A Heavenly City

Jerusalem is one of the most well-known cities in the world. But did you know that it has 1,578 public gardens and parks, 2,000 archaeological sites, 70 cultural centers, 60 museums, 3.4 million annual tourists, and 90,000 hotel rooms? The city has grown significantly since the time of King David.

Since three major religions consider Jerusalem to be a sacred city, it has also become one of the most controversial pieces of real estate on the planet. According to Wikipedia, “During its long history, Jerusalem has been attacked 52 times, captured and recaptured 44 times, besieged 23 times, and destroyed twice.” The name Jerusalem means “city of peace,” but it has been anything but peaceful.

While the eyes of many Christians are focused on the current city in the present-day Middle East, the Bible speaks of the city as a symbol for God’s church, the New Jerusalem. The apostle lifts our sights to “Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem” (Hebrews 12:22). This spiritual counterpart identifies God’s people as having their “citizenship … in heaven” (Philippians 3:20).

Paul uses the earthly Jerusalem as a symbol for those who have attempted to be “justified by law” (Galatians 5:4) and are in “bondage” (4:25). The true children of God have been “born according to the Spirit” (4:29) and are now part of “the Jerusalem above,” which “is free” and “is the mother of us all” (4:26).

It is a fascinating experience to walk the old streets of Jerusalem and learn about biblical history. But that can never compare with walking “the street of the city” that is “pure gold, like transparent glass” (Revelation 21:21). Don’t settle for being only a tourist to a restless city. You can be a citizen of a heavenly city of peace that will last for eternity.

Apply It:

What famous cities have you visited in your lifetime? How do you think they compare to the heavenly Jerusalem?

Dig Deeper:

Psalm 48:2; Galatians 4:21–31; Revelation 21:9–27

Key Bible Texts

But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, (Hebrews 12:22 KJV)