MYHB - Teaching - New Jerusalem

MYHB - Teaching - New Jerusalem

Teaching - New Jerusalem

'Jerusalem' means 'teaching of peace', so the 'New Jerusalem' is the new teaching of peace.

When the Hebrews removed leaven from their homes, they were not symbolically removing their sin, but removing the old teaching of the law in preparation for the teaching of peace.

During the sermon on the mount, Jesus repeatedly said "You have heard it said... but I say...". He was ushering in the new teaching of peace. The kingdom (teaching) of heaven was "at hand". It was there in front of them in the teaching of Jesus.

John says, "Re 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God," This is not literal, but a symbol. You are the temple of God.

"and he shall go no more out" You can't leave the temple; you are his.

"and I will write upon him the name of my God" You will have the reputation of God. The word for 'heaven' shamayim שמים is 'the reputation שמ of creation י finished by the son ם. You are the reputation of God.

When Moses return from the mountain with the law, and the people were worshiping a golden calf, God was going to destroy them all and start over with just Moses. Moses interceded saying that the nations would deride God because he could not save his people. It was for God's reputation that they were spared.

We are not spared because we are good people. We are spared because God's reputation is on the line. He is Holy; he is Love. This is the message of the cross.

The kingdom of heaven is the kingdom of the reputation of God, made through his work in finishing his creation. The New Jerusalem, the new teaching of peace, was the plan from the beginning.

The new teaching of peace come down from heaven, not physically from a high place to a low, but in his incarnation and condescension. God lowered himself so that we might be lifted up. Then he dwelt within us. His teaching is not in words only, but in the lives of his people.

He gives us a new name, a new reputation, that of God himself; we are holy, we are love. Our new name is Israel; man joined to God by revelation.