“And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.”– Revelation 21:26 (KJV)
“And the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city.”– Revelation 21:26 (NLT)
“And the nations of the earth will bring their splendor into it.”– Revelation 21:26 (MSG)
What Does Revelation 21:26 Mean?
This verse from the Book of Revelation paints a beautiful picture of the new heaven and new earth, illustrating not only the grandeur of God’s kingdom but also the inclusiveness of His eternal plan. In this passage, the glory and honor of the nations are brought into the New Jerusalem, acknowledging that all people, regardless of their background or heritage, will have a place in God’s perfect creation. It’s a reminder that God’s love extends to every nation, culture, and people group.
The term ‘glory’ represents the greatness and majesty of God exhibited through His creation and through us, His people. To bring the glory of the nations suggests that everything good, beautiful, and worthy that humans have created will find recognition in God’s eternal city. Everything we produce, whether it is art, music, literature, or cultural practices that uplift the human spirit, can reflect the glory of God when done with a heart that seeks Him. The verse prompts us to consider what glory we can bring to God now and in the life to come.
Revelation 21:26 Explanation and Commentary
In this verse, we are given insight into what the New Jerusalem will be like. The mention of nations bringing their glory into it signifies the rich diversity that will exist among God’s people in eternity. This is not just a gathering of those who believe in Christ; it is a recognition that God embraces all cultures that honor Him. The nations will contribute their unique traditions and achievements, enriching the overall splendor of God’s kingdom.
We find that God desires to foster unity among diversity. This mirrors the beauty of the church today, where people from various nations, races, and backgrounds come together in worship. This diversity is a foretaste of what we can expect in heaven—an eternal celebration of unity among believers in Christ that does not diminish our individuality, but rather enhances our collective identity in Him.
The glory of the nations could also represent all that they struggled through on Earth. Every struggle for justice, truth, and beauty is a precursor to what we will someday offer to God in His kingdom. As we labor in love, striving toward goodness and righteousness, we are, in essence, creating the splendor we will present to God in eternity. This reinforces the idea that our earthly life is significant and has eternal value.
This verse gives hope, especially during challenging times. It reminds us that all our efforts to create and nurture beauty in the world, even when they seem insignificant, are not unnoticed by God. Even our everyday actions—treating others with kindness, creating art that inspires, or simply showing love—can collectively bring glory to God when aligned with His intention.
Thus, Revelation 21:26 is not just a future promise; it speaks to us now. It invites us to reflect on our lives and how we engage with the world around us. We should ask ourselves what glory we are bringing to God through our actions, our creativity, and our relationships. Being conscious of this can lead us to live with purpose, knowing that what we do now matters in the grand tapestry of a new creation.
Context of Revelation 21:26
To truly appreciate Revelation 21:26, it is essential to look at the context in which it is found. The Book of Revelation, written by John, outlines a vivid vision of the end times, focusing on the triumphant return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of a new heaven and earth. This passage occurs in a section where John describes the New Jerusalem descending from heaven, filled with God’s glory. Here, we see the culmination of God’s redemptive plan, demonstrating that He desires a relationship with humanity.
This moment fulfills promises made throughout the Bible, indicating that God has always had a plan for reconciliation with His people. As we consider the context, we recognize that Revelation serves as a reminder of hope, a promise that despite the tribulations we face, God’s ultimate design is victory and restoration. Throughout Revelation, we read of the struggles between good and evil, yet this verse marks the time when God’s goodness will prevail absolutely.
Another aspect of this context is the celebration of God’s justice. The nations that are bringing their glory into the New Jerusalem represent not just the faithful, but also those who have overcome trials and tribulations. They reflect the results of God’s justice and mercy, indicating that those who stood against injustice and used their voices for good will be acknowledged. God, in His wisdom and love, creates a space where every faithful action, no matter how small, contributes to His eternal vision.
Thus, Revelation 21:26 tells us that as God gathers all nations, it is an offering of equal acknowledgment of every individual’s contribution to the beauty and splendor of His kingdom. Moreover, when we reflect on the separation and divisions seen in our world today, this verse gives us a glimpse of what reconciliation looks like in God’s eyes. It inspires us to work towards unity and understanding among different cultures and communities while recognizing the inherent value each one brings.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Revelation 21:26
When we break down the key components of Revelation 21:26, we gain insights into its profound meaning. One of the most important phrases is “bring the glory”. The act of bringing implies an intentional offering. As believers, we are called to actively participate in the act of glorifying God by sharing what He has endowed us with—our talents, achievements, and even our life experiences.
The term “nations” is also significant, as it represents every people group. God’s vision is not confined to a select few but encompasses all humanity. This serves as a powerful reminder that God calls us to be witnesses to His love across cultural and geographical boundaries. It encourages solidarity among believers from diverse backgrounds. Each nation has its unique story, traditions, and struggles, and in the New Jerusalem, these will be celebrated.
Lastly, the phrase “into it” signals that all glory brought by the nations will reside within the New Jerusalem. This brings to mind the idea of a shared space, a new community that reflects the richness of God’s creation. Here, people from all walks of life come together, not just to exist but to actively participate in building a future where everyone has a place. It champions the idea that our earthly contributions will matter in God’s kingdom, inspiring us to envision what we can do today to contribute to His eternal purpose.
When we reflect on our lives now and consider what we can bring into God’s kingdom, it beckons us to live in ways that reflect His glory. Our actions today can serve as an introduction to the splendor that we will one day present in eternity. We are reminded that all acts of love, kindness, and creativity reflect the character of God and will ultimately contribute to the rich tapestry of His New Jerusalem.
Lessons to Learn From Revelation 21:26
Revelation 21:26 offers many valuable lessons for us as believers. One primary takeaway is the importance of embracing diversity. Just as God’s family is made up of every tribe and nation, we should celebrate our differences in today’s world. Instead of allowing divisions to grow, we can unite in our shared purpose of glorifying God. Each culture has unique insights and practices that enhance the overall beauty of the body of Christ.
Another lesson is the significance of our earthly actions. Every small deed done in love has a purpose and meaning in God’s economy. While we might not always see the immediate results of our efforts, we can trust that they lead to eternal consequences. This is especially encouraging as we strive to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. It reminds us that our work, however mundane it may seem, is contributing to something extraordinary.
We also learn that our contributions to the Kingdom of God are collective. Each believer’s work builds upon another’s, forming a legacy of faith and creativity that God celebrates. This collectively shared honor among believers fosters a sense of community and connection. We aren’t competing against one another but rather supporting each other in our journeys, propelling each other forward toward Christ-likeness.
In addition, this verse emphasizes our responsibility to bear witness to God’s glory. We are not just passive receivers of His grace but active participants in the story He is writing through history. This means living out our faith authentically and boldly, sharing the joy of knowing Christ with others around us. Our lives should reflect the character of God so that when people see us, they catch a glimpse of His glory.
Ultimately, Revelation 21:26 reminds us of the great hope we have in Christ. The celebration of the nations in the New Jerusalem reveals that our togetherness brings joy to God. As we await that future promise, we can work and pray for harmony, peace, and love in our communities. In anticipation of that beautiful day, we should live lives that reflect the dignity, beauty, and glory of God, recognizing the eternal impact of our actions.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on Revelation 21:26, it becomes clear that this passage encapsulates God’s grand vision for creation—a vision that includes all nations and cultures bringing their best to Him. It’s a picture of hope, beauty, and redemption. We are invited to participate now by living lives that glorify God and reflect His love in a world that is often marked by division and strife.
This verse encourages us to nurture the gifts we’ve been given and to bring them lovingly into the communities we inhabit. By sharing our unique cultural heritages and stories, we can contribute to the rich mosaic of God’s kingdom. Let us strive to lift each other up and support one another, recognizing that every contribution has value in God’s eyes.
In closing, let us remember that we carry a piece of this promise into our daily lives. As we go about our routines, let us be mindful of how we can build a little piece of the New Jerusalem right where we are. Serving those around us, spreading kindness, pursuing justice, and celebrating the rich diversity of humanity are all ways we can reflect the glory of God today. For more inspiring topics to explore, check out our discussions on 1 John 4:1 and 1 John 4:19. Let us take this journey of faith together, understanding that we are part of a community working towards the same eternal promise.