1. A Vision of Heaven

2. The Glory of the Lord # 283 (vs. 1-2) The heavens declare thy glory, Lord, Through all the realms of boundless space. The soaring mind may roam abroad, And there thy power and wisdom trace. The heavens declare thy glory, Lord, Through all the realms of boundless space. The soaring mind may roam abroad, And there thy power and wisdom trace.

3. Author of Nature’s wondrous laws, Preserver of it’s glorious grace, We hail thee as the great first cause, And here delight thy ways to trace. Author of Nature’s wondrous laws, Preserver of it’s glorious grace, We hail thee as the great first cause, And here delight thy ways to trace.

4. A Vision of Heaven

5. “I knew a man… caught up to the third heaven.” “… caught up into paradise, and heard indescribable things spoken, which is not possible for a man to relate.” 2 Cor. 12:2-4

6. 1 st Heaven 2 nd Heaven 3 rd Heaven

10. God wanted to make the principles of heaven comprehendible to the human mind

11. God is supreme and has complete control of history God is supreme and has complete control of history

16. “…Write down the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end, it shall speak, and not lie …” Hab. 2:2

18. “But we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, even the wisdom that hath been hidden, which God foreordained before the worlds unto our glory: which none of the rulers of this world hath known: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” 1 Cor. 2: 7, 8

19. “Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

20. Behold the lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. Rev. 5:2,5

23. “God thundereth marvelously with his voice.” Job 37:5

24. Gods “…Lightenings enlighten the world.” Psa. 77:18 “God thundereth marvelously with his voice.” Job 37:5 Gods “…Lightenings enlighten the world.” Psa. 77:18

25. “Voices” suggests that God uses angels and other agencies to express His messages

26. The throne is a picture of God’s sovereignty

27. God’s throne is “high and lifted up.” Isa. 6:1

28. God is “The High and Lofty One, that inhabiteth eternity.” Isa. 57:15

31. The New Jerusalem is “like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.” Rev. 21:1 The New Jerusalem is “like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.” Rev. 21:1

32. Sardis or Carnelian Stone

33. Diamond

35. Lion = Justice

36. Ox = Power

37. Lion = Justice Ox = Power Man = Love

38. Lion = Justice Ox = Power Man = Love Eagle = Wisdom

40. Unchangeableness

41. The need for a ransom price has proven the consistency and unchangeableness of God’s principles

42. “Every good gift, and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, from whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17

43. “When God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he swore by himself.” Heb. 6:13

45. Transparency is a sign of purity God stands for the highest moral principles

46. Transparency is a sign of purity God stands for the highest moral principles “This is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God…” John 17:3

49. fiery flame, “… The Ancient of Days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.” Dan. 7:9, 10

50. “… The Ancient of Days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.” Dan. 7:9, 10

51. “… The Ancient of Days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.” Dan. 7:9, 10

52. “… The Ancient of Days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.

56. “Not only did the bow fail to possess variegated colors, but also it did not have the usual aqueous appearance or hazy, misty quality. Instead, it had a hard, durable finish, resembling the surface as well as the color of the emerald… His “emerald rainbow covenant” would not be … vague… like the ordinary bow in the heavens, but would be steadfast and enduring… a concrete assurance of hope for the future. The emerald green color denotes that freshness, vigor, and eternal youth will be the fruitage of this covenant” ( The Keys of Revelation p.125 ) “Not only did the bow fail to possess variegated colors, but also it did not have the usual aqueous appearance or hazy, misty quality. Instead, it had a hard, durable finish, resembling the surface as well as the color of the emerald… His “emerald rainbow covenant” would not be … vague… like the ordinary bow in the heavens, but would be steadfast and enduring… a concrete assurance of hope for the future. The emerald green color denotes that freshness, vigor, and eternal youth will be the fruitage of this covenant” ( The Keys of Revelation p.125 )

57. Green pictures freshness, vigor, and eternal youth

59. 24 Elders 1. They are in heaven 2. They have harps 3. They sit on thrones 4. Golden victor’s wreaths on their heads 5. They are clothed with white raiment 6. They have vials full of incense, which, we’re told, are the prayers of the saints 7. They sing a new song

60. 24 Elders 1. They are in heaven (A spiritual Class) 2. They have harps (Understand the word of God) 3. They sit on thrones (Reign in heaven) 4. Golden victor’s wreaths on their heads (Overcomers) 5. They are clothed with white raiment (Justification) 6. They have vials full of incense, which, we’re told, are the prayers of the saints 7. They sing a new song

61. “And I saw, and behold, the Lamb standing on the mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty and four thousand, having his name, and the name of his Father, written on their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and the voice which I heard was as the voice of harpers harping with their harps: and they sing as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four living

62. creatures and the elders: and no man could learn the song save the hundred and forty and four thousand, even they that had been purchased out of the earth. These are they that were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they that follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were purchased from among men, to be the firstfruits unto God and unto the Lamb.” Rev. 14:1-4

63. The 144,000 sing before the throne, the 4 living creatures, AND before the 24 elders

64. “The title ‘elder’ was used to designate the officers over Israel. The priests were divided in 24 courses. The title “elder” and the number 24 may therefore fit the office of the “royal priesthood” – foreseen and planned “before the foundation of the world. The song of the 144,000 in their presence

65. distinguishes them from the elders but may indicate that it is in harmony with or approved by God and his attributes. The mention of the four “living ones” separately from the throne does not prevent their representing the character of Him who rules…” (Notes on the Book of Revelation p.10)

66. The 24 elders picture the predestined office of the Church, which the individual 144,000 members will eventually fill

67. Aaron had four sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar Eleazar - 16 sons Ithamar - 8 sons These 24 sons were chosen by God to make up the priesthood (1 Chron. 24) Aaron had four sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar Eleazar - 16 sons Ithamar - 8 sons These 24 sons were chosen by God to make up the priesthood (1 Chron. 24)

68. The Levites were then divided into twenty-four courses to provide singing and music in the temple services. (1 Chron. 25)

69. Priesthood represents the office of the Church The Levites represent the Great Company Priesthood represents the office of the Church The Levites represent the Great Company

70. The 144,000 (Rev. 14) The 144,000 (Rev. 14) The 24 Elders (Rev. 5) The 24 Elders (Rev. 5)

71. Playing harps The 144,000 (Rev. 14) The 24 Elders (Rev. 5) Have harps

72. Playing harps Singing the new song that no man could learn but the 144,000 Playing harps Singing the new song that no man could learn but the 144,000 The 144,000 (Rev. 14) The 24 Elders (Rev. 5) Have harps Singing a new song Have harps Singing a new song

73. Playing harps Singing the new song that no man could learn but the 144,000 Described as those “redeemed from the earth.” Playing harps Singing the new song that no man could learn but the 144,000 Described as those “redeemed from the earth.” The 144,000 (Rev. 14) The 24 Elders (Rev. 5) Have harps Singing a new song They sing that the lamb, “hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue, and people, and nation.” Have harps Singing a new song They sing that the lamb, “hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue, and people, and nation.”

74. Gospel Age

76. “Weep not: behold the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.” Rev. 5:5 “Weep not: behold the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.” Rev. 5:5

77. Gospel Age “Weep not: behold the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.” Rev. 5:5 “Weep not: behold the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.” Rev. 5:5 “… A Lamb stood on the Mount Zion, and with him an hundred and forty four thousand, having his father’s name written in their foreheads Rev. 14:1

78. Gospel Age “Weep not: behold the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.” Rev. 5:5 “Weep not: behold the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.” Rev. 5:5 “… A Lamb stood on the Mount Zion, and with him an hundred and forty four thousand, having his father’s name written in their foreheads Rev. 14:1 We are seeing the 144,000 qualified individuals being given their predestined office of the Royal Priesthood

79. Why did God call them elders?

80. They depict wisdom and maturity They depict wisdom and maturity

81. Why did God call them elders? They depict wisdom and maturity They have learned how to judge and make decisions that will be beneficial and intelligent They depict wisdom and maturity They have learned how to judge and make decisions that will be beneficial and intelligent

82. Why did God call them elders? They depict wisdom and maturity They have learned how to judge and make decisions that will be beneficial and intelligent They depict wisdom and maturity They have learned how to judge and make decisions that will be beneficial and intelligent “Do you not know that the saints shall judge the world? “Know ye not that we shall judge angels?” 1 Cor. 6:2, 3 “Do you not know that the saints shall judge the world? “Know ye not that we shall judge angels?” 1 Cor. 6:2, 3

84. A picture that the Church’s ruler-ship will be subservient to the throne of God

85. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into this marvelous light.” 1 Pet. 2:9

88. “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”

89. “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 1 Cor. 12:9, 10

91. “…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.” Rev. 5:6

93. The work of the coming Gospel Age required the blood provided at Calvary

94. “My dear children! These things I write to you, that you may not sin; and if anyone should sin, we have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ, the righteous one; and he is a propitiation on account of our sins, and not on account of ours only, but also on account of the whole world. 1 John 2:1, 2

95. “My dear children! These things I write to you, that you may not sin; and if anyone should sin, we have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ, the righteous one; and he is a propitiation on account of our sins, and not on account of ours only, but also on account of the whole world. 1 John 2:1, 2

96. The 7 eyes are the 7 spirits that are sent forth into all the earth The 7 eyes are the 7 spirits that are sent forth into all the earth

97. The 7 eyes are the 7 spirits that are sent forth into all the earth As the Gospel Age unfolds the mission of the Holy Spirit has been to find the 144,000 members of the priesthood The 7 eyes are the 7 spirits that are sent forth into all the earth As the Gospel Age unfolds the mission of the Holy Spirit has been to find the 144,000 members of the priesthood

98. The 7 horns show that upon his resurrection Jesus was given all power, in heaven and earth. Matt. 28:18 The 7 horns show that upon his resurrection Jesus was given all power, in heaven and earth. Matt. 28:18

99. “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…” Rev. 5:9

104. “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” Rev. 4:11

106. All things were created so that he could bless them

108. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee: Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty! God in the highest, blessed Majesty. HOLY, HOLY, HOLY (# 223A – Verses 1-2) (# 223A – Verses 1-2)

109. Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee, Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea; Cherubim and Seraphim falling down before thee, Which wast, and art, and ever more shall be.