THE GLORY OF HEAVEN
REVELATION 4
Intro: The 4th and 5th chapters of the Revelation of Jesus Christ is God’s invitation to get a partial glimpse of Heaven. The third division of the Book as outlined in Rev. 1:19 now takes us into the future. “Come up here at once and I will show you things which must take place.” Heaven is our primary focus in chapters 4 and 5. Then beginning in chapters 6, the events on earth come into view with a heavenly perspective.
I. Through John we enter the door that leads to the heavenly throne. (Vs 1-3)
a. John is invited to the unfolding of God’s program for the ages. (Vs. 1-3)
1. A door in heaven had been opened.
a) After the rapture of the Church.
b) The Bride of Christ is no longer seen on earth.
2. In order to understand prophecy we must enter through this door.
b. The voice like a trumpet
1. Rev. 1:10-11 confirms to us the speaker, the Lord Jesus Christ.
2. The words spoken to John are clear.
a) The future is to be revealed “things which must take place.”
b) Note carefully it states, “after these things.”
c. John says, “I was in absolute control of the spirit.”
1. In John 16:13
2. It is the Holy Spirit who “guides us into all truth.”
d. The throne of God set in heaven.(Vs 2)
1. Daniel 7:9 is a view of God’s throne
a) “One seated on the throne.
b) In the term “one seated” speaks of stability of government
2. His throne is our strength and security.
e. John’s word picture of the throne of God.(Vs. 3)
1. Again I remind you that of the 404 verses of Revelation, 278 reference back to other portions of God’s word.
2. The jasper and sardine stones are full of meaning.
a) The jasper was clear as crystal, and the sardine or sardius is in color like a ruby, a beautiful red.
b) They are significant in that the twelve tribes of Israel each had a representative stone.
c) The High Priest wore the 12 stones as he appeared in the temple before God on behalf of the people.
d) The jasper represented Reuben, the first born of Jacob, and the sardine of Benjamin the youngest of the 12 sons.
1) Between them the whole of God’s covenanted people
2) We also see this in the New Jerusalem in Rev. 21:19-21
f. A rainbow with the appearance of an emerald
1. “Encircling the throne” reminds us of the unbroken mercy of God-it endures forever.
2. The color green reminds us of the fact it is the color that never tires the eyes.
3. Also note the Glory of God is the focus as no detail is given concerning the one seated on the throne. (Of course we have covered this in detail in chapter 1)
II. The throne and those around it.(Vs. 4-5)
a. The twenty four thrones and elders(Vs 4-5)
1. In the Old Testament the Priests were divided into 24 orders.
a) ( II Chron 24,25)
b) Out of the 24 orders came the ONE High Priest.
2. Others feel because of the white raiment and crowns of gold, they represent the Church. ( Rev. 21:12-14 The apostles named in the foundation of New Jerusalem)
3. I really think they represent both Israel and the Church.
a) The 12 tribes of Israel and 12 apostles of the Church
b) When you think about it only these two groups will be in heaven.
c) Further study in this Book will reveal that Israel and the Church will keep their own identification in eternity.
b. That which proceeds out from the throne(Vs 5)
1. Lightnings, thundering and voices.
a) The righteous judgments of God are about to begin as His power is revealed.
b) Psalms 29:3-5 reveals a God of power and majesty.
2. The seven blazing torches speak or represent the Holy Spirit.
a) Note all three persons of the trinity are mentioned in connection of the judgment that is to come upon the earth.
b) These seven lamps or torches represent the 7 ministries of the Holy Spirit as seen in Isa. 11:2-3
III. The scene before the throne (Vs 6-7)
a. The sea of glass
1. Probably speaks of the laver in the Old Testament used for cleansing of the Priest.
2. The cleansing power of the Word of God for the Saints of our day
3. We are washed in His blood ONCE, but daily we need the cleansing or washing of the Word of God.
b. The four living beings (Vs 6b-7)
1. The Greek word is, “zoon” meaning “living ones,” not beast.
a) Probably refers to the attributes of God.
b) Light, love, spirit and consuming fire
2. The eyes speak of His omniscience and omnipresence. (God sees all and knows all.)
3. The lion, calf, man and eagle are different aspects of His divine majesty.
a) Lion – king of the beast – represents majesty and omnipotence
b) Calf of ox – most important of domestic animals and speaks of patience and continuous labor
c) Man – greatest of all God’s creation, represents intelligence rational power
d) Eagle – greatest among birds and symbolic of sovereignty and supremacy
e) The four living beings and the four gospels
1) Matt – King – lion tribe of Judah
2) Mark – servant – faithful on of Mark
3) Luke – man – the human Jesus
4) Eagle – Divine Son of God
IV. The worship of the living creatures and the elders (Vs 8-11)
a. Ascribing holiness to the Lord of host (Vs. 8)
1. Reminds us of Isa. 6:2-3
2. A scene of continuing worship
b. The ear marks of worship(Vs 9)
1. Glory , honor and thanksgiving.
2. These elements are at the very core of worship.
c. The elders fall down and worship(Vs 19)
1. In this they acknowledge the sovereignty of God as creator of the universe.
2. They cast their crowns before the throne. (In doing this they ascribed to the fact had it not been for His grace, salvation and goodness they would not have victory over sin and death.)
3. In bowing down, they show themselves subject to the God of all creation.
4. The reason for so much rebellion today is that man by nature refuses to submit.
d. Proper honor is given to the creator(Vs. 11)
1. They declare with their mouths the belief of their hearts which is that HE IS WORTHY TO RECEIVE PRAISE.
2. Again the fact of creation is made plain and the place of God in it. ( Col 1:16)
3. His pleasure of “because He willed it and they exist and were created”
a) Not our pleasure, but His pleasure.
b) God centered should be our aim and objective in life.