New Jerusalem “had a great and high wall and had twelve gates….on the east three gates, and on the north three gates, and on the south three gates, and on the west three gates (Rev. 21:12-13).

In the city there are three gates on each of its four sides, covering every direction: north, south, east, and west (Rev. 21:12-13). The number four always represents creation or the creature. Revelation 4 reveals four living creatures, which represent all creation. The number three signifies the three persons of the Godhead. This means that the three persons of the Godhead are the very entrance for all people from all four directions of the earth. Wherever we are, the three persons of the Godhead can reach us.*

Access to New Jerusalem is easy. The city has a high wall enclosing it but in this wall are twelve gates. Today these gates are the gospel, the good news. Whenever someone believes in the Lord Jesus and asks Him to forgive them, they are forgiven and as a result also receive eternal life.

This is not by our effort. The Lord came to declare this good news, and, since He ascended to the heavens, He has sent all His believers to declare it. He is seeking us and we only need to respond to Him.

The eternal life we receive is the Lord Jesus Himself. John 14:6, “I am the life.” This life is the life of New Jerusalem. To be forgiven and to receive eternal life is the beginning of a journey into New Jerusalem.

* Excerpt from The Vision of God’s Building by Witness Lee, chapter 18, © LSM