The New Jerusalem

"The Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is our mother." (Galatians 4:26)

I declare deliverance from religious bondage and a deeper understanding and intimacy with the Word of God in the body of Christ, during this Christmas Holiday season.

"The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)

The Apostle John describes the New Jerusalem as a city descending from Heaven, descending from God, adorned for her husband (Rev 21:2). The Virgin gave birth to the Son of God (Luke 1:35) and He grew in stature and wisdom, in favor with God and men (Luke 2:52). We are the sons and daughters of the Holy and heavenly city: the New Jerusalem, a city that is from God, a city that is free, a city belonging to the government of God, representing the Kingdom of God. We are called to radiate the glory of this coming Kingdom. Mary represents the Church, which brings forth in a gradual way the revelation of the glory of God, as she undergoes transformation.

" “Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal." (Revelation 21:9b-11)

What is fascinating about this chapter is that it keeps on describing how the city is formed and then comes a very bold statement: "But I saw no temple in it" (Rev 21:22a).

There is no place for religion in the Kingdom of God. The transformation begun 2000 years ago. It is on-going today. There will come a day when once and forever: "the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple."(22b), and no other temple will ever exist. This transformation is taking place right now and we are a part of it. 

This was prophesied in the Old Testament: "‘Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land; and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘And in this place I will give peace,’ says the Lord of hosts.”" (Haggai 2:6-9)

In the New Testament, we find Jesus picking three of His disciples and climbing the mountain , where He reveals to them His divine glory. The experience was "too much" for Peter to handle at the time (Mark 9:5-6), but very well understood by Him later (2 Peter 1:16-18). Peter experienced a clash between his religious mindset and the Heavenly revelation of the coming glory, the true identity of Christ. According to their customs, he was proposing to fit this new glory in tabernacles, as they do in their feast. This is an example of the "shaking" that takes place in us, when we are involved in this process.

The Father witnessed from Heaven that they are to follow ONLY the Son, because only He will remain (Mark 9:7-8) and BE the temple among His people. I find it extremely overwhelming how things of the old are being torn down. Everything the previous generations and society were founded on is being severely shaken in these days. ONLY CHRIST REMAINS! This is so encouraging for all who have their hopes in Him alone.

The apostle John speaks of the same experience in John 1:14. It was an experience that was carved in their souls forever and I believe it made them persevere in their journey of faith.

Every time we celebrate a birthday, we do not treat the birthday boy or the birthday girl as a newborn baby. We remember their birth and celebrate the life the person had and declare blessings for a brighter future. As we celebrate Christmas this year, let us, likewise, fix our eyes on the glorious Kingdom that is to come, and as the body of Christ, expect to undergo growth and maturation, as we radiate the light of the city of God, down here on earth.

Merry Christmas to all!