Date post: | 31-Dec-2015 |
Category: |
Documents |
Upload: | ophelia-stone |
View: | 218 times |
Download: | 2 times |
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!
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
“Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a
throne set in heaven, and One sat on the
throne.”
“In the Spirit”
Revelation 4:2
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
“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
Revelation 4:3
“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 1:26
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 Elders• Holy, victorious rule• God’s heavenly council• Offers continual worship—4:10,11
24 Thrones—24 Elders
Revelation 4:5
“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
“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
“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
Revelation 4:7
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
“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
Revelation 4:9
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
“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 4:10
“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…
Revelation 4:11
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