New Jerusalem is a heavenly city on earth. We must interpret all its characteristics spiritually based on the entire Bible.

Revelation 21:18— “the city was pure gold.” Do not expect physical gold. That would sadly be an extension of mankind’s striving for riches. “You cannot serve God and mammon [material wealth]” (Matt. 6:24).

“Gold” signifies the divine nature. Second Peter 1:4 declares that God “has granted to us precious and exceedingly great promises that through these you might become partakers of the divine nature.” We partake of this divine nature now to become part of the golden city, New Jerusalem.

Photo courtesy of NASA.