Revelation Chapter 4 The Reigning God Revelation 4

Revelation Chapter 4 The Reigning God

Revelation 4: 1 “After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, ‘Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this. ’” A Door Opens in Heaven!

Open Door in Heaven

The Open Door • John’s invitation – He saw an “open door” in heaven. – He heard a voice speaking. – It sounded “like” a trumpet. – Commanded to come “up here” – Will be shown things that “must take place after this” – A preview of coming events

Revelation 4: 2 “Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. ” “In the Spirit”

Throne Scene • John’s invitation – He was “in the spirit” (2 Corinthians 12: 2 -4) – Saw a throne set in heaven – Saw one “sitting” on that throne

Revelation 4: 3 “And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. ” His Appearance

Ezekiel 1: 26 “And above the firmament over their heads was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like a sapphire stone; on the likeness of the throne was a likeness with the appearance of a man high above it. ” Ezekiel’s Vision

Throne Scene • John’s vision – Throne “standing in heaven” above all others – Cannot be overthrown – Occupant… – Seen in splendor—precious stones – Seen in His “covenant relationship” to man – “Rainbow” around the throne – Sitting on the throne

Revelation 4: 4 “Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads. ” 24 Elders

24 Thrones— 24 Elders • 24 Thrones— 24 Elders = “organized religion” (12) • God’s “redeemed” on both sides of the cross? (21: 12 -14) Not until the final consummation… • Around the throne • Clothed in white garments • Golden crowns (stephanos = victory)

24 Thrones— 24 Elders • • 24 Elders Holy, victorious rule God’s heavenly council Offers continual worship— 4: 10, 11

Revelation 4: 5 “And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. ” From the Throne

Powerful Throne • • • Powerful decrees from the throne Lightnings, thunderings, and voices “Seven lamps” of fire burning (light) “Seven Spirits” of God = Holy Spirit The Glory, majesty, splendor, and brilliance of God’s rule • To be sure—God is in control and on the throne!

Revelation 4: 6 “Before throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. ” Sea of Glass

Revelation 4: 7 “The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. ” Four Living Creatures

Sea of Glass • Would seem to separate the 24 elders from the throne of God • The “best glass” would be like crystal, with normal glass being dark, dull, or even opaque. • That which is precious also separates those who are able to approach the throne from God Himself.

Four Living Creatures • • “Full of eyes”—all-seeing ability “Cherubim” (Ezekiel 10: 18) “Seraphim” (Isaiah 6: 1, 2) “Lion”—Strength “Calf”—service “Man”—intelligence “Flying Eagle”—velocity and swiftness Angelic forces of the highest order that guard holy things of God and never fail to worship

Revelation 4: 8 “The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: ‘Holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is to come!’” No Rest Night or Day

Revelation 4: 9 “Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him Who sits on the throne, Who lives forever and ever. ” Give Thanks and Honor

Living Creatures Give Constant Praise and Honor • No rest day or night • Message – Holy, Holy—purity of God – Lord God Almighty—power – Who was and is to come—eternal existence • Gives glory, honor, and thanks to one on the throne

Revelation 4: 10 “The twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before throne, saying: ” 24 Elders Cast Crowns

Revelation 4: 11 “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created. ” Worthy of Glory, Honor…

Worthy of All Glory and Honor • Living creatures fall down before Him. • 24 elders fall down and cast their crowns before Him. • The Song: – God is worthy of all glory and honor. – All things came from Him. – He created all things. • Acts 17: 24 -28

Romans 1: 25 “Who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. ” Such Honor Belongs Only to God!