The Throne of Heaven

We are studying the Revelation of Jesus Christ.

In chapter 1, He showed us who He is. The vision of the eternal Christ.

In chapter 2-3, He shows us what He sees. The Condition of His Bride, the church.

We are now entering the 3rd section where He shows what He will do. As He finishes His preparation for the Marriage Feast and now Prepares the Earth through tribulation and wrath to establish the 1,000 year Millennial Reign.

As we enter this third section, John is ushered into Heaven in chapter 4 and 5 to view the prelude to the beginning of the Tribulation period, known to the Jews and even us today as the 70 Weeks.

The church and saints are no longer mentioned until we get to chapter 19 at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb but are seen in the safety and security of the loving Groom, triumphing in glory having the earthly warfare ended, and now presented to the Bridegroom.

In chapter 6, the scene returns to earth and judgment - Tribulation.

A Heavenly Vision

Revelation 4:1 KJV 1900

1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

“After this” = After what? After the 7 letters to the 7 churches of this present age, “the things which are”.

The last phrase in this verse “I will shew thee things which must be hereafter” and we have a prelude and then the tribulation events leading up to the Return of Jesus Christ.

I believe this brings us to

The Rapture:

Understand,

There is no a specific verse in the Bible that says this refers to the Rapture.

The word Rapture is not even used in the Bible.

So, why am I bringing this up here. Well the rapture is taught and pictured throughout the Bible.

The word “Rapture” often translated “caught up” literally means to snatch away, to carry off (suddenly and by force).

The teaching on the rapture is a

Message of Hope for the Saved.

1 Thessalonians 4:13–15 KJV 1900

13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

1 Thessalonians 4:16 KJV 1900

16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

A Resurrection for the Dead:

A Rescue for the Living:

1 Thessalonians 4:17 KJV 1900

17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Pre-tribulation Rapture

I believe the rapture will occur at the end of the church age and the beginning of the tribulation period.

Let me share a few reasons.

1. The Rapture is for comfort and hope.

2. The Purpose of the Tribulation.

2 fold purpose:

The salvation of Israel according to Daniel 9:24-27

The condemnation of Believers.

Neither purpose is for the church.

3. The similarity in the language of the rapture and what takes place here with John.

4. The book of Revelation.

a. The chronological structure of Revelation. Rev. 1 - Things seen Rev 2-3 - Church Age Rev 4-5 - Heavenly Scene Rev 6 - Tribulation begins.

The church is mentioned 19 times in chapters 1-3 and beginning with Chapter 4 until Rev 22:17, the church is not mentioned one time.

The church has no part in the prophetic visions given to John after chapter 3. The church is in the air in heaven with Jesus Christ looking down on the terrible judgments going on on earth.

b. Revelation 1:19

Revelation 1:19 KJV 1900

19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

These three divisions do not occur at the same time.

John saw the vision of the glorified Lord chapter 1 and that period ended.

John saw the things which are in chapter 2-3 with the churches of Asia Minor and that ends with a definite closer with the unfaithful, lukewarm imposters of salvation being spewed out of the mouth of Jesus and then,

Revelation 4:1 KJV 1900

1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

c. The change of scenery in Chapter 4.

Jesus is no longer among the candlesticks. Jesus is not on earth but rather in Heaven with God the Father, and the 24 elders where they remain until Rev 19 when the Lord returns to earth riding on a white horse with His saints with Him to invoke judgment upon the world.

5. The 24 elders mentioned in verse 4 and 5.

I believe are saints and not angels and we we will look at this in a moment.

6. The promise made to the church in Philadelphia in Rev 3:10

Revelation 3:10 KJV 1900

10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

7. The promise in 1 Thess 5:9

1 Thessalonians 5:9 KJV 1900

9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

The church will not face the wrath of God or the judgment of God while on earth, but will be caught up to meet Jesus in the air and then the judgment will begin.

With the removal of the church, God can and will renew His dealings with Israel, and take up the broken thread of Jewish history for the final and 70th week of Daniels 70 weeks of judgment.

8. Because of the example of Noah:

Genesis 7:1 KJV 1900

1 And the Lord said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.

Genesis 7:4 KJV 1900

4 For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living substance that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the earth.

Genesis 7:7 KJV 1900

7 And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons’ wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood.

Genesis 7:10 KJV 1900

10 And it came to pass after seven days, that the waters of the flood were upon the earth.

Noah and family safe then the rain that God judged the earth and mankind.

9. Lot was removed from Sodom and Gomorra and watched God’s wrath from a safe place.

Genesis 19:15–17 KJV 1900

15 And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city. 16 And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the Lord being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city. 17 And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.

Genesis 19:22 KJV 1900

22 Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.

10. The symbols of Chapter 4-19.

The majority of the symbols mentioned in these chapters are taken from the Old Testament, as the Tabernacle, Ark of the Covenant, Altar, Censer, Elders, Cheribum, Seals, Trumpets, Plagues, leads us to believe we are back on Jewish ground and the parenthetical Dispensation of the Church is complete and now we are dealing with Daniel’s last week of the 70.

Strongest case AGAINST:

No explicit statement that this is the rapture

John’s experience is personal and visionary

Presence of believers during the Tribulation

There are 2 other views on when the rapture will take place that we will not discuss this morning but I do want to mention because there are people here this morning that accept these views.

Mid-tribulation Rapture

Basic idea: The Church is raptured in the middle of the 7-year Tribulation, often tied to the 7th trumpet in Revelation 11.

MID-TRIB SUMMARY

Strengths:

Clear midpoint structure (Rev 11 timing)

Strong link between trumpet + resurrection themes

Fits 3.5 + 3.5 division pattern

Weaknesses:

“Last trumpet” may not equal 7th trumpet (context debate)

Revelation never explicitly ties Rev 11 to Church rapture

Church is not clearly mentioned in Rev 11 event

Pre-wrath Rapture

PRE-WRATH SUMMARY

Basic idea: The Church is raptured after the Tribulation begins but before God’s final wrath is poured out (often around the 6th seal in Revelation 6).

Strengths:

Strong alignment with Matthew 24 sequence

Clear “wrath distinction” in Revelation 6

Explains believers present early in tribulation but not under final wrath

Weaknesses:

Requires dividing “tribulation” vs “wrath” carefully

Timing of Revelation 7 is debated

Still no explicit rapture label in Revelation timeline

The view that you choose will not lead to a break in fellowship because all three views agree the church will be removed before God’s final, direct outpouring of wrath, the disagreement comes in the timing of the rapture not the purpose of the rapture.

We can discuss this in greater detail in a couple weeks on Sunday evening if you would like.

So,

Revelation 4:1 KJV 1900

1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

The Reunion:

Revelation 4:2 KJV 1900

2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.

Who John Saw:

“the one sitting on the throne” is God, Elohim (God/Creator), used over 2,000 times, and the personal name  (Yahweh/Jehovah), used over 6,000 times.

Other key terms include  El (mighty),  Adonai (Lord),  El Shaddai (Almighty), and  El Elyon(Most High) describing His attributes.

The one who Jesus in Rev 5:7 takes the scroll from His hand to begin breaking the 7 seals.

Revelation 5:7 KJV 1900

7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.

What John Saw:

Revelation 4:3 KJV 1900

3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.

“like” shows that this is a simile because what John saw was so indescribable that he couldn’t explain exactly what is was; he could only say what it was like.

The Jasper stone is described later in Revelation 21:11

Revelation 21:11 KJV 1900

11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;

a clear diamond representing God’s holiness and glorious Deity.

The Sardine stone = a ruby red color.

“A rainbow about the throne” = iris - a circle of light.

This wasn’t like the rainbow we see that God places in the sky after a rain of many colors.

No, this rainbow, circle of light is “like” and emerald, green in nature.

The Enthroned Elders

Revelation 4:4 KJV 1900

4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.

Who are the Elders?

Who do they represent?

Let me first say that they are not angels as some suggest.

Angels are never numbered in the Bible.

An elder is always used in the New Testament only of men, particularly to men of a certain age who are mature and able to rule the Church.

Therefore, I believe these elders are the redeemed raptured saints, particularly the ones that ruled well within the churches.

Here is why?

Notice,

They are sitting: their work on earth is finished. they have finished their course.

They are clothed in white raiment: the perfect righteousness of Christ.

They are crowned with crowns of gold:

Revelation 1:5–6 KJV 1900

5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Again, crowns are never promised to angels, nor are angels ever seen wearing a crown.

Paul alluded to this in

2 Timothy 4:6–8 KJV 1900

6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

I also believe that the

Revelation 5:8–9 KJV 1900

8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. 9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

Only those within the church are redeemed by the blood of Christ.

What is the significance of the 24?

The pattern of the tabernacle and worship for Israel was derived as a picture from the throne of God.

In the Old Testament, the Levites were the priestly tribe that ministered in the House of the Lord. There were as many as 24,000 for that purpose, 1 Chronicles 23:4

1 Chronicles 23:4 KJV 1900

4 Of which, twenty and four thousand were to set forward the work of the house of the Lord; and six thousand were officers and judges:

They were divided in lots of 24.

1 Chronicles 24:4 KJV 1900

4 And there were more chief men found of the sons of Eleazar than of the sons of Ithamar; and thus were they divided. Among the sons of Eleazar there were sixteen chief men of the house of their fathers, and eight among the sons of Ithamar according to the house of their fathers.

There was never more than 24 found on duty in the House of the Lord - but they represented thousands.

The 24 elders are representatives of the thousands saved and in heaven

as we go ahead to Rev 5:10 their song states they were

Revelation 5:10 KJV 1900

10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

If these elders are representative of the redeemed of God, the church, then it would necessitate the rapture of the church as already have taken place and the acceptance of a pre-tribulaton view. Ironically, after Revelation 19 when the church becomes the bride of Christ,

The Seven Spirits of God

Revelation 4:5 KJV 1900

5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

Lightnings, thunderings, and voices coming out of the throne refer to the pending judgments that will begin happening in chapter 6 with the opening of the seals.

the seven lamps of fire have already been discussed in Rev 1:4

Revelation 1:4 KJV 1900

4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;

Revelation 3:1 KJV 1900

1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

The Four Creatures

Revelation 4:6–9 KJV 1900

6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. 7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. 8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. 9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,

Beasts is an unfortunate translation because it is the greek word Zoon and literally living creatures.

The word translated beast that comes from the sea speaks of a wild animal but is a different greek word, “Therion”

Who are these four living creatures?

Everytime we come to God’s throne in Revelation they are always surrounding God waiting to serve and worship the Lord.

The lion is the king of the animal kingdom and represents majesty and omnipotence. Always Ready with strength.

The calf or ox, representing the most important of the domestic animals, signifies patience and continuous labor. Always Ready to Serve.

Man is the greatest of all God’s creatures, especially in intelligence and rational power. Always Ready to rule.

The Eagle is greatest among the birds and is symbolic of sovereignty and supremacy, Always Ready to be Swift.

Revelation 5:6 KJV 1900

6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

Revelation 14:3–4 KJV 1900

3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. 4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

They possess 6 wings and are full of eyes.

eyes = awareness of what is happening.

wings = the ability to swiftly do God’s bidding.

They are constantly worshipping and praising God.

They invited John to observe the wrath of God at the loosing of the four horsemen of the first four seals.

Revelation 6:1 KJV 1900

1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.

Revelation 6:3 KJV 1900

3 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.

Revelation 6:5 KJV 1900

5 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.

Revelation 6:7 KJV 1900

7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.

They were also the ones that handed the 7 vials or bowls full of wrath to the 7 angels to be poured out on the earth.

Revelation 15:7 KJV 1900

7 And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.

They resemble both the seraphim that Isaiah saw in Isaiah 6:2-3

Isaiah 6:2–3 KJV 1900

2 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. 3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: The whole earth is full of his glory.

and the cheribum of Ezekiel 1: had the four faces but only 4 wings.

Ezekiel 1:5–11 KJV 1900

5 Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man. 6 And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings. 7 And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf’s foot: and they sparkled like the colour of burnished brass. 8 And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings. 9 Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward. 10 As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle. 11 Thus were their faces: and their wings were stretched upward; two wings of every one were joined one to another, and two covered their bodies.

The Reverence:

Revelation 4:10–11 KJV 1900

10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

How do they worship?

casting their crowns before the throne. Recognition that they were given by Christ and they joyfully give them back.

Everything we have is because of the grace of God. True worship is giving it all back to Him.

Why do they worship?

Revelation 4:11 KJV 1900

11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

God deserves Glory, Honor, and Power.

Why? Because God created all things.

Only God is eternal, not us, not the universe, and not the matter where we live.

Only God created. We can make but we can never create.

We are for His pleasure. The blessings, the changed life of one that truly is surrendered to Him.

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty which was, and is, and is to come!”

Will you bow before Him?

Will you withhold anything that His has given and provided?

I want to jump ahead to Rev 22:20 where John prayed

Revelation 22:20 KJV 1900

20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Are you able to pray that prayer?

Not if you are not saved.

Not if you are saved and not worshipping and obeying Him.