The City of God

Have you ever heard of a book called “The City of God?” It was published in 426 by Augustine of Hippo, also known as Saint Augustine.

Augustine witnessed the fall of “Christianized” Rome to pagans. In response to this dramatic event, he wrote, “The City of God.” He envisioned two rival cities formed by two loves. The earthly city, formed by love of self even to the contempt of God, stands in contrast with the heavenly city, the city of God, founded and shaped by love of God even to the contempt of self. These two cities are progressing along separate paths toward different ends.

One city is about love of self and the other about love of God. The love of self over the love of God and neighbour tends to prevail in this sinful world, but one day, sin will be no more, and there will only exist a City of God... thanks to JESUS!

The City of God is not of this world. Jesus is preparing it for those who believe in Him and confess Him before people.

Jesus said to His disciples, “...I go to prepare a place for you.” [1] What will it be like? Jesus revealed the city to John the Apostle. It will come down from heaven. It is where God and humanity dwell together. New Jerusalem has streets of pure gold, walls of jewels and gates of pearl. There is a crystal sea. Far from being a ghost town, it has inhabitants from every tribe, language, and nation. God dwells there! There is no more death, pain, or war in New Jerusalem. There is no hunger or thirst in New Jerusalem. There is no more devil or antichrists in New Jerusalem. [2]

Jesus described His city as paradise to the dying thief next to Him on the cross. Abraham called it a city whose builder and maker was God. [3] Peter called it a city wherein dwells righteousness. [4] The hope of getting there empowered Moses to endure the insults of the world rather than enjoy the pleasures and riches of Egypt for a season. [5]

New Jerusalem comes down from God above. It is His work. “The city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem [is a place of] an innumerable company of angels.” [6]

What a great salvation! No wonder the writer of Hebrews wrote: “exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end.” [7]

[1] John 14:2
[2] Revelation 21-22
[3] Hebrew 11:10
[4] 2 Peter 3:13
[5] Hebrews 11:26
[6] Hebrews 12:22
[7] Hebrews 3:13-14