A Vision of Heaven

The Glory of the Lord# 283 (vs. 1-2)

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.

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.

A Vision of Heaven

“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

1st Heaven

2nd Heaven 3rd Heaven

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

God is supreme and has complete control of history

God is supreme and has complete control of history

“…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

“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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The throne is a picture of God’s sovereignty

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

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

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

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

Sardis or Carnelian StoneSardis or Carnelian Stone

Sardis or Carnelian StoneSardis or Carnelian StoneDiamondDiamond

Lion = JusticeLion = Justice

Lion = JusticeLion = Justice

Ox = PowerOx = Power

Lion = JusticeLion = Justice

Ox = PowerOx = Power

Man = LoveMan = Love

Lion = JusticeLion = Justice

Ox = PowerOx = Power

Man = LoveMan = Love

Eagle = WisdomEagle = Wisdom

Unchangeableness

Unchangeableness

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

principles

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

principles

“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

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

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

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

“… 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,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

“… 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

“… 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

“… 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.

“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 )

Green pictures freshness, vigor, and eternal youth

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

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

“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

“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

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

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

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

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

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

“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

“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

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)

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)

The 24 elders picture the predestined office of the Church, which the individual 144,000

members will eventually fill

The 24 elders picture the predestined office of the Church, which the individual 144,000

members will eventually fill

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)

The Levites were then divided into twenty-four courses to provide singing and music in the

temple services. (1 Chron. 25)

The Levites were then divided into twenty-four courses to provide singing and music in the

temple services. (1 Chron. 25)

The Levites were then divided into twenty-four courses to provide singing and music in the

temple services. (1 Chron. 25)

The Levites were then divided into twenty-four courses to provide singing and music in the

temple services. (1 Chron. 25)

• 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

The 144,000 (Rev. 14)The 144,000 (Rev. 14)

The 24 Elders (Rev. 5)The 24 Elders (Rev. 5)

• Playing harps• Playing harps

The 144,000 (Rev. 14)

The 24 Elders (Rev. 5)

• Have harps• Have harps

• 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

• 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.”

Gospel Age

Gospel Age

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

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

“… 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

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

“… 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

Why did God call them elders?

Why did God call them elders?

• They depict wisdom and maturity• They depict wisdom and maturity

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

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

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

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

“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

“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

“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

“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

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

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

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

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

“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.”

“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, 101 Cor. 12:9, 10

“…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

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

“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

“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

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

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

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

“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

“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

“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

“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

All things were created so that he could bless them

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!

Early in the morning our song shall Early in the morning our song shall

rise to Thee:rise to Thee:

Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty!Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty!

God in the highest, blessed Majesty.God in the highest, blessed Majesty.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!

Early in the morning our song shall Early in the morning our song shall

rise to Thee:rise to Thee:

Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty!Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty!

God in the highest, blessed Majesty.God in the highest, blessed Majesty.

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY HOLY, HOLY, HOLY (# 223A – Verses 1-2)(# 223A – Verses 1-2)

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

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