Presentation 04

Around The Throne 4v1-11 Introduction Having heard the letters to the churches, John is returned to an ordinary state of mind, for a time - how long we do not know. Then he had a vision in which Christ bids him, ‘Come up here’. He is called up to the throne of God. Much of what he is about to see has to be understood from the perspective of God’s throne. Again we need to guard against becoming so caught up in the details so that we loose sight of the unity of the lesson being taught. These chapters are describing the whole universe from the aspect of heaven.

Presentation 04 The purpose of this vision is to show that all things including creation, redemption, yes and the trials of God's people are governed from the throne. This, it has been suggested, is why the description of the throne comes before the symbols that predict the trials and persecution of the people of God on earth. The throne is presented as the spiritual centre of the universe. The setting is that of a temple scene in which God is enthroned. Around The Throne 4v1-11 The Purpose Of The Vision

Presentation 04 For background to this biblical symbolism see Isa. 6:1, Jer. 3:17, 14:21; Ezek. 1:26, 8:4, 43:7. Since the invisible God cannot be described, he is represented as One flashing with the lustre of precious stones. The colours, white and red, are thought to describe the holiness and judgement of God respectively. God is surrounded by an emerald rainbow. The symbolism of the rainbow in the OT. is that of God’s covenant mercy and points to the One who provides shelter from the storm of his judgements. Around The Throne 4v1-11 Background of Symbolism

Presentation 04 God’s throne is surrounded by 24 thrones on which are seated elders. The number suggests the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles - symbolical of the whole church [Hendriksen]. Mention of the 24 elders constantly preoccupied in worship enhances the glory of the central throne. Seven lamps of fire are seen burning before the throne, symbolical of the Holy Spirit? And just as the earthly Jewish temple had a ‘laver’ or sea, so too, John sees a glasslike sea before the throne, symbolical of the cleansing work of Christ? Four living multi-eyed creatures surround the throne. Around The Throne 4v1-11 Background of Symbolism

Presentation 04 Note some striking similarities between these creatures and the vision of the throne in Ezek. 1 and 10. Think too of the cherubim who guard the holy things of God [ cf. Gen. 3:24 Ex. 25:20 ]. The characteristics ascribed to them are the characteristics of angels [ cf. Ps. 103:20-21, Dan. 9:21, Lk. 12:8, 15:10; Heb. 1:14]; strength of a lion, the service of the ox, the intelligence of man [many eyes indicate intellectual penetration] and the swiftness of an eagle, they are ever ready to do God’s bidding. Their presence, like that of the elders, enhances the glory of the throne [Isa. 6:3]. Around The Throne 4v1-11 Background of Symbolism

Presentation 04 When the four living creatures cry ‘holy, holy, holy’ this is the cue for the 24 elders, representatives of redeemed men, to fall down in worship. They throw their victors crowns to acknowledge that they owe their victory to the Lord upon the throne. At the same time they sing a song of creation. Remember that God’s purpose for creation was that it might reflect his glory and give him pleasure. Calvin writes, ‘Creation is... the theatre of His glory’. Now, through Christ, God’s original purpose in creating man has been restored - glorifying and enjoying God is his aim. Around The Throne 4v1-11 The Song Of Creation

Presentation 04 On the right hand of God lies the scroll which represents God’s eternal plan and purpose for the universe throughout history. Along the outside edge of the scroll are set 7 seals. Should the scroll remain closed then God’s plans will not be put into operation. Opening the scroll therefore, not only means to reveal but to carry out God’s plan; a plan that runs from creation, through redemption and to judgement. For this reason the angel asks, ‘Who is worthy to open the scroll and break the seals?’ Worship Of The Lamb 5v1-14 The Scroll

Presentation 04 The prospect of no one worthy being found causes John to weep aloud. The redemptive purpose of God for the whole of human and cosmic history cannot be realised if the scroll remains unopened. In practice this would mean that there could be no protection for God’s children in their persecution and trial, no certainty of judgement upon their persecutors, no ultimate triumph for believers, no new heaven and earth, and no promised inheritance. Worship Of The Lamb 5v1-14 The Scroll

Presentation 04 John’s weeping is interrupted by one of the elders who indicates that there is One who is worthy. A conqueror who is described as the ‘Lion of the tribe of Judah’ [cf. Gen 49:9-10]. The battlefield where the Lion triumphed over sin, Satan and death was quite distinctive – it was on the cross. Worship Of The Lamb 5v1-14 The Scroll

Presentation 04 John in a moment of high drama turns to see the Lion but finds instead a Lamb looking as if it had been slain [Jn. 1:29; Acts 8:32; 1 Pet. 1:19; Ex. 12:3; Isa. 53]. We’ve all experienced the surprise of being prepared for one thing only to discover another. John realises that there is an element of mystery in God’s triumph for it rests upon what appeared to men to be defeat- for Christ, God’s Lamb had been led to the slaughter and sacrificed. Worship Of The Lamb 5v1-14 The Scroll

Presentation 04 The Lamb took the scroll. How was that possible? By virtue of his victory upon the cross and resurrection from the dead the ascended Jesus received authority to rule the universe according to God’s plan. The reward for his redemptive work was that, as the glorified God-man, Christ would be crowned with glory and honour and receive the kingdom [Lk. 19:12, Heb. 2:8-9, Phil. 2:6-11, Dan. 7:9-14]. Worship Of The Lamb 5v1-14 The Scroll

Presentation 04 This does not mean of course that God the Father leaves the throne, but that Christ the Mediator is seated on the throne with the Father, from this moment on the throne is described as the throne of God and of the Lamb [22:1] for God the Father governs the universe through the Lamb. This event marks the beginning of a new era in heaven [20:4] and on earth [20:2-3; Eph. 1:21-22]. The investiture of Christ the God-man recorded here is one of the most significant moments in history! Worship Of The Lamb 5v1-14 The Scroll

Presentation 04 No sooner has the Lamb accepted the office of King of the universe than there is a threefold panoply of praise; beginning with the cherubim and elders. The golden bowls filled with incense symbolise a prayer of thanksgiving. They sing a new song; new because never before has such a saving deliverance been accomplished and never before had the Lamb received this great honour. It is a glorious song of redemption. The scope of Christ’s atoning work is not universal but it is world wide, embracing every ethnic, linguistic, political and social group. The redeemed are a kingdom of priests. They give expression to their reign through the incense of their prayers and by offering up spiritual sacrifices to God [Rom 12:1] Worship Of The Lamb 5v1-14 Panoply of Praise: Cherubim and Elders

Presentation 04 Moving out from the throne the second group to offer worship are the myriad's of angels v11 ff. [Dan. 7:10b]. The elders sang because of their experience of redemption but now the angels sing because they have been instructed in the mysteries of redemption by the elders [the church cf. Eph. 3:10]. They highlight Christ’s sevenfold worth; worthy to receive power [1Cor. 1:24] and wealth [2Cor. 8:9; Eph. 3:8] and wisdom [1Cor. 1:24] and might [Eph. 6:10; 2 Thes.1:9] and honour [Heb. 2:9 Phil. 2:11] and glory [John 1:14; Heb. 2:9] and blessing [Mark 11:9]. Worship Of The Lamb 5v1-14 Panoply of Praise: Myriads of Angels

Presentation 04 Finally, and climatically, the entire universe joins in the chorus of praise for the work of God and the Lamb, in both creation and redemption. The four creatures who continually say, ‘Amen’ place their seal and God’s approval upon this universal adoration. All things must ultimately glorify God. And it is only in as much as Christians grasp that the Lamb reigns, will they discover that they need not fear tribulation or persecution or anguish. Worship Of The Lamb 5v1-14 Panoply of Praise: The entire Universe