Revelation #9: Revelation Chapter 4 – Before the Throne

Revelation #9: Revelation Chapter 4 – Before the Throne

Revelation 4: A Vision of God’s Throne

Verses 1-3: The Invitation and the Vision of the Throne

“After this, I looked, and behold, a door was opened in heaven. The first voice I heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, ‘Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.’ Immediately, I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne. He who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald.”

John is granted a vision into heaven itself. The setting is not merely the atmosphere around the earth but the very dwelling of God – the “third heaven.” The voice, as noted in Revelation 1:10, is that of Jesus Christ, calling John to witness events beyond his present time.

Verses 4-6a: The Twenty-Four Elders and the Sea of Glass

“Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings, and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God. And before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal.”

The identity of the twenty-four elders is debated, but many believe they symbolize the Church, redeemed by Christ. They wear crowns – rewards promised to the faithful – and are clothed in white, representing purity. The flashes of lightning and peals of thunder signify the authority of God and foreshadow the coming judgments. The seven torches represent the fullness of the Holy Spirit, while the sea of glass speaks to the serene majesty before God’s throne.

Verses 6b-8a: The Four Living Creatures

“In the midst of the throne and around the throne were four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: the first creature like a lion, the second like an ox, the third with the face of a man, and the fourth like an eagle in flight. And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within.”

These creatures are distinct from angels. Covered in eyes, they represent wisdom and awareness of all things. Their forms – a lion, an ox, a man, and an eagle – reflect different aspects of God’s creation and may symbolize Christ’s nature as presented in the Gospels: the lion (king) in Matthew, the ox (servant) in Mark, the man (humanity) in Luke, and the eagle (divinity) in John.

Verses 8b-11: Worship Before the Throne

“Day and night they never cease to say, ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!’ And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, ‘Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.’”

The four creatures and twenty-four elders show an unceasing devotion to God. The creatures proclaim God’s holiness, while the elders cast down their crowns in a gesture of total reverence. They affirm that God alone is the Creator, upholding the universe by His will.

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Significance of the Throne Room Vision

The Central Throne

God’s throne is the center of all creation and authority. The Apostle Paul describes God as dwelling in “unapproachable light” (1 Timothy 6:16). The heavenly throne room underlines His sovereignty and emphasizes that the ultimate authority of the universe is neither in earthly governments nor in human institutions but in the divine realm.

Surrounding Thrones: The Role of the Elders

The twenty-four elders surrounding the throne likely represent the Church, attired in white garments to indicate their purity. These elders are granted crowns, denoting their reward in Christ. Their presence reminds us that believers are called to be a part of God’s kingdom.

The Sea of Glass

The sea of glass could represent calm and tranquility – an image of God’s unassailable peace, which surpasses human understanding. It mirrors the glorious colors of the throne, a reminder of the perfection and peace found only in God.

The Living Creatures: Proclamations of God’s Holiness

The creatures, symbolizing the cherubim and seraphim found in Ezekiel’s and Isaiah’s visions, constantly worship God. They proclaim His threefold holiness, reflecting the nature of God as infinitely holy, almighty, and eternal.

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The Divine Worship in Heaven

The worship that unfolds in Revelation 4 teaches a profound lesson on true reverence. It is an image of the creatures and elders ceaselessly worshiping God, each acknowledging His holiness, omnipotence, and eternal nature. The creatures declare His holiness, and the elders recognize Him as Creator. This worship contrasts with earthly focuses, reminding us that the ultimate purpose of creation is to glorify its Creator.

The elders also remind us that every believer has a role to play in acknowledging and worshiping God, not just for what He has done but for who He is. Such worship calls for a recognition of His authority over all creation. The passage thus serves as an invitation to reflect on our own devotion, inspiring believers to worship God with their whole being.

Conclusion: Eternal Praise

John’s vision reminds us that we are created to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. As David writes, “In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11). May we seek to live with this heavenly vision in our hearts, dedicating each day to the worship of the One who sits on the throne, both now and for eternity.

-sermon series by Pastor Michel Bohrer