El Dorado

For centuries many men have felt compelled to look for the lost city of El Dorado. Only a select few, however, have pursued a city of even greater treasure.

El Dorado. Ever since the conquistadors began exploring the New World in the 16th century, people have dreamed of this “city of gold.” Men have given their time, resources, energy and even their lives to try to find the long-lost city of El Dorado.

As time went on, the legends grew about the golden streets, the amazing technology, the fabulous natives and the golden chief who led them.

Many men gave their all to try to find the city of El Dorado—a city that was beyond their imagination.

And to think that it was all just a myth.

Another city

The city of El Dorado, to the best of our knowledge, never existed. The whole story was a myth based on old Indian rituals and the Spaniards’ hopes. All of those men who searched for it died for nothing. They dedicated their lives to a fantasy.

But there is another city that is just as legendary. The streets are made of pure gold. The foundations are made of precious stones. The beauty and power of this city is beyond all human imagination. From the beginning of time some have sought this city—and still, no one has ever directly laid eyes on it. Many have given their lives for this city—and yet their deaths are not in vain.

This city, mentioned in the Holy Bible, is real. It is the New Jerusalem.

Searching for the New Jerusalem

Men and women of God have sought the New Jerusalem ever since the beginning of history. Some of them gave up on their quest for the holy city, yet many persevered until the day they died.

In Hebrews 11:13-16, we learn that God has prepared New Jerusalem for His people. None of them ever saw the city with their own eyes, but they sought the city with their whole hearts. They put their entire being into finding this city.

They may not have seen it, but they will live in it. After Christ returns and concludes God’s plan of salvation for humanity, the present earth will be destroyed and replaced by new heavens and new earth. God’s people will then live with Him in New Jerusalem forever (Revelation 21-22).

The list of explorers who have sought this city goes as far back as Abel and includes thousands of unnamed Christians who have given their lives in search of this city.

Our El Dorado

The New Jerusalem is beyond our imagination—even as El Dorado was beyond the imagination of the conquistadors. The city is perhaps 2.25 million square miles at the base and almost as tall as 5,500 Empire State Buildings! The city has three gates on each side—each 375 miles apart. It will be gigantic! There is nothing that can prepare us for this wonderful city!

The size of the city isn’t the only thing that surpasses all else. The sheer beauty of the city is also beyond human comprehension. While man has dreamed of a city of gold, the New Jerusalem has golden streets. The buildings, walls and gates are made of more precious stones than we have ever seen in our lives.

And instead of the regular street lights of a modern city, the whole city will be lit by the brightness of the glory of God. There is nothing that can compare to the New Jerusalem.

Our city

Many explorers have sought the New Jerusalem—just like many have sought after El Dorado. Will we join the list? Will we give our all to enter the holy city? How important is it to us?

In Hebrews 11, we are told that some have died not just in searching for the city, but some have died for the city. Are we willing to give our lives for God and His plan to share this city with us?

The conquistadors gave their lives for a dream—a false dream. The New Jerusalem is not just a dream. It is the future. If we choose so, it can be our future.

Will we seek the New Jerusalem? Or will we go for El Dorado?

Read more in the Life, Hope & Truth article “New Jerusalem.”

Joshua Travers is a student at Ohio University. He attends the Athens, Ohio, congregation with his family.