Rev 4 - The Throne Room
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How many times have we heard or thought that The Revelation is complicated and perhaps too difficult to understand?
It’s not if we just follow the divine outline in 1:19.
Things that are seen, the resurrected glorified Christ = Ch 1, things that are, the church age, 7 churches representing in chronological order the history of the church = Ch 2 -3, and finally, what will take place after these things, “meta tauta”, that is after the church age = ch 4 – 22.
Chapters 4 and 5 we have the church in heaven on our “heavenly honeymoon.” for 7 years? Maybe it could be longer or could be 3.5 years. More on that to come.
Chapters 6 -19 we see the earthly seen, it is not a pretty picture as this is the great tribulation. God’s wrath on an unbelieving world.
Chapter 19 The second coming of Jesus.
Chapter 20 The millennium, Christ ruling and reigning on earth for a thousand years.
Chapter 21- 22 The new heaven and the new earth. We live happily ever after.
Now, we enter into the throne room in heaven where all judgement comes.
4: 1- 11 read.
1 After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.”
2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. 3 And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads. 5 And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
6 Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. 7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. 8 The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying:
“Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God Almighty,
Who was and is and is to come!”
9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying:
11 “You are worthy, O Lord,
To receive glory and honor and power;
For You created all things,
And by Your will they exist and were created.”
So let’s dig in and see what the Spirit is saying to us;
1 After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.”
So “after these things”or after what has occurred in ch 2 & 3, the church age, is what happens according to our outline in Rev 1:19. First of all notice the “after this “ is in Greek “meta tauta” and notice again at the end of vs1 . This phrase meta tauta signals that this is a transition to the third section of the outline.
It begins with John seeing a door open in heaven. Doors are an interesting study in the Bible. Doors signal a beginning or an ending, a way in or a way out.
We remember Jesus saying regarding doors;
7 Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.
and (behold I stand at the door and knock)
20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
John continues,
He hears a voice speaking to me as a trumpet, the same one as in Chapter 1. A trumpet call would signal the armies of Israel to move, loud and unmistakably.
- Come up here, Moses was called “up” to receive Gods direction at Mt Sinai.
- But with Trumpet call and the command to come up what does it sound like? The Rapture. What is it and what do we believe about it and why?
See
13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.
11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
Carefully notice; the call of Jesus to come up immediately follows the church age. Note, the word church appears 19 times in ch 1 -3 but is never used again. Why? The earth is going through the great tribulation and the church is in heaven.
The Bible demonstrates this in the OT through types: The flood is the most notable. Noah and his family, Lot and his family. In these cases the righteous are removed before judgement can come.
11 In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, on that day all the fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened. 12 And the rain was on the earth forty days and forty nights.
13 On the very same day Noah and Noah’s sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and Noah’s wife and the three wives of his sons with them, entered the ark—
16 So those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him; and the Lord shut him in.
Also in Lot’s case; here the Angel is speaking to Lot;
22 Hurry, escape there. For I cannot do anything until you arrive there.”
Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.
The best example however is Enoch,
21 Enoch lived sixty-five years, and begot Methuselah. 22 After he begot Methuselah, Enoch walked with God three hundred years, and had sons and daughters. 23 So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. 24 And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.
Enoch’s son Methuselah’s death signaled the flood. His name means “his death shall bring.” He was a symbol of the last generation. The longest of all, 969 years. A picture of God’s great patience and grace.
Enoch was taken to heaven, prior to the flood, and did not die.
Now back to our text;
V2 The word “Immediately” or “at once” reminds us of
52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
Whenever this actually happens, it will be instantaneous!
John says that he is In the spirit – what does he mean? 1:10 says he was already in the spirit? Were not sure but it was something different. Paul had a similar experience in
1 It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—4 how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
Verse 2 says;
2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.
V2b description of heaven. Think of all the books and movies that attempt describe heaven. Well. pay attention here it is.
note- A throne, is the focal point of the vision. As an aside, regardless of one’s world view there is always a throne with someone on it. It may be God or themselves or someone else but somebody is there. “You’re gonna have to serve somebody”.
- God is on the throne, “God is still on the throne and prayer changes things”.
3 And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald.
V3 Description of the one who sat on the throne.
- He describes the effects of the one on the throne but not the individuals likeness.
- Seated – he is not standing, he is seated. Why? It is finished. When is the only ref to Him standing? Stoning of Stephen.
- John describes an afterglow of light in color of Jasper and carnelian. Probably a diamond (white clear)and ruby (red). Why? Jasper or bright white light reminds us of the scene at the empty tomb.
1 Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow.
Carnelian or Ruby reminds us of the blood of Christ, the price of our redemption.
- What was symbolized by the throne in the Tabernacle? Mercy Seat or throne of grace.
Interestingly, according to Ex 39, these are the first and last stones in the breastplate of the high priest. They represent Reuben and Benjamin. Reuben means “behold a son” and Benjamin means “son of my right hand”.
- Rainbow encircles the throne and resembles an emerald. What does rainbow signify? The promise to never destroy the world by flood again. Furthermore, it is a symbol of God’s Grace and Mercy.
- Note: God is only limited by His own promises. He keeps His Word!!!
4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads.
V4 24 elders seated on thrones… Who are they?
- 12 is the number of government. 12 tribes, 12 apostles. They represent the faithful throughout all ages. See Rev 5:9-10, every tribe, tongue, people, and nation.
9 And they sang a new song, saying:
“You are worthy to take the scroll,
And to open its seals;
For You were slain,
And have redeemed us to God by Your blood
Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,
10 And have made us kings and priests to our God;
And we shall reign on the earth.”
To the Jew the number 24 would remind them of King David’s government, 1 Chron 24, where he had 24 divisions of Levites set up to serve in the Tabernacle in their priestly duties.
So I see these 24 as representatives of Gods faithful through all time.
- What are they, angelic or human? They are wearing white robes, angels and people are seen in white robes but angels are never seen wearing the victors crown or Stephanos.
5 And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
V5 Lightning and thunder- signify what? A storm is coming.
- Reminds us of Mt Sinai and the people’s reaction.
- Before the throne 7 blazing lamps, the 7 fold ministry of the Holy Spirit.
See Is 11:22.
6 Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back.
V6 Sea of glass clear as Chrystal. Brazen Laver or sea in the temple was probably a picture of this. The laver in the OT was used for cleansing but here those their have already been cleansed by the Blood of Christ.
In a sense the Word of God is our brasen laver. “washed in the water of the Word.” So notice here in the vision the Sea; the Sea is as crystal, symbolic of the stability and firmness of the Word of God and thus we later see the Tribulation Saints standing on this crystal sea.
Now John sees something I look forward to seeing;
6 Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. 7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. 8 The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying:
“Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God Almighty,
Who was and is and is to come!”
V6b – 8a The four living creatures. Cherubim, where else are the mentioned?
- See Eze 1:4-14, 10:20 – Ezekiel’s parallel vision.
4 Then I looked, and behold, a whirlwind was coming out of the north, a great cloud with raging fire engulfing itself; and brightness was all around it and radiating out of its midst like the color of amber, out of the midst of the fire. 5 Also from within it came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: they had the likeness of a man. 6 Each one had four faces, and each one had four wings. 7 Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the soles of calves’ feet. They sparkled like the color of burnished bronze. 8 The hands of a man were under their wings on their four sides; and each of the four had faces and wings. 9 Their wings touched one another. The creatures did not turn when they went, but each one went straight forward.
10 As for the likeness of their faces, each had the face of a man; each of the four had the face of a lion on the right side, each of the four had the face of an ox on the left side, and each of the four had the face of an eagle. 11 Thus were their faces. Their wings stretched upward; two wings of each one touched one another, and two covered their bodies. 12 And each one went straight forward; they went wherever the spirit wanted to go, and they did not turn when they went.
13 As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches going back and forth among the living creatures. The fire was bright, and out of the fire went lightning. 14 And the living creatures ran back and forth, in appearance like a flash of lightning.
- Full of eyes all around – speaks of insight and understanding.
- What do the four faces mean?
4 ensigns of Israel as mentioned in Num 2. Judah – Lion, Dan – Eagle, Ruben – Man, Ephraim – Ox. Also, 4 gospels Matthew - Lion, Mark – Ox , Luke – Man, John – Eagle.
Notice the Cherubic worship – Holy, Holy, Holy, Who was, Who is, who is to come!
The Songs about Gods Holiness never cease in Heaven… It is my observation that when sing of God’s Holiness we get a greater sense of His presence.
9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying:
V9 – 10 Twenty Four elders worship
- Casting crowns, this is where the band Casting Crowns gets its name, was practiced in the Roman Empire by lessor kings.
- Laying down crowns because God gets and deserves all the glory. Notes: word for Crowns is “stepanos” the victors crown, a crown of achievement.
The chapter closes with the song of the 24 elders who represent all believers;
11 “You are worthy, O Lord,
To receive glory and honor and power;
For You created all things,
And by Your will they exist and were created.”
We close tonight with this thought, Creation is by and for God. We exist only by the will of God and to truly live in service of Him is the only way one will find fulfillment in this life.
Jesus said;
25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
Prayer