Revelation: Apocalypse Heavenly Throne (4:1-11) © 2009 John Rothra Ministries www.JRothraMinistries.com

Revelation 4:1-11 (NASB) 1 After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven, and the first voice which I had heard, like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things.” 2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and One sitting on the throne.

Revelation 4:1-11 (NASB) 3 And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance. 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones; and upon the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and golden crowns on their heads.

Revelation 4:1-11 (NASB) 5 Out from the throne come flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God; 6 and before the throne there was something like a sea of glass, like crystal; and in the center and around the throne, four living creatures full of eyes in front and behind.

Revelation 4:1-11 (NASB) 7 The first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face like that of a man, and the fourth creature was like a flying eagle. 8 And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within;

Revelation 4:1-11 (NASB) and day and night they do not cease to say, “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY is THE LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME.” 9 And when the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever,

Revelation 4:1-11 (NASB) 10 the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”

John Called to See Future Voice from heaven calls John John enters a dream-like “ecstatic” state Not a physical transportation A spiritual state, similar to OT prophet’s dreams Not the rapture; reasons: Called for specific purpose: see the future God calls, not archangel Immediately in heaven, not with Jesus in clouds Same call given to witnesses; not two raptures

Description of Heavenly Scene Seven Parts One on throne “Rainbow” band Elders Thunder/lightning Lamps/Spirit of God Glass-like sea Four living creatures

Description of Heavenly Scene One on Throne (vv. 2-3) God, person unknown Stones have no clear symbolism; possible: Jasper = holiness Carnelian/sardius = judgment Most likely descriptive of God’s majesty/glory

Description of Heavenly Scene “Rainbow” Band (v. 3) Word translated “rainbow” means colored band Partial or complete circle Not spectral light rainbow Emerald descriptive, not symbolic; possibly patience, mercy

Description of Heavenly Scene 24 Elders (v. 4) Angelic beings; not believers Song in 5:9-10 divides the two 7:9-11; 14:3; 19:1-4 combines Elders with heavenly beings Purpose: worship, adore God who judges, redeems, about to bring all to conclusion

Description of Heavenly Scene Thunder/Lightning (v. 5) Present with God appeared in glory in OT Occurs with seventh seal, trumpet, and bowl: Second Coming

Description of Heavenly Scene 7 Lamps/Spirits (v. 5) 7 = fullness of God Seen in 1:12, 20; 2:1 Represents Holy Spirit displayed in fullness Does not imply division Descriptive of God’s absolute fullness

Description of Heavenly Scene Glass-like Sea (v. 6) Likely descriptive Role unclear in text Symbolically could mean: God’s omniscience Uninhibited vision or knowledge

Description of Heavenly Scene 4 Living Creatures (vv. 6-7) Cherubim/Seraphim of Ezekiel/Isaiah Symbolism: Eyes = all knowledge/vigilance 6 wings = swift movement Faces = wild beasts, domesticated beasts, man, flying creatures Depicts totality of creation

Description of Heavenly Scene 4 Living Creatures (vv. 6-7) Three possible roles: Show creation worships God Help execute divine orders, judgments Both Often associated with Gospels Intriguing, but speculative Text does not show this

The Songs: Vision’s Purpose Song of the 4 Living Creatures (v. 8) Worship God for his necessary attributes God is “Holy, holy, holy” God is he “who was . . . who is . . . who is to come” Sung day and night Meaning: God is eternality Reminds John that whatever happens, God is eternal The world can pass away, God will never pass away

The Songs: Vision’s Purpose Song of the 24 Elders (vv. 9-11) Follows song of the living creatures Humble themselves before God Worship God for his reign over creation God “created all things” Creation exists “because of Your [God’s] will” Meaning: God is sovereign over creation Reminds John whatever happens, God’s in control Nothing happens outside God’s control or rule

The Songs: Vision’s Purpose Both songs reveal purpose/meaning of the vision Points to God’s eternal reign over all he created Behind all creation, even in tribulation, is the eternal God

What it Means for Us Today Even in dark times, God is still in control The world can change, God never does God’s glory, majesty greater than anything this world can offer Remain focused on him