Revelation 21 / The City of God Descends
In the final vision of Revelation, John paints a breathtaking picture of hope, renewal, and ultimate belonging. John starts with a striking statement: “the sea is no more.” To us, that might seem like an odd detail. But to John’s first-century audience, the sea symbolized chaos, evil, and fear. In their worldview, the deep waters were where demons and the forces of destruction resided. So, when John tells us the sea is gone, he wants to show us what it looks like to build a community and a city outside of the reach of Babylon, without corruption or exploitation, whose laws are just, and whose way is peace.
John describes a city descending from heaven—a gift from God, not something we build ourselves. No temples are needed because God and the Lamb are fully present among their people. The light of Christ replaces the sun and moon, guiding every step and illuminating our way. A place where everything is made new—not replaced, but redeemed and restored.
True Wealth in the Kingdom of God
John’s description of the New City includes walls of jasper, gates of pearl, and streets of gold, but look closer. These aren’t symbols of status or personal wealth. Instead, the very things we often hoard or elevate as treasures—gold, jewels, and pearls—are repurposed as common building materials. Gold is used to pave streets, pearls form gates, and precious stones are part of the city’s foundation. The things that we would normally use walls and gates to protect are placed on the walls and gates; because that is not the true treasure of the city of God. In this kingdom, wealth isn’t for self-glorification. It’s not stored up or flaunted—it’s used to beautify the shared life of the people together.
This flips the script on how we measure value. Babylon teaches us to use people to serve wealth and power, while the Lamb shows us a different way. In the kingdom of God, wealth is measured in relationships, community, and love. Paul captures this beautifully in Philippians 4:1 when he calls his fellow believers his “joy and crown.” The treasure of the kingdom is not in gold and precious stones but in people—those we love and invest in, those who gather around us and offer unconditional love in return.
Living in Light of the New City
When we understand this vision, it reorients our pursuits. Wealth and power become tools for service rather than ends in themselves. Babylon’s values of greed and self-elevation crumble in the light of the Lamb, who shows us that true riches are found in community and connection.
When we prioritize love, generosity, and relationships, we catch a glimpse of the New City here and now. Our gatherings, friendships, and shared meals are the closest we come to heaven on earth. They remind us that the ultimate goal is not to amass treasure but to pour ourselves out for others. That is the wealth that lasts into eternity.
Discussion Questions:
1. John emphasizes that the New City descends from God and is not built by human effort.
How does this challenge our modern tendency to rely on human achievement for progress?
What practices might help us embrace dependence on God’s work instead of striving to build our own kingdoms?
2. The eradication of the sea in John’s vision symbolizes the end of chaos, evil, and fear.
How does this inform our understanding of what Jesus came to accomplish? In what ways might we still be clinging to “chaos” in our lives, and how can we participate in God’s work of bringing peace and order?
3. The absence of a temple in the New City points to the presence of God dwelling fully with His people.
What does this reveal about God’s desire for relationship over ritual?
How can we ensure our spiritual practices reflect this relational focus rather than falling into empty habits?
4. In John’s vision, the wealth of the New City is used for shared good, not personal gain.
How does this redefine our understanding of treasure and success?
How might this vision call us to reorder our lives, especially stewarding our time, money, and resources?
5. The light of Christ replaces the sun and moon in guiding the city’s people.
What might it look like to let the light of Christ guide every aspect of your life?
How do we resist the competing “lights” of culture that vie for our attention and allegiance?