The imagery of the New Jerusalem in Revelation is rich with symbolism and beauty. The twelve gates, each made from a single pearl, represent the entry points into this heavenly city, emphasizing the preciousness and rarity of access to God's eternal kingdom. Pearls, known for their beauty and value, suggest that entering this divine city is a privilege of immense worth. The description of the streets made of gold, as pure as transparent glass, highlights the purity, holiness, and divine perfection of the city. Gold, often associated with wealth and purity, here symbolizes the unblemished and glorious nature of God's dwelling place.
This vision of the New Jerusalem serves as a source of hope and encouragement for believers, offering a glimpse of the eternal home promised to those who follow Christ. It assures Christians of a future where they will experience the fullness of God's presence, in a place free from pain, sorrow, and sin. The passage invites believers to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on the promise of this perfect and beautiful city where they will dwell with God forever.
