Christ the King. (The Throne)
`And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God & of the lamb shall be in it,....`(Rev. 22: 3)
The word, `throne,` represents the rule & authority of God. We know that God`s eternal throne is in the highest heavens whereas this `throne,` in the New Jerusalem is just above the earth in the universal heavens. It is God & the Lamb`s rule & authority through Israel out to the nations of the world.
Christ`s rulership is based on His Righteous character and consists of the two offices of King & Priest. So who has Christ prepared for these important responsibilities?
Kings
The 12 Apostles of the Lamb, were promised this high position, and there we see that they are written on the `foundation of the walls.` Jesus speaking to His 12 disciples –
`Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed me will also sit on 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Israel.`(Matt. 19: 28)
` Now the wall of the city had 12 foundations, & on them were the names of the 12 apostles of the Lamb.` (Rev. 21: 14)
Priests
Christ has set aside 144,000 priests relating to the 12 tribes of Israel. These are symbolically described as `144 cubits,` - Heb. `ammah,` meaning the unit of measurement.
These 144,000 priests were the beginning, the first fruits unto God – the measurement -`pure unto God.` (Rev. 14: 1 – 5) God has promised that Israel will be `a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.` (Ex. 19: 6)
Christ the High Priest. (The Temple)
`I saw no temple in it, for the Lord Almighty and the Lamb are its Temple;..` (Rev. 21:22)
The High Priest`s office was associated with the Temple. He not only interceded for the nation of Israel but he & other priests presided over the nation`s treasuries. (1 Chron. 9: 26) The Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal High Priest is greater than the temple and he presides over greater treasures.
`...in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.` (Col. 2: 3)
The riches of His love, His kindness & mercy, His wisdom & knowledge are all greater than the temple`s earthly riches. And the glory of Christ far exceeds any sun or moon, no wonder that the kings of the earth desire to enter this wondrous place. (Rev. 21: 22 – 27)
The blessings within the New Jerusalem are now shown to us as a river & a tree with all kinds of fruit. These represent spiritual realities.
The `river of life,` is Christ`s own divine nature that is sent forth from God by the Holy Spirit to refresh, energise & give continuous life to the people. (Rev. 22: 1)
The `tree of Life,` with its 12 fruits each month is the life of service coming from Christ`s life. This enables the community to function & serve, being fruitful in every good work with the `leaves,` drawing in nutriment for continuous health. (Rev. 22: 2)
`And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God & of the lamb shall be in it,....`(Rev. 22: 3)
The word, `throne,` represents the rule & authority of God. We know that God`s eternal throne is in the highest heavens whereas this `throne,` in the New Jerusalem is just above the earth in the universal heavens. It is God & the Lamb`s rule & authority through Israel out to the nations of the world.
Christ`s rulership is based on His Righteous character and consists of the two offices of King & Priest. So who has Christ prepared for these important responsibilities?
Kings
The 12 Apostles of the Lamb, were promised this high position, and there we see that they are written on the `foundation of the walls.` Jesus speaking to His 12 disciples –
`Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed me will also sit on 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Israel.`(Matt. 19: 28)
` Now the wall of the city had 12 foundations, & on them were the names of the 12 apostles of the Lamb.` (Rev. 21: 14)
Priests
Christ has set aside 144,000 priests relating to the 12 tribes of Israel. These are symbolically described as `144 cubits,` - Heb. `ammah,` meaning the unit of measurement.
These 144,000 priests were the beginning, the first fruits unto God – the measurement -`pure unto God.` (Rev. 14: 1 – 5) God has promised that Israel will be `a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.` (Ex. 19: 6)
Christ the High Priest. (The Temple)
`I saw no temple in it, for the Lord Almighty and the Lamb are its Temple;..` (Rev. 21:22)
The High Priest`s office was associated with the Temple. He not only interceded for the nation of Israel but he & other priests presided over the nation`s treasuries. (1 Chron. 9: 26) The Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal High Priest is greater than the temple and he presides over greater treasures.
`...in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.` (Col. 2: 3)
The riches of His love, His kindness & mercy, His wisdom & knowledge are all greater than the temple`s earthly riches. And the glory of Christ far exceeds any sun or moon, no wonder that the kings of the earth desire to enter this wondrous place. (Rev. 21: 22 – 27)
The blessings within the New Jerusalem are now shown to us as a river & a tree with all kinds of fruit. These represent spiritual realities.
The `river of life,` is Christ`s own divine nature that is sent forth from God by the Holy Spirit to refresh, energise & give continuous life to the people. (Rev. 22: 1)
The `tree of Life,` with its 12 fruits each month is the life of service coming from Christ`s life. This enables the community to function & serve, being fruitful in every good work with the `leaves,` drawing in nutriment for continuous health. (Rev. 22: 2)
