John wrote of a vision he received from the Lord. He caught a glimpse of our future 'forever home' ... the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. (Revelation 21:2)
It speaks of a time when the recorded history of mankind has come to an end ... the Creation, the Fall, the Incarnation, the Cross, the Resurrection, the Church, the Rapture, the Seven-Year Tribulation, the Thousand-Year reign of Christ, the final Rebellion of Satan, the Great White Throne Judgment. It's all over.
Eternity in the presence of our loving Savior has begun.
John describes 'The City of God' in great detail. One particular verse tells of streets made of gold ... The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass. (Revelation 21:21)
It doesn't say that it is 'like gold' ... but 'of gold'. Therefore this passage of Scripture can be taken literally. So, what might be its significance? Maybe it is to stir the soul into a state of 'longing' ...
1. Gold is 'valuable'. In this world, streets are made of asphalt. Our heavenly home will be created with infinitely more precious things than we can imagine.
2. Gold is 'beautiful'. The entire city will gleam with resplendent luster. The streets are so bright and burnished that they will appear as highly polished glass.
3. Gold is 'pure'. Heaven's streets will reflect the pure light of God’s blazing glory. Not only is the Lord’s Holy City pure by design ... so are its citizens.
4. Gold is 'lasting'. The stability and endlessness of the new earth are assured. Everything and everyone will be flawless and incorruptible ... forever.
But know this, pilgrim ...
Once you arrive on heaven's shore, the streets of gold will not hold your attention for long. They pale in comparison to the Visage of the One who died in your stead ... The Lord Jesus Christ.
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