The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. (Revelation 21:21)

An Inexpressible View Of Heaven

Words can hardly describe the full impact of what an unimaginable place can be, especially when describing the eternal abode of the saved. What John saw in the Revelation, he wrote down in words, but to know how he felt when he saw the new heaven and new earth is impossible. Imagine what his eyes beheld and the impact of the vision on his soul. He saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Then, an angel came to show John the bride, the Lamb’s wife.

The great city, the holy Jerusalem, descended out of heaven from God with light like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. John saw a city 1400 miles cubed made of the most incredible jewels. There were twelve gates, three on each side of the city. The wall was of jasper, and the city was pure gold, like clear glass, with a foundation adorned with all kinds of precious stones. What was amazing to the eye was discerning that the twelve gates were twelve pearls and that the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

How is it possible to imagine a massive gate made of one pearl? John saw the street of the city was made of pure gold, as was the city itself made of gold. What is there in this world to compare to the majesty, glory, beauty, and incredible wonder of such a city? John’s vision was not to describe a literal city with gates of pearl or a street of pure gold but to show something so far beyond the imagination of man; it is an eternal wonder. Even with all the details of the holy city described in the Revelation, the soul is left breathless at the immensity of glory that fills the city contained within its walls.

Heaven is not a physical city made of precious stones and gold. There are no mansions where the saints will abide as if on earth. Jesus went to prepare the abiding place for the saved through the sacrifice of Himself on the cross. Man has been privileged to look upon the eternal blessings of a loving God, who gives humanity a glimpse of something so powerful that it becomes almost unimaginable. Each gate was described as one pearl. How is that possible? The street of the city was pure gold. Is that possible? It’s not the detail but the imagery. John saw the impossible to show what is possible to believe in. Heaven is beyond words.