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Revelation 4

IBS
‹ Chapter 3 Revelation — All Chapters Chapter 5 ›

Chapter 4 THE LORD OF THE EARTH THE WORSHIP BEFORE THE SEALS ARE OPENED

A. Appearance of the One on the throne. 4:1-5 B. Action before the throne. 4:6-11

I. Ch.3 ends with the throne 2:21, Ch.4 begins with the throne 4:1.

II. In Ch.4 we see the glory of the Father - the Creator and in Ch.5 we see the glory of the Son - the Redeemer.

III. In Ch.4 and 5 John is taken to heaven to get a heavenly perspective on the great tribulation Ch.6-19.

IV. John is invited into the Throneroom and heavenly Courtroom of God before the judgement begins, it is somehow linked to the Temple in heaven. 8:3; 11:19

V. Chapter 4 and 5 is an introduction to chapter 6-20.

Revelation 4:1-5

A. Appearance of the One on the throne. 4:1-5 V.1 a) The door in heaven - Call

I. 5 times the sentence “ after this” occurs in Revelation. 4:1; 7:1, 9; 18:12; 19:1

II. 2 times the heaven opens in Revelation Ch.4-19.

  1. Voice Calls to come up. 4:1 Perhaps referring to the Rapture.

  2. Victor Crowned comes down. 19:11-16 Referring to the 2nd coming.

III. The voice of Jesus is like a trumpets voice: A. Perhaps a hint of the Rapture Ps.27:5; Isaiah 26:19-21; Zeph.2:3; 1.Cor.15:50-52; 1.Thess.4:16-17

  1. Between chapter 3 and 4 Rapture takes place, for it happens before the outpouring of God’ s wrath. 1.Thes.1:10; 5:3, 9; Luke 21:36; Rev.3:10-11 2. The Church is not mentioned from chapter 4 until 19:7 and there the Church is called wife, this suggest the Church is no longer on earth during the great tribulation.

B. Because of the beginning of the fulfilment of the Feast of Trumpets.

Feast of Trumpets. 1:10; 4:1; 8:2; Lev.23:23-25 The call to prepare the people for the Cleansing of the Day of Atonement and the Day of tabernacles. In Revelation we see God announcing the Lord’ s Coming to cleanse and to dwell among man.

C. Perhaps just to get his attention.

IV. Revelation is the only book with a DIVINE OUTLINE, the key to the book lies at the front door. Rev.1:8, 19 A. The things which you have seen. (Past tense) Ch.1

B. The things which are. (Present tense) Ch.2-3

C. The things which will take place after this. (Future tense) Ch.4-22

V. Prophetic experiences can be a “ Come up here” calling, a trance like experience.

V.2 b) The throne in heaven - Capture

I. Ezekiel had a similar prophetic experience as John. Ezek.3:12, 14; 8:3; 11:1, 24; 37:1; 43:5 II. This throne is the centre of the universe, as the Ark of the Covenant especially the mercy seat (Throne) was the centre of Israel.

III. Throne zone of God.

  1. 7 Spirits before the throne, appearing as lamps. 1:4; 4:5

  2. Overcomers can sit on His throne. 3:21

  3. One sit on the throne. 4:2

  4. The throne is in heaven. 4:2

  5. Rainbow around the throne. 4:3

  6. 24 elders surround the throne. 4:4

  7. Voices, lightning’ s and thunders proceeds from the throne. 4:5

  8. Sea of glass before the throne. 4:6

  9. Living creatures surrounds the throne. 4:6

  10. Worship before the throne. 4:9-10; 5:1, 6-7, 11, 13; 7:9-17; 14:3, 5; 19:4

  11. The great multitude stands before the throne. 7:9-17

  12. The golden altar before the throne. 8:3

  13. The 144.000 before the throne. 14:3, 5

  14. Great voice comes from the throne. 16:7; 19:5; 21:5

  15. There is a great white throne of judgment. 20:11

  16. The river of life proceeds from the throne. 22:1-3 IV. Plurality of thrones of God:

  17. Throne of judgment. Psalms 9:7; 89:14

  18. Throne of heaven. Psalm. 11:4; 103:10

  19. Throne of eternity. Psalms 45.6

  20. Throne of holiness. Psalms 47:8

  21. Throne of righteousness. Psalms 97:2

  22. Throne of glory. Matt.25:31

  23. Throne of grace. Heb.4:16

  24. Throne of God and the lamb. Rev.22:1-3 V. The Father is the One that sits on the throne. 5:1

VI. Throne occurs 60 times in the New Testament and 45 times of these occurs in Revelation 75%.

VII. Scriptural references to the throne of God. 1.Kings 22:19; Ps.11:4; 47:8; Isaiah 6:1; Ezek.1:26; Dan.7:9 VIII. This prophetic experience happened immediately “ In a twinkle of an eye” 1.Cor.15:50 V.3 c) The One in heaven - Centre

I. The appearance of God is like a great colourful firework - Colours, lighting and thunders.

II. The colour where like jasper (Crystal clear Rev.21:11 - Diamond like) and sardius (Blood red).

A. Jasper was the last stone on the breastplate of the high priest Ex:28:20 and it represented the last born son Benjamin, whose name means “ The son of my right hand.” Gen.49:27 B. Sardius was the first stone on the breastplate of the high priest Ex:28:17 and it represented the firstborn son Reuben, whose name means “ Behold a son.” Gen.49:3 III. The high priest had 12 stones on his breastplate. Ex.28:15-21; Rev.21:11 IV. The rainbow is a sign of the covenant God made with man. Gen.9:8-17 A rainbow usually appears after a storm, but here we see it before the storm. Ezek.1:27-28 V. The rainbows colour was as an emerald (Green); Covenant relationship with earth.

VI. Old Testament appearances of the glory of God. Isaiah 6:1-3; Ezek. Ch.1; Dan.7:9-14; Hab.3:3-6 V.4 d) The elders in heaven - Crowned

I. The throne of God is surrounded by 24 thrones.

II. 24 elders sits on these thrones, elders are representative of all the redeemed of the human race. 5:8-10

III. Elders in the New Testament are authoritative ministries of a church. Acts 11:30; 14:23; 15:6; 20:17, 28; 1.Tim.3:1-7; 5:17, 19; Tit.1:5; James 5:14; 1.Peter 5:1, 5 IV. The elders are in the council of God, not to counsel Him but to receive counsel.

V. The high priest wore white linen and a turban, these elders also wore white linen and crowns. Ex.28:31-42; Psalms 21:3 VI. The 24 course of priestly ministry:

A. In Israel the priests had a 24-hour cycle in the priestly ministry, 1.Chron.24:3-19 B. In Jesus day Israel had about 8000 priests that shared 24 courses a day, one priest ministered one hour.

C. In Revelation we see 24 elders, either there are only 24 elders or there are a group of elders that shift, each in their course.

VII. The elders represent the Church for they sing the song of the redeemed. 5:9-10

VIII. The elders are not angels for nowhere in Scripture are angels wearing or promised crowns. IX. 12 is the number of earthly government and 24 the number of heavenly government. V.5 e) The Spirit in heaven - Cosmic power

I. This is the power core; it’ s the centre of the whole universe. Heb.1:3 Ex.19:16 II. The lighting that gives light to the universe proceeds from this place.

The thundering that gives power to the universe proceeds from this place. The voice that upholds all things in the universe proceeds from this place.

III. The 4 major references to lightning, thundering, earthquakes and voices occur during the release of the 7th.

  1. At the taking of the 7th sealed book. 4:5-5:7

  2. At the opening of the 7th seal. 8:5

  3. At the sounding of the 7th trumpet. 11:15-19

  4. At the pouring of the 7th bowl. 16:17-21

IV. The Holy Spirit is before the throne because:

A. He is never described to be on the throne in Scripture.

B. He is about to purify the earth by judgment.

V. He is like 7 lamps burning. Zech.4:2 A. He is the oil (Anointing) and light of God.

B. 7 are the number of completeness in Scripture.

C. Isaiah speaks of the 7-fold work of the Spirit. Isaiah 11:2 D. These 7 lamps are perhaps also the 7 horns and eyes sent in to all the earth. 5:6

E. The lamps perhaps refer to the burning judgment against sin and evil. Jud.7:16, 20; Isaiah 4:4; Nah.2:3-4

Revelation 4:6-11

B. Action before the throne. 4:6-11 V.6 f) The living creatures in heaven - Crystal sea and the 4 Creatures

I. Old Testament references to the sea of glass. Ex.24:10; Ezek.1:22, 26 II. In the temple of Solomon there was a molten bronze sea before the entrance into the holy place; the priests washed their hands and feet by the water in the sea of bronze. 1.Kings 7:23-26, 44; 1.Chr.18:8; 2.Chr.4:2-6, 15 III. In our time mirrors are made of glass, glass is made of sand.

The mirrors in Moses time were made of bronze.

IV. Crystal reflects light in many ways and light carries sound and images.

V. The interpretation of the glassy sea:

A. Its perhaps a sea where God’ s counsel is revealed, it’ s a reflection place of His light, purposes and plans.

B. It’ s God’ s Word to His creatures; like the sea of bronze where the priests washed their hands and feet, the Scripture also speaks of the washing by His Word. John 13:3-10; 15:3; Eph.5:26 C. It’ s a sea of revelation and knowledge. Hab.2:14 D. It’ s a sea that represents the all-knowing - Omniscience of God.

The transparent sea and all the eyes of the seraphim could speak of His Omniscience.

VI. The 4 living creatures are seraphim, the supreme creature of God’ s creation.

It’ s those creatures that are closest to the glorious presence of God.

VII. Cherubim and seraphim are called living creatures. Ezek.10:15, 20 Living creature (Heb. Chay) means strong, fresh, life and beast. Living creature (Gr. zoon) means life and animal, the English word zoo derives from this word. VIII. The seraphim and cherubim are different yet very similar:

A. Cherubim:

  1. Cherubim are beneath the throne of God Ezek.1:22, 25; 10:1; 11:22 2. Their 4 faces are a cherub (or ox), man, lion and an eagle. Ezek.1:6, 10; 10:14, 21
  2. They are connected to wheels of the throne. Ezek.1:15-21;3:13; 10:9-13, 16-17
  3. They have 4 wings. Ezek.1:6, 11, 23-24;3:13; 10:5, 21
  4. Their feet are calf-like. Ezek.1:7
  5. They move very fast. Ezek.1:14
  6. They appear to be like a fiery fire. Ezek.1:7; 13
  7. They have eyes all around their body. Ezek.10:12
  8. They have a man’ s hand under their wings. Ezek.1:8; 10:7-8, 21
  9. They are carriers of the throne of God. Ezek.1:13-22
  10. Notice - Beneath, cherub, wheels and 4 wings, the seraphim are different in those areas.

B. Seraphim:

  1. They are above, in the midst and surround the throne of God. Isaiah 6:1-2; Rev.4:6; 5:6
  2. They have 6 wings. Isaiah 6:1-2; Rev.4:8
  3. They have eyes all around their body. Rev.4:6, 8
  4. Their 4 faces are a calf, man, lion and an eagle. Rev.4:7
  5. They are ministers of God and praise and worship Him. Isaiah 6:2-7; Rev.4:8-9; 5:8-14; 6:1-7; 7:11; 15:7; 19:4 IX. Satan was once a living creature, a cherub, one with the face of a cherub (or ox), man, lion and an eagle, he had 4 wings, eyes all around, calf-like feet. Ezek.28:14, 16 V.7 a) The Differences of the living creatures - Characteristic

I. The living creatures represent the creation of God.

A. The lion is supreme of the wild animals.

B. The calf is supreme of the domestic animals.

C. Man is supreme of all earthly creatures.

D. The eagle is the supreme of all flying creatures.

II. During the time of Moses a tabernacle was built and Israel encamped around the tabernacle (God’ s presence) in 4 encampments according to their flag : Num. Ch.2

  1. East - Judah’ s camp (Judah, Issachar, Zebulun) Their flag were green with a lion.

  2. South - Reuben’ s camp (Reuben, Simeon, Gad) Their flag were red with a man.

  3. North - Ephraim’ s camp (Ephraim, Manasseh, Benjamin) Their flag were red and white with an eagle.

  4. West - Dan’ s camp (Dan, Asher, Naphtali) Their flag were golden with a calf.

V.8 b) The Devotion of the living creatures - Concert

I. The functions of their 6 wings:

A. They cover themselves with 4 wings. Isaiah 6:2 B. They fly with 2 wings. Isaiah 6:2 C. Man also need to use more “ wings” to protect themselves and develop character than they do “ flying” in ministry. II. Man did 3 things in the garden after they had sinned:

A. They heard God’ s voice but didn’ t respond. Gen.3:8-9 B. They saw their nakedness and feared. Gen.3:7, 10 C. They hid themselves. Gen.3:9 III. The seraphim (Living creatures) show the restoration of the fall of man.

A. They respond to the voice of God by crying holy.

B. They see with their many eyes without fear.

C. They hide themselves in the presence of God and not from His presence with their wings, not because of sin but in reverence and worship. Isaiah 6:2 IV. They continual declare God’ s:

A. Triune Holiness. (In Hebrew its called Qedussah)

B. Triune Greatness (Lord, God, Almighty).

C. Triune Eternity (Was, is and come).

V. Revelation is a worship book.

  1. The song of the living creatures. 4:8

  2. The song of the 24 elders - The song of creation. 4:10-11

  3. The song of the living creatures - the song of redemption. 5:8-11

  4. The song of the angels, living creatures and the elders. 5:11-12

  5. The song of all creation. 5:13

  6. The saying of the great multitude. 7:9-10

  7. The saying of the angels. 7:11-12

  8. The sayings of the great voices. 11:15

  9. The sayings of the 24 elders. 11:16-18

  10. The song of the 144.000. 14:2-3

  11. The song of the tribulation saints - The song of Moses and the lamb. 15:3-4

  12. The saying of the angel. 16:5-6

  13. The saying of the other angel. 16:7

  14. The saying of the great multitude. 19:1-3

  15. The saying of the 24 elders and the living creatures. 19:4

  16. The saying of the great multitude. 19:6 VI. There are 7 doxologies and praises in heaven in the book of Revelation. 4:8-11; 5:8-13; 7:9-12; 11:16-18; 14:2,3; 15:2-4; 19:1-6 VII. The 2 first praises is directed the Father, 4:8; 11 and the 2 next praises are directed to the Son, 5:9-10, 12 and the last is directed to them both. 5:13 The Singers. 1:9-10 The Song. 1:11 V.9 c) The Declaration of the living creatures - Concert

The living creatures’ praise causes a response of the elders.

V.10 d) The Devotion of the elders - Crowns Cast

The 24 elders fall down in worship and cast in an unworthy manner their crowns down before the throne.

I. It is before God’ s throne that they got their rewards (Crowns) and it is at God’ s throne that they lay them down again.

II. The plurality of crowns speaks of at least the 5 crowns in Scripture:

  1. Incorruptible crown. 1.Cor.9:24-25 A crown for those who run the race and complete the task of God for their lives. 2.Tim.4:7

  2. Crown of righteousness. 2.Tim.4:8 A crown given to those who longed for Christ’ s appearing; those who longed for righteousness and only sees Jesus as the fulfiller of that righteousness. Matt.5:6

  3. Crown of life. James 1:12; Rev.2:10 A crown for everyone who enters heaven and remained faithful until they died.

  4. Crown of glory. 1.Pet.5:4 A crown given to them that were living examples for the Church of God.

  5. Crown of rejoicing. 1.Thess.2:19 A crown given to them that builds up the saints and caused them to run the race.

III. All things man have is from God, whether energy, money, wisdom, strength, gifts, calling and even our life, all these were given by grace, man just allowed it to grow by God’ s helping grace. Rom.12:6-8; 1.Cor.2:6-16; 12:4-11; 15:10; 2.Cor.9:8-10; Eph.4:7-13; Phil.1:6; 2:13 IV. Everything we have is lent by God, He owns all things. If we borrow some money from a friend, should we expect a reward for giving the money back to the friend? - Man deserves no reward. V. How does God reward man?

A. God reward undeservingly His children and servants, all the crowns and rewards of God to man is grace.

B. God rewards us for allowing Him to work through our life, not according to how much we did for Him, but how much we allowed Him to do through us.

C. It’ s not the Method or Measure He rewards us for but His Movement through us.

D. It’ s not the Weight of the Work but the Will of allowing His Way through us that causes Him to reward man.

E. The only thing man deserves are eternal hell-fire, God’ s Grace and Goodness give everything else, man deserves no rewards from Him.

F. By grace we are saved, by grace we are rewarded and by grace we continue in faith.

V.11 e) The Declaration of the elders - Creator

I. The elders knows they are unworthy for the crowns and that they where given by grace, therefore they declare Him to be the worthy One, Christ is the Cause of the Crowns of man.

II. God is the Creator and created all things, He alone is the reason of their existence, not the Big Bang but the Great God.

‹ Chapter 3 Revelation — All Chapters Chapter 5 ›

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