𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗡 𝘃𝘀. 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗝𝗘𝗥𝗨𝗦𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗠

HEAVEN vs. NEW JERUSALEM

RIGHTLY DIVIDING OUR ETERNAL DESTINATIONS
Key Text: 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God… rightly dividing the word of truth.”

INTRODUCTION

Many believers speak of “heaven” and the “New Jerusalem” as if they are the same. Scripture—rightly divided—reveals they are distinct realms with different purposes, peoples, and promises.

Dispensational truth shows that the Body of Christ has a heavenly calling, while Israel has an earthly city promised from above.

Today we will clearly divide HEAVEN vs. NEW JERUSALEM through 9 truths.

LOCATION — ABOVE vs. ARRIVING
2 Corinthians 12:2; Revelation 21:2 (KJV)

A. Heaven Ascended – Third heaven above creation
B. Heaven Abiding – God’s present dwelling
C. City Arriving – New Jerusalem descends
Dispensational Insight:
Heaven stays above; the city comes down.

PEOPLE — BODY vs. BRIDE
Ephesians 1:22–23; Revelation 21:9–10 (KJV)

A. Body of Christ – One new man
B. Bride of the Lamb – Israel restored
C. Belonging Distinction – Different identities
Dispensational Insight:
The Church is not the Bride—Israel is.

PURPOSE — PRESENCE vs. PROMISE
Philippians 3:20; Hebrews 11:10 (KJV)

A. Heaven for Fellowship – With Christ above
B. City for Fulfillment – Covenant promises
C. Plan Distinguished – Mystery vs. prophecy
Dispensational Insight:
Heaven fulfills the Mystery; the city fulfills Prophecy.

TIME — PRESENT vs. POST-JUDGMENT
2 Corinthians 5:8; Revelation 21:1 (KJV)

A. Heaven Now – Immediate after death
B. City Later – After the Great White Throne
C. Timeline Divided – Different appearances
Dispensational Insight:
Heaven exists now; the city appears later.

GLORY — HEAVENLY vs. EARTHLY
1 Corinthians 15:40; Revelation 21:24 (KJV)

A. Heavenly Glory – Spiritual realm
B. Earthly Glory – Nations walk in its light
C. Glory Levels – Different manifestations
Dispensational Insight:
All glory is God’s—but not all glory is the same.

ACCESS — INVISIBLE vs. VISIBLE
Colossians 1:5; Revelation 21:10–11 (KJV)

A. Heaven Hidden – Seen by faith
B. City Seen – Descends visibly
C. Creation Witness – Nations behold it
Dispensational Insight:
Faith now—sight later.

RULE — REIGNING WITH CHRIST vs. RULED BY CHRIST
2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 22:3–5 (KJV)

A. Body Reigns – Joint-heirs with Christ
B. City Ruled – Throne of God and the Lamb
C. Authority Order – Heavenly to earthly
Dispensational Insight:
The Church reigns from above, Israel reigns on earth.

DESIGN — SPIRITUAL REALM vs. STRUCTURED CITY
John 14:2; Revelation 21:16–21 (KJV)

A. Many Mansions – Dwelling places
B. Measured City – Length, breadth, height
C. Material Distinction – Gold, gates, foundations
Dispensational Insight:
The city is literal, not symbolic.

DESTINY — HEAVENLY CALLING vs. HOLY CITY
Hebrews 3:1; Revelation 21:3 (KJV)

A. Calling Above – Body of Christ
B. Covenant Below – Israel with God
C. Consummation – God dwelling with men
Dispensational Insight:
Different destinations—same glorious God.

CONCLUSION

Heaven and the New Jerusalem are not rivals—they are rightly divided realities. When Scripture is confused, hope becomes cloudy. When Scripture is divided rightly, God’s plan becomes glorious and clear.

CALL TO ACTION

STOP mixing programs
START rightly dividing truth
REJOICE in your heavenly calling
HONOR God’s promises to Israel
“Set your affection on things above.” – Colossians 3:2 (KJV)

FINAL THOUGHTS

Heaven is our home above
New Jerusalem is Israel’s city below
One God
One Savior
One eternal purpose—rightly divided
Clarity brings confidence. Division brings delight.