INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE STUDENT

My Study Plan:

The book of Revelation reveals Jesus Christ and shows how God’s final Gospel Day is understood through spiritual prophecy. Preparing a Study Plan before starting this Study Guide will assist you in completing it within a designated timeframe. It also helps in developing the discipline required for studying God’s Word effectively.

Proverbs 16:3:

Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

My Study Guide Journal

Keep a record as you progress through your Study Guide, including the “Personal Responses”, for each section for future reference and goal setting.

Content

• INTRODUCTION
• THE CHURCH – A LIVING SPIRIT
• THE CHURCH – A LIVING DIVINE ORGANISM
• THE CHURCH – IT’S BEGINNING
• THE CHURCH – THE NEW TESTAMENT REVELATION
• THE CHURCH IS THE NEW JERUSALEM
• SUMMARY

Important Points:

• COGMA does not claim to be infallible or the authority.
• Infallibility and authority belong only to God and His Word.

COGMA therefore strongly advises that you prayerfully study the content of each Study Guide with the heart of a Berean: “Acts 17:10-12”.

Contact and Links

Introduction

In this study, you will further explore the reality and qualities of the church that Jesus built.

From the first study, it is clear that Jesus built one church with the intent that His people, the children of God, would be united in worshipping Him.

Some might argue that this unity is not possible, especially when observing the many denominations and sects — including numerous splits and divisions within those who identify as the church of God. However, we must remember that the church Jesus built is not a human construction. It is a divine organism built and organised by God.

Spiritual Entity, Not Physical

The confusion arises because many consider the church from a literal and physical perspective, believing it began on the day of Pentecost in 31 A.D. In truth, the church is a spiritual entity that has no beginning or end.

Regardless of what appears evident to human eyes or reasoning, Jesus built ONE church. There is ONE body and ONE kingdom. What holds this kingdom together is the love of God shed abroad in the heart of the believer.

Romans 5:5 states:

“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

Unity in Christ

To suggest or even believe that God has a divided church is to imply that man is in control. The truth is, God is in control. What seems impossible to us is possible for God.

From the first study, it should be clear that the true church is spiritual and comprises all who are born again, regardless of “nametags.” These individuals are identified as saints — a called-out gathering to God and His purpose. They have set themselves apart to answer God’s call on their lives.

Rest assured that the “head” of the body, Jesus Christ, has not lost control.

Colossians 1:16–18 states:

“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”

Submission to Christ

It is through the love of God that we must choose to submit to the “head” to remain alive in the body. Jesus told His disciples at the Last Supper:

John 14:15 states:

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”

John reiterates this truth in his first epistle:

1 John 5:3 states:

“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.”

To submit to Christ is also to submit to His reign in both His church and our lives.

Back to top

The Church — A Living Spirit

The first instance of the word “church” within the Bible appears in the gospel of Matthew, where Jesus articulates the following:

Matthew 16:18 states:

“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

From the moment Jesus uttered these words, the concept of the “church” has been subject to considerable confusion, particularly in our day.

Commonly, when individuals contemplate the church, their thoughts immediately turn to a specific location where gatherings occur — a particular building, religious community, or organisation. Many with this perspective will express intentions such as, “I am going to church.” Nonetheless, for the born-again believer, they themselves constitute the church, thereby bringing the church with them to any gathering place.

The Branch Foretold

Although the word “church” and its Builder are first mentioned in the book of Matthew, it was foretold in the book of Zechariah.

Zechariah 6:12–13 states:

“And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD: Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.”

The Spiritual Temple

Zechariah’s prophecy about Jesus building the “temple of the Lord” raises a question: Is this referring to the church mentioned in Matthew 16:18, or a future physical temple?

• The Scriptures do not record Jesus “the man” constructing a literal temple.
• Jesus’ prediction in Matthew 24 about the destruction of Herod’s temple, and the absence of any record of Him building a physical temple, confirms that the church He mentioned in Matthew 16 is not a tangible literal structure but a spiritual one.

The Branch

The Old Testament mentions the term “BRANCH” six times as a reference to Jesus Christ, highlighting His roles as King, Servant, Man, and God. In Hebrew, this term is often used genealogically, signifying that an individual is an heir or descendant of a specific family line.

i.
The Branch as King

Jeremiah 23:5–6 and 33:15–17 depict Jesus as the “Branch of righteousness,” ruling over the house of Israel. This imagery aligns with how the gospel of Matthew and the book of Revelation portray Jesus as King.

ii.
The Branch as Servant

In Zechariah 3:8–9, Jesus is described as “My servant the Branch,” who removed the iniquity of the land in a single day, mirroring His sacrificial role as both a servant to God and humanity. This act is reminiscent of Paul’s description in Philippians 2:7.

iii.
The Branch as Man

Zechariah 6:12–13 presents Jesus as “the man to build the Temple,” bearing glory and reigning on His throne. This fulfils the depiction of Jesus as the perfect mediator between God and man, as Paul describes in 1 Timothy 2:5–6.

iv.
The Branch of the Lord

Isaiah 4:2 reveals Jesus as both God’s descendant and “the fruit of the earth,” signifying His dual nature as both human and divine — the Word made flesh, Emmanuel, “God with us.”

These references collectively portray the multifaceted role of Jesus Christ as the Branch in the Old Testament, encompassing His reign as King, His service, His humanity, and His divinity.

The Temple of the Living God

The Lord can also be referred to as “the living God,” so His temple can also be called “the temple of the living God.” In Paul’s letters to the Corinthians, this temple is recognised as the body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 3:16–17 states:

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”

2 Corinthians 6:16 states:

“And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”

These verses emphasise that believers are God’s temple, God’s dwelling place — and therefore spirit.

i.
Zion: The City of the Living God

In the twelfth chapter of the book of Hebrews, the term “Sion” symbolises the city of the living God, which is the “church of the firstborn.” This is echoed in the book of Psalms.

Psalm 132:13–14 states:

“For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.”

Zion: The Body of Christ and Temple of the Living God

The temple of the Lord is none other than the body of Christ — Zion — which is God’s dwelling place forever. Defiling this temple is warned against, highlighting the sanctity of believers as God’s dwelling place.

Paul confirms in his letter to the Corinthians that new believers become part of the temple of the living God — the church — through baptism into Christ’s body.

1 Corinthians 12:13 states:

“For by one Spirit are we all baptised into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”

That “body” Paul says is the body of Christ, which is the church.

Ephesians 5:23, 30 states:

“For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body… For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.”

These verses affirm that by one Spirit, all are integrated into one body, regardless of background, and that believers are intimately connected to Christ, forming His body, the church.

The Spiritual Temple Built by Jesus

The concept of a new, literal temple to be built in the future, replacing Herod’s temple, is a common teaching. However, Zechariah’s prophecy clearly states that the BRANCH, Jesus, would build the temple Himself.

Knowing that Jesus is the “Amen,” the “faithful and true witness,” there is not one place in the Bible where it is written that Jesus said He would build a literal and physical temple. However, He confirmed in line with Zechariah’s prophecy to build His church — a divine and spiritual temple.

i.
The Establishment of the Church at Pentecost

The establishment of the church at Pentecost, as documented in Acts 2:47, signifies the completion of this divine construction, with the Lord adding to the church those being saved.

Acts 2:47 states:

“Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”

You cannot “add to” that which does not exist.

Following Luke’s account of the events in 31 A.D. on the day of Pentecost, there is no record in the New Testament of a future temple or habitation of God — none built by Jesus Himself.

Some may refer to the book of Revelation, but it is the revelation of Jesus Christ and His church throughout the Gospel Day. It is a revelation given to John in a vision and therefore uses symbolic language. (COGMA is planning a complete series on the book of Revelation in the future.)

Dwell With Them

2 Corinthians 6:16 states:

“And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”

It is a common misunderstanding to view this as a promise for the future; however, Paul is referencing verses from the Old Testament found in Leviticus and Ezekiel.

i.
Old Testament Prophecies

Leviticus 26:11–12 states:

“And I will set my tabernacle among you: and my soul shall not abhor you. And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people.”

Ezekiel 37:26–27 states:

“Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore. My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”

Fulfilment of Prophecies

Both passages from Leviticus and Ezekiel predict a time when God would dwell among His people. Paul affirms in 2 Corinthians 6 that this prophecy has been fulfilled and is now a present reality in the time of the New Testament and Gospel Day.

The fulfilment of this prophecy can be confirmed by questioning when the “everlasting covenant” was established. Is it still to be fulfilled in the future, or has it already been realised?

The everlasting covenant was confirmed by Jesus through His death and resurrection, as evidenced in the study of Daniel’s 70 weeks.

Hebrews 13:20 states:

“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,”

The Everlasting Covenant

The term “everlasting” signifies something that is perpetual, eternal, and unending. It is of a spiritual nature and will not be overridden or substituted. This became a reality on the day of Pentecost and will continue forever.

As prophesied, on the day of Pentecost, God established His dwelling place — the church of God — which is defined as the assembly of God’s people, the body of Christ. Ezekiel’s prophecy not only identifies God’s dwelling place but also describes the spiritual condition of this house.

Ezekiel 37:27–28 states:

“My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And the heathen shall know that I the LORD do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore.”

The Tabernacle and Sanctuary

The term “tabernacle” refers to the place, whereas “sanctuary” describes the nature of this place as consecrated and holy.

• “Tabernacle” in Hebrew, MISHKAN, means a residence or dwelling place.
• “Sanctuary” in Hebrew, MIQDASH, is defined as a place that is consecrated and holy.

There is a misconception that God’s presence is external to the church. However, God dwells within the church — not in a literal building, but in a spiritual building composed of His sons and daughters, who are saints.

This is confirmed by Paul in his introductory remarks in his first letter to the Corinthians and in his letter to the Romans.

The Indwelling Spirit

Romans 8:9 states:

“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”

The “Spirit of God” and the “Spirit of Christ” are identified by Paul as God Himself.

John 4:24 states:

“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

The Spirit of Christ is the Spirit of God who is the Holy Spirit.

The Unity of God and Christ

In the past, you may have been confused into believing in three gods — God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit — but that is a form of paganism.

Jesus Christ is the only one and true God.

• Jesus is the Father as to His deity.
• The Son as to His humanity.
• And the Holy Spirit as to His work in and through the church.

Jesus Declared as God

In the first chapter of the book of Revelation, Jesus Himself declared:

Revelation 1:8 states:

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.”

Paul wrote the following concerning Christ:

1 Timothy 1:17 states:

“Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

2 Corinthians 3:17 states:

“Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”

Who is “King eternal”? Who is the “Lord”?

Revelation 17:14 states:

“These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.”

Revelation 19:16 states:

“And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

i.
Jesus as the Eternal King

Paul describes Jesus in Hebrews as the Son in human form, yet as the “express image of God’s person” — as both the eternal King and God.

Hebrews 1:8 states:

“But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.”

The Spirit of the Lord

In 2 Corinthians 3:17, Paul clarifies the identity of the “Spirit of the Lord” by stating that the “Lord is Spirit,” which is consistent and aligns with “God is Spirit.”

2 Corinthians 3:17 states:

“Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”

Paul is not implying that the Lord is a spirit possessing another spirit, but rather that the “Lord and Spirit” are one and the same entity — the very same person.

Similarly, Romans 8:9 indicates that the “Spirit of God” and the “Spirit of Christ” are one and the same. Paul is not suggesting that God or Christ has a separate spirit, but affirming that God, as Christ, is spirit.

The Church is Spirit

When you are born again, what do you receive?

Colossians 1:26–27 states:

“Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:”

Upon being born again, you receive Christ Jesus the Lord, as stated above and further supported by Colossians 2:6.

Colossians 2:6 states:

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:”

It is important to note that this reception is not physical, but rather as the Spirit.

i.
The Holy Spirit

Paul describes the Spirit as the Holy Spirit in the book of Romans.

Romans 5:5 (LITV) states:

“And hope does not make us ashamed, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit given to us.”

When you are born again, you receive Jesus Christ the Lord who is the Holy Spirit. They are one and the same person.

The Spirit we receive gives us life and lifts us into “heavenly places.” We must be made spiritually alive before we can be caught up in Christ.

Ephesians 2:6 states:

“And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:”

Elevated into Heavenly Places

Being “in Christ” when born again means you are elevated — raptured — into the church in heavenly places. This is the realm of spirits, both good and evil.

It is the same place or heaven that Paul wrote to the Ephesians about in chapter 6.

Ephesians 6:12 states:

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

In these verses, the terms “heavenly places” and “high places” are translations of the Greek word EPOURANOIS, which more accurately means “heavenlies,” signifying a celestial realm beyond the physical and earthly domain.

When you are born again, your presence in the church is spiritual, not physical. Your physical body is not in the church, but your spirit. You are a spirit clothed in a body made of the earth.

To Summarise

• The church of God is identified as a spiritual place, also known as the “body of Christ.” It serves as the present and everlasting dwelling and habitation of God.
• The church of God transcends the physical, being composed not of earthly matter, but of spirit — making it eternal.

In John chapter 3, Jesus defines His church as His kingdom, explaining to Nicodemus the necessity of being born again to enter the kingdom of God.

This kingdom is not a physical domain but a realm of spirit. It is a spirit kingdom.

John 3:5 states:

“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”

Paul elaborates on the nature of the kingdom, stating:

1 Corinthians 15:50 states:

“Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.”

Entrance into the kingdom is spiritual, achieved through baptism.

1 Corinthians 12:13 states:

“For by one Spirit are we all baptised into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”

The church of God, therefore, is not a physical location, nor purely a congregation of physical beings, but a spiritual community of born-again spirits united with Christ in His body through baptism.

Back to top

The Church — A Living Divine Organism

The Church is a Living Being

You may now be questioning what it is about the church of God that makes it the church that Jesus built — and different from all others claiming to be the church.

There are two significant differences.

The first, as you have already discovered, is that most religious organisations consider the church from a carnal mind perspective. They regard the church as a religious institution that has a belief system. Whereas secondly, the Bible describes the church as a “living divine organism.”

The church is a living being — not human, but indeed spirit. There also lies the complexity because, to our human mind, the concept of spirit can be challenging to understand.

We know we are spirits that inhabit or are clothed in a physical human body. As a compound being, our origin is both of the earth — in that we are made physically from the earth’s dust — and spirit, in that we came from God.

Human and Divine Origins

Ecclesiastes 12:7 states:

“Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.”

Paul understood the same in his letter to the Corinthians.

2 Corinthians 5:1 states:

“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”

We also know that Christ’s body is spiritual and from Heaven — not physical or of the earth.

The Eternal Nature of the Church

Accepting then that the church is spirit, does it have a beginning and an ending? It is the answer to this that separates her from all pretenders, which will be answered in the next section.

Back to top

The Church — Its Beginning

No End and No Beginning

We started the previous section by asking whether the church has a beginning and an end, and whether the day of Pentecost in 31 A.D. marks the beginning of the church.

The answer to both questions is “no,” because the church is a spiritual entity that transcends time — it has no beginning or end.

Although it can be a challenging concept to grasp, the church, symbolised as the New Jerusalem, was separated or came out from God, as described in Revelation 21:2.

Revelation 21:2 states:

“And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”

This makes God the church’s Father. Additionally, the church is depicted as the wife of God, symbolising a deep spiritual union with Him.

Revelation 21:9–10 states:

“And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,”

Symbolism of Adam and Eve

To help us understand this concept, God provided the example of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. This symbol as a picture points to the reality.

It typifies the reality of Christ and the church, illustrating the intimate relationship between God and His people.

Genesis 2:21 states:

“And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;”

This, as a type, points to Jesus Christ. Paul identified Adam as the “first Adam, a living soul” and Jesus as the “last Adam and quickening spirit.” Notice that God takes out of Adam one of his ribs.

Genesis 2:22 states:

“And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.”

Just as the “church” was taken or separated out of God, so was “the rib” taken or separated out of Adam. Similarly, just as Adam is both Eve’s father and husband, God is both the Father and Husband of the church.

Eternal Nature of the Church

Consider Adam’s rib, which, as a type, points to the church. How long was the rib in Adam’s body that God used to make Eve? It was there from Adam’s creation.

Likewise, how long was the “New Jerusalem” — the church — in God before she was revealed or birthed on the day of Pentecost? Obviously, from God’s beginning. However, God Himself has no beginning or end, for He is from everlasting to everlasting.

Psalm 90:2 states:

“Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.”

Spiritual Origin and Union: A Great Mystery

God is spirit and the Father of all spirits. The church, being spirit, is eternal — both in the past and the future. In the spiritual realm, there is no gender, so the church is referred to as both the son and the wife of God. This spiritual union is legitimate and approved by God, akin to the biblical marriage of Adam and Eve.

Genesis 2:23–24 states:

“And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”

Paul in Ephesians 5 quoted from the verses above to explain the marriage relationship between Christ and the church. He called it a great mystery.

Ephesians 5:32 states:

“This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.”

This mystery sets the “ekklesia” apart from all other religious groups, sects, and denominations. Unlike others that have an earthly beginning, the church has a spiritual origin that transcends earthly beginnings, as it was birthed by God Himself.

Legitimate Sons and Daughters

When the present reality of the New Jerusalem as the church and wife of Christ is denied, the legitimacy of the sons and daughters of God is also denied.

In the Old Testament, relationships were defined by genealogy, with God claiming to be Father to Adam only. Then, the lineage is traced through statements like “Adam begat Seth” and “Seth begat Enos,” and so on. However, in the New Testament, genealogy is not emphasised in the same way.

1 John 3:2 states:

“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”

God was not revealed as the Father in the Old Testament because He was not the Father of literal Israel. God is the Father only of all who are born again — spirits alive unto Him.

Back to top

The Church — The New Testament Revelation

The book of Revelation is the key to understanding the beginning of the church.

Revelation 21:2 states:

“And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”

Symbolic Language in Revelation

In previous studies, we have learned that the book of Revelation is written using symbols. These symbols are like pictures or images, where we find their meanings elsewhere in the Bible. The very first verse of Revelation tells us about its symbolic language by using the word “signified,” which comes from the Greek word SEMAINO, meaning token or symbol.

This word “semaino” means to bring an expression, picture, or image to mind, including its character. For instance, the character of a “lamb” is very different from that of a “wolf” — they are almost opposites.

In the module “The Language of the Bible,” we also learn that Revelation is revealed as a vision in its entirety, confirming its symbolic language.

Revelation 9:17 states:

“And thus I saw the horses in the vision…”

John sees “the horses” in THE VISION — not a vision. The book of Revelation presents one continuous vision throughout its entirety. So to repeat, the language of the book of Revelation is symbolic, using pictures that refer to other parts of the Bible for their meaning and reality.

The Structure of Revelation

The chapters of the book of Revelation are also not arranged in chronological order, but in seven series.

Revelation chapter 21 starts the seventh and final series, bringing us back to the day of Pentecost and the beginning of the Gospel Day. This is when the New Covenant was established, the church revealed, and the new creation starts. The timeframe of this part of John’s vision is confirmed in the next verse.

Revelation 21:3 states:

“And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.”

The Greek word for “tabernacle” is SKENE, which means habitation, indicating the place where God dwells. Additionally, as we previously explored, the “tabernacle” is referenced in the Old Testament books of Leviticus and Ezekiel, which in turn points to the reality described in 2 Corinthians 6:16.

2 Corinthians 6:16–18 states:

“And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”

Therefore, we understand that the timeframe of Revelation 21 starts on the day of Pentecost in 31 A.D. with the commencement of the New Covenant.

Jesus prophesied this day to His disciples during the Last Supper.

John 14:17–18 states:

“Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”

New Jerusalem of the Substance of God

In his vision, John sees the city called “new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven.”

In Greek, the word “from” is APO, meaning separation. John sees a picture where the “holy city, new Jerusalem,” is separated from or comes out of God from heaven. It is therefore made of the substance of God.

The Creation Analogy

A corresponding literal example to help us understand this is the first physical creation.

Genesis 2:7 states:

“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”

God breathed of Himself into Adam to make him a living soul, meaning God breathed spirit into Adam.

Returning to John’s vision, the “holy city, new Jerusalem” is depicted as a bride in Revelation 21:2 and later revealed as the “Lamb’s wife” in the same chapter.

Revelation 21:9–10 states:

“And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,”

Knowing that the book of Revelation is a collection of symbols pointing to spiritual realities, the “holy city” represents a spiritual city, which is the ultimate reality.

Similarly, Jesus Christ is not a “lamb” but a symbol pointing to Him and His sacrifice for sin. Jesus is only the “Lamb” during the Gospel Day, the day of salvation. This again confirms the timeline, which is from the day of Pentecost and throughout the Gospel Day until the end of time.

Importantly, Jesus is not referred to as the “Lamb” in the celestial realm and eternity because salvation is not possible after physical death. At death, individuals go to their eternal abode — either Heaven or hell — in the celestial realm.

Simplicity of God’s Word

It is important to reflect on the simplicity of God’s Word. God uses tangible examples to convey spiritual truths. In Revelation, the depiction of a descending city being married to Christ is not to be taken literally.

Applying common sense:

• Do men marry literal cities? Obviously not!
• Do spirits marry literal cities? Clearly not!

Though the last question may seem odd, it underscores that after Christ’s ascension, He can no longer be known in a physical or literal manner because He is Spirit. This is confirmed by Paul in his letter to the Corinthians.

2 Corinthians 5:16 states:

“Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.”

Jerusalem — The Mother of All Born-Again

The “holy city” is revealed as the “new Jerusalem.”

So, what is this new Jerusalem that has come from God out of heaven? It is described as “from above” to emphasise its spiritual, non-physical nature. Paul provides the answer in his letter to the Galatians.

Galatians 4:26 states:

“But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.”

This Jerusalem is not the physical city in Palestine; rather, it is a spiritual city located in the “heavenly place.” Additionally, it is the mother of all who have been born again.

It is crucial to note that this Jerusalem is revealed in the present tense — not future — in Galatians 4:26. She is a mother now in the Gospel Day, with children.

Understanding Spiritual Concepts

To grasp spiritual concepts, it is essential to understand that God provides literal physical examples. To be a mother, there must be children and a father.

Isaiah 9:6 states:

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

The prophet Isaiah disclosed that Jesus Christ is the “everlasting Father.” Jesus Himself affirmed this when Philip, one of His disciples, requested to see the Father.

John 14:8 states:

“Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.”

To which Jesus replied:

John 14:9 states:

“Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?”

As His disciples pondered this conversation, Jesus disclosed to them that the Father resides within His physical being. This signifies that He is not the Father in physical form but spiritually, as His spirit is the Holy Spirit.

i.
Legitimate Children of God

Biblically, legitimate children require both a father and a mother who are married. Throughout the New Testament, those who are born again are referred to as the sons (daughters) of God, indicating that gender is irrelevant in the spiritual realm.

1 John 3:2 states:

“Beloved, NOW are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”

This indicates that Jesus Christ, the “Lamb,” is presently married to the “new Jerusalem.” Their marriage occurred on the day of Pentecost when over 3,000 souls were born again, becoming sons of God. All who are spiritually alive are indeed the sons of God.

Those who propagate and accept the idea of a future marriage of Christ blaspheme God by implying that He has illegitimate children born out of wedlock.

It is worth reiterating: God employs physical examples to impart spiritual truths.

Back to top

The Church is the New Jerusalem

Revelation 21:2 states:

“And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”

Many are taught to believe that the New Jerusalem will be a literal city appearing on the earth during the supposed millennial reign. However, when we rightly understand the book of Revelation, we see that the New Jerusalem symbolises the church of the firstborn, which is the church of God.

The Literal False Interpretation

Revelation 21:16 states:

“And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.”

Taking the measurements of the New Jerusalem literally, based on 5 furlongs equalling approximately 1 km, presents staggering dimensions:

• If we imagine it as a cube, it would be 2,400 kilometres in width, breadth, and height, extending even into outer space.
• Commercial jets fly at around 10 kilometres above sea level, while Mount Everest, our highest mountain, stands at 9 kilometres.
• The city’s footprint on Earth would cover 5,800,000 km2, overshadowing entire regions like the Middle East.
• For perspective, the combined land area of the East African Community (EAC) is approximately 5,400,000 square kilometres — including countries like Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Uganda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The divide between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space is known as the “Karman line” and occurs at 100 kilometres above the Earth’s surface:

• Unlike the Earth and its atmosphere, outer space does not spin.
• This boundary necessitates that returning space vehicles have extreme heat shields to prevent them from burning up due to the friction created during re-entry.
• The International Space Station (ISS) orbits the Earth at approximately 400 km above its surface, and satellites in low orbit (LEO) at around 500 km.

Visualising a literal foursquare building extending 2,300 kilometres into outer space and 2,000 kilometres beyond the International Space Station highlights the impossibility of a literal interpretation. Such dimensions defy practicality and scientific understanding.

The True Interpretation — Allowing the Bible to Interpret Itself

Before delving into the reality and truth of the New Jerusalem in Revelation chapter 21, it is crucial to establish the timeline.

This step is vital because many are incorrectly taught that Revelation should be interpreted literally and that God will recreate the literal earth in the future. However, a deeper study reveals otherwise, as we understand by examining “line upon line and precept upon precept.”

Starting with the opening verse of Revelation 21:

Revelation 21:1 states:

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.”

As previously established, the book of Revelation employs symbolic language. Therefore, in the verse mentioned, it does not refer to a literal heaven or earth. To grasp the meaning of these symbols, one must look elsewhere in the Bible for the reality they represent.

The book of Isaiah, in chapter 65, also mentions the “new heaven” and “new earth.”

Isaiah 65:17–18 states:

“For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.”

ii.
Symbol of the New Heaven

In Study Guide 5, you learned about the Hebrew writing style called “parallelism,” where the first expression of thought is expanded or clarified by the following.

An example can be found in Psalm 119:130, where David begins with “the entrance of thy words giveth light” and then elaborates with “it giveth understanding unto the simple.”

Applying parallelism to Isaiah 65, verse 17 states “I create new heavens,” and the parallel is found in verse 18 which says, “I create Jerusalem.” Therefore, the “new heavens” symbolises “Jerusalem” — in other words, the New Jerusalem.

Symbol of the New Earth

Now, consider the symbol of the “new earth.” Earth, as a symbol, points to man, as you can read in the book of Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 22:29 states:

“O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the LORD.”

Certainly, Jeremiah was not addressing literal ground but was speaking metaphorically about man. As stated in 2 Corinthians 4, man is likened to an “earthen vessel.”

This metaphor reflects the dual nature of humanity — mortal and eternal. The mortal aspect of man is formed from the dust of the earth, while the eternal aspect is spirit and returns to God.

This is further confirmed in the book of Ecclesiastes.

Ecclesiastes 12:7 states:

“Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.”

Understanding Isaiah 65 and Revelation 21

Continuing to apply parallelism to Isaiah 65, we understand that the “new earth” symbolises Jerusalem’s “people of joy.”

Referring back to Revelation 21:1, we are informed that “the first heaven and first earth were passed away.” This is further clarified in the verses we are examining in Isaiah 65.

Isaiah 65:17 states:

“For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.”

Obviously, the “former” in Revelation 21:1 refers to the “first heaven and first earth.” Regarding that which is “passed away” or “to vanish or perish” in Revelation 21:1, Paul in the book of Hebrews provides an explanation.

Hebrews 8:10–13 states:

“For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.”

When the New Covenant was established on the day of Pentecost, the Old Covenant — the First Covenant — passed away. Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians, describes the Old Covenant as glorious, but emphasises that the New Covenant is “much more glorious.”

2 Corinthians 3:11 states:

“For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.”

The Transition from the Old to the New Covenant

The “first heaven” represented the exalted position of the Old Covenant and the law of Moses. It held a heavenly and glorious status because it was instituted by God, but it ultimately served as a shadow of the reality that would come in Christ. In essence, the first heaven was a precursor to the New Heaven, symbolising the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant in Christ.

In Isaiah chapter 51, there are prophecies that foreshadow the New Testament dispensation. The chapter speaks of righteousness being brought near and salvation being revealed.

Isaiah 51:6 states:

“Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.”

Isaiah is not speaking of a literal heaven or earth in this context, but rather of the passing away of the Old Covenant with the institution of the New Covenant.

The old dispensation, which pertained to the flesh, was done away with and replaced by the spiritual dispensation of true salvation in Christ. This transition represents a shift from external rituals and regulations to the inward transformation and redemption offered through faith in Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:13 states:

“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”

This refers not to a physical body, but rather the body of Christ, which is seated in the “new heavens.” This signifies the spiritual reality of believers being one in Christ in heavenly places, partaking in the blessings and promises of the New Covenant.

Ephesians 2:6 states:

“And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:”

Symbolic Interpretation of the New Jerusalem

• The New Heaven is New Jerusalem.
• The New Earth is the people who inhabit the holy city.

Note: When studying the book of Revelation, it is crucial to keep in mind that the entire book is symbolic and not literal. Maintaining this perspective requires discipline in your studies.

Now that the timeline has been established — beginning from the day of Pentecost in 31 A.D. throughout the Gospel Day — we can explore the symbolism of the New Jerusalem.

Knowing that the Bible always interprets itself, the symbol of the New Jerusalem must point to a reality found elsewhere in Scripture. This reality is revealed in the book of Hebrews, where Paul says:

Hebrews 12:22 states:

“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,”

In Paul’s time of writing, those who were born again had already come to and entered the heavenly Jerusalem. The New Jerusalem had already descended from God out of heaven, making it a present reality rather than a future one.

The term “unto” in Greek is EIS, which signifies reaching a point or entering. It can be translated as “to or into,” depending on the context and harmony of Scripture.

The “holy city of the living God,” named the “heavenly Jerusalem,” represents the spiritual dwelling place of believers, where they experience fellowship with God and partake in the blessings of His kingdom.

Hebrews 12:23 states:

“To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,”

The city symbolises the church that Jesus built and revealed on the day of Pentecost.

Acts 2:47 states:

“Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”

The original text emphasises that “the Lord added those being saved every day to the assembly.”

This highlights the necessity of being born again and spiritually alive before being added to the church by God. This concept is illustrated in the book of Genesis, where Adam was first made a living soul before being placed in the Garden of Eden, which symbolises the church. Similarly, individuals must experience spiritual rebirth — being born again — before being incorporated into the fellowship of believers.

Back to top

Summary

The Essence and Attributes of the Church Jesus Built

This study has explored the essence and attributes of the church that Jesus built, emphasising its spiritual nature and divine organisation. Jesus intended to build one unified church, despite the numerous denominations and divisions that exist today. The true church is not a physical entity but a spiritual one — eternal and bound together by the love of God. Romans 5:5 highlights that this love, shed abroad in believers’ hearts by the Holy Spirit, is what holds the kingdom together.

Unity in Christ

• The concept of the church being divided implies human control, whereas God is truly in control, making unity possible in Christ.
• Colossians 1:16–18 reinforces that Jesus, the head of the church, holds all things together.
• Believers, identified as saints, are part of this spiritual church, called to live according to God’s purpose.
• Submission to Christ and keeping His commandments, as stated in John 14:15 and 1 John 5:3, is crucial for maintaining this unity.

Spiritual Nature of the Church

• The term “church” first appears in Matthew 16:18, where Jesus promises to build His church — a concept often misunderstood as a physical structure.
• For born-again believers, the church is a spiritual entity that they bring with them to any gathering place.

The Branch and the Spiritual Temple

• Zechariah’s prophecy about “The Branch” building the temple of the Lord refers to a spiritual temple, not a physical one.
• This prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is depicted as King, Servant, Man, and God.

Believers as the Temple of God

• Paul’s letters to the Corinthians clarify that believers are the temple of God, with God’s Spirit dwelling within them.
• This spiritual temple, referred to as the body of Christ or Zion, is eternal and holy.
• Believers become part of this temple through baptism into Christ’s body, symbolising their spiritual rebirth.

The New Covenant and the Birth of the Church

• The new covenant established on the day of Pentecost marks the birth of the church as the spiritual dwelling place of God.
• This church — the New Jerusalem — descends from God, symbolising a spiritual reality rather than a physical city.
• Hebrews 12:22–23 confirms that the heavenly Jerusalem represents the spiritual dwelling place of believers, where they experience fellowship with God and partake in the blessings of His kingdom.

The Church as a Living Divine Organism

• The church Jesus built is a living divine organism — a spiritual entity that transcends physical definitions.
• It is composed of born-again spirits united in Christ, forming His body through baptism.
• This understanding distinguishes the true church from mere human institutions, emphasising its eternal and spiritual nature.

Conclusion

The church Jesus built is a spiritual entity, eternal and united by the love of God, comprising born-again believers who are spiritually alive and intimately connected to Christ as His body. This divine organism transcends physical structures and human institutions, embodying the true essence of the church.

Back to top

Submission to COGMA for Appraisal

Instructions