In Revelation 21, we see a “new heaven and a new earth” (Gen. 1:1) and a “new Jerusalem” that is “prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” A few verses later the New Jerusalem is described as “the Bride, the wife of the Lamb,” the Church of Christ.  

Revelation is always rooted in the suffering of the cross.  Jesus is, after all, the Lamb who was slain and the church is described as under constant attack (Rev. 6:10; 12:13: 20:4).  The glorious Christ (1:9-20) calls the seven churches in Rev. 2-3 to be faithful and endure in the midst of persecution, trial, and false doctrine and to “conquer” and be faithful unto death (2:3, 9-10)! In Revelation, the suffering of the cross may be subtle at times, but never absent. Revelation 21 cannot be read apart from the cross.  The Bride of Christ endured the same suffering as her husband and is now “raised” to new life with all of creation (Rom. 8:18-25).  The glory of God is the death and resurrection of the Lamb, Jesus Christ (Rev. 21:22-23).  The proclamation of the death and resurrection of Jesus for you is the power of God for salvation for all who believe (Rom. 1:16).