Question from a reader:

I do not agree with Randy's assumption that God will dwell on the New Earth. Scripture talks about Jesus coming down with His saints (us) to rule in the New Jerusalem. The word “God” is not mentioned.

Answer from Stephanie Anderson, EPM staff:

Here’s what Revelation 21:2-3 says:

And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.

And Revelation 22:3-4 says:

No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.

Notice the repetition of the word “God” – indeed, all three members of the trinity are present in those last two chapters of Revelation. Scripture is clear: one day, no longer will there be any separation between Heaven and Earth. God intends to dwell on the New Earth with His people; He will relocate His very throne, the location from which He rules the universe.

Randy writes, “The cube shape of the New Jerusalem reminds us of the cube shape of the Most Holy Place in the Temple (1 Kings 6:20), the three dimensions perhaps suggestive of the three persons of the Trinity. God will live in the city, and it is His presence that will be its greatest feature.”

In those last two chapters we see the Father:

“I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple” (Revelation 21:22). Notice the references to the Father and the Lamb in this verse. And again in Revelation 22:1 – “flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.”

Randy writes, “In Revelation 22:4, when it says ‘they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads,’ it appears to be referring to seeing the face of God the Father. … I don’t pretend to understand how we will see the Father’s face, but it seems that in some sense we will.”

And the Son:

Revelation 21-22 contains seven references to the Lamb, who will be the lamp of the city (Revelation 21:23).

Jesus promises His coming: “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).

And the Spirit:

Darrell Johnson writes, “John tells us in the beginning of the book [of Revelation] that the Holy Spirit is ‘before the throne of God’ (1:4). Which means that whenever we see/hear of the throne, the Spirit is there, even if He is not explicitly named.”

Randy writes, “What will be the Holy Spirit’s role? The answer isn’t spelled out in detail, but we can surmise that he’ll be involved in creating the new heavens and New Earth (Genesis 1:2; Isaiah 32:15). He may continue to indwell believers (John 16:7). He’ll empower us to rule wisely with Christ (Deuteronomy 34:9; Judges 3:10). He may still move our hearts to glorify and worship the Father and the Son (John 16:14; Revelation 19:1-10). He’ll continue forever as their companion in the Triune Godhead (Genesis 1:26; Hebrews 9:14).”

Revelation 22 ends with the Spirit’s invitation: “The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come’” (v. 17).  

I hope this helps as you study these chapters. It is exciting and beautiful to see all three members of the trinity represented!

God bless you.