The Invasion of God’s Presence: From Eden to New Jerusalem

“And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.”

-Revelation 21:22-23 (ESV throughout)

Scripture shows a nuanced story of God's presence from the beginning to the end. It's artistic, symbolic, and easy to miss. In this article, we will look at how God’s presence was lost and how God gradually invaded enemy territory to restore his presence.[1]

How? There are four main movements in the story of God’s presence.

The Four Movements of God's Presence

Movement 1 - Eden

In the first two chapters of Scripture, we are told that God dwelled with people (Gen. 1-2). Fellowship with God was perfect and unhindered by sin.

Movement 2 - Fall

However, the Fall radically changed things. In Genesis 3, we are introduced to sin which separated people from God’s presence.

Movement 3 - The Gradual Restoration of God's Presence

But God had a plan to invade enemy territory with his kind presence. Even as early as Genesis 3:15 we can already see that God has a plan to save people and restore his presence. Notice the gradual progression of God's restoration. First, God revealed himself to certain people. Next, he revealed himself to a certain country. Then, he revealed his presence in the Holy of Holies (i.e., tabernacle, temple). Further, he revealed his presence through the coming of Christ. In the person of Jesus, God came to earth and dwelled with people in yet another, much better, way. Finally, God revealed his presence by dwelling within us. With the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, our bodies are the temple of God (1 Cor. 6:19).

Movement 4 - New Jerusalem

But this is still imperfect. We still have sin, suffering, and the spiritual enemy. One day, however, New Jerusalem will be filled with his presence, echoing his presence in Eden. It will be perfect (Rev. 21-22).

We still have sin, suffering, and the spiritual enemy. One day, however, New Jerusalem will be filled with his presence, echoing his presence in Eden. It will be perfect (Rev. 21-22).

The Striking Similarities Between the Holy of Holies and New Jerusalem

These movements show the progression of God’s presence in Scripture. But Scripture goes even further in making these connections.

For example, there are a couple of ways that we know that there is a connection between the Holy of Holies and New Jerusalem.

First, they both have the dimensions of a cube. T. Desmond Alexander explains, “Interestingly . . . The proportions of the city match those of the Holy of Holies, the inner sanctuary of the temple, the only other cube specifically mentioned in the Bible.”[2]

Second, they are both covered in gold. Again Alexander comments, “While, according to 1 Kings 6:20, the inner sanctuary was overlaid with gold, Revelation 21:18 records that ‘the city was pure gold’.”[3]

What is the significance? “Since God dwells inside both of these structures, we may reasonably conclude that the entire New Jerusalem is an expanded Holy of Holies.”[4] In other words, God’s presence was powerfully and uniquely present in the Holy of Holies. Now, by the power of the Spirit, God’s presence dwells inside of Christians. But one day, God’s presence will dwell with people in the new creation just like it was in Eden.

Perhaps, that is why John explicitly states that we will not need a temple.

"And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb" (Rev. 21:22). We don't need a temple if God's presence as it was in the Holy of Holies will be everywhere.

Interestingly, that was God's intention all along. When God says to be fruitful and multiply and to fill the earth and subdue it (Gen. 1:28), he is saying to extend Eden throughout the earth. Again Alexander notes, "Understood in the light of ancient Near Eastern practices, an increasing population would create a city around the temple. Through time, the whole earth would become a holy garden-city."[5].

Eden would extend outward and God would dwell with his people. Despite its appearance, the plan of God will not be frustrated. Although God is slowly and patiently restoring his presence through his plan of redemption, he will finally realize this plan in New Jerusalem (where all of the earth will be his garden-city and his presence will dwell with people again).

In conclusion, God's desire for his presence in Eden will be accomplished in New Jerusalem. His plan will not be thwarted by sin or Satan. After the Fall, God’s presence has gradually invaded enemy territory. Now, in the church age, his presence dwells within believers. One glorious day, God’s presence will dwell all throughout creation with people again.

End Notes:

[1] Here is a quick note on the terminology. The word “invasion” often has negative connotations. However, I think it’s an accurate word in this situation. God invaded the world with his presence. In other words, with his presence, God pushed back the spiritual enemy, sin, and even melted hard hearts in order to restore his presence. What is that but an invasion!

[2] T. Desmond Alexander, From Eden to the New Jerusalem: An Introduction to Biblical Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel, 2008), 20.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Ibid., 25.