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Jerusalem: Now and Then

By Pastor P. B. Duncan

Sydney

The Christian Church, which has been disturbed by the Pentecostal revival in its midst during the past fifty years, might well ponder on the significance of the Pentecostal World Conference to be held in Jerusalem in a few weeks' time. Jerusalem saw the sowing of the Holy Spirit and now after two milleniums the Pentecostals are being led back to Jerusalem by the self-same Spirit.

Old Jerusalem of the Jews

A favoured few will see and gather at the earthly city of Jerusalem, steeped in ancient tradition and feel the atmosphere of its holy and tragic associations. The gathering of Spirit-filled Pentecostal Christians from all parts of the world surely will be the heralds of the innumerable company of all the Blood-washed Church of Jesus Christ who are soon to answer the trumpet call to gather at the Heavenly Jerusalem. All who belong to Christ will meet there at the time appointed.

New Jerusalem—The Bride

In Revelation chapter 21 we have a grandstand view of a spectacle never yet witnessed. "And I John saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of Heaven prepared as a bride . . . behold the Tabernacle of God is with men. He will dwell with them and they shall be His people . , . God shall wipe away all tears . . . no more death, sorrow or crying or pain. And the city had no need of the sun or moon . . . the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations shall walk in the light of it. And the kings of the Earth bring glory and honour into it," etc.

A Preview of the City of Many Mansions

These verses need no commentary as the language of the Bible could not be improved. This city—our Eternal City comes down from God, having the glory of God, it is the Holy Jerusalem shining like an iridescent gem, clear, crystal and precious. It is the dwelling place of the Lamb and His radiant raptured Bride. The city has no sea, no sun or moon yet the redeemed nations of the Millenium shall enjoy the light of it. It will be the centre of earthly attraction and the governments of the world will honour it and bring their tribute unto it. 

The whole earth will be at peace: nations blended together in true fellowship will worship God together each year in a glorious Feast of Tabernacles at the actual gates of the Celestial City.

An Amazing Translation

The city will be foursquare and the mightiest city ever seen. Its length, breadth and height will be 1.500 miles making it a pyramid of vast dimensions dominating the Earth. The born-again translated citizens will be the rulers of the

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peoples of time. These inhabitants of New Jerusalem once brought low by sin through the wiles of Satan, shall have the place that Satan coveted. He wanted to be as Christ and was cast out for such presumption yet the redeemed of New Jerusalem will be as Christ for they shall be like Him and will reign with Him over the very World that Satan thought was his.

Our Tour of Inspection

The Eternal City has but one street that begins at the crest of the city, where the Lamb will dwell, and it winds around the entire city's expanse ensuring that everyone will dwell along the same endless street.

Those nearer the crest, where the Lord has the pre-eminence, will be nearer to the place of greatest honour when the rewards are distributed to the satisfaction of all. The River of Life flows down the centre of this beautiful thoroughfare making the water of life available to all. This is the river we have sung about since our Sunday School days.

Yes we shall gather at the river,
The beautiful, beautiful river.
Gather with the saints at the river
That flows from the throne of God.

Together for Ever 

We may not see you at the first Pentecostal World Conference gathering at Jerusalem, but my dear Australian brother and sister we surely will be all together with those of every tongue and nation in the New Jerusalem— the glorious city cut like a superb diamond from Eternity. Let us work and pray that Australia will have a mighty throng at roll-call in New Jerusalem. We will be thinking thus this year as we attend the Pentecostal World Conference at Jerusalem.

(Pastor Duncan has promised to report the Jerusalem Conference for the Evangel. Ed)