In the description of the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:9-27), we see the bride portrayed as a city. This is in keeping with her millennial character, for while the church is surely the bride of Christ, her kingdom character is that of administration. We shall “reign with him [Christ] a thousand years” (Rev. 20:6). During this time the kingdom in this world will be governed from an earthly Jerusalem, but ultimate authority will come from Christ and His church, to whom administration will be passed at that time. For this reason, the gates of the city are named after the twelve tribes of Israel, showing the city’s administrative character, while its foundations are the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
Present administration is committed to elect angels, but “unto angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak” (Heb. 2:5). Angels will gladly step aside in that day, to make way for Christ and His church. Then there will be positions of administration given as rewards, according to our diligence in this day of Christ’s rejection (see Luke 19:17,19; also Matt. 19:28).
However, in the description of the eternal state (Rev. 21:1-8), we see the city portrayed as a bride. By that time, “He [Christ] will have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father” (1 Cor. 15:24), and the administrative character of the church will have ceased. It is true that she remains a city, but now, for all eternity, she is portrayed as a bride. Even after a thousand years, she still comes forth “prepared as a bride, adorned for her husband” (Rev. 21:2). Her administrative character may cease, but the freshness and joy that characterizes her as a bride will remain forever.
W. J. Prost