A JASPER STONE, CLEAR AS CRYSTAL

From the beginning of chapter 20 to chapter 21 verse 8there is outlined the chronology of the period from the beginning of the millennium to the bringing in of the eternal state, which the apostle Peter describes as ‘the day of God’, 2 Pet. 3. 12. There will then be a new heaven and a new earth. That universe is called ‘new’ not in contrast to that which is old but to describe that which is constantly fresh. Unlike the existing universe, see Heb. 1. 11, it will never grow old.

In today’s passage, however, we are taken back to millennial conditions: we read again of measurements and divisions of time. Here we learn about the church during that period. She is portrayed as a city, the holy Jerusalem, descending from God out of heaven.

The millennium is the time which God will use publicly to display His glory to the world. ‘We rejoice in hope of the glory of God’, Rom. 5. 2, and there will also then be fulfilled the words of the Lord Jesus, ‘And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them’, John 17. 22. The city has the glory of God and will be light­ened by it: indeed, when it is remembered that in chapter 4 verse 3the throne sitter is in appearance as a jasper, we may learn that God Himself is in the city. There will also radiate light from its heavenly position so that the nations of those who are saved shall walk in the light of it. Others, who are not in the city, will share in the blessings emanating from it.

In that millennial day, then, not only will the church be the source of government for the earth, the throne of God and of the Lamb is there, the source of healing for the nations. A pure river of water of life proceeds from the throne, but it will also be the source of light. That light will be as the beautiful, sparkling light that is associated with precious stones as they reflect, scatter and transmit light.

Whilst on earth, the church has displayed to the eyes of angels ‘the manifold wisdom of God’, Eph. 3. 10, but in that day she will display before the eyes of the kings and nations of earth the glory of God. Truly, there will then be glory unto God in the church by Christ Jesus, throughout all ages, Eph. 3. 21.