The New Jerusalem
The Bible gives the dimensions of the New Jerusalem in the following passage: “The city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs” (Revelation 21:16). The city is perfectly square. Its perimeter is 12,000 furlongs, or 1,500 miles (a furlong is 1/8 mile). It is 375 miles long on each side. The scriptures teach that height is equal to the width which means that he city will extend upward in the skies with very high rising structures.
Can the City Fit People From All Ages?
If the New Jerusalem were to be crowded and each saved person given only 100 square feet of ground space, there would be room for 39 billion people in the city, which is many times the present population of the world. Many statisticians believe that if all the people who have ever lived were saved, there would be plenty of room for them in the city. However, Scriptures make it clear that only a few will be saved (Matthew 7:14). So, there will be more than enough room in the great city.
But the scriptures also teach that the believers will also have homes out side the city and populate the whole earth. There will be more space in our new planet since there will be no oceans (Revelation 21:1) only small bodies of water (lakes). “They shall build houses, and inhabit them” (Isaiah 65:21, 22). The righteous will build their own homes in the new earth in addition to the mansions that Christ prepared for them in the city (John 14:1-3).
Whatever uncertainty there may be as to the exact proportion or size of the city, it is certain that the glories of that celestial city will far exceed the fondest imagination. None need be concerned, for there will be room enough for all who desire residence there. Jesus promised, in the Father’s house there are “many mansions” (John 14:2).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
