Heaven in Revelation 21 & 22: A Detailed Biblical Description of Our Eternal Home
Heaven Described in Revelation 21 & 22
Heaven Revealed: A Complete Look at the Eternal Home in Revelation 21 & 22
Explore the beauty of Heaven as revealed in Revelation 21 & 22 - its river of life, tree of life, eternal light, and the face-to-face presence of God and the Lamb. As well as, the Holy City.
Introduction: The Hope of Heaven
What will Heaven be like? Many imagine clouds and angels, but the Bible paints a far more breathtaking and tangible picture. In the final chapters of Scripture - Revelation 21 & 22 - we get a detailed, symbolic, and glorious vision of the New Jerusalem, the eternal home of the redeemed.
These couple chapters complete the Bible’s story: from Eden lost in Genesis to Eden restored in Revelation. Let’s walk through Revelation 21& 22 and explore the eternal promises of Heaven.
Bible Text from Revelation 21:10-27 and 22:1-5:
Revelation 21:10-27
10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God,
11 having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.
12 It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed
13 on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates.
14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
The Measurements and Beauty of the City
15 And the one who spoke with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city and its gates and walls.
16 The city lies four-square, its length the same as its width. And he measured the city with his rod, 12,000 stadia. Its length and width and height are equal.
17 He also measured its wall, 144 cubits by human measurement, which is also an angel’s measurement.
18 The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, like clear glass.
19 The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel:
the first was jasper,
the second sapphire,
the third agate,
the fourth emerald,
the fifth onyx,
the sixth carnelian,
the seventh chrysolite,
the eighth beryl,
the ninth topaz,
the tenth chrysoprase,
the eleventh jacinth,
the twelfth amethyst.
21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.
God's Presence in the City
22 And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.
23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.
24 By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it,
25 and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there.
26 They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations.
27 But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
In Revelation 21:10–27, the apostle John is given a majestic vision of the Holy City - the New Jerusalem - descending from Heaven, shining with the glory of God. This passage offers one of the most detailed and symbolic descriptions of Heaven in all of Scripture, revealing the eternal dwelling place of the redeemed and the very presence of God and the Lamb within its walls.
The city is described as radiant, pure, and geometrically perfect, reflecting divine perfection and glory. Its brilliance is likened to jasper, clear as crystal, symbolizing purity and majesty. The walls are high and massive, signifying security and holiness, and the twelve gates - each named after a tribe of Israel - show God's covenant faithfulness. The twelve foundations, inscribed with the names of the twelve apostles, reflect the unity of Old and New Covenant believers.
The dimensions of the city are awe-inspiring - 12,000 stadia in length, width, and height - forming a perfect cube, reminiscent of the Holy of Holies in the ancient Temple, now fully accessible to all redeemed. The entire city is made of pure gold, as transparent as glass, showing divine purity and value beyond earthly measure.
How long is 12,000 stadia?
In Ancient Greek measurement:
1 stadion (plural: stadia) ≈ 607 feet or 185 meters
So:
12,000 stadia ≈ 1,380 to 1,500 miles
(or about 2,200 to 2,400 kilometers)
Revelation 21:16 (ESV):
“The city lies four-square, its length the same as its width. And he measured the city with his rod, 12,000 stadia. Its length and width and height are equal.”
Meaning and Symbolism:
The city is perfectly cubic: Length = Width = Height = ~1,500 miles
This makes the New Jerusalem enormous - large enough to hold all the redeemed through the ages.
The cube shape echoes the Holy of Holies in the Temple (1 Kings 6:20), symbolizing that all of Heaven is God’s dwelling place, and now accessible to all believers.
Each of the twelve gates is made of a single pearl, and the streets are gold, transparent and glowing. But the most striking detail is this: There is no temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple (v. 22). God's presence fills every corner - there is no separation, no veil.
The city has no need for sun or moon, for the glory of God provides its light, and the Lamb is its lamp (v. 23). There is no night - no darkness - because truth, holiness, and the presence of God eternally illuminate the city.
The gates are never shut, showing eternal safety and open access, and the nations walk in its light, bringing glory and honor into it. Yet, nothing unclean can enter - only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will dwell in this eternal city.
This section of Revelation 21 paints an unforgettable portrait of God’s eternal kingdom, where there is beauty, peace, righteousness, and divine presence forever. It fulfills God’s promise to dwell with His people and shows that Heaven is not just a destination - it is a holy communion with God Himself.
COMMENTS:
It is important to note that God states “I go and prepare a place for you”… there.
John 14:2–3 (KJV)
"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."
How exciting to think about being restored back in such a Wonderful and Beautiful place with our Lord and Savior for Eternity!
The Dazzling Splendor of the Holy City
Revelation 21:18–21 – The New Jerusalem
When John attempts to describe the New Jerusalem, the eternal home of God’s people, words fail him. So he reaches for what is most beautiful and precious on earth: gold, gems, pearls, and light. But even these earthly materials are only dim shadows of what he saw. The glory of God doesn’t just dwell in the city - it radiates through it, transforming every surface into a living prism of divine beauty.
1. Walls of Jasper – Crystalline Brilliance
“The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, like clear glass.”
— Revelation 21:18 (ESV)
Jasper in biblical times was not the opaque stone we think of today, but likely a crystal-clear or translucent diamond-like gem. Imagine towering walls of flawless crystal, glowing from within - because the glory of God is their light source.
As sunlight filters through stained glass in a cathedral, so the light of God filters through the jasper, casting shimmering hues of heavenly color in every direction. These walls are not barriers - they’re beacons, magnifying the radiance of the divine.
2. City of Pure Gold – Transparent Like Glass
John says the entire city is made of pure gold, but this gold is so refined, so divinely pure, that it's like transparent glass (Revelation 21:18, 21).
This isn’t earthly gold. It’s a spiritual substance, perfected and purified beyond comprehension.
As God’s glory shines, it flows through the golden streets and buildings, casting no shadow, illuminating every corner with warm, holy brilliance.
Imagine walking through a city where every step reflects the presence and purity of God under your feet.
3. Foundations Adorned with Precious Stones
“The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel...”
— Revelation 21:19
There are 12 foundation stones, each decorated with a different gem:
Jasper – clear brilliance
Sapphire – deep blue like the heavens
Agate – layers of beauty
Emerald – vibrant green of life
Onyx – mysterious depth
Carnelian – blood-red radiance
Chrysolite – golden sparkle
Beryl – soft sea-green
Topaz – bright yellow fire
Chrysoprase – apple green
Jacinth – fiery orange-red
Amethyst – royal purple
These are not just decoration - they are living expressions of God’s beauty and covenant promises. As His glory floods the city, these gems refract His light, bursting into rainbows of color that dance across every surface.
Each stone, reflecting the character and majesty of Christ, becomes a living sermon in light.
COMMENTS:
This seems like it will be overwhelming at first glance when we see all of God’s Glory displayed in great colors, tones and light rays, gleaming off every surface.
4. Twelve Gates – Each One a Single Pearl
“And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl...”
— Revelation 21:21
Each gate is made from a single, massive pearl - a reminder that entrance into the city came at a great cost, for pearls are formed through irritation and suffering. These gates are not just beautiful - they speak of the suffering of Christ, through whom we gain access to this eternal city.
As God’s glory shines, these pearlescent gates glow with warmth, soft light radiating outward like moonlight on still water. They invite the nations to enter into rest, to walk in light, to dwell in peace.
5. The Glory of God as the Light Source
“And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.”
— Revelation 21:23
There is no sun, no moon - because God Himself is the light, and Jesus is the lamp. This is not just light - it’s glory-light: pure, healing, loving, radiant.
No shadows exist in this city.
The light permeates all things, bouncing off gold, shining through gems, warming hearts.
It’s not harsh or blinding - it's inviting, glorious, and alive.
God’s presence is everywhere, and His glory dances throughout the city, like the glow of dawn that never fades.
Revelation 22:1-5:
The River of Life
1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb
2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him.
4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.
1. The River of the Water of Life
Revelation 22:1
“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.”
The River of Life is not a symbolic stream but a literal expression of divine life, flowing with unending clarity and purity. It represents the eternal vitality and spiritual sustenance that comes directly from God the Father and Jesus Christ, the Lamb.
Key Characteristics:
“Bright as crystal” – This imagery speaks of absolute purity, transparency, and perfection. There is no pollution, no sediment, no darkness - only divine clarity and light.
Flows from the throne – The source of this water is God Himself, symbolizing the uninterrupted flow of grace, life, and power from Heaven’s highest authority.
Central position - The river runs through the middle of the city, showing that God’s life-giving presence is central to all activity, worship, and joy in eternity.
This river fulfills the promise Jesus made in John 4:14:
“Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again.”
In Heaven, that promise becomes reality - no more thirst, no more lack, only continuous spiritual refreshment from the Creator Himself.
The Tree of Life
Revelation 22:2
“...on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month.”
The Tree of Life first appeared in Genesis 2:9, in the Garden of Eden. After the fall, humanity was cut off from it. Now, at the end of time, the tree returns - restored, multiplied, and eternal.
Features of the Tree:
On both sides of the river – This indicates either a massive tree that spans the river or multiple trees of the same kind, planted along the banks. Either way, it signifies abundance and universal access.
Twelve kinds of fruit – Each month brings a new harvest, symbolizing variety, freshness, and the continual renewal of God's provision. No season is barren.
Yields fruit monthly – This emphasizes that God's blessings are unending and ever-relevant - always new, always in season, always satisfying.
This Tree is not merely for eating - it is a symbol of eternal life, restoration, and wholeness, granted through the redeeming work of Christ.
The Leaves for the Healing of the Nations
“And the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.”
— Revelation 22:2 (b)
Here, we see the cosmic scope of God's redemptive plan:
The Tree’s leaves carry healing power, symbolizing the complete restoration of all peoples and the erasing of pain, division, and sin.
The word “healing” (Greek: therapeia) can also mean health, service, or care - suggesting ongoing, perfect wellness, not just recovery.
“The nations” implies that all ethnicities, tribes, and peoples will experience unity and healing in Christ - no more division, war, or injustice.
This fulfills prophecies like Isaiah 2:4 and Isaiah 25:8, where God ends sorrow, heals nations, and unites humanity under His rule.
COMMENTS:
Christ states “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life”,
John 14:6 (KJV)
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
and thru his Holy Water and Tree of Life He brings eternal water and bread of life to the redeemed creating an eternal wellspring of Life Giving Power to the Redeemed throughout eternity. What Amazing Blessings!
Spiritual Symbolism and Meaning
Together, the River of Life and the Tree of Life form a powerful echo of Eden, now glorified and eternal:
Eden was lost through sin, but now the New Jerusalem is a redeemed paradise, secured by the blood of the Lamb.
What was once guarded by a flaming sword (Genesis 3:24) is now open to all who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Revelation 21:27).
These symbols represent the unbroken fellowship, eternal satisfaction, and healing grace that God freely gives to those who dwell with Him forever.
3. No More Curse
“No longer will there be anything accursed...”
— Revelation 22:3 (ESV)
The curse that began with sin in Genesis 3 is fully removed. In Heaven:
No more death (Revelation 21:4)
No more pain or sorrow
No more sin or separation from God
This is the full redemption that all creation has longed for (Romans 8:19–22).
COMMENTS:
A true Utopia!!
4. The Throne of God and the Lamb
“...but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him.”
Heaven isn’t just beautiful - it is God-centered. The Lamb (Jesus) shares the throne with the Father, showing their unity and sovereignty.
Our eternal activity is not boring - it’s perfect, joyful worship, filled with purpose and presence.
5. We Will See His Face
“They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.”
— Revelation 22:4 (ESV)
This is one of the most intimate promises in all of Scripture.
In the Old Testament, no one could see God’s face and live (Exodus 33:20).
But in Heaven, we will see Him face to face, because we have been made righteous through Christ.
His name on our foreheads signifies identity, ownership, and eternal security.
6. Eternal Light and No Night
“And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light...”
— Revelation 22:5 (ESV)
God Himself will light the entire city. There will be no darkness, literal or spiritual. In Him, there is no shadow or fear—only truth, warmth, and clarity.
7. We Shall Reign Forever
“...and they will reign forever and ever.”
— Revelation 22:5b (ESV)
The redeemed don’t just rest in Heaven - they reign. God shares His rule with us, restoring the dominion lost by Adam and Eve. This is a kingdom of priests (Revelation 5:10), ruling under the loving reign of Jesus forever.
8. A Final Invitation and Warning
Revelation 22 ends with a powerful invitation:
“The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ ... Let the one who desires take the water of life without price.”
— Revelation 22:17 (ESV)
God freely offers eternal life to anyone who will come in faith. But there's also a final warning not to distort the Word of God (Revelation 22:18-19). Eternity is serious - don’t delay in making Christ your Savior.
Conclusion: Heaven Is Our Blessed Hope
Revelation 22 is a glorious crescendo to the Bible’s story. It gives us a vision of Heaven that is rich, relational, and real. It’s not just a place - it’s God’s presence fully revealed, a place where:
The curse is broken
Life is abundant
Worship is unending
Love is perfect
We are with Jesus forever
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”
— Revelation 22:20 (ESV)
COMMENTS:
Always Remember to take some time each day in Thoughtful Prayer and in His Holy Word the Bible.