“Ecce, nova facio omnia” (Rev 21:5) Divine (and) Jerusalemite new ­beginnings in the Book of Revelation

Abstract

This paper examines the concept of new creation in the Revelation of John from two intertwined perspectives. The starting point is Rev 21:5 and its programmatic promise: ‘Behold, I am making all things new’. First, a review of the new textual emphasis introduced by the Editio Critica Maior of the Apocalypse (ECM-Apk) is discussed. Rev 21:6 demonstrates how the new reading γέγονα (as opposed to the previous reading γέγοναν, as found in the Novum Testamentum Graece [NA28]) focuses the promise of completion on God’s creative self-presence and theologically emphasises the self-designation as the Alpha and the Omega. Following, Rev 21:1–22:5 is analysed as the concluding message of the Book of Revelation. The New Jerusalem appears as a new world order revealed by God, as a counter-image to Babylon and as the manifestation of a renewed reality that integrates God’s glory, the Lamb, the temple, light, the river of life and motifs of paradise. In this context, new creation signifies the comprehensive renewing of reality by God, which overcomes death, sorrow, pain and darkness, and leads creation into direct communion with God.