Is the new jerusalem in heaven or on earth

A great question!

The concept of the New Jerusalem is a central theme in the Bible, particularly in the book of Revelation. The New Jerusalem is often referred to as the "heavenly city" or the "city of God," and its location is a topic of debate among scholars and theologians.

In Revelation 21:2, it is written: "And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." This verse suggests that the New Jerusalem is coming down from heaven to earth.

However, in Revelation 21:10-11, it is written: "And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal." This verse also suggests that the New Jerusalem is coming down from heaven to earth.

Some interpreters argue that the New Jerusalem is a spiritual city that exists in heaven, and that it will be brought down to earth at the end of time. This view is often referred to as the "heavenly city" interpretation.

Others argue that the New Jerusalem is a physical city that will be established on earth at the end of time. This view is often referred to as the "earthly city" interpretation.

The Bible does not provide a clear answer to this question, and both interpretations have their own strengths and weaknesses. Some arguments in favor of the "heavenly city" interpretation include:

• The language used in Revelation 21:2 and 21:10-11 suggests that the New Jerusalem is coming down from heaven to earth.
• The New Jerusalem is often referred to as the "city of God" or the "heavenly city," which suggests that it is a spiritual entity that exists in heaven.
• The New Jerusalem is described as being made of precious stones and having the glory of God, which suggests that it is a spiritual and eternal city.

On the other hand, some arguments in favor of the "earthly city" interpretation include:

• The New Jerusalem is described as being a physical city with streets, gates, and walls, which suggests that it will be a physical entity.
• The New Jerusalem is described as being a place where God will dwell with his people, which suggests that it will be a physical location on earth.
• The New Jerusalem is often referred to as the "new heaven and new earth," which suggests that it will be a physical place on a new and restored earth.

Ultimately, the location of the New Jerusalem is a matter of interpretation, and both the "heavenly city" and "earthly city" interpretations have their own strengths and weaknesses.