Revelation (Adults)

Chapter 21

Lesson written by David Riggs and Murray Wade

SOME BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The wicked are cast into the lake of fire but the righteous ones receive their glorious state. John sees a new heaven and new earth, which is the new and glorious state of the righteous (compare 2 Peter 3:10-13). The present earth on which we now live will pass away. Peter says it is stored up for fire (2 Peter 3:7, 10). Peter's and John's new heaven and new earth look unto the order following the Christian age. In verse two John uses many terms referring to heaven: "the holy city" (22:19), "new Jerusalem" (21:2), "the bride, the wife of the Lamb" (the glorious state of the church, 21:9-11). This is that city which was looked for by the godly men of old, "that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God." (Hebrew 11:10, 13-16).

 

The saints will be in fellowship with God (verse 3). The verse emphasizes that God will actually be present with them (21:22; 22:3). Under the old covenant God presence was in the tabernacle. In the eternal home His presence remains with His people forever. God will protect and comfort (verse 4). This verse emphasizes that there will be no sorrowful things there: "no more tears or death" (see Luke 20:34-36), "no mourning, crying, pain" (no sicknesses of any kind) for all these will be taken away.

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR REVELATION 21

1. How is the New Jerusalem described in verse 2?

 

 

2. What did the loud voice from Heaven say from verses 3-4?

 

 

3. In verses 5-8, who is speaking?

 

 

4. What are the messages given in verses 5-8?

 

 

5. Where in Revelation have we learned about the 7 angels, 7 bowls, and 7 last plagues in the book?

 

 

6. In the vision, where is John taken to in verse 10?

 

 

7. Who is “her” in verse 11 and “she” in verse 12?

 

 

8. From verses 12-21, list the things that there are 12 of?

 

 

9. Who are described as the temple in this vision?

 

 

10. Who provides the light for the city?

 

 

11. What will not be allowed into the city?

 

 

12. Describe what you think about when reading Revelation 21?