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Revelation 21:3
Verse
Context
A New Heaven and a New Earth
2I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. 4‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.”
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The tabernacle of God is with men - God, in the most especial manner, dwells among his followers, diffusing his light and life everywhere.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
out of heaven--so ANDREAS. But A and Vulgate read, "out of the throne." the tabernacle--alluding to the tabernacle of God in the wilderness (wherein many signs of His presence were given): of which this is the antitype, having previously been in heaven: Rev 11:19; Rev 15:5, "the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven"; also Rev 13:6. Compare the contrast in Heb 9:23, Heb 9:14, between "the patterns" and "the heavenly things themselves," between "the figures" and "the true." The earnest of the true and heavenly tabernacle was afforded in the Jerusalem temple described in Eze. 40:1-42:20, as about to be, namely, during the millennium. dwell with them--literally, "tabernacle with them"; the same Greek word as is used of the divine Son "tabernacling among us." Then He was in the weakness of the flesh: but at the new creation of heaven and earth He shall tabernacle among us in the glory of His manifested Godhead (Rev 22:4). they--in Greek emphatic, "they" (in particular). his people--Greek, "His peoples": "the nations of the saved" being all peculiarly His, as Israel was designed to be. So A reads. But B, Vulgate, Syriac, and Coptic read, "His people": singular. God himself . . . with them--realizing fully His name Immanuel.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I heard a great voice out of heaven,.... Either of an angel, or rather of Christ, or God himself; since the Alexandrian copy and Vulgate Latin version read, "out of the throne", saying, behold the tabernacle of God is with men; in allusion to the tabernacle being with the Israelites, and the "Shechinah", or divine Majesty, being in the midst of them, and as an accomplishment of the promise in Eze 37:27 in the fullest sense of it; and designs something distinct from the spiritual presence of Christ in his church, as his tabernacle and temple, and in the hearts of his people; and from the heavenly glory, or ultimate state of happiness, in which they will be "with him", and that not as in a tabernacle, but as in a city, which has foundations: the phrase seems to denote the personal presence of Christ with his saints in human nature, like, though different from, that in the time of his humiliation; then he dwelt or tabernacled with men on earth, but it was in the form of a servant; but now he will appear in a glorious body, and indeed in all his personal glory, and reign among them as their King: and he will dwell with them; in person and not by his Spirit, or by faith, as before, nor as a wayfaring man only for a night; but he will dwell with them for the space of a thousand years, and after that for ever: Christ and his church will now be come together as husband and wife: and they shall be his people; that is, they shall appear to be his covenant people, that will be out of all doubt; this is made manifest in some measure in the effectual calling; but it does not yet appear neither to the saints themselves, nor to others, what they are, and shall be, but now it will be evident and unquestionable. And God himself shall be with them; the "Immanuel", God with us; not by his Spirit, as he was after his ascension to heaven, and since is; but in person, he himself will descend from heaven, when his church, the new Jerusalem does; the Lord their God will come in person with all the saints, and will be King over all the earth. And be their God, as Thomas styles him, my Lord, and my God, Joh 20:28. The covenant of grace, with all its blessings and promises, are in him, and now will it have its full accomplishment, and the saints be in a state inexpressibly happy; see Psa 144:15.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
21:3 God’s home is now among his people! Old and New Testament expectations are fully and finally realized. Ever since humanity sinned (Gen 3), separation from God has been humanity’s greatest problem (Gen 3:23). God has repeatedly called his people to himself through the prophets, through Jesus his Son, and through the presence of the Spirit (see Gen 17:8; Exod 29:45-46; Pss 46:4-5; 95:7; Jer 7:23; 31:33; Ezek 34:14; 37:27; Zech 8:8; John 14:2-3; 17:24). In the new heaven and new earth, God’s people will finally experience ultimate and everlasting fellowship with God.
Revelation 21:3
A New Heaven and a New Earth
2I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. 4‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Mighty Presence of God - Part 1 (Cd Quality)
By T. Austin-Sparks3.8K17:30Presence of GodGEN 1:27NEH 8:8PSA 46:10MAT 18:20JHN 1:14ACT 17:28REV 21:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need to look beyond the physical representation of the Bible and seek the deeper spiritual reality it represents. The central figure in the Bible is identified as God's Son, Jesus Christ. The speaker highlights the importance of God's purpose being fulfilled through His people, who are called to be in a close relationship with Him. The sermon also emphasizes the consequences of straying from God's will and the need for discipline and instruction to bring believers back into alignment with Him.
Let the House Be Builded - Part 1of3
By T. Austin-Sparks2.1K53:36ChurchPSA 132:13JHN 2:19EPH 2:19COL 2:16HEB 1:1HEB 9:11REV 21:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding God's all-inclusive purpose. He highlights that while Christianity has many aspects, such as evangelism, teaching, and prophetic matters, these can sometimes become separate entities and cause Christians to lose sight of God's supreme objective. The speaker urges believers to seek after and know what God has instigated and committed himself to, despite the difficulties and challenges they may face. The sermon emphasizes the need to keep God's overarching purpose in view and to recognize that God commits himself wholly to the fulfillment of his intention.
Creation-Providence-Redemption - Part 4
By William MacDonald1.4K42:10RedemptionGEN 6:9ISA 53:5MAT 5:11JHN 16:33ROM 6:14ROM 8:1REV 21:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of grace in the life of a believer. Grace is described as not only the means of salvation, but also the source of power and guidance for believers. The sermon also highlights the future rewards that believers can expect, including eternal life and being conformed to the image of Christ. The contrast between the blessings offered by the Lord and the offerings of the world is emphasized, with the world's offerings being seen as undesirable. The sermon concludes by mentioning the forgiveness of sins and the freedom it brings. The preacher also mentions the power of prayer and how it played a role in the downfall of the Soviet Union.
Names of the Holy Sprit
By Bakht Singh1.0K19:57Holy SpritPSA 27:4PSA 84:10MAT 6:33JHN 14:2HEB 11:101PE 2:11REV 21:3The video is a sermon on the topic of finding a place to live in the Lord. The speaker repeatedly asks the Lord to provide a place where they can live. The speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking the Lord's guidance and relying on Him for direction in finding a place to live. The sermon encourages listeners to trust in the Lord's provision and to seek His will in all aspects of their lives.
The City of God
By Wong Chin Meng1.0K1:15:13City Of GodISA 62:1MAT 6:331CO 3:16EPH 2:22REV 21:3In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of living a supernatural life that goes beyond the natural. He emphasizes that when God is present in our lives, we can live with abundance even with very little. The preacher shares his disillusionment with the hypocrisy he witnessed among believers who displayed spiritual fervor on Sundays but lived immoral lives during the week. He highlights the importance of having the real presence of God in our lives, as it brings about a transformation that surpasses human understanding. The preacher also draws parallels to the Israelites' experience in Egypt, where they were slaves for 430 years but were ultimately delivered by God's supernatural power.
Two Roads
By Welcome Detweiler72837:34MAT 6:33REV 21:3REV 21:5In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the concept of bringing glory and honor into the kingdom of God. He then shares a story about a young man who was called into the office of the company president and was offered a promotion and a higher salary. The preacher also mentions a new distraction in the church, the flapping of a chart due to a change in the air vent direction. The sermon then transitions to a discussion of the book of Revelation, specifically chapter 21, and the different levels of heaven mentioned in the Bible.
Something for Himself - Part 1
By Jerry Aman66253:25EXO 25:2NUM 9:15PSA 132:4PSA 132:14EPH 2:20HEB 8:5HEB 10:20REV 21:3This sermon emphasizes God's desire to have a dwelling place among His people, focusing on the tabernacle and temple as representations of Christ and the church. It highlights the importance of being a willing offering to God, participating in His work for Himself, and becoming living stones in His spiritual house.
Prayer Summit - Part 6 by Gerhard Dutoit
By Gerhard Du Toit65933:53EXO 26:1ISA 6:1MAT 6:6LUK 11:1JHN 14:26JHN 17:1ACT 2:1ROM 8:26HEB 10:19REV 21:3This sermon delves into the significance of prayer in the Word of God, emphasizing the importance of developing intimacy with God through prayer passages in the New Testament. It explores the high priestly ministry of Christ in prayer, praying in the name of Jesus, and the manifestation of God's name in our lives. The sermon also touches on the concept of praying through various aspects of Christ's prayer life and the need for believers to enter into the inner chamber of prayer for personal intimacy with God.
Week of Meetings 10 the Glories of Christ
By James K. Boswell39356:08PSA 23:6MAT 6:33JHN 11:35ROM 5:81CO 2:9EPH 1:6REV 21:3The video is a sermon on the topic of pressure and its impact on our lives. The speaker repeatedly asks the question, "Do you believe in pressure?" and emphasizes the importance of understanding its role in our lives. The sermon encourages viewers to rely on God's strength and guidance to navigate through the pressures of life. The speaker also emphasizes the need to have faith and trust in God's plan, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
The Corridor of Glory: Dynamic Convergence
By Mike Bickle2646:25Unity of Heaven and EarthEnd TimesPSA 48:1PSA 50:2ISA 2:2ISA 62:7EZK 47:1MIC 4:1ACT 17:11EPH 1:10REV 21:3REV 22:1Mike Bickle discusses the concept of the 'Corridor of Glory,' emphasizing the dynamic convergence of heaven and earth at the second coming of Christ. He encourages listeners to explore new ideas about the end times with an open heart and a commitment to Scripture, highlighting that God's ultimate purpose is to unite the heavenly and earthly realms. Bickle explains that this convergence will allow believers to experience the fullness of God, as the New Jerusalem descends to earth, creating a profound connection between the two realms. He stresses the importance of understanding these biblical truths to gain a deeper appreciation for God's plans for the future. The sermon concludes with a call to worship and a prayer for spiritual renewal.
Encountering the Father Heart of God: A Vision to Go Deep in God
By Mike Bickle2448:54The Father Heart of GodIntimacy With GodPSA 27:4MAT 22:37MRK 12:30JHN 15:9ROM 8:15EPH 3:171JN 4:193JN 1:2REV 15:2REV 21:3Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of encountering the Father heart of God, inviting believers to experience intimacy with God as their loving Father. He highlights that this relationship is not just a duty but a joyful exchange of love, where understanding God's love for us empowers us to love Him back wholeheartedly. Bickle encourages believers to shift their focus from seeking material blessings to nurturing a deep, affectionate relationship with God, which will ultimately lead to a more fruitful and joyful Christian life. He stresses that true obedience flows from love, not obligation, and that every believer has access to this profound experience of God's love through the Holy Spirit.
The Sevenfold Beauty of Jesus Ruling the Earth
By Mike Bickle241:02:01Spiritual WarfareThe Humanity of ChristPSA 115:16ISA 33:17ISA 44:2MRK 9:24LUK 4:6ROM 1:4EPH 3:161TI 3:16REV 5:12REV 21:3Mike Bickle explores the profound significance of Revelation 5, emphasizing the sevenfold beauty of Jesus as He rules the earth. He highlights that Jesus, fully God and fully man, is worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing, not just as God but as an anointed human. This understanding inspires a deeper adoration and loyalty towards Jesus, as He is the only one capable of fulfilling the divine plan to cleanse the earth and invite the Father back. Bickle encourages believers to recognize the implications of Jesus' humanity and His role in spiritual warfare against the Antichrist, asserting that the declaration of His worthiness is a powerful tool in the hands of the Church.
Jesus' Kingship Over Jerusalem and the Whole Earth (Zech. 14)
By Mike Bickle221:04:23The Millennial KingdomJesus' KingshipISA 2:2ISA 19:19EZK 47:1DAN 7:14JOL 3:2ZEC 14:9MAT 28:19MRK 11:1REV 19:12REV 21:3Mike Bickle emphasizes the kingship of Jesus as described in Zechariah 14, detailing His return to Jerusalem amidst a military conflict to establish His reign over the earth. He explains that Jesus will physically intervene in the battle for Jerusalem, defeating the Antichrist and restoring righteousness, while also highlighting the importance of understanding the natural implications of these events. Bickle stresses that the Millennial Kingdom will require a thousand years for the nations to be fully discipled and that the restoration of Jerusalem will involve significant geographical and societal changes. He encourages believers to actively participate in establishing righteousness now, as it will carry into the age to come. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a recognition of Jesus' authority and the urgency of preparing for His return.
Seeing the Big Picture: God's Eternal Purposes and Plans
By Mike Bickle181:09:52Understanding the End TimesGod's Eternal PlanISA 9:6MAT 28:18EPH 1:10REV 21:3Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of understanding God's eternal purposes and plans, particularly regarding the end times, which are discussed in over a hundred chapters of the Bible. He highlights that many believers are unaware of these chapters and often have a distorted view of the kingdom of God, thinking it will be a ghostly existence rather than a physical reality where heaven and earth are united. Bickle encourages believers to adopt a correct paradigm that recognizes the continuity of the natural and spiritual realms, asserting that the church will experience victory during the tribulation rather than being removed from it. He stresses the need for believers to engage with Scripture actively, like the Bereans, to grasp these truths and prepare for the future reign of Christ on earth.
Hope: The Eternal Kingdom (Supernatural, Physical, and Political)
By Mike Bickle1551:50Eternal KingdomHopeISA 51:3ISA 65:20EZK 36:35ROM 8:18ROM 15:13TIT 2:13HEB 6:191PE 1:31JN 3:2REV 21:3Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of hope in relation to the eternal kingdom, discussing its supernatural, physical, and political dimensions. He explains that hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation in God's promises for the future, particularly the second coming of Jesus and the restoration of creation. Bickle highlights that believers are born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus, which impacts their present lives and decisions. He encourages the congregation to anchor themselves in this hope, which purifies their hearts and strengthens their resolve against life's challenges. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of the heavenly and earthly realms in God's eternal plan.
The Dwelling of God
By Richard E. Bieber0JOL 2:28JHN 13:34ACT 2:1ACT 4:311CO 1:101CO 12:12EPH 4:3COL 3:14REV 21:3Richard E. Bieber preaches about the importance of believers being united as one Body in Christ, emphasizing the need to come together at the Cross, in love for one another, and in the work of the King. He highlights the power of the Holy Spirit working through believers when they are united, contrasting the cynicism and despair of the world with the new thing God is doing. Bieber urges believers to repent of selfishness, fear, and hardness of heart, and to embrace unity, love, and dedication to the King's work.
"By My Spirit" (Zechariah 4)
By T. Austin-Sparks0God's GloryThe Role of the Holy SpiritEZR 1:3ZEC 4:6MAT 5:16JHN 14:13ROM 8:301CO 3:162CO 4:6EPH 3:211PE 4:14REV 21:3T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the divine testimony of God's glory is central to the purpose of creation and the Church, as illustrated in Zechariah 4. He explains that throughout history, individuals and nations have been called to bear witness to God's glory, ultimately culminating in the Church, which must rely on the Holy Spirit to fulfill this mission. The sermon highlights that true glory is not achieved through human strength or power, but solely by the Spirit of God, which empowers believers to reflect His glory. Sparks encourages the Church to embrace its role as a vessel for God's glory, reminding that even in small beginnings, God's Spirit can accomplish great things. The message concludes with the assurance that the presence of the Holy Spirit is essential for the Church to be a true testimony of God's glory.
And I Looked, And, Lo, a Lamb Stood on the Mount Sion
By C.H. Spurgeon0Eternal Fellowship with ChristThe Lamb of GodPSA 16:11JHN 1:29JHN 14:3ROM 8:382CO 5:8PHP 1:231TH 4:17HEB 12:2REV 5:12REV 21:3C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the centrality of Christ, the Lamb of God, in the heavenly realm, as revealed to the apostle John. He highlights that the Lamb is the focal point of joy and worship for all in heaven, and that believers can find solace in knowing they have seen the Lamb who takes away their sins. Spurgeon encourages Christians to rejoice in their relationship with Jesus, asserting that true heaven is being in His presence. He quotes Rutherford to illustrate that being with Christ is the essence of heaven, and without Him, even the most beautiful place would feel like hell. Ultimately, Spurgeon reassures believers that their greatest blessing is to dwell with Christ eternally.
God's Inheritance
By A.W. Pink0Divine RelationshipGod's InheritanceDEU 32:9PSA 94:14PSA 135:4PRO 8:31MAL 3:17ACT 20:281CO 3:16EPH 1:18PHP 1:6REV 21:3A.W. Pink expounds on the profound truth that God's inheritance is found in His people, emphasizing that God chose not the world or angels, but humanity as His special treasure. He illustrates that this inheritance was purposed by God, purchased through Christ's sacrifice, and signifies a deep, eternal relationship where God dwells among His people. Pink highlights that God's people are being beautified and prepared for Him, and that in eternity, God will fully enjoy His inheritance, reflecting His glory through them. The sermon culminates in the awe-inspiring realization that God finds richness in our faith and worship, making us His inheritance.
The Racial Theory of Our Lord's Redemptive Work
By Olin Alfred Curtis0ROM 4:25ROM 8:34REV 21:3Olin Alfred Curtis delves into the intricate theories of atonement, expressing a deep dissatisfaction with existing theories and proposing a new 'racial theory' that emphasizes the importance of understanding the redemptive work of Jesus Christ in the context of building a new race of holy individuals. He highlights the necessity of atonement as an absolute requirement rooted in God's holiness and moral concern, culminating in the death of Christ as a racial event bearing the penalty for human sin. Curtis explores the dynamic center of the new race, focusing on the unique role of Jesus Christ as the racial center and the significance of his suffering in establishing a new redeemed humanity.
By My Spirit
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Role of the Holy SpiritThe Glory of GodISA 43:7ZEC 4:6MAT 5:16JHN 14:13ROM 8:181CO 3:162CO 4:6EPH 3:201PE 4:14REV 21:3T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the divine testimony of God's glory is the ultimate purpose behind creation and the Church's existence. He illustrates how this testimony has been passed through individual witnesses, Israel, and ultimately to the Church, which must rely on the Holy Spirit to display God's glory. Sparks highlights that true glory is not achieved through human effort but through the Spirit, as seen in the life of Jesus and the early Church. He encourages believers to embrace their role in glorifying God, even in small beginnings, and to recognize that the testimony of God's glory is a heart matter, requiring a willing spirit. The sermon concludes with the reminder that the Church's effectiveness in glorifying God hinges on the presence and work of the Holy Spirit.
I Will Go
By Robert Hawker0GEN 24:58JHN 6:68EPH 2:4REV 21:3Robert Hawker preaches on the willingness of Rebekah to go with the servant of Abraham to Isaac, drawing parallels to our readiness to follow Jesus when called. He emphasizes the love-tokens Jesus has given us, surpassing any earthly affection, and the deliverance from sin and wrath that only Jesus can provide. Hawker urges listeners to leave behind the bondage of sin and embrace the new life offered by Jesus, declaring a resounding commitment to go, follow, live, depend, and even die with the Savior.
Blessed Are Those Who Mourn
By Anton Bosch0ISA 6:5ISA 53:3MAT 5:4ROM 7:182CO 7:10EPH 5:271TH 5:6REV 11:15REV 21:3Anton Bosch preaches on the paradoxical blessing of mourning, explaining that it is not about worldly sorrow but a deep spiritual mourning over sin and spiritual poverty. He contrasts the modern emphasis on happiness in the church with the biblical teaching that those who mourn are blessed. The sermon delves into the reasons for godly mourning, including understanding our own failings, the abuse of God's grace, and the state of the church. Bosch highlights that true comfort comes from being transformed into the image of Christ and the hope of a future where sorrow will turn to joy in God's eternal presence.
Leviticus and Hebrews
By H.J. Vine0LEV 1:1NUM 18:2EPH 2:10HEB 9:24HEB 10:12REV 21:3H.J. Vine preaches on the nearness and response to God as seen in the book of Leviticus, where the Levites were joined to Aaron, representing the Children of Israel, and kept charge of the tabernacle. This nearness to the Lord is further emphasized in the New Testament, where believers are brought into intimate union with Christ, being members of His body and one spirit with Him. The sermon contrasts the Old Testament practices of sacrifices and offerings with the finished work of Christ, highlighting the eternal redemption and access believers now have to the Father through Jesus, our High Priest.
True Saints, When Absent From the Body, Are Present With the Lord
By Jonathan Edwards0PSA 16:11JHN 17:242CO 5:8PHP 1:23REV 5:10REV 19:5REV 19:7REV 21:3REV 22:3Jonathan Edwards preaches about the privilege and happiness of being with Christ in heaven after leaving the body, emphasizing the great future privilege of dwelling with Christ, the value of this privilege, the present benefit of faith and hope in this future privilege, and the glorious and immediate fellowship with Christ. He highlights the souls of true saints going to be with Christ in heaven, dwelling in the same blessed abode, enjoying a perfect union and conformity with Him, and engaging in glorious and eternal fellowship with Him. Edwards encourages seeking after this privilege and reflects on the life and death of an eminent servant of Christ, emphasizing his deep experiences, extraordinary gifts, and remarkable success in advancing Christ's kingdom among the Indians.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The tabernacle of God is with men - God, in the most especial manner, dwells among his followers, diffusing his light and life everywhere.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
out of heaven--so ANDREAS. But A and Vulgate read, "out of the throne." the tabernacle--alluding to the tabernacle of God in the wilderness (wherein many signs of His presence were given): of which this is the antitype, having previously been in heaven: Rev 11:19; Rev 15:5, "the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven"; also Rev 13:6. Compare the contrast in Heb 9:23, Heb 9:14, between "the patterns" and "the heavenly things themselves," between "the figures" and "the true." The earnest of the true and heavenly tabernacle was afforded in the Jerusalem temple described in Eze. 40:1-42:20, as about to be, namely, during the millennium. dwell with them--literally, "tabernacle with them"; the same Greek word as is used of the divine Son "tabernacling among us." Then He was in the weakness of the flesh: but at the new creation of heaven and earth He shall tabernacle among us in the glory of His manifested Godhead (Rev 22:4). they--in Greek emphatic, "they" (in particular). his people--Greek, "His peoples": "the nations of the saved" being all peculiarly His, as Israel was designed to be. So A reads. But B, Vulgate, Syriac, and Coptic read, "His people": singular. God himself . . . with them--realizing fully His name Immanuel.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I heard a great voice out of heaven,.... Either of an angel, or rather of Christ, or God himself; since the Alexandrian copy and Vulgate Latin version read, "out of the throne", saying, behold the tabernacle of God is with men; in allusion to the tabernacle being with the Israelites, and the "Shechinah", or divine Majesty, being in the midst of them, and as an accomplishment of the promise in Eze 37:27 in the fullest sense of it; and designs something distinct from the spiritual presence of Christ in his church, as his tabernacle and temple, and in the hearts of his people; and from the heavenly glory, or ultimate state of happiness, in which they will be "with him", and that not as in a tabernacle, but as in a city, which has foundations: the phrase seems to denote the personal presence of Christ with his saints in human nature, like, though different from, that in the time of his humiliation; then he dwelt or tabernacled with men on earth, but it was in the form of a servant; but now he will appear in a glorious body, and indeed in all his personal glory, and reign among them as their King: and he will dwell with them; in person and not by his Spirit, or by faith, as before, nor as a wayfaring man only for a night; but he will dwell with them for the space of a thousand years, and after that for ever: Christ and his church will now be come together as husband and wife: and they shall be his people; that is, they shall appear to be his covenant people, that will be out of all doubt; this is made manifest in some measure in the effectual calling; but it does not yet appear neither to the saints themselves, nor to others, what they are, and shall be, but now it will be evident and unquestionable. And God himself shall be with them; the "Immanuel", God with us; not by his Spirit, as he was after his ascension to heaven, and since is; but in person, he himself will descend from heaven, when his church, the new Jerusalem does; the Lord their God will come in person with all the saints, and will be King over all the earth. And be their God, as Thomas styles him, my Lord, and my God, Joh 20:28. The covenant of grace, with all its blessings and promises, are in him, and now will it have its full accomplishment, and the saints be in a state inexpressibly happy; see Psa 144:15.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
21:3 God’s home is now among his people! Old and New Testament expectations are fully and finally realized. Ever since humanity sinned (Gen 3), separation from God has been humanity’s greatest problem (Gen 3:23). God has repeatedly called his people to himself through the prophets, through Jesus his Son, and through the presence of the Spirit (see Gen 17:8; Exod 29:45-46; Pss 46:4-5; 95:7; Jer 7:23; 31:33; Ezek 34:14; 37:27; Zech 8:8; John 14:2-3; 17:24). In the new heaven and new earth, God’s people will finally experience ultimate and everlasting fellowship with God.