New Testament · Apocalyptic
Revelation (Apocalypse) Chapter 21: The New Heaven, New Earth, and the New Jerusalem
The New Heaven, New Earth, and the New Jerusalem
Source: Catholic Bible (NABRE) · Commentary references the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) and Church Fathers
What Is Revelation (Apocalypse) Chapter 21 About?
According to the Catholic Bible, The final vision of Scripture: 'I saw a new heaven and a new earth.' The holy city, the new Jerusalem, descends from heaven 'prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.' A voice proclaims: 'Behold, God's dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them as their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain.' The city needs no temple, 'for its temple is the Lord God almighty and the Lamb.' It needs no sun or moon, 'for the glory of God gave it light, and its lamp was the Lamb.'
Key Verses from Revelation (Apocalypse) 21
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. (21:1)”
— Revelation (Apocalypse) 21 (NABRE)
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, for the old order has passed away. (21:4)”
— Revelation (Apocalypse) 21 (NABRE)
“Behold, I make all things new. (21:5)”
— Revelation (Apocalypse) 21 (NABRE)
Key Themes in Revelation (Apocalypse) Chapter 21
New Creation
According to Catholic theology, God does not destroy creation — he renews it. The new heaven and earth fulfill creation's original purpose. Matter is redeemed, not discarded.
God Dwelling with Humanity
According to Catholic theology, The entire story of Scripture — from Eden's garden to the New Jerusalem — is the story of God seeking to dwell with his people. In the new creation, this is fully realized.
No More Death
According to Catholic theology, The last enemy — death — is finally and forever defeated. This is the ultimate Christian hope: not escape from the world but the renewal of all things.
Catholic Reflection on Revelation (Apocalypse) 21
This is where everything is heading. Not the destruction of the world but its renewal. Not the escape of souls from bodies but the resurrection of bodies in a renewed creation. The Christian hope is not 'going to heaven when you die' — it is the new heaven and the new earth, where God and humanity dwell together forever. Every Eucharist is a foretaste of this wedding feast.
What the Catholic Church Teaches About Revelation (Apocalypse) 21
The CCC teaches that 'at the end of time, the Kingdom of God will come in its fullness' and that 'the universe itself will be renewed' (CCC 1042-1050). The new Jerusalem is traditionally identified with the Church in her final glory. The image of the bride (Rev 21:2) connects to Paul's teaching that the Church is the Bride of Christ (Eph 5:25-27). The Mass is the earthly participation in the heavenly liturgy described in Revelation.
References: Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), Church Fathers, Papal Documents
Frequently Asked Questions About Revelation (Apocalypse) 21
What is Revelation (Apocalypse) Chapter 21 about?▼
The final vision of Scripture: 'I saw a new heaven and a new earth.' The holy city, the new Jerusalem, descends from heaven 'prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.' A voice proclaims: 'Behold, God's dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them as their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain.' The city needs no temple, 'for its temple is the Lord God almighty and the Lamb.' It needs no sun or moon, 'for the glory of God gave it light, and its lamp was the Lamb.'
What does the Catholic Church teach about "New Creation" in Revelation (Apocalypse) 21?▼
According to Catholic teaching, God does not destroy creation — he renews it. The new heaven and earth fulfill creation's original purpose. Matter is redeemed, not discarded.
What does the Catholic Church teach about "God Dwelling with Humanity" in Revelation (Apocalypse) 21?▼
According to Catholic teaching, The entire story of Scripture — from Eden's garden to the New Jerusalem — is the story of God seeking to dwell with his people. In the new creation, this is fully realized.
What does the Catholic Church teach about "No More Death" in Revelation (Apocalypse) 21?▼
According to Catholic teaching, The last enemy — death — is finally and forever defeated. This is the ultimate Christian hope: not escape from the world but the renewal of all things.
How does Revelation (Apocalypse) Chapter 21 connect to Catholic faith and practice?▼
The CCC teaches that 'at the end of time, the Kingdom of God will come in its fullness' and that 'the universe itself will be renewed' (CCC 1042-1050). The new Jerusalem is traditionally identified with the Church in her final glory. The image of the bride (Rev 21:2) connects to Paul's teaching that the Church is the Bride of Christ (Eph 5:25-27). The Mass is the earthly participation in the heavenly liturgy described in Revelation.
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