The City of God is a concept found in the Bible that refers to the heavenly city where God dwells and where believers will live with Him for eternity after death and Christ’s second coming. It is contrasted with the earthly city, representing fallen humanity’s focus on the temporal and disregard for the eternal.
Origins in Scripture
The foundations of the City of God are first laid out in the Old Testament, where God’s presence dwelled among the Israelites in the tabernacle and then in the temple in Jerusalem. The Psalms describe Mount Zion, where the temple sat, as the place where God “dwells forever” (Psalm 132:13-14). Isaiah and Ezekiel envision a future eschatological temple, grander than the earthly one, filling the entire city (Isaiah 2:2-3, Ezekiel 40-48).
However, the earthly Jerusalem was still fallen and sinful, awaiting a heavenly counterpart not built by human hands. The author of Hebrews contrasts the earthly tabernacle with the greater, perfect tabernacle in heaven entered by Christ’s sacrifice (Hebrews 9). John’s Revelation picks up these visions, culminating in a vivid description of the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven (Revelation 21).
Two Cities in Augustine’s The City of God
The concept was significantly developed and popularized in Augustine of Hippo’s 5th century book The City of God. Augustine contrasts two archetypal cities: the earthly city of those who live for self and disregard God, and the heavenly City of God consisting of those united with God.
The earthly city is doomed to perish, whereas the eternal City of God will be realized fully at the end of time. The two cities are intermingled on earth and contain both the saved and damned. Christians belong to the heavenly city even while dwelling temporarily in the earthly city. The City of God ultimately represents life with God and all His people in the perfection of the next life.
Descriptions of the Heavenly City
The Bible uses vivid imagery when describing the City of God, conveying its supreme beauty, perfection, and the presence of God:
- Its foundation is built of precious stones (Isaiah 54:11-12, Revelation 21:19-20), its gates are made of pearls (Revelation 21:21), and its streets are pure gold (Revelation 21:21).
- The city has no temple, because God’s presence fills it entirely (Revelation 21:22).
- There is no more night, and God is its eternal light (Revelation 22:5).
- A river flows from God’s throne through the city (Revelation 22:1-2), and the tree of life grows on either side of the river (Revelation 22:2).
- Nothing impure can enter it (Revelation 21:27), and there is no more curse (Revelation 22:3).
The City of God is thus depicted as a place of incredible beauty, with God’s glory shining brilliantly. It is a place of healing, nourishment, and eternal joy in God’s presence.
Contrast with the Earthly City
As Augustine explained, the heavenly City of God is sharply contrasted with the fallen earthly city:
- The earthly city is consumed with pursuing selfish pleasures and ambitions for their own sake.
- The City of God seeks first God’s righteousness (Matthew 6:33).
- The earthly city takes pride in its own accomplishments. The City of God boasts in the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:31).
- The earthly city is founded on violence and domination (Genesis 6:11). The City of God exercises Christ’s peace.
- The earthly city is under the curse of sin. The City of God is renewed and perfected.
These two archetypal cities represent two different orientations of the human heart – toward self or toward God. Augustine does not equate the cities with specific earthly institutions but rather the spiritual foundations underlying them. The two cities will remain intermingled until Christ’s return makes them fully distinct.
Access to the City of God
Not all will dwell in the City of God. Revelation 21:27 states that only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life will enter. Ephesians 2 explains that we are saved by grace through faith in Christ, not by our own works. Those who reject Christ exclude themselves from the City of God.
However, God “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). He makes salvation available to all who repent of their sins and believe in Jesus Christ as Savior. At Christ’s return, the full glory of the City of God will be revealed and God will dwell with His people in perfect fellowship.
Present and Future Aspects
The City of God has present and future aspects. While awaiting its full revelation, Christians already have access to the City of God. Hebrews 12:22 describes believers as coming to “Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem.” Though living in a fallen world, Christians have citizenship in heaven (Philippians 3:20). The Holy Spirit begins the process of redeeming and transforming believers’ lives.
However, the full benefits of citizenship come in the future. Romans 8 contrasts the suffering of the present age with the glory to come. 1 Peter 1 calls Christians “exiles” awaiting their heavenly inheritance. Revelation depicts the City of God descending from heaven at Christ’s second coming to renew and reconcile all creation. The present Church and Spirit thus provide a foretaste of the life to come in the city.
Implications for Christian Living
The biblical vision of the City of God provides both encouragement and direction for how Christians should live:
- It gives hope of eternal peace and joy with God that helps endure earthly trials.
- It instills humility, recognizing earthly honors and achievements fade in light of the City of God.
- It motivates holy living and ministry, striving to align with the values of the City of God.
- It provides a model for human society reflecting the equity, peace, and self-giving service that characterize the City of God.
- It fosters prayer for Christ’s return and the descent of the City of God.
Longing for the City of God also loosens Christians’ attachments to their earthly city and culture, reminding them of their primary allegiance to God’s kingdom. It gives perspective on seeking first God’s eternal city rather than earthly cities doomed to fade away.
The City of God in Christian Thought
The City of God has significantly shaped Christian theology and imagination over the centuries since Augustine:
- Eschatology: It contributed to Christian thinking about the end times, the resurrection, and eternal life.
- Dualism: The two cities reflect the dualism between the heavenly and earthly realms.
- Allegory: Some like Origen interpreted it allegorically, but Augustine insisted on its concrete reality.
- Missions: It inspired efforts to expand Christendom and bring more into the City of God.
- Social ethics: It has provided an ideal for organizing society reflecting the City of God’s values.
- Civil religion: European Christendom claimed the earthly church represented the City of God.
These influences indicate the extensive impact of this biblical vision on Christian thought and culture over the centuries. It continues to shape Christian hopes and call for living out the values of God’s city today.
Criticisms and Responses
The City of God has been subject to various criticisms:
- Overly future-focused: Karl Barth argued it distracted from tackling earthly problems. But biblical hope inspires and empowers present action.
- Escape from the world: Critics claim it encourages withdrawal from earthly affairs. But citizens of heaven remain responsible stewards on earth until Christ returns.
- Coercive Christendom: Imposing Christendom’s control was inconsistent with the voluntary nature of entering the City of God.
- Idealistic utopianism: The world will never match the City of God’s perfection. But it can provide an inspirational model towards progress.
- Marginalizes non-Christians: It could be taken to diminish the value of those not part of the City of God. But Christians are called to serve all people regardless of citizenship.
While valid critiques, they do not negate the biblical foundation for the City of God. Rightly understood, it offers hope and direction amidst an imperfect world.
Conclusion
The City of God is a rich biblical concept with profound implications for Christian theology and practice. As the dwelling of God and all His redeemed people, it represents the hope of eternal life in God’s presence. Its vision of beauty, joy, and righteousness contrasts with the earthly city and inspires Christians to godly living. While awaiting its fulfillment at Christ’s return, Christians can even now experience aspects of its life. The City of God will stand as God’s glorious metropolis for eternity.