His capitol city is in the northern part of His universe on the side of a great mountain. Its splendor is so breathtaking that Apostle Paul returned with a bated voice after being caught up to speak with its Creator. The Psalmist David was given a description of this city. “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King” (Psalm 48:1-2). This city is the jewel of the entire universe.

The great temple that sits at the center of this city was the prototype of a multi-billion dollar temple built by King Solomon in earthly Jerusalem. Melchizedek, who descended to serve Abraham communion, was the earlier high priest of this Heavenly temple. A company of angelic priests that serve that temple will be given privileged responsibilities in the Book of Revelation. “And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles” (Revelation 15:6).

Earthly Jerusalem, presently the capitol of the returning Jews to the nation of Israel, was chosen to provide redemption as the world awaited the God-man, Jesus Christ. The presence of God would actually descend at the designated time to dwell between the cherubim in the earthly temple. That location was called the holy of holies and God’s fire would appear to consume the blood offering placed there by the high priest. The divine order of God had married the two cities together to foreshadow the sacrifice that would die outside the walls of the earthly counterpart.

A Son was born to a virgin not far from Jerusalem. He was not just Mary’s Son; He was God’s Son. He came to fulfill the “lambs that were slain in the temple.” His death was heralded when an angel rent the veil that separated the most holy place and redemption was complete for all mankind. Jerusalem was the appointed witness for God’s gift to fallen man.

The new race of saints that was temporarily broken off from the nation of Israel would now constitute a spiritual Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit descended to birth a people for the King. His Spirit was come not just to save but to dwell in sanctified temples. They would be His witness of grace to the whole earth. For a season, Spiritual Jerusalem would touch the whole world instead of just a geographical location. It was God’s design to show Himself to the world. His church would be both Jews and Gentiles until a Bride was prepared.

Earthly Jerusalem is back in focus as the great God prepares the ending chapter. The Rapture, when His Bride ascends to the wedding chamber, will soon occur. That Bride will return to reign as His kings and priests for a Millennium of perfect peace. This Earthly Jerusalem will host the King of kings on King David’s throne.

Then, the New Jerusalem -- his final golden city -- will descend upon a perfected new world. This city defies description. It will be fifteen hundred miles square and fifteen hundred miles high, and it will be twelve levels that are one hundred and twenty five miles apart. Jasper walls will rise for fifteen hundred miles at each level and will be enhanced by different and priceless arrays of jewels. It will consist of pearly gates and golden streets. The inner walls will be sealed with gold. This city is the Lord’s gift to His Bride, the exclusive saints of all human history.

Every religious entity that is attacked by the world today touches one of these four Jerusalems. Israel and the worldwide hatred for the Jews are intimate with Earthly Jerusalem. The attack against Bible-believing Christians is an attack on God’s Spiritual Jerusalem. The hatred for the Rapture and the one thousand years of Christ’s reign on earth is an attack against New Jerusalem preparing to descend to the redeemed earth. The world’s hatred of the one Sovereign God of Holy Scripture is an attack against the Father that is seated on His throne in the Heavenly city of Jerusalem somewhere in the northern realm of His celestial universe.

God and his four Jerusalems will be indestructible for all eternity. When that which can be destroyed is history, the Father’s Heavenly Jerusalem will merge with His New Jerusalem. His saints -- called Spiritual Jerusalem -- will dwell in the Golden City with pearly gates. Even the ancient earthly city, Jerusalem, will be expanded and beautified beyond description and will occupy Abraham’s Promise Land for all eternity. Our God and His Jerusalems are eternal.