The Book of Revelation is filled with prophetic symbolism as well as many literal components and illustrations. John’s vision of the New Jerusalem in the Book of Revelation is a prophetic picture of the Bride of Christ. John saw the New Jerusalem coming down out of Heaven ‘prepared as a Bride adorned for her husband.’
The scripture calls Jesus the Bridegroom and the Church is His Bride. Understanding the meaning of prophetic symbolism will give us greater insight into understanding prophetic revelation and many of the ‘hidden mysteries of God.’
Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret since the world began, but now has been made manifest, and by the prophetic scriptures has been made to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God , for obedience to the faith. Romans, Chapter 16, Verse 25-26.
Prophetic revelation can be found in the Bible from the Book of Genesis thru the Book of Revelation. The Mystery of Christ can be found ‘in the beginning’ when God said ‘let there light.’ Christ is the Light of the world. In the Bible light speaks of understanding. In the beginning God separated the light form the darkness even before He created the first day.
Prophetic revelation plays a big part in revealing the mysteries of God to the Church. The Bible tells us ‘Jesus sanctifies and cleanses us by the ‘washing of the water by the Word of God so He might present her to Himself a glorious Church, without spot or wrinkle. According to Bible this is a ‘great mystery.’ (Ephesians 5:22-33).
John’s vision of the New Jerusalem is one of the greatest mysteries in the Bible. John said the New Jerusalem was ‘prepared as a Bride and adorned for her Husband.’ Understanding the prophetic symbolism of the ‘New Jerusalem’ will help the Bride to prepare herself for the return of her Bridegroom.
The Word of God is the foundation of truth and knowledge. The Apostle Paul said ‘all things are upheld by the power of God’s Word.’ (Hebrews 1:3).
The Twelve Foundations of the New Jerusalem
by Don Randolph (PDF, RTF) – 137 pages, 535KB
