Revelation 21:12–14 (ESV) – “It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed… And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.”
The New Jerusalem is not only breathtaking in its size and splendor—it is intricately designed with divine intention. Its walls are not bare; they are marked with eternal testimony: the names of the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
There are twelve gates, each made of a single, massive pearl (Revelation 21:21). These gates are never shut, and each one bears the name of a tribe of Israel. This reminds us that God’s covenant with His people was never forgotten—it stands forever at the entrance of the eternal city.
The twelve foundations are adorned with precious stones, each bearing the name of one of the apostles. This displays the church’s foundation in the message and ministry of Christ’s sent ones (Ephesians 2:20).
Together, the gates and foundations declare: redemption’s story is complete. From patriarchs to prophets to apostles—God’s faithful plan to redeem a people for Himself through Christ is eternally celebrated in the very structure of Heaven.
Literal or symbolic?
We hold that while the stones, pearls, and names could carry layers of meaning, the Bible’s vivid and specific descriptions invite us to see these as real features of the New Jerusalem—crafted by the Master Architect to embody both beauty and story.
Heaven is not only a place of wonder—it is a place of testimony. Every gate you walk through, every stone beneath your feet, will remind you: God keeps His promises.
Revelation 21:21 – “And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.”
Ephesians 2:20 – “Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.”
Luke 22:29–30 – “I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
Life Application: God’s promises are engraved not just in His Word but in His works. As surely as the gates and foundations stand in Heaven, so does His covenant love for you. Walk today in confidence: your Redeemer has prepared a city with your welcome in mind.
— Daily Diamonds | A Glimpse of Glory