Zion

The Features of Zion: In the Old Testament, Zion was a part of the city of Jerusalem and was known as the ‘city of David’ (II Sam. 5:7). In the Old Testament, the term Zion has also been applied to the congregation of Israel (Isa. 1:8; 49:14). We read of the New Testament Zion in Isaiah 28:16 also. I Peter 2:6 shows that this refers to the heavenly Zion. We read that the Lord Jesus Christ rose from the dead and ascended far above all heavens and became the corner stone in Zion (Eph. 4:8-10; Isa. 28:16; Matt. 21:42; Eph. 2:20; I Pet. 2:4-7). Zion is the highest place in all heaven. Zion is the reward and inheritance of the consecrated and perfected servants of God (Rev. 14:1-5; 21:14; Eph. 2:20). Type in the Old Testament: As we have seen earlier, the most holy place in the Old Testament tabernacle was a shadow of New Jerusalem. God dwelt in this most holy place above the mercy seat between the cherubims on the ark of the testimony (Exo. 25:22). This place above the mercy seat between the two cherubims is a shadow of Zion. The Greatness of Zion:

1. God dwells in Zion (Psa.9:11; 132:13,14).

2. God has chosen Zion and desired it for His habitation (Psa.132:13).

3. Zion is the ‘perfection of beauty’. It is from here that God hath shined (Psa.50:2).

4. God reigns from Zion (Psa.146:10).

5. It is the source of all joy (Psa.48:2).

6. All praises ascend to God in Zion (Psa.65:1).

7. All blessings proceed from Zion (Psa.128:5; 134:3).

8. Law proceeds from Zion (Isa. 2:3; Mic. 4:2). The law that proceeds from Zion is revealed in two ways:

(a) as song (life)

(b) as glory (light)

9. Judgment and righteousness proceed from Zion (Isa. 33:5).

10. Power proceeds from Zion (Joel 3:16; Mic. 4:13; Psa.110:2). The qualities of those who inherit Zion as referred to in Revelation 14:1-5:

1. They will stand together with the Lamb on mount Zion.

2. The name of the Father and the Son (according to the original tongue) will be written in their foreheads. They will sing before the throne, and before the four beasts and the elders a new song which no man could learn but themselves.

3. They are redeemed from the earth.

4. They were not defiled with women.

5. They are virgins.

6. They are those who follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth.

7. They were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

8. In their mouth is found no guile.

9. They are without fault before the throne of God.