Gates of Pearl, Streets of Gold

Revelation 21-

VERSE 21. -- And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl; and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

(Excerpt taken from Daniel and Revelation by Uriah Smith 1897-1911 Editions)

The Gates of Pearl. - Whether we understand that these gates were of solid pearl, or whether composed of pearls thickly set in a framework of some other precious material, does not materially affect the testimony. If it should be objected that it would be contrary to the nature of things to have a pearl large enough for a gate, we reply that God is able to produce it; the objection simply limits the power of God. But in either case the gates would outwardly have the appearance of pearl, and in ordinary language would be described as gates of pearl.

The Streets of Burnished Gold. - In this verse, as also in verse 18, the city is spoken of as built of gold, pure, like unto clear glass, or, as it were, transparent glass. It is not necessary to conclude from this language that the gold is of itself transparent. Take that, for instance, which composes the street. If it were really transparent, it would simply permit us to look through and behold whatever was beneath the city, - the substratum upon which it rested, - a view which cannot be anticipated as specially pleasing. But let us suppose the golden pavement of the street to be so highly polished as to possess perfect powers of reflection, like the truest mirror, and

p 761 -- we can see at once that the effect would be grand and striking in the extreme. Think for a moment what the appearance of a street so paved would be. The gorgeous palaces on either side would be reflected beneath, and the boundless expanse of the heavens above would also appear below; so that to the person walking those golden streets it would appear that both himself and the city were suspended between the infinite heights above and the unfathomable depths below, while the mansions on either side of the street, having equal powers of reflection, would marvelously multiply both palaces and people, and conspire to render the whole scene novel, pleasing, beautiful, and grand beyond conception.

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Gates of Pearl.

Streets of Pure Gold.

We all know about things this world considers precious, special, priceless. To say pearls are considered among the special things isn't an understatement at all. To have a REAL pearl necklace is something wonderful. Just as having a real gold necklace is equally precious, and expensive. We all know pearls and gold are among this world's treasures so is it any wonder at all that our Lord would give us a revelation that contains these amazing things? The Heavenly City, the New Jerusalem will be a city unlike ANY other city that ever existed and ever will exist.

By the GRACE of God we will LIVE in that Holy Heaven Sent City!

Please, Lord, please.

In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, our Savior now and forever, AMEN!