A Throne Set In Heaven Revelation 4 Before

A Throne Set In Heaven Revelation 4

Before Throne Room Chapter 1 introduced us to John’s “spiritual” revelation wherein “God says…” Chapters 2 -3 describe the primary recipients of John’s message – They were facing and would continue to face religious and political persecution Early Christians needed to understand the “war” between good and evil

The Open Door John sees an open door with an invitation to see “heaven” – It’s of no coincidence that this is the first time heaven is mentioned by John The voice of a trumpet – Used to get John’s attention – Symbolic of the royalty that was inviting John to witness that which was being revealed

The Throne Room The word throne is used 17 times in Rev. 4 -5 – It’s used exclusively to refer to heaven and the spiritual realm – The Holy Spirit does not argue that the Roman throne is important at all! God is the ONE on the throne… – as with much of the Revelation, the writer uses physical descriptions to describe a spiritual scene

The Throne Room Jasper and Sardius: – Precious stones – Valuable stones – Rare stones God is not common and is unlike earth-based authorities

The Throne Room Consider Psalm 97: 2 -3 – The throne represents “holiness” and “justice” both of which are reserved for God An emerald rainbow around the throne – Representative of the mercy and hope that God has always promised (remember Genesis 9? ? )

The Throne Room 24 Thrones with 24 Elders – Numbers in Revelation must be understood for their figurative significance! – 12 Tribes + 12 Apostles = 24 elders – Old Testament + New Testament … all come through trials by God’s grace Note what is said of the elders…

The Throne Room They wear crowns (victory!, Rev. 2: 10) They reign (see Ephesians 2: 6; Rom. 5: 17) They are clothed in white God’s throne exhibits His power – Lightening and thunder – Consistent with other areas of the Bible in describing God Before throne – “the Sea of Glass”

The Throne Room The sea seems mysterious The sea serves as a “barrier” so as to separate people from God Through the blessing of Jesus Christ, the barrier will be breached – And the sea will be gone… Rev. 21: 1

The Creatures This may be the most “alarming” part o the story because of the uncertainty… Perhaps they represent traits of God? – Courage (Lion) – Strength (Ox, Cow) – Intelligence (Man) – Speed (Eagle) Perhaps they signify angels (Isaiah 6: 2; Ezekiel 10)

The Creatures Perhaps they represent all of God’s creation? – Animals of all type, men – All are subject to God’s will These creatures see everything (EYES) – This makes sense for God! These creatures praise God constantly – This makes sense for creation! (not God)

The Worship Viewing the creatures as men… – Their eyes and focus is totally on God! – He deserves the constant praise Phase 1 of worship – the creatures – Praise for His holiness (He’s not an idol) – Focus on the One God (there’s not many) – He lives forever (not temporal) These themes would have struck home to first century Christians

The Worship Phase 2 of worship – the elders – These represent the men who’ve sacrificed for God; they are faithful men! – They voluntarily cast their crowns toward God – HE is their TOTAL focus!! reminds Christians of humility’s value reminds Christians that spiritual power is greater than political power

It Matters Today… Victory comes to those who overcome obstacles in life God must be the true focus of our lives Suffering (in this life) won’t last forever Seeing the Creator demands our worship and allegiance