The Vision of Heaven

Revelation 4

Theme:  God’s description of heaven

introduction:  Have you ever wondered what heaven is like?  In our study through Revelation, we come to chapter 4 where immediately John is transferred to a heavenly scene.  The Church Age is now complete and the word church is gone except in two places.  The church is gone. 

God takes us on a Biblical Walk into heaven.  This prophetic section in which God tells us what He wants us to do.

I. The throne vv. 1-3

A. The presentation v.1

1.  Chapters 4&5 form a prologue three major events occurring in prophecy: seals, trumpets, and vials

2. Before we see the earthly judgement, we need a heavenly perspective. 

3. Only two times heaven is opened

a.  Here is when somebody goes up

b. When somebody comes down.

4.  Behind the doors are two things-a voice and a trumpet.

B. The scene vv. 2-3

1.  In the spirit-refers to a remarkable, miraculous transformation in the shape or structure into another dimension cf. I Cor. 15:49-53

2. All the elements of the rapture as this point-voice, trumpet, calling up, a change in spiritual condition in a moment.

3. Throne-used 45 times in Revelation and 15 times in other parts of NT.

4. God v.8 is on the throne as the King and sovereign over all governments and mankind.

5. The two stones are:

a.  Jasper-clear-21:11-color of light, I John 1:5 speaks of His purity and the first of the tribes of Israel-Reuben

b. Sardine-red-His redemptive work-last of the tribes-Benjamin-all 12 tribes were represented by stones on the High Priest’s breast-Reuben means behold a son, Benjamin means son of my right hand-He is the Son of God-speaks of the first begotten.

6.  Rainbow of emerald-light green color mediating between the colors of jasper and sardius stones-speaks of the faithfulness of God.

II. The throng vv. 4-6

A. The seats v. 4

1.  24 elders have been hard to identify

a.  Some thought it to be the 24 priestly orders in Israel

b. Some thought it to refer to 12 tribes of Israel and 12 Apostles (probably)

c. Some thought them to be angels

d. Some thought they represent the redeemed of both OT & NT

2. Wearing a crown-two kinds: victors or sovereign-here a victor’s crown

3. White raiment-associated with the judgment Seat of Christ and Marriage Supper of the Lamb in Rev. 19-which will be given to all saved people.

B. The spirits v. 5

1. Seven spirits go back to Isa. 11:2-3-Lamps

a. Wisdom

b. Understanding

c. Counsel

d. Might

e. Knowledge

f. Fear of the Lord

g. Proper judgment

2. The lightnings and thunder refer to the righteous judgment on the sinful world which is being prophesied that will occur in the Trib Pd.

C. The sea v. 6a

1. Sea made as crystal-place of holiness and calmness before God.

2. It probably refers back to laver for washing as in the tabernacle.

3. All will be laid open before Him.

D. The creatures 6b-8

1.  It is uncertain whether these are humans, animals or angelic beings.

2. They may refer to four aspects of Christ’s person as revealed in the gospel.

a.  Matthew-Lion-represents the King

b. Mark-a calf-represents a sacrificial animal

c. Luke-face of a man-represented a human

d. John-flying eagle-represents deity

3. Each has a specific characteristic vv. 6b-7a

a. Full of eyes with six wings-all seeing and willing to respond to God’s bidding

b. Lion-royal power

c. Ox-strength and endurance

d. Man-spirituality and rationality

e. Flying eagle-swiftness of action and supreme in performance

4.  These are probably the seraphs from Isaiah 6:3

“Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: The whole earth is full of his glory.” (Isaiah 6:2–3)

5. Their work: praise God, serve God, and receive God’s Word

 III. The thesis vv. 9-11

A. Honor God vv. 9-10

1.  Living ones give glory and honor and thanks to God v.9

2. The emphasis is on His Divine Attributes and worthiness

a.  Thanks-His work of salvation, grace, and goodness

b. Glory speaks of the attributes of His Person

c. Honor speaks of His character

3.  All of the Trib Pd and the book of Revelation is pointing men to bow down to Him

“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9–11)

4.  The casting of crowns demonstrate the honor to be given to God for His work of salvation making us possible to be victors through Him.

5. Worship means to fall down prostrate before Him.

B. Glorify God v. 11

1.  Recognize God as the Creator to receive all praise.

2. His creations was made for a purpose-His will caused creation.

3. Living Ones-cherubim joined by 24 elders-angels and the elders all there praising God where Jesus is the focus.

Conclusion:  The focus of heaven is around three important truths.

1. Majesty of God in His holiness

2. Salvation of God for His people

3. Glorified Savior in His exaltation.