What does the existence of nations in Revelation 21:24 indicate about the kingdom?
The presence of nations in Revelation 21:24 indicates the kingdom economy continues from the thousand-year reign into the eternal state. It shows nations will exist in eternity with sub-governments under God's headship, and believers will rule and reign with Him forever.
Les explains that the word “nations” in verse 24 is significant. It shows the kingdom economy will slip right on into eternity, since nations exist during the thousand-year reign of Christ and nations appear again in eternity. Though some theologians argue this cannot be eternal and must be the kingdom, Les disagrees, holding that this is the eternal state; because the Old Testament speaks of the kingdom as forever and ever, it simply moves on. The saved walk in the light, the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor, and there are nations with sub-government under God’s headship. This connects to the believer’s promise to rule and reign with Him, carrying into the eternal state.
And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.
More Questions
Why do some theologians think Revelation 21 with nations is not the eternal state, and why does Les disagree?
Contrary to theologians who say the presence of nations proves Revelation 21 describes only the millennial kingdom, this is the eternal state because the Old Testament speaks of the kingdom as forever and the kingdom moves on into eternity.