Useful Bible Studies > Revelation Commentary > chapter 21
In Genesis 1:15, God provided the sun and moon to give light on the earth. Their light would show people how to carry out their activities. Also, the effect would be to separate light from darkness (Genesis 1:18).
God intended that people would learn about him from these things (Psalm 19:1-6). It is God who, by his commands, really shows us how to live (Psalm 19:8). It is God’s word that should direct a person’s life (Psalm 119:105).
In the Bible, darkness is a word-picture for people’s evil deeds (Isaiah 8:19-22, Proverbs 2:12-13). Light is a word-picture for the knowledge of God (Isaiah 9:1-2). We all know that light overcomes darkness completely (John 1:5).
Christ is called the true light that gives light to all people (John 1:9). Similarly, 1 John 1:5 declares that God is light, without any darkness whatever. God’s perfect light came into the world by means of Jesus, although most people did not then recognise it (John 1:10). They acted like people in darkness, when the day was beginning (contrast 1 Thessalonians 5:4-9).
That day is a description of God’s city, the New Jerusalem, where there is no darkness (Isaiah 60:19-20). Everyone there will serve God; they all will know him perfectly (Jeremiah 31:34). They will not depend on the sun or moon to show them how to live. Instead, they will depend on God himself; he will show them how to live. Christ, here again called the Lamb, will guide them (7:17).
The sun and moon do not provide constant light. Their light may fail when we need it most. However, God will not disappoint his people. The light that comes from him shines constantly. In the New Jerusalem, there will never be darkness.
Next part: The nations of the new earth and their kings (Revelation 21:24)
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© 2016, Keith Simons.