The Revelation of Jesus Christ - The Herald

and as a result we see the preliminary steps leading to the re-establishment of the old
Jerusalem; and ultimately the result mentioned in our Lord's prayer will be realized--
God's will will be done on earth even as in heaven. The New Jerusalem and the new
heavens are synonymous, signifying the new spiritual ruling power."
It is said by St. John that "the city is prepared as a Bride, adorned for her Husband." There
is implied in these words that the heavenly Church, which constitutes this government,
was caused to pass through trying experiences in her earthly state in order that she might
be prepared, fitted to occupy such a grand exalted position as kings and priests with
Christ. The adorning may also refer to the glory, grandeur, and perfection of this heavenly
government in its heavenly assemblies and legislative enactments that have for their
purpose the uplifting of humanity. This aspect, however, could be seen only by the
heavenly, spirit beings, as angels, principalities and powers in the heavenlies. The effects of
these heavenly deliberations, manifested in the administration of affairs on earth amongst
men, will be seen by men, and in this way the world will realize the glory represented in
this, its adorning. It can hardly be otherwise than that the splendor that shall surround
that heavenly court will surpass anything that angels or other heavenly beings have
beheld before.
"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."--Ver. 3.
In keeping with the picture furnished us in the ancient city of Jerusalem, the temple, the
object and center of Divine worship, is brought to our attention in connection with the
description of the symbolical New Jerusalem. And how appropriate that it should be! In
the days of old God dealt with Israel, constituting that nation a pictorial or typical people,
and furnished through them many beautiful pictures or lessons, revealing in miniature
one or another of the various features of His Plan. Their Law Covenant was illustrative of
the New and more successful Law Covenant to be instituted on behalf of all mankind by
the greater Mediator than Moses. (Heb. l0:1.) Their system of sacrifices was typical of the
better sacrifices represented in Christ and the members of His Body. (Heb. 9:23.) Their
tabernacle and temple occupied a most important position also, being the official place
where atonement for sin was made through the offering of sacrifices--where the
mediatorial service was performed which constituted the basis for the forgiveness of
Israel's sins. In other words, the temple was the place where God met Israel, and through
the officiation of the priesthood, and the services of the mediator, peace and harmony
were established between God and the nation of Israel.
Here, then, we observe earth's new government or Kingdom composed of Christ and the
Church, veiled under the symbol of a city; and our view and vision enlarges as we
associate therewith the lessons of the symbolical Tabernacle or Temple and recognize that
herein we have another picture indeed of the Christ, Head and Body, which God in this
Gospel Age has been preparing for its future mission. The members of this class are