His Messenger
Chapter 11—A New Home
The Adventist believers were anxious to know more of the heavenly kingdom, where they hoped to make their eternal home. The description of the New Jerusalem, as given in the book of Revelation, was read many times, and the faithful ones encouraged one another by recounting the joys of life with Jesus. HMes 56.1
In a vision God sent to Ellen G. White, she was shown the beauties of this earth as it will be when the followers of God again live here. HMes 56.2
In vision she was taken to heaven. She was shown the company of redeemed people returning to this earth, with Jesus leading them. “With Jesus at our head we all descended from the city down to this earth, on a great and mighty mountain, which could not bear Jesus up, and it parted asunder, and there was a mighty plain,” said Mrs. White, as she told the believers what had been shown her. “Then we looked up and saw the great city, with twelve foundations, and twelve gates, three on each side, and an angel at each gate. We all cried out, ‘The city, the great city, it’s coming, it’s coming down from God out of heaven,’ and it came and settled on the place where we stood. HMes 56.3
“Then we began to look at the glorious things outside of the city. There I saw most glorious houses, that had the appearance of silver, supported by four pillars set with pearls most glorious to behold. These were to be inhabited by the saints. In each was a golden shelf. I saw many of the saints go into the houses, take off their glittering crowns and lay them on the shelf, then go out into the field by the houses to do something with the earth; not as we have to do with the earth here.... HMes 56.4
“I saw another field full of all kinds of flowers, and as I plucked them, I cried out, ‘They will never fade.’ Next I saw a field of tall grass, most glorious to behold; it was living green and had a reflection of silver and gold, as it waved proudly to the glory of King Jesus. HMes 57.1
“Then we entered a field full of all kinds of beasts—the lion, the lamb, the leopard, and the wolf, all together in perfect union. We passed through the midst of them, and they followed on peaceably after. Then we entered a wood, not like the dark woods we have here; no, no; but light, and all over glorious; the branches of the trees waved to and fro, and we all cried out, ‘We will dwell safely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods.’ ... HMes 57.2
“As we were traveling along, we met a company who also were gazing at the glories of the place. I noticed red as a border on their garments; their crowns were brilliant; their robes were pure white. As we greeted them, I asked Jesus who they were. He said they were martyrs that had been slain for Him. With them was an innumerable company of little ones; they also had a hem of red on their garments. HMes 57.3
“Mount Zion was just before us, and on the mount was a glorious temple, and about it were seven other mountains, on which grew roses and lilies. And I saw the little ones climb, or, if they chose, use their little wings and fly, to the top of the mountains and pluck the never-fading flowers.... HMes 57.4
“After we beheld the glory of the temple, we went out, and Jesus left us and went to the city. Soon we heard His lovely voice again, saying, ‘Come, My people, you have come out of great tribulation, and done My will; suffered for Me; come in to supper, for I will gird Myself, and serve you.’ HMes 57.5
“We shouted, ‘Alleluia! glory!’ and entered into the city. And I saw a table of pure silver; it was many miles in length, yet our eyes could extend over it. I saw the fruit of the tree of life, the manna, almonds, figs, pomegranates, grapes, and many other kinds of fruit. HMes 58.1
“I asked Jesus to let me eat of the fruit. He said, ‘Not now. Those who eat of the fruit of this land go back to earth no more. But in a little while, if faithful, you shall both eat of the fruit of the tree of life and drink of the water of the fountain.’ And He said, ‘You must go back to the earth again and relate to others what I have revealed to you.’ HMes 58.2
“Then an angel bore me gently down to this dark world.” HMes 58.3
The faithful believers felt like shouting “Hallelujah” themselves when they heard this glorious description of the new earth. HMes 58.4
“Surely God is good,” they told one another, “for He has gone to prepare a place for us, and we shall see Him there.” HMes 58.5