Question 10
Are some things literal and not symbolic in Revelation?
Bible
Revelation 21:2
"I John saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of Heaven."
Answer
Yes. To know if the city in the text above is a real city coming down from Heaven, or if it is a symbolic city, we can apply the same principles of letting the Bible interpret itself. Does the Bible mention anywhere a “New Jerusalem” coming down from heaven? Yes, but only in one other place; Read the text below.
Bible
Revelation 3:12
"The name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of Heaven from My God."
Since this is the only other place where New Jerusalem is mentioned, and it matches the same description, we have every reason to believe that the New Jerusalem is the city of God and it will literally come down from God out of Heaven to this earth someday! Nothing in the Bible suggests this will be symbolic. This is the city that will be the future home of the forgiven saints!