Revelation Chapter 4 The Reigning God

Revelation 4:1 A Door Opens in Heaven! “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 “In the Spirit” “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 Ezekiel’s Vision “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 From the Throne “And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the 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 Sea of Glass “Before the 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 Four Living Creatures “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, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is 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, Holy—purity of God Lord God Almighty—power Who was and is 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 the 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!