In the City

In John’s final vision (Revelation 21:9-22:5), new Jerusalem descends from heaven as a bride. Her jasper walls sparkle, the city itself is transparent gold, the foundation stones are precious gems. She is, in sum, a rich city.

Within Jerusalem, there is constant light. The glory of the nations comes into the city, and everything abominable is kept out. From God’s throne flows the water of life, and beside the river is the tree of life with fruit for food and leaves for healing. 

Babylon sold all sorts of things, but Jerusalem is the place where you can get the best goods. In Jerusalem, Jesus makes good on His promise to the Laodiceans (Revelation 3) – to offer gold, white garments, eye salve, food, drink, health. All the gifts of salvation are available. This city is a marketplace; the people who enter offer tribute, but they are also consumers.

And here’s the key theological point: They are all available within the city. Anyone who wants these goods has to find a clean robe (22:14) and enter through the pearl gates, past the angels who guard the gates. Jesus gives these gives, and He gives Himself, the Lamb who illuminates the city. But He gives His gifts in the city, and only citizens of the city receive them.

Which is to say: Extra ecclesiam nulla salus est.