to start a new life, a new manifestation of the love and wisdom of the Eternal resulting from what the Eternal began to do in the lives of both parents: the husband continues the work that Jesus began in his father and helped by the work that Jesus began in the wife's father's life. Together they multiply and bear fruit in their children's lives.

So much so that it is ordered:

 

·       To the man who leaves father and mother to join his wife (Gen. 2.24);

·       To the woman who forgets her father's house (Ps 45.10).

 

In other words, the father's time to implant his image in his son has passed. Now it is time for the son to be used to continue the work that the Creator started in his father's life, in view of what was passed on to him.

Behind us was the sea of ​​people (e.g., classmates) that rocked both their lives. This is replaced by mutual dedication in favor of what the Creator wishes to do through them in the lives of others.

2nd - The goal of marriage is NOT to try to find paradise lost through each other's lives and thereby can isolate from the world

• "And I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her Husband." (Rev 1.2).

 

Just as the Bride of the Lamb is not an isolated person, but an entire city, so it is in marriage. This is not the end, but the beginning of a wonderful work of the Eternal in the life of the couple that seeks to fill the many abodes of Jesus in the hearts of both, from within the interior of both to within the interior of the neighbor (John 14.1,2), starting with the children.

That is, the New Jerusalem is built within the heart of each one (Ephesians 2.20,22; Col 2.7; 1Peter 2.5). When Jesus promised the one whose mine yielded ten, authority over ten cities (Lk 19.16,17), He was promising to have access to the hearts of the ten individuals who were discipled by the Holy Spirit through him, as well as the hearts of everyone who lives in their hearts (which together made a city in their hearts).

In marriage the greatest evil that exists is that one thinks that the other can fill all the emptiness of the heart. Marriage must be seen as the starting point to bear fruit, multiply, fill the earth and subject it to the lordship of Christ (Gen. 1.28). Only then all emptiness in the couple's heart will be filled, avoiding the erosion of the marital relationship.

However, can it be clear: it is not just about making friends. The marriage is holy and descends from heaven from the Eternal, that is:

 

·       It is separated for the exclusive use of Eternal;

·       It is not based on earthly concepts, but focused on heavenly concepts and values (Col 3.1-3);

·       It is not the will of the flesh, nor of the blood, nor of any man, but of the Eternal (John 1:12,13).

 

In other words, marriage aims to prepare both hearts so that the Eternal can bear fruit through both (Gal 5.22), that is, to fill them with His concepts and values ​​through those who the Eternal places in their lives.

As a Bride of Christ, the wife adorns herself for her husband, and not for strangers. The purpose of a bride of Christ is to be beautiful in the eyes of her husband. However, it is not she who adorns herself. Her beauty and joy has to be the presence of her hu (Eze 1sband6.14; John 3.29). It is her husband that dresses her (Rev 19.8).

Therefore, the wife is not only beautiful internally, as advocated by those who say that the Eternal only looks at the heart (as if He were a butcher or cardiologist, distorting the sense of 1Sam 16.7). Although the book of Revelation is allegorical and there is much spiritual to be learned in this book, it must be made clear that hidden faith is not faith, but hypocrisy (see Jas 2.17-20). Specially because, as, for example, a water source can be said to be sweet, when only bitter water is observed in it (Jas 3.10-12)?

It is not someone “bad” trying to be good (which is impossible - Mt 7.15-20), but to “be” good. It is possible for someone to disguise, but never be what they are not (Matt 12.33,34).

Likewise, there are two mistakes that are made:

 

·       To worry only about appearance, trying to be beautiful in everyone's eyes, but empty inside;

·       To try to worry only with the heart, but relax in appearance. The Eternal is also concerned with the body (1Cor 6.20; 1Thess 5.23). So much so that the Bride was dressed in fine linen, resplendent and pure (Rev 19.8) and adorned (Rev 21.2). The city's building and arrangements serve the same purpose as a bride's dress and ornaments (Isaiah 61.10).

 

However, what makes any wife beautiful is she allows to be adorned by the husband, so that everyone can see her husband's glory in her. (1Cor 11.7), that is, so that through her, the husband can show his love and wisdom to all (Prov 31.23) and pass this on through the children (to honor the husband).

It is not for the woman to live her life and, at the same time, try to please her husband and be valued by those around her. Rather, the idea is that the husband is valued in her life, receiving the same grace of life that is on him (1Peter 3.7), that is, living the life that the Eternal gave him.

 

·        "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, so that where I am, you may be also. " (John 14.3).

 

See here Jesus promising to take us to the hearts of individuals to have a relationship with us there. Likewise, Jesus wants to have a relationship with the couple through the lives of their spouse and children.

And note the intensity of love and intimacy between children and parents:

 

·        “For as a young man marries a virgin, so will your sons marry you; and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so will your God rejoice over you.” (Isaiah 62.5).

 

The love must be such that, to the point of each one willingly accepts to be captive in the heart of the other.

Great is the mystery of Christ, since, although the New Jerusalem is within everyone, she is a single city.

3rd - The purpose of marriage is to make Christ's presence in this world visible and constant

• “And I heard a great voice out of Heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God.” (Rev 21.3).

 

When John 1.14 says that Jesus became flesh and “tabernacled” among us, do not think that this was only to happen once (spiritually speaking, of course). The idea is that, through marriage, everyone can see: through the husband, Jesus' care for His Bride; through the woman, the submission that the Church owes to Christ.

The fact that a man has his wife must point to Christ taking possession of His Church in order to be of His. This may sound arbitrary in society, inasmuch as the fashion in vogue is "nobody belongs to anyone".

However, think about how sad it is not to belong to anyone. At first it may sound like freedom not having to be accountable to anyone. However, this means making no difference in anyone's life and vice versa.

The fact that we know that we belong to Jesus is what brings us security, because we know that we are not thrown around as something rejected, but that He cares for us and watches over us as a man watches over his treasures or his wife. (Deut 32.9.10), wanting to be with them all the time (dwell). After all, the Creator’s heart is where He placed His treasure (Matt 6.21), namely, in the hearts of those who serve Him. Or, if you prefer, He puts His Word and Spirit in the heart of the Church so that He can be present with her every day until the end of the century.(Matt 28.20).

So, marriage is the Eternal introducing His tabernacle among men in order to be able to live with them (Rev. 21.3) personally (“and God Himself will be with them”). The idea of ​​the Eternal is to constitute a people for Himself, that is, a group of individuals at His disposal 24 hours, moved in favor of eternal life (Jesus himself - John 17.3; 1John 5.20) for the love of Jesus and all that He is (His character expressed in His Word).

Understand: just as the Creator generated the Church to constitute a seed of the pious (Mal 2.15), the man must marry the woman to constitute a people for himself, just as, in the Testament of the Law, many men ended up constituting for themselves a city.

Just as the Creator generated the Church to be with her members and to be their God, a man must marry to have people with whom he can be present at all times and be a reference for who the Creator is.

The Creator ordered the creation of the tabernacle to live separately with the people of Israel (Exodus 33.7.8). Then He generated the Church in order to live separately with humanity. Likewise, man must marry in order to separate himself to serve Christ out of love for his neighbor. That is, close to them, but like water and oil: without mixing with it.

4th - The purpose of marriage is to overcome sin and the effects that came with it

• “And God will wipe away all tears from their eyes. And there will be no more death, nor mourning, nor crying out, nor will there be any more pain; for the first things passed away.” (Rev 21.3,4).

 

Let us begin by analyzing the characteristics of the woman who would be blessed by the Eternal through His Bride:

 

·        “Do not let a widow be enrolled having become less than sixty years old, the wife of one man, well reported of for good works: if she brought up children, if she lodged strangers, if she washed the feet of saints, if she relieved the afflicted, if she followed after every good work.” (1Tim 5.9-10).

 

In other words, the widow had to, while her husband lived, have served as comfort and rest in the lives of the needy. In other words, marriage is not the construction of a selfish little world made up only of the spouse and children.

The wife must be like the Creator's tabernacle in the desert, that is, to serve that the oppressed of His people find refuge in her (see Isaiah 14.32).

In other words, marriage, like the Church cell, aims to raise a family that has the Creator's own company as a reward, with a view to being used by Him to end death (see John 5.24,25), mourning, crying (with the Creator's consolation (2Cor 1.3-6) one realizes that, no matter how much evil seems to prosper, there is always a place for him in the Creator's plan (see the example of Elijah - 1Ki 19.15-18) and is never without reward (Heb 6.10)).

How to end with death? Marriage is the most effective way used by the Word of the Creator to end the separation brought about by sin, being much more than a mere union of interests. Rather, it is a union of lives to serve as a channel for the manifestation of the Creator's power.

Anyway, marriage is the most concrete proof that the first things are passed (Rev 21.3,4), since it is not a mere gathering of two people in the same house, but a new body completely different from the two bodies that gave rise to it.

This recalls what the Creator did through Jesus, Who, instead of imputing sins to people, operated the ministry of reconciliation (2Cor 5.18-20). In other words, Jesus, instead of negotiating a change of character in the person's life, He simply connects them to the body. All it takes is that this person only agrees to forget everything that was (their desires, plans, thoughts, feelings, actions), allow the concepts and values ​​of the Eternal Kingdom to fill their entire interior (Matt 22.37.38) and accept Christ's leadership towards the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Likewise, instead of the husband demanding changes in attitude on the part of the wife, he must link her to him through the Word of the Creator; the wife, instead of trying to change her husband, must leave her past behind, submit to the life of Christ in her husband, in order to be the mean by which Jesus will change him (1Peter 3.1-6).

To be more exact, instead of fixing one attitude here, another there, Jesus grants us, through the Holy Spirit, His way of seeing and understanding things, so that the person becomes another.

In other words, marriage does not survive from the past, but from the newness of life (Rom 7.6) that the Creator operates each day. Marriage is not chasing past losses, but walking after the Creator's profits in the present time. It is only necessary for a person to give way in their spirit for the Holy Spirit to believe in Jesus through them. How? Abandoning, for example, self-righteousness, that is, the idea that each one must pay for the sins they have committed.

The question comes: how to achieve this? Believing him who is seated on the throne.

5th - The purpose of marriage is the renewal of all things.

• “And He sitting on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And He said to me, Write, for these words are true and faithful.” (Rev 21.5).

 

Marriage is so serious that everything that has to do with it has to be registered.

When husband and wife get married they form one flesh (Gen. 2.24), as with metal alloys. For example, when copper, tin and lead fuse, they form bronze which has very different properties from the copper, tin and lead that gave rise to it.

Likewise, when true marriage in Christ takes place, the identity of the husband and wife cease to exist. What it can be seen is the new body that appears (as in the new birth - 2Cor 5.17), very different from the two lives that compose it.

That is, the marriage begins with a new body formed by the Creator's action (Gen. 2.24) with a view to manifesting new things in the couple's life.

6th - Marriage is established in what Jesus has already accomplished (John 19.30), and not in promises to each other

• “And He said to me, It is done. I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who thirsts I will give of the fountain of the Water of Life freely.” (Rev 21.6).

 

Note that when dealing with the Bride of Christ, John is told: “everything is done” (as Jesus said on the cross - John 19.30). One of the couple's biggest mistakes is basing the relationship on trying to please each other. Now, there is no salvation through works (Ephesians 2.8,9). This includes the success of marriage. How many try to save the marriage by making promises or trying to change certain habits. This only postpones and exacerbates the problem.

The relationship in Christ is established in rest (see, for example, Ps 23.4; 37.7; 91.1; Matt 11.28; 22.3,4). The Eternal has already accomplished all that is necessary for a successful marriage. At no time did He design Holy Scripture as a method of teaching or self-help so that man could build his home effectively.

Everything necessary for true union has been accomplished. The teaching of Holy Scripture is only so that it is possible to recognize the place that Christ has been occupying in marriage.

What we need is to recognize that Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega (the outset and the final of learning), the Beginning and the End. That is, there is nothing we can do before He arrives, nor is there anything to do after He acts, for His work is complete (Rom 12.2), with no need for revisions, improvements, etc. We just need to trust Jesus and His good, pleasant and perfect will (Rom 12.2).

Considering that Jesus promises, FREE of charge, the Water of life (Jo 4.13,14; 7.37-39) to whomever is thirsty, there is no reason to sin.

But, if so, then why do so many marriages fall apart?

 

1.  Because there is no thirst for the Eternal and His justice, but a thirst for human justice, whose aim is solely to guarantee individual interests;

2.  Because, unfortunately, no one is believing that love cannot be bought (Song 8.6.7).

 

They insist on wanting to pay for something that has already been paid for by Jesus and, as they cannot, they want to charge this to others. The individuals feels limited because they are not able to acquire everything they need or desire and, for this reason, they starts to charge others, as if they were obliged to collaborate. And it is this accounting game (learned from the Babylonian System) that breaks any relationship. Since nobody does anything good for free, then they want to charge it back from his children and spouse.

Based on self-righteousness (Rom 10.3), the woman begins to charge her husband for all the times she gave in to satisfy him and vice versa. But, if each one forgot the things that are left behind (Phil 3.13,14) and proceed to the target (eternal life), believing that, no matter the size of the damage, the Eternal can give us much more, no one would throw their pearls to the pigs (Matt 7.6). The idea is that each one would see the privilege of seeing his gift appreciated and being used by the Eternal, instead of seeking material rewards.

Furthermore, what do we have that, first of all, we have not received (1Cor 4.7; 1Tim 6.7.8)? And if we received everything from the Father's hands, including His own favor, why would He not give us, in Christ, all other things (Rom 8.32)? Does it make sense to trust the supposed potential we have to manipulate individuals? Why do individuals have to act, all the time like robots or being manipulated?

However, if we believed that the Eternal's blessing is free (Ps 145.9; Matt 5.44.45), we would not need to get caught up in the meanness and smallness of our mind. We would not need to limit our potential to what the world says we can be and have and wherewith, unfortunately, we end up agreeing.

Anyway, free of charge means that we don't have to look for anyone to acquire the resources, much less we need to have the resource with us. Rather, it is available to anyone who has trusted Jesus enough to refuse to quench their thirst with the resources of this world and receive Jesus’ provision.

7th - Marriage seeks perfect unity in Christ, and not in evil and carnal subterfuge

• “He who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son. But the fearful, and the unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, will have their part in the Lake burning with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” (Rev 21.7-8).

 

The winning couple is the one who managed to break free from the idea of ​​trade and drank the Water of Life (without doing like Simon - Acts 8.20,21). This couple will inherit the opportunity to:

 

·       be a living tabernacle of the Eternal;

·       be son of the Eternal, that is, a living expression of who He is;

·       have Jesus as their God, that is, as their everything, the One who we can trust fully at all times.

 

On the other hand, the losing couple will inherit the lake of fire and sulfur, namely, those who, to be successful, made use of:

 

·       fear => how many couples, afraid of losing their spouse's favor, are mutually trapped in enslaving jealousy;

·       unbelief => love believes everything (1Cor 13.7), because it is not based on the spouse's fidelity, but on the certainty that, what the Eternal united, no one can separate (unless we separate, that is, we accept the separation within us). The proof of this is not even two pagan kings managed to possess Sarah, even though Abraham lied (Gen. 12: 17-19; 20: 4-7). Furthermore, the marriage is not successful because of our effort to get it right and the requirement that the spouse gets it right, but rather to see a privilege in forgiveness.

·       abomination => because of jealousy, the husband demands that the wife cut off relations with other men and vice versa. In other words, marriage ends up sowing strife between them and with the brothers (Prov 6.19).

·       homicide => annoying the spouse (see 1John 3.15), forgetting that this means to mistreat the own flesh (Eph. 5.28, 29) and renounce communion with the Eternal (Mal 2.13-16; 1Pet 3.7);

·       fornication => each one uses the spouse to prostitute, treating him/her as a lover for mere carnal satisfaction. Instead of looking for an interior renovation, they go after extramarital affairs to escape the monotony of home (2Cor 4.16);

·       witchcraft => use seduction to win over their spouse, trying to show something that has anything to do with the reality (through jewelry, makeup, hairstyles, clothes, etc.). In other words, she wants to enthrall him through his most vile desires, instead of giving herself over to the work of the Holy Spirit in him character, filling him with virtues, and vice versa.(1Peter 3.1-6). Not to mention that many seek, through prayers, fasts, campaigns, etc., to convince (or even force) Jesus to make the spouse to suit to his/her interests;

·       idolatry => tries to pamper the spouse with compliments (see Prov 26.28; 28.23; 29.5) and self-abnegation to satisfy spouse’s tastes, as trying to please a god. What is right is to seek in Jesus the necessary transformation to be the instrument of transformation of the spouse.

·       lie => Make use of the lie to please your spouse and get rid of nagging (for example, agreeing to do something that, in truth, there isn’t will to do).

 

To use such devices to please or win over a spouse is a loser's philosophy. True marriage is characterized by the victory over all these methods of Ha-Satan to try to catch each other.

From now on, one of the angels who had the judgment cups of the Eternal, shows the Bride intimately (Rev 21.9).

8th - In marriage, the high and perfect standards of the Creator are never renounced (starting with the love that the Creator placed in the couple for each other) to get something out of this world

·        “And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of Heaven from God,” (Rev 21.10).

 

Marriage is not trivial. So much so that, in order for John to see the Bride coming down, the Eternal needed to place him in a large and high mountain.

But, what would this great mountain be? According to Daniel, this represents the Kingdom of the Eternal (Dn 2.35,44). While empires are considered hills (Rev 17.9), the Kingdom of the Eternal is a great mountain that fills the whole earth.

That is, a wife of Christ is not of this world (descends from heaven) and it only descends when the Eternal leads it, and not of her own free will. It is good to remember that the prudent wife comes from the Eternal (Prov 19,14), being that the one against whom the Eternal is angry falls in the shrewdness of the stranger (Prov 22,14).

And notice the place that the wife will occupy: a high and great mountain, that is, the Kingdom of the Eternal here on earth, which:

 

Ø  It is large enough to fill the entire land, instead of being restricted to one place, making access to those who want it very difficult;

Ø  It is high, that is, it never renounces the standard of the Eternal to please others (Matt 22.16; John 5.44).

How many descend from this high level of love (the wedding) (see Ps 127; 128.1-4; Prov 5.19; Ecc 9.9) in exchange for such picayune things. First, the fact that the wife descends means that a man does not need to renounce the character of Christ in order to please his wife.

In fact, there is nothing worse when the husband, to fawn over the bride (and vice versa) need to stage a character. In the Creator's Kingdom, the Bride's descent reveals where her love and wisdom comes from (see James 1.16,17). It is not her trying to ascend to heaven. She is already there (Eph 1.3; 2.6) and only comes down because the Eternal wants His kingdom to be perceived by this world and His will done on earth and in heaven (Matt 6.10).

However, she is never below people, as if it were necessary to submit to them, as if she were raised by the Creator simply to perform a service.

It is fitting that we understand that although Jesus came to serve (Matt 20.28), yet He never ceased to be King. That is, He serves so that our lives are conducted in accordance with the Father, so that no one has an excuse that they have failed to fully fulfill all the Father's will.

Likewise, the husband gives his life to the wife (Eph. 5: 25-27) so that she can fully submit to him. Finally, the Church submits to the people who come to her so that, in this way, everyone will be able to believe, repent and convert.

Most of the people, for not realizing this, end up struggling to find the “great love” of their life and, when they find whoever the Eternal has prepared for them, they exchange it for anything. They soon forget the commitment they made before the Eternal, in each other's lives, to never separate to run after other flesh (Mark 4.19; Lk 8.14):

 

 

Ø  Misunderstandings of Wealth -> In this case, marriage is no longer a wealth, becoming just another “commodity” (often even a mess) amid so many others;

Ø  Delights -> In this hypothesis, marriage, which before seemed to satisfy completely, now needs the world's sources of pleasure to be complemented;

Ø  Life Care -> Here, marriage, which should be a pleasure, becomes a boring obligation to be maintained. How many enslave themselves behind a counter or after overtime and barely have time for the love they so longed for. Unfortunately, the wife ceased to be the ideal helper (which would make the husband's seed fruit and multiply - Gen 1.28) to be a mere object of pleasure.

Ø  Other ambitions -> In this hypothesis, marriage, which was the only ambition, is considered to be consummated (conquered). Few are able to see the possible greatness of the Eternal to be known in each other's lives. Unfortunately, no one has perceived the spouse's heart as an immense ground to be explored and conquered, coming to simply go through life instead of living it in love with this spouse.

 

Of course, marriage is nothing in itself. It is what Christ wants to do through it that makes marriage special.

In other words, in the Kingdom of the Eternal true marriage consists of the Eternal granting the boy the heavenly vision of things and placing him in His kingdom, so that the girl who longs for something that goes well beyond this world, allows herself to be led by Holy Spirit to this level of purity and holiness. The girl allows herself to be conquered, not by the boy himself, but by what she always wanted to be conquered and that the Eternal put in his life, so that she could grow in His Kingdom and be closer to Him.

9th - Marriage has to count on the Creator's living and constant presence, without ever hiding it

·        “having the glory of God. And its light was like a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.” (Rev 21.11).

 

Marriage must count on the glory of the Eternal: it is neither the glory of the woman, nor that of the husband, nor the glory of Him in the life of each separate. Rather, it is the glory of the Eternal in both at the same time (1Peter 3.7).

The brilliance of marriage is to show the perfect union that is possible between two individuals so different when the Holy Spirit unites them. The brilliance is nothing more than the result of the reflection of light, which must be similar to that of a crystalline jasper stone. In other words, the couple must not keep the light of the Word of the Eternal for themselves, nor reflect it without absorbing it as it happens with the perfect metal; let alone refract it like a glass, where the light passes without undergoing practically any variation. Rather, the couple must absorb it (love), allow it to be refracted through them (allowing everyone to see the purity of Christ in you) and reflect it (in holiness) in a way that suits the Eternal.

In the same way, the couple must be constituted of purity and holiness in order to be able to receive Jesus in their life, to reflect Him accurately and to let Him manifest what is within them. Hence the crystalline jasper. That is, the couple receives the revelation, the gifts and the presence of the Creator Himself, absorbs it into his being and then transmits it to others according to the will of the Eternal, but always living a transparent life.

Therefore, whoever marries and separates is giving poor testimony of Christ's union with the Church, which is indissoluble.

10th - At home, only what comes to confirm the call of the Creator in the couple's life enters

 

·        “And it had a great and high wall, with twelve gates. And on the gates were twelve angels, and having names inscribed, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel:” (Rev 21.12).

 

In the Songs of Solomon, the virtuous woman is considered as a wall and her breasts as towers:

 

• “We have a little sister, and she has no breasts; what shall we do for our sister in the day when she shall be spoken for? If she is a wall, we will build on her a palace of silver; and if she is a door, we will enclose her with boards of cedar. I was a wall, and my breasts like towers; then I was in His eyes as one finding peace.” (Song 8.8-10).

 

In marriage, a woman should be the one who closes her home to everything that is contaminated or impure. Her act of breastfeeding her children is not just to feed them, but an excuse to be closer to them and:

 

·       to watch over them, so that they will not miss the opportunity to be used by the Eternal (Matt 24.45; Mk 13.35,36);

·       to fill the inside of them with the milk of the Word of the Eternal (1Peter 2.1,2), so that there is no stomach in their lives for another type of food (Phil 3.19).

 

If there is a door, it is because, first of all, there is a wall. Jacob had twelve children and Jesus, twelve apostles. Therefore, the doors represent the couple's children (both natural and spiritual).

In New Jerusalem we have: 12 doors, 12 angels and the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. The door represents the law (since it determines who enters and who stays out) and the fundamentals, grace (as it supports anyone who is on them, regardless of whether they deserve it or not).

Through each of the relationships in Christ that the husband establishes with the Church (including children - see Matt 18: 18-20), at the same time he allows to enter at his home what is good (Rev 21.24-27), he gives space for justice and peace to come out of him for all who wish (see Isaiah 2.1-4).

Man must build friendships with "angels", that is, with messengers from the Lord who will serve to keep his mind and that one of the whole family fixed on Jesus and His call. However, the purpose behind the ten commandments must be accepted by everyone who thinks of approaching. Recalling that eight commandments are negative (which should not be done to preserve the quality of relationships) and two are positive (which must be done to make relationships deeper and more solid).

On the door it is written what the door's purpose is: to allow entry only to what is in accordance with the law of the Eternal. This may seem like a good thing. However, caution is needed, because all who try to justify themselves on the basis of the law fall from the Favor of the Eternal (Gal 5.4) and end up involved in many sins (Rom 5.20). Hence the Testament of the Law is a covenant of death and condemnation (2Cor 3.7,9). The law has to be obeyed, but aiming at physical communion in favor of the exercise of mercy.

Therefore, there must be doors, but they must always be opened.

However, this door cannot be relaxed. On the contrary, the idea is that, when passing through the narrow door and constricted path, the individual has: above them, the wall of fire of the Eternal (His Word, which is shield and buckler - Ps 91.4); underneath, the foundation of faith with the identity and love expressed in the life of one of Jesus' apostles; behind it is the guardian angel of the door and in front of them the Eternal Life is waiting.

To be more precise: if, on the one hand, children should be opened to whoever the Eternal One brings them, yet they must uphold the Eternal's standards of holiness and purity, so that only those who really want to experience a life change, that is, those who yearn for being under His Word, based on the faith of Christ (Gal. 2:20) (which was codified through the doctrine of the apostles), kept from sin by angels and aiming at the true life.

When someone tries to get closer they must face the “angels” and see, in their children's lives, the confirmation that the angels' message (your real friends) is correct, that is, that there is no way to enter in their lives (and obviously at home) unless it is to submit to Creator’s Word.

11th - The home must be opened to all people, as long as they carry the marks of Jesus (Gal 6.17), namely, the experience of His Word

·        “From the east three gates, from the north three gates, from the south three gates, and from the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” (Rev 21,13,14).

 

As for number twelve, its use represents the totality of those that the Eternal wants to personally disciple through the couple. Understand: just as Jacob also had twelve natural children who were supposed to be with him all the time, Jesus called the twelve (spiritual children) to participate intimately in His life. The difference is that while the twelve patriarchs of Israel were descendants of the one who received the promise (from Abraham, through the flesh), the apostles were called directly by Jesus, becoming children of the Creator through faith in Jesus (John 1.12; Gal 3.22).

Today, the husband must be equally attentive in all directions (east, north, south, west) because he never knows which door (area of ​​his life) Jesus will beat (Rev 3.20). Each child must express the identity of one of the children of Israel, that is, the law of the Creator, regardless of what (or who) is before him, so that only those who want to submit to the will of Christ and be guarded by the guardian angel of the door.

But what is the meaning of the name of the twelve apostles in the foundation? It means that grace is not to be exercised in a sloppy way. We are to love our neighbor, but according to what Jesus taught about communion. Grace implies favoring one in order to enable them to bless others and confirm the teaching of the apostles. Otherwise, we will run the risk of corrupting Christ's commandments, making them something disgusting and abhorrent.

Although the foundation of the walk with Christ is faith in Jesus, our body and soul must also be given to Jesus (1Cor 6.20; 1Thess 5.23). Just as in the journey to come to the Father, Jesus cannot be renounced as the Way (or way of living), the husband should never agree that someone should enter his home unless they are moved by the Holy Spirit within the basic principles of Holy Scripture (2 John 1.10.11), in search of full sanctification of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, children must be opened to others, but without giving up the fundamentals that make up the wall.

Just as the woman is the wall, she is also the mainstay (foundation) of the home. In other words, the woman, as a wall, must prevent entry into the home of what is not based on the apostles' doctrine. As a foundation, she must support her husband and children in order to keep them separate for the exclusive use of the Eternal.

To understand this, think about the following: why do you think Jesus created man? Despite being the only one created in His image and likeness (Gen. 1.25,26) (not even angels are considered children of the Eternal - Heb 1.5), it is precisely the one who gives Him the most trouble. In fact, when Jesus gave His life for the Church, what He was looking for was more service and a headache.

Let it be clear: Jesus is not a martyr who dies for the love of the Eternal and, after that, rests (Rev. 14.13). Jesus gave His life, that is, He died, but was resurrected in order to live to work in us His love and word (Heb 7.25), leaving an example to be followed (1Peter 2.21-24).

Thus, the essence of marriage consists of the husband giving his life for the wife and the wife being (Eph. 5:25-27):

·       Obedient to man, that is, placing herself under his strength and influence or, if you prefer, being totally willing to receive from him his strength or influence that he has to offer. In other words, instead of trying to do things for herself, she will let her husband be her strength (has to do with “with whom” to do);

·       Subject to man, that is, being always ready to assist him in the mission that the Eternal entrusted to him (Gen. 1.28; 2.18) in the way that her husband specified (it has to do with “what to do”);

·       Submissive to man, that is, being ready to give up her life to live her husband's life. This may seem difficult. However, if the woman waits on the Eternal (Ps 40.1), He will take her to the man who will have plans and ideas much better than hers, so that she will have no difficulty in assuming the dreams of the Eternal in her husband's life as hers (it has to do with “how” to do).

That is, the woman submits to the man (receiving his plans and thoughts), subjugate to him (works on what the husband told her to do) and obeys him (seeks to receive from them all the physical resources, as well as his strength and influence to do the task).

Of course, the husband cannot be authoritarian (wanting the wife to do everything by her strength and influence). Rather, he has to be authority (an example to serve as a stimulus for what is good, for a glimpse of the beauty of holiness that is in the Eternal - Ps 29.2; 96.9).

The husband must be willing to work in the hearts of everyone who wants to be in Christ through his home, always keeping tabs on the expression of love that the Eternal wants to manifest in his life. Remember that the goal is Christ living in the individual, not the individual living for themselves.

12th - Marriage is a project of the Creator, measured in the smallest details

·        “And he who talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city and its gates and its wall.” (Rev. 21.15).

 

Marriage is a project of the Eternal. Therefore, everything in it is measured rigorously. One of the biggest mistakes of individuals is to think that marriage is something that can be carried out slovenly.

They fail to realize that marriage is, above all, an investment of character. Many see the Kingdom of the Eternal as mere obedience to rules. The laws point to the right thing, but only by hearing the voice of the Eternal can we know where and how to do His will (Rom 10.17). How can we call ourselves servants of Christ by insisting on keeping our plans (see Ps 119.1; Isa 64.4.5)? It is important to keep in mind the right place (the holy city), the right thing (the foundation) and the right way (door).

Since it was the Eternal who united husband and wife (Gen. 2.24), you can be sure that such a union has a sublime goal. Even today, few understand that the purpose of marriage is not to win over someone who makes you happy, but to receive whoever the Eternal has placed in our life to give them opportunity to receive His love and express it towards someone special.

Just as it is only possible to measure something that exists, it is only possible to love when the beloved individual is dwelling within. Note that it was to measure only the city, the wall and the doors. One does not try to win over someone with attitudes, but rather, first of all, in the heart (when Jesus brings him - Rev 3.20). Our big problem is that of wanting to measure the individuals that are in the world. Once they are out, it is not for us to judge (Rom 14.4).

We have to judge ourselves (1Cor 11.31), and this when the Eternal One comes and brings to light the hidden things of darkness, and to manifest the designs of hearts (1Cor 4.5). That is, we have to measure the building of the Eternal in our life, composed of the living stones that He gave us (1Peter 2.5-7). After all, we will only be measured if we also measure (Mk 4.24; Lk 6.38). Our lives, including those the Eternal has placed within us, need to be measured. We can't take life anyway.

Love cannot be measured with human measure (Eph. 3:19), nor bought with cash (Isaiah 55.1; Songs 8.6,7). Physically, true love is received when we embrace the love of truth (2Thess 2.10). There is nothing we can do to encourage it in us or in those who Jesus has given us. The Eternal is love (1 John 4.8,16): either we receive Him and we have this love, or we reject Him and remain empty.

Only in the interior does this love have the opportunity to grow, namely, when the Eternal bears witness of Himself in the couple's life. And what it is measured:

 

• The quantity and quality of relationships (city). It is not any cane, but gold, which is a symbol of the truth and wisdom of the Eternal (Prov 2.3-5; 3.13-15; 23.23). When one is filled with sacred truth, they are considered to be gold and silver (see Zech 13.9);
• The quality of the isolation promoted by the Eternal in the life of the woman between the world and her home (wall);
• The children's concepts and values ​​(door), so as not to give reasons for those who are inside, to think about leaving and, at the same time, to discourage all bad intentions that think about entering. Children cannot respect individuals and close themselves, but neither can they relax in the fulfillment of the good, pleasant and perfect will of the Eternal (Rom 12.2).

 

Hence to say that it was a measure of man, that is, an angel.

13th - Marriage aims at uniformity (husband and wife thinking, feeling and working on the same thing - see John 17.11,21-23; Acts 4.32; 1Cor 1.10; Phil 4.2) and abundance

·        “And the city lies four-square, and the length is as large as the breadth. And he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand stadia. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. And he measured its wall, a hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel.” (Rev 21,16,17).

 

We can't measure it anyway (Matt 7.1,2; 2Cor 10.13), because the measure of the Eternal is pressed down, shaken and running over (Lk 6.38). The proof of this is the immense size of the city and the wall.

Although the doors should also be measured, for some reason John did not bother to record their measurements. This is because the door (and, implicitly, the path) must be the exact size of the original self of the one who enters, in order to allow entry only of what the Eternal did (the individual cannot take anything with him from this world). Just as we enter this life with nothing, we will enter eternal life with nothing too.

However, contrary to what happens in human constructions, the work done by the Creator is good and perfect, both inside and out, even in those places invisible to the eyes of most people (or even all).

In other words, marriage is built of valuable things in their smallest details, regardless of whether others will recognize this or not. The couple invests in themselves by loving themselves and, in this way, being able to love their neighbors (Matt 22.39) and the Creator (1 John 4.20, 21).

And the effort is uniform, that is, it is not just in one dimension. The Babylonian System induces the person to work in a robot-slave regime, where the only benefit is the material part.

When, however, the couple follows Paul's guidance given to the Thessalonians (1Thess 4.11,12), the couple invests in the four dimensions of the human being:

·       Length (body) -> husband, wife and children, working together and in the same business, provide the material part;

·       Width (soul) -> from the moment they are together at work, there is no rush to finish, as they are already where they would like to be (in each other's company);

·       Height (mind) -> through work, they teach each other;

·       Depth (spirit) -> if they work according to the Creator's will, they can experience His supernatural provision, protection, etc. amid what they are doing.

14th - Each member of the family must reflect, in a precious and unique way, the character of Christ

·        “And the foundation of its wall was jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. And the foundations of the wall of the city had been adorned with every precious stone. The first foundation, jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprasus; the eleventh, hyacinth; the twelfth, amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls. Respectively, each one of the gates was one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, as transparent glass.” (Rev 21.18-21).

 

If the Creator makes the grass of the field, whose time of existence is so insignificant, with such care (Matt 6.28-30), how splendid His work will be in us:

 

Ø Foundations adorned with gemstone-> Faith must be ornamented with love (Rom 13.14; Col 3.14), seen through good works (2Cor 9.8; Phil 1.6; Col 1.10; 1Tim 5.10; 2Tim 2.21; 3.17; Tit 1.16; 3.1; Heb 13.21; James 2.13-18; 2Peter 1.5-8); not according to the concepts of the world, but according to the good gift that comes down from heaven (Jas 1.16.17).

Remember: the faith to be transmitted to children cannot be merely intellectual.

And there is no better work than the human being, since he was made in the image and likeness of the Creator (Gen. 1.25-27).

Similarly, whereas the woman is the mainstay of the house (Ps 144.12; Prov 14.1), so she must support the whole home and the husband must cover his wife with all the treasures of wisdom and science (Col 2.3). Remember that the woman fell in faith precisely because she wanted knowledge.

She must be decorated with her husband (Eze 16.14);

Ø Jasper wall-> It is important to clarify that the purpose of the wall is, first of all, to separate. However, it is not a matter of separating evil from good, but of manifesting the fire of love (Song 8.6,7) from the Eternal (Zech 2.5). It is not in vain that the woman's adornment is not exterior, but the incorruptible garb of a meek and quiet spirit that is of great value before the Eternal (1Tim 3.1-3). This is what glares with purity who the Creator is;

In other words, the wall is not only to prevent external evil from entering, but mainly for those inside to focus on the exercise of love. After all, true evil comes from within (Mark 7: 20-23) and the only way to prevent it from manifesting itself is through the exercise of love, with the man giving the woman what is due and the woman receiving it without reservation (Prov 5.19; 1Cor 7.3-5). If love fills every area and minute in the life of the couple and children, there will be no time and space for evil to manifest.

The couple needs to watch over the flock of the Eternal (Prov 27: 23-27) (and not against the enemy. Not even trying to guess when Jesus will come). We must, of course, be careful not to be caught off guard when Jesus comes (Mk 13.33-37), but we must be ready for what the Eternal wants to do through us (John 4.13,14;7.37-39). In other words, the privilege is not what the couple can receive from their children, but the opportunity that the couple has to offer (Acts 20.35; 2Cor 12.14). It is surveillance (by the way, the wall is a symbol of vigilance, since the watchtowers were there) that leads the couple to see that their children do not belong to them, but to Jesus. This prevents parents from being hurt by others and by the Eternal if one of them is called by Him. They cannot be taken by surprise when Jesus comes, be it:

o   For clinging to their son, considering Jesus as a thief who came to take whom they love (Rev. 16.15; see 1Ki 17.20);

o   Out of remorse for not doing everything possible (Lk 13.6-9), considering Jesus as a thief who came to take away their stewardship (see Lk 16.1).

o   Because they mistreated those they were supposed to care for (Matt 24.50), considering Jesus as the thief who came to take their source of pleasure (Matt 24.48-51).

The woman, as a wall, must reflect the glory of Christ and be strong to serve as protection, separation and vigilance. The woman watches internally (the children) and the man uses the woman's support to see the external enemies.

Ø Pure glass-like gold city-> the couple's natural and spiritual children must reflect the beauty of Christ's truth and holiness, without ever holding the attention of others to themselves. How are they going to do this? Allowing their innermost being to be scanned, so that when looking at them, everyone sees Jesus.

Ø Solid Pearl Doors -> Once the Church is the pearl of great value (Matt 13.45.46), children must be made up of the body and blood of Christ (John 6.51-57), always shining the purity of His Word. When looking at them, everyone must find an opened door (fully trusting Christ and His love), but which seeks to adapt precisely to the stature of those who think of entering, so that they can only enter if they undresses the old man with their deeds (Colossians 3.9). After all, the enemies of the cross of Christ (Php 3.18), namely dogs and sows (Matt 7.6; 2Peter 2.21,22), they must not find a place for themselves at home (Jr 15:19).

Ø Golden street (square) like transparent glass -> As the ground covers the foundation (which is the woman) and Jesus, as a teacher, washed the feet of the disciples (see John 13:14), so the city streets are the husband. He must be humble, in order to clean the feet of those who enter. The woman assists him in this mission (1Tim 5.10).

For this, the body lamp, which is the eyes (Matt 6.22.23; Tit 1.15), must be lit (Luke 12.35) and the Word of the Eternal must be handled correctly (2Tim 2.15) to serve as a lamp for the feet and light for the path (Ps 119.105). Hence the street is made of gold (sacred truth).

The street is transparent so that the source of true firmness is never forgotten (the Cornerstone, Jesus).

But the square is also made of gold. As the square is a public place for socializing, therefore it represents the whole family.

The square represents the family, which the Holy Spirit uses to write His Word on the hearts of those the Eternal takes to them (2Cor 3.1-3). The goal is to unite one another in a true relationship, where the virtue of Christ is seen in the heart of each one.

The family only gains brilliance when the rooms in the couple's life are filled with the physical and spiritual children that Jesus gives them (Rev. 3:20). The square serves as a reminder that these children need to harmonize with each other and with the couple in the Word. Marriage is not a mere gathering of individuals, but the perfect harmony between them.

15th - Marriage must lead the couple to heavenly intimacy with the Creator, that is, to walk with Him in the heavenly regions instead of just seeking Him to lead them in this world.

·        "And I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty is its temple, even the Lamb." (Rev 21.22).

 

This seems contradictory. How is it possible that the Eternal is the sanctuary, since the Bride is the tabernacle of the Eternal (1Cor 3.16; 6.19; 2Cor 6.16; Rev 21.3)?

In the present dispensation the Bride is, spiritually, the Creator's sanctuary throughout the world. However, the Church must be more than that. In the lives of more mature people, besides being the Creator directing her life here (and she seeing the wonders of the Creator here), we have her mainly experiencing the Creator in the celestial regions (see Eph 1.3; 2.6; 6.12), knowing His actings based on eternal things (see Eph 1.3; 2.6; 6.12). It is not a question of continuing to see the world in the same way, only with the help of the Creator; rather, it is the individual seeing the world with the Creator's concepts and values.

In the millennium, the Creator will physically dwell in the New Jerusalem and everyone will be in Him (in communion with Him all the time);

In eternity, the Bride will be the Creator's sanctuary spiritually throughout the world, but at the same time the Creator will physically dwell in the New Jerusalem and everyone will be there.

Today, just as the Bride is the Creator's sanctuary, the woman must be the main place where the man can have fellowship with the Creator, not to mention that the woman must manifest the glory of Christ who is in her husband (1Cor 11.7).

True marriage leads the couple to a celestial intimacy with the Eternal, to a new vision about this world. Unfortunately, many insist on his small vision (Isaiah 55.8,9), thinking that what they need is the help of the Eternal to be successful in it. However, New Jerusalem is new because Jesus changes the couple's vision.

16th - Marriage serves to lead the couple to overcome the world without depending on the light of this world

·        “And the city had no need of the sun, nor of the moon, that they might shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it, and its lamp is the Lamb.” (Rev 21.23).

 

The home that is in Christ need not fear what the worldly fear (Isaiah 8: 12-14; 51: 12, 13; Jer 10: 2; Luke 21: 25-28; Heb 13: 5, 6). Christ rescued it from the Adamic curse so that, in Him, the home is once again above creation (see Gen. 1.28; Ps 24.1; John 17.2; Eph 1.21-23).

Note that the glory of the Eternal illuminates the Bride by day and the Lamb is the lamp by night. In other words, in marriage, it is the Eternal who conducts it, both in daily tasks, as well as rest (John 9.4). In other words, marriage should never be a heavy burden, as most today consider.

Just think of the popular saying: “I have a family to support”. Helping children with their needs has become so painful that it is very rare for a family not to use any contraceptive method. And to think that, in the past, the son was a synonym for reward (Ps 127.3-5).

And all because a wrong idea invaded society. It is true that parents must hoard for their children (2Cor 12.14). However, this at no time means that children should not do anything. They are the arrow in the husband's quiver (Ps 127.3-5), the reason for the Eternal to guard and build the house (Ps 127.1.2; contrast this with the result of avarice - Isaiah 57.17).

Unfortunately, couples who claim to be followers of the Eternal are conducting their homes based on worldly concepts (contrary to the guidance of the Eternal of hearing only His voice - Gen. 3.11). She doesn’t follow the advice of the wicked (Ps 1.1), but remember the Eternal on His path (Isaiah 64.4,5). Jesus alone is the Father of lights (John 8.12; 9.5; Jas 1.16, 17).

17th - The home must be a reference of mercy and truth

·        "And the nations of those who are saved will walk in the light of it; and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it." (Rev 21.24).

 

We must never settle for the idea that the only way to survive in this world is by adhering to the Babylonian System. Instead of the couple trying to adapt it to the world, to the circumstances, to the system, the couple needs to follow Christ wherever He goes (Jer 2.2) and seeking to fish out of the world for those whom the Eternal One brings (Lk 5.10).

The idea is that the worldly move on to the couple (Jer 15.19), that is, they try to adapt to Christ through the couple (specially because that's what Jesus put them here for).

After all, in Christ, it is the couple who possesses true wealth. It is the individuals who should queue to serve the couple with their glory, for the privilege of being able to walk according to the light of Christ shining through them (see Is 55.5).

The couple must never beg the world's interest, giving up the purity and sanctity of heavenly things in exchange for futile human glory (see John 5: 41,44).

The couple must be the light of the world (Matt 5.14-16) and be ready to receive the glory, not for themselves, but to offer before the Eternal (see Rev 4.10), so that there is nothing to stop them from walking ( 1Cor 7.29-35). In fact, the light of the Eternal is precisely so that there would never be a night in the couple's life that could prevent them from proceeding towards the will of the Eternal (see Exodus 13:21).

18th - Marriage implies acquiring, from Christ, readiness of mind for what the Creator wishes to operate, regardless of the place and time

·        “And its gates may not be shut at all by day, for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honor of the nations into it.” (Rev 21.25,26).

 

And such is the intensity of this that the doors of the home that is in Christ should never be closed. For those who belong to Jesus, it is not supposed to exist night (Romans 13.12, 13; 1Thess 5.6). You may be wondering “why not?”.

Look:

 

·        “And the nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawning. Lift up your eyes all around, and see. All of them gather themselves; they come to you. Your sons shall come from far, and your daughters shall be nursed at your side.” (Isaiah 60.3,4).

·        “Therefore your gates will always be open; they will not be shut day nor night, to bring to you the wealth of the nations, and their kings may be led.” (Isaiah 60.11).

·        “So says the Lord Jehovah, Behold, I will lift up My hand to the nations, and have set up My banner to the people; and they shall bring your sons in their bosom, and your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders.” (Isaiah 49.22).

·        “And they will bring all your brothers for an offering to Jehovah out of all nations on horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and on mules, and on camels, to My holy mountain Jerusalem, says Jehovah, as the sons of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of Jehovah.” (Isaiah 66.20).

 

Realize that the glory and honor of nations is related to individuals who were part of the Creator's people, but who were scattered around the world. At any moment, someone wanting to know the way of the Eternal may come to us (Isaiah 2.2-4). It is the Eternal bringing to us those He has given us.

Many complain of loneliness, but the truth is that the believing couple has many spiritual children around the world that they do not even know exist (see Isaiah 49.21), but that at the right time they will be brought to them, often through worldly excuses. (a flat tire, a broken window, etc.) or through individuals who want to get to know the Eternal better.

That is why we must be like soldiers of Christ (2 Tim. 2,3,4), that is, always ready to serve the Eternal at any time. The reason that almost everyone loses the best of the Eternal for their lives is because they limit the time of the Eternal's blessing in their lives.

When we get tired for good, whether through tiredness, illness, etc., we lose the best of the Eternal for us (see Gal 6.9). As Jesus may wish to come to us at any time, we must always be attentive (Matt 24.45; Mark 13.35). It is when we least care that those who will make a difference in our lives come.

Many like to adhere to the religious system because, thus, they have the feeling of entering the Kingdom of the Eternal without needing to love their neighbor as themselves. After all, in the religious system, it is possible to get involved in activities, comply with rules, without having any commitment to the improvement of others. Note how the religious system behaves the same to the world, which forces the individual to improve themselves, instead of seeking their improvement with them.

If there was no religious temple, individuals could only get to know Christ better through prayer, meditation on Holy Scripture and communion with one another (which is correct - Ps 133.1). Believers would be obliged to have direct contact with each other instead of wanting to stay away just by listening without having a commitment to anyone. In this case, each one would be obliged to love their brother, even with his faults, since it was through him that the connection with the spiritual is made (Matt 18.18), that things happen (Matt 18.19) and that we really managed to get so desired communion with the Eternal. It is such a certainty that it will lead us to fight against ourselves, that is, against the wrong idea that we have of Christ (Rom. 5:10; Col. 1:21).

Thus, the couple must always be in the light (Rom. 13:12,13; 1Thess 5.4-8), that is, ready to receive whomever the Eternal brings. But above all, the couple must be ready to surrender all the identity (glory) and seed (honor) that they received from the nations to the Eternal, instead of wanting to flaunt this in their lives.

Thus, the couple must never waste energy on things without profit.

If it was for everyone to worship their flesh, then it was better that they were left alone, inamusch as they would be free to do whatever they wanted (and, of course, to reap the results of this - Ecc 11.9). Marriage is just to take away the freedom of the flesh so that the Creator has a place to act in the spirit.

19th - Nobody in the home negotiates their character to please someone. Whoever wants to enter, has to leave outside what the world calls wealth

·        "And there shall in no way enter into it anything that defiles, or any making an abomination or a lie; but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life." (Rev. 21.27).

 

Something that is unclean should never enter the home, nor should anyone else occupy their lives with abominations (which only serves to separate people) and lies (what is not real, namely, the things of this world). Instead, let only those people who are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Although many who come will bring the glory and honor of the nations as a gift, anything that is not the pure blessing of the Creator should be kept out of the home as a testimony that the beauty, power and strength of the couple (as well as the Church) is not in what the world can give them, but in what Christ does in them.

Even with the description of the New Jerusalem, I ask you: what is most precious in the world that, first of all, there will not be in the New Jerusalem? Every place will be built with gold or precious stones. There will be no common, imperfect, or unclean part (Acts 10.14.15).

Similarly, what the Eternal wants to do at home is more precious than everything in this world.

This, in no way, means to despise those who come, but to welcome in the right way, namely, without giving up to the Creator's purity and holiness. No pagan religion gives up its traditions to please someone. Why should the Creator's servants renounce such great justice (Deut 4.6,7) just to please those who are not willing to please anyone?

If the couple maintains their trust on the Eternal, surely the home will not enter:

 

·       something impure, that is, there will be no one trying to improve what the Eternal created;

·       no one who occupies his life with abominations, that is, with an attempt to favor one over the other. It is good to remember that in the millennium the perversion will be much less. Therefore, while abomination can be a bad thing, it will usually be a good thing being brought to someone in particular (to elevate it over others).

Think: when someone sows strife between brothers (Prov 6.19), what is this person actually doing? He intrigues, gossips. The problem with such things is not, as many think, that of diminishing the victim (if that were the case, it would be a good thing - Lk 6.22, 23), but of elevating those who take part in this type of behavior (it was such a feeling that led Ha -Satan fall - Ezek 28.17). Anything that makes an individual stand out from the crowd must be excluded from the couple's life;

To illustrate this, think: what is the fundamental purpose of the disease? Give the individual what he desires so much: reason to take care of himself. Every disease leads the individual to take care of themselves and, in certain cases, they lead many people to take care of them.

·       lie, that is, no information that, although correct and in a certain way effective, has no connection with what the Eternal wants to reveal to the couple. It is not for us to know beyond what is convenient (see Gen. 3.11; Deut 29.29). Whatever it is for us to know must be the fruit of prayer, meditation on Holy Scripture (Ps 1.1,2) and DIRECT communion with the brothers (Eph 4:15,16). Knowledge is not to make us stand out from others, but to be able to serve them more effectively.

 

Instead, only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life will enter the couple's life. Let it be clear: it is not the couple who will make such a separation, deciding who enters and who stays out, but the Eternal Himself. However, the couple must be predisposed to participate in the life of Christ. After all, the Eternal's goal is to bring only those who will have part of Christ's history in this world.

20th - The couple must always be aware of what is coming out of their heart, in order to verify if the Word of the Creator is correctly kept in mind and heart

·        “And he showed me a pure river of Water of Life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.” (Rev 22.1).

 

Understanding that the heart of each individual must be His temple (1Cor 3.16; 6.19; 2Cor 6.16) and that husband and wife form one body in Christ (Gen. 2.24), therefore the River of Life (the Holy Spirit - John 7.37- 39) must come out of the couple's heart.

But what does it mean to be the throne of the Eternal and the Lamb?

As the throne of the Eternal, the couple must lead the lives of everyone around them. How can it be? From the moment that we are being guided by Jesus, anyone who gets involved with us will have a direct participation in the work that the Eternal is doing in us and through us. After all, if we are doing His will, then any interaction with us implies: crossing the Path of the Eternal, walking along this Path, leading others to stumble or be suffocated in Him or, otherwise, to bear fruit in Him (see Matt 13.1-8).

As the throne of the Eternal, the couple must hear His voice and receive from Him everything He has for those who love Him (things that no one has seen, heard, even imagined to exist - 1Cor 2.9). As the throne of the Lamb, the couple must love their neighbor, following the example of Christ (1Peter 2.21-24) so ​​that the person may have their feet washed (John 13.14) from the dirt of this world, so that they may be freed from the sin and free from oppression (Isaiah 14.32).

As the throne of the Lamb, the couple must serve as a host in times of oppression (Is 14.32), seeking in their lives what is necessary to quench the thirst for love, peace, justice, etc.

To understand the importance of this, just think about what Jesus said:

 

·        “And He said, That which comes out of the man is what defiles the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: all these evil things pass out from inside and defile the man.” (Mark 7.20-23)

 

But, since everything that comes from outside does not enter the man, then why keep the heart (Prov 4.23)? The question is how we react to things. The bad thoughts and feelings of individuals cannot enter us. However, the way we react to them marks our lives.

Understand: what will mark our hearts is the time we will spend with our thoughts, feelings, desires, plans and actions. So, what has characterized them? What are we letting grow in us? Therefore, what marks us is not the scenes, events or knowledge that comes from outside, but the interpretation and importance that we give to each one of them. In the end, what we take when we die is not the events or the individuals themselves, but our way of seeing them, the memories of everything that happened inside us and that was put out.

Look:

 

·        “My son, listen to my words; bow down your ear to my sayings. Let them not depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and health to all his flesh. Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” (Prov 4:20-23).

 

If we keep the Word of the Eternal, which is life, in our hearts, then the sources of life will proceed from it. Otherwise, we will be moved by our agency, which will consolidate bad thoughts.

On the other hand, when the couple receives from above the good gift and the perfect gift of the Eternal (Jas 1:16,17), what will come out of it is the source of life, which shines like a crystal, that is, it allows everyone who is near sees themselves perfectly as in a mirror, as well as have a perfect understanding of what comes to be the Kingdom of the Eternal. This, in addition to cleaning the couple inside and quenching their thirst, changes the lives of everyone around.

21st - The couple's life should serve as food and health (one being connected to the other)

·        “In the midst of its street, and of the river, from here and from there, was the Tree of Life, which bore twelve fruits, each yielding its fruit according to one month. And the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” (Rev 22.2).

 

Here we have the Tree of Life, whose root will extend along the entire River of Life and from which several trunks will sprout, giving the impression that they are several trees (Ezekiel 47.12): on either side of the river and in the middle of the square that serves as a bridge over the river.

This teaches us that the couple not only have to be filled with the Holy Spirit (River of Life), but also need to spread their roots along the River of Life (Jeremiah 17.7,8) and have their trunks arranged along the River of Life in order to serve as food for anyone who approaches Jesus, regardless of the spiritual stage in which the individual is. It must also spring up in the center of the communion that there must be between the brothers. After all, what's the use of being filled with the Holy Spirit without being able to fill someone's interior with good things (see Matt 25:3,4)?

A couple in Christ will not be able to bear fruit only if they allow their ego to impose itself within them. The couple in Christ does not seek the greatness of the world, but what is necessary for Jesus to become great in Himself and in the eyes of all (2Cor 12: 9,10).

The couple must seek, in the midst of their needs for Jesus to grow, what will happen when they allow Jesus to supply according to the riches of His glory (Phil. 4:19) with what goes beyond all their imagination (1 Cor. 2,9; Phil 3,20,21).

In short: the couple has to live by faith (Hebrews 2.4; Rom 1.17; Gal 3.11; Heb 10.38). After all, the Kingdom of the Eternal is not constituted of Words, but of demonstrating the power of the Eternal (1Cor 2.4,5; 4.19,20).

As for the leaves, they are for the healing of the nations. That is, the couple's home should serve to heal the interior of others. Notice how the leaves are much more abundant than the fruits. And it is no wonder, since, every second, we are doing or saying something (even when sleeping), thus demanding that everything be healthy. Hence the importance of the couple being careful so that individuals find medicine in their home, not poison.

It is urgent to stress that the difference between the poison and medicine is only the dose applied.

Finally, the leaves keep thoughts and feelings molded after Christ and the fruit provides the energy for them to materialize. The home is meant to be a place of healing and food at all times, throughout the year and according to the needs of those in need.

 

·        “Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine by the sides of your house; your sons shall be like olive plants around your table.” (Ps 128.3).

22nd - The marriage aims to free the couple from the curse, so that they can serve the Creator as children of Him, seeing Him the way He is, hearing His voice and understanding with the heart

·        “And every curse will no longer be; but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His servants will serve Him. And they will see His face, and His name will be in their foreheads.” (Rev 22.3,4).

 

One of the fundamental things that characterizes the converted couple is intimacy with the Eternal:

 

Ø  There will never be a curse:

§  “No weapon that is formed against you shall be blessed; and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment, you shall condemn. This is the inheritance of the servants of Jehovah, and their righteousness is from Me, says Jehovah.” (Isa 54.17).

The home is meant to break the curse of sin called selfishness. It is the Creator's main instrument to encourage parents to offer material goods, knowledge, wisdom, free of charge to their children, only in exchange for experiencing true Love (1 John 4.8,16) in them.

Ø  The throne of the Eternal and the Lamb will be on it -> The home must be the ideal place for the living presence of the Eternal One with His thoughts, feelings, plans and desires to be established and expressed through the couple who accept to live the life of the Lamb in this world.

The Kingdom of the Eternal is made up of those who accepted Jesus' reign in themselves, in view of His glory, both in good times and in adversity. The couple must be guided directly by the Eternal Himself and, at the same time, serve as a guide;

Ø  Your servants will serve the Eternal and will see His face -> what Moses wanted so much and couldn't get (Exodus 33:18-23), will be a reality: they will be able to serve the Eternal without sin to restrain them and prevent them from seeing the Eternal as He really is.

The home should be the place where its members can have the privilege of serving out of love and thus behold the face of Christ in each other's lives;

Ø  The name of the Eternal will be on their foreheads -> Everything that the Eternal really is, must mark the minds of the couple and children, to the point that they are identified with Christ.

 

Notice how one thing implies the other: when the couple agrees to have the Eternal leading their lives, they are freed from the tyranny of sin (Rom 6.14). From there, the couple can really serve the Eternal (which is not possible for those who are in the flesh - Rom 8.5-9), see Him the way He really is and, thus, think and feel everything in the right way, to the point of being identified by the name of the Eternal, namely, as His son (John 1.12; Rom 8.14).

Of course, in the face of this situation, there is no curse, as it only takes place when the couple does not hear the Creator's voice (Deut 28.15).

23rd - The marriage aims to empower both (husband and wife) good work, so that they never get tired to do good (Gal 6.9).

·        “And there will be no night there. And they need no lamp, or light of the sun; for the Lord God gives them light. And they will reign forever and ever.” (Rev 22.5).

 

With the Eternal Himself illuminating the life of the couple, there is nothing to prevent them from reigning over and over. There is no more night, that is, no reason to sleep in faith (to be negligent or to be involved in sin) or to party (1Thess 5.6.7). Instead of sunlight, it is the light of the Eternal that enables us to work. And since, now, the presence of the Eternal is the joy of the couple, there is no longer a need for a lamp to illuminate nighttime entertainment (Exodus 33.14; Acts 4.19) in the desperate search to try to find meaning in life.

Spiritually speaking, there is no more the curse of tiredness (associate Gen 3.17-19 with Rev 22.3). Although the physique gets tired, the spirit is always ready (Matt 26.41). The couple will be in continuous rest in Jesus (Ps 37.7), having his strength renewed by His continuous movement in them (Isaiah 40.31).

That is, the marriage aims to empower both (husband and wife) to never get tired of doing good (Prov 3.27; Gal 6.9) and to always be more than conquerors over sin (Romans 5.17; 8.37).