Thru the Bible — Revelation 21:6-18 (March 30, 2026)

Episode Overview

In this culminating episode, Dr. J. Vernon McGee explores Revelation 21:6-18, capturing the anticipation of all things being made new and the physical and spiritual wonders of the New Jerusalem. The episode celebrates not only the nearing conclusion of the five-year biblical journey but also highlights God’s faithfulness throughout the ministry's long history. Listeners are encouraged by the hope of eternal life, the city prepared for the redeemed, and the significance of their partnership in the ongoing work of "Thru the Bible." The tone is reverent, joyful, and filled with awe at the promises detailed in Revelation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Significance of Completing the Five-Year Bible Journey

• Both hosts (Steve Schwetz & Greg Harris) reflect on the impact of studying the entire Bible in five years and the ministry's longevity (56 years, now starting the 12th full trip through scripture).
  • “You can't do anything for 56 years if you don't have people praying for you, supporting you.” — Greg Harris (01:39)
  • The value of prayer, support, and sharing the ministry is emphasized.
• Each listener’s participation, whether through prayer, financial support, or sharing the program, is deemed as directly impacting lives worldwide.
  • “You are literally a stakeholder in this. … We're going to meet these people in heaven, we're going to meet them.” — Greg Harris (03:26)

2. Beginning the Study of Revelation 21

• Dr. McGee resumes with verses 5-7, focusing on Christ’s declaration:
  • “Behold, I make all things new. … I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” — Dr. McGee (05:53)
• The endless growth and development for believers in eternity are envisioned.
  • “There is a constant growth and development. And just think of the prospect of that for the future.” — Dr. McGee (06:40)
• The overcomer’s promise is detailed — all believers, through faith, are overcomers and heirs with Christ (Romans 8:16-17; John 1:12).

3. The Eternal Separation of the Lost

• On verse 8, Dr. McGee emphasizes:
  • The lake of fire remains unchanged and eternal—there is no third resurrection, only permanent separation for the lost.
  • Sin cannot penetrate the new creation; the new heavens and new earth are permanently pure.
  • “Sin and its potential are forever shut out. The new creation and finally the lake of fire is eternal…” — Dr. McGee (11:44)

4. The Physical and Spiritual Description of the New Jerusalem

• The “bride, the Lamb’s wife”—New Jerusalem—is introduced as the future, eternal home of the church.
  • “The appearance of this city is the quintessence of beauty, refined loveliness and uncontrolled joy.” — Dr. McGee (13:46)
  • Christ's words in John 14 (“I go to prepare a place for you”) are echoed as being fulfilled in this city.
• This city descends from heaven but does not necessarily come to earth; it may become a “satellite,” the center of eternity, with all activity and glory revolving around it.
  • “The passage of Scripture leaves the city hanging in midair. … Is there anything incongruous about a civilization out in space on a new planet?” — Dr. McGee (18:40)
• The city is "the engagement ring of the bride," manifested visually as a diamond in a gold setting.
  • “The new Jerusalem is a diamond in a gold mounting. This city is the engagement ring of the bride…” — Dr. McGee (22:27)

5. The Architecture: Walls, Gates, and Foundations

• The city’s walls (great and high—144 cubits, about 216 ft) symbolize beauty, safety, and the fulfillment of “peace.”
  • The walls are adorned with jasper, “the hardest of substances and the most beautiful gem.”
• There are twelve gates (three per side), each named after a tribe of Israel, reflecting the order around the ancient tabernacle.
• Twelve foundations bear the names of the apostles—binding Israel and the church in eternal significance.
  • “Everything in eternity will face in toward this city, for God is there. … Those who actually dwell there will be the priests who are the Church.” — Dr. McGee (24:13)
• The physical measurements (“the city lieth foursquare … 12,000 furlongs”) are noted, but Dr. McGee promises a deeper dive in future episodes.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Behold, I make all things new. … I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” — Dr. McGee [05:53]
• “All believers are overcomers by faith.” — Dr. McGee [07:30]
• “Sin and its potential are forever shut out. … There is no third resurrection. It's eternal separation from God that we have here, and there's nothing as fearful and frightful as that.” — Dr. McGee [11:44]
• “The appearance of this city is the quintessence of beauty, refined loveliness, and uncontrolled joy.” — Dr. McGee [13:46]
• “The new Jerusalem is a diamond in a gold mounting. This city is the engagement ring of the bride … The symbol of the betrothal and wedding of the church to Christ.” — Dr. McGee [22:27]
• “Everything in eternity will face in toward this city, for God is there … The church occupies the closer place to God in eternity.” — Dr. McGee [24:13]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:17-05:17 — Reflections from the hosts; the significance of five-year completions, ministry gratitude & encouragement for listener participation.
• 05:53-07:40 — Dr. McGee reads and explains Revelation 21:5-7; promises to overcomers.
• 07:41-11:44 — Discussion of the fate of the lost (Revelation 21:8), eternal separation, and the nature of the new creation.
• 13:46-20:00 — Introduction and interpretation of the New Jerusalem; its heavenly, unique, and central role in eternity.
• 20:01-25:00 — Physical description of the city: walls, gates, foundations; theological implications and the distinction between church and Israel’s relationship to the city.
• 25:07-end — Closing remarks and gratitude to listeners.

Conclusion

This episode ushers the audience into the breathtaking promises of eternity—celebrating God’s faithfulness, the believer’s inheritance, and the glorious city prepared for His people. Listeners are invited to ponder not only the spiritual realities but to rejoice in the detailed, tangible hope offered in Revelation’s climax. The episode serves as both a devotional meditation and a scholarly examination, encouraging continued commitment to the journey “through the Bible.”