Living Water #601

LIVING WATER – EPISODE 601 || 26TH JANUARY, 2026
By Solomon Uwumbolibe Mensah

THE CITY OPEN TO THE REDEEMED NATIONS

Revelation 21:24–27

“The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. Nothing impure will ever enter it… but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”

As John’s vision of the New Jerusalem continues, God reveals not only the beauty of the city, but the life that fills it. Revelation 21:24–27 shows us a city alive with redeemed nations, open gates, and perfect holiness. This is a picture of God’s ultimate purpose for humanity, unity without corruption, diversity without division, and access without fear. These verses reveal who enters the city, how they live within it, and why only the redeemed may dwell there. It is both an invitation and a warning, filled with hope and holy reverence.

1. A City That Illuminates the Nations

“The nations will walk by its light.”
The light of the New Jerusalem is not confined; it radiates outward. God’s glory becomes the guiding force for all redeemed peoples. Nations here represent the fullness of humanity restored; cultures healed, identities purified, and divisions erased. No nation dominates another; all walk equally in God’s light. This fulfills God’s promise that His salvation was never limited to one people, but extended to all who believe. Eternity will not erase identity; it will redeem it.

2. Kings Who Lay Their Glory Down

“The kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it.”
Earthly power is transformed in the presence of God. Kings no longer rule for dominance or pride; they bring their honor as an offering. Authority is surrendered in worship. Whatever glory humanity once claimed for itself is now returned to its rightful source. This shows us that nothing of true value is lost in God’s kingdom—what is redeemed is refined and redirected toward worship. Eternity is not about self-exaltation, but joyful submission to God’s reign.

3. Gates That Are Never Shut

“On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there.”
Closed gates speak of fear, danger, and uncertainty. Open gates speak of peace, security, and welcome. In the New Jerusalem, the gates never close because threat no longer exists. There is no night—no darkness, no evil, no hidden danger. God’s people live in complete safety and rest. This reveals a future where vigilance is unnecessary and trust is complete. What grace opens, fear can never shut.

4. The Glory and Honor of the Nations

“The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it.”
Everything good that God planted in humanity: creativity, excellence, wisdom, culture; will find its fulfillment in Him. Heaven is not empty or dull; it is rich with redeemed expression. What sin corrupted on earth, God restores in eternity. Nothing noble is wasted. All that reflects God’s character is welcomed into His city. Eternity gathers the best of humanity and offers it back to God in worship.

5. Absolute Purity Within the City

“Nothing impure will ever enter it.”
God draws a clear boundary. Eternity is not only beautiful—it is holy. Sin, deceit, and shame have no place in God’s dwelling. This is not exclusion rooted in cruelty, but protection rooted in love. God will not allow corruption to invade what He has fully redeemed. Heaven is safe because it is pure. This reminds us that grace transforms lives, not excuses sin. What enters the city must be made clean.

6. Names Written in the Lamb’s Book of Life

“Only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”
Access to the city is not based on status, achievement, or nationality, but redemption. The Lamb’s book of life records those who belong to Christ—those who have received His sacrifice and walked in faith. This is the final assurance for believers and the final call to repentance for the world. Eternity is personal. God knows His own, and He invites all to be written into His story through the Lamb.

Living as Citizens of an Open Yet Holy City

Revelation 21:24–27 challenges us to live now as citizens of that coming city. We are called to walk in God’s light, surrender our pride, pursue purity, and live with eternity in view. The gates are open, but the call is holy. Our lives today should reflect the kingdom we are preparing to enter—lives marked by truth, worship, and faithful obedience.

God is preparing a city filled with redeemed nations, open gates, restored glory, and perfect holiness. It is a place of light without darkness, access without fear, and worship without end. The invitation stands: walk in the light, live in purity, and trust in the Lamb. Let us live now as those whose names are written in heaven, awaiting the city where God’s glory fills everything forever.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of a city filled with Your light and glory. Help me to walk in Your truth and live in purity as I await eternity with You. Write my life in obedience to Your will, and keep my name secure in the Lamb’s book of life. Teach me to live today as a citizen of Your coming kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.