KEY God's eternal purpose is to dwell among a people He has made His own.
Let me say that again - God has PURPOSED to dwell among His People
"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." John 14:3
5. A CITY - Revelation 21
"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God." Revelation 21:3
- This is the climax of God's purpose, everything in our Bible leads to this. God will dwell with man!! God's purpose is fulfilled - man returns to paradise.
"And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb." Revelation 21:22
- There is no temple in the city, there is no need. God and the Lamb are ever present in unhindered fellowship with His people.
- Also, quick observation - The New City is a all gold cube, the Holy of Holies was a cube, covered in gold. (just a cool image of some extra symbolism from the tabernacle).
The following are some of my thoughts and comments:
- These images, taken at face value, may seem that God has had to make up this plan as He went along. But, our God is not a reactive god. It didn't take Him by surprise that man sinned in the garden. This has been His plan for all eternity to bring glory to Himself. We should worship Him and give him praise for His mind boggling design for us.
- When we gather together to worship Him, He is not present because of anything that we do or because we just sung a great song. He is present in our midst because we are His people. We worship because He is present and we give of ourselves to Him, not to attract His attention but because He is worthy.
- His grace and mercy are awesome that He wants to dwell with us... it just blows me away.