Why is it called “the city” (Rev. 21:2)?

“Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven, from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (Rev. 21:2). He called it the city, but in truth it is the dwelling of God with people. When he wanted to name it, he called it “the new Jerusalem,” for that which is eschatological is new and remains new, impervious to the old.

The mystery of its holiness and newness is that it is “descending from heaven from God.” For while it is the very heavens, yet it is “descending from heaven” as a tender mother who throws open her arms and races to hug her child whom she has long missed. In this manner eternity yearns for us, for we are not strangers to it, but members of it. By descending from heaven from God, the holy city expresses to us the love of God for humanity and His longing to meet with us; for He is always the One who initiates love.

When the apostle saw that everything in that city was beautiful, he said, “Prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (Rev. 21:2). The Heavenly One descended, seeking the salvation of all; and here His city descends, cherishing His beloved bride.