IN THE THRONE ROOM - Revelation 4:1-11

 

In the Throne Room

Revelation 4:1-11

 

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” (4:1).

After these things – Marks the beginning of a new vision, and follows immediately after John’s vision of the risen, glorified Christ (Revelation 1:9-20) and the letters to the 7 churches (Revelation 2:1-3:22). The scene shifts from matters concerning the church on earth to a dramatic scene in heaven. The church is nowhere mentioned in chapters 4-19. The church will be raptured before the time of Tribulation.

A door standing open in heaven – This door admitted John into the third heaven, into the very throne room of God. The Bible records 2 accounts of people who were taken there in visions:                                                                                               1. In 2 Corinthians 12:1-5, Paul wrote of being transported to the third heaven. 2. In this chapter John also writes of being transported to heaven. Christ ascended to heaven after His resurrection where He has been seated at the right hand of God (John 14:2-3; Acts 1:9-11). The Bible refers to heaven more than 500 times.

Come up here – John was transported spiritually into the reality of heaven. This command is a reference to the rapture of the church. The invitation accompanying the trumpet was to come up. John had become, to all intents and purposes, one of those who would be alive when the Lord returns. In Matthew 17:1-9, the transfiguration scene is a type of the Second Coming of Christ; Moses being a type of the “Resurrected saints” and Elijah of the “Translated saints.”

 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne (4:2).

I was in the Spirit –This phrase occurs 4 times in Revelation, this being the second occurrence (1:10; 4:2; 17:3; 21:10). John was supernaturally transported out of the material world, while awake. The Holy Spirit empowered his senses to perceive revelation from God.

A throne set in heaven – A symbol of God’s sovereign rule and authority (Psalm 11:4; 103:19; Isaiah 66:1) located in the temple in heaven (Revelation 7:15; 11:19; 14:15, 17). The word “throne” occurs 13 times in this chapter; 11 times referring to God’s throne. The use of the term “temple” symbolizes God’s presence (Revelation 21:22). The throne is said to be “set (standing)” because God’s sovereign rule is fixed, permanent, and unshakeable. He is in unchanging and complete control of the universe (Isaiah 6:1-3).

One sat on the throne – In the book of Hebrews, Christ’s posture is depicted as sitting, or resting, because the work of redemption had been accomplished (Hebrews 1:3; 10:12; 12:2). Here, the Creator of the Universe is pictured sitting on His throne which speaks of reigning because judgment is about to take place (Isaiah 6:5; Ezekiel 1:28; Daniel 7:15).

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 (4:3).

 

A jasper and a sardius stone – Revelation 21:11 describe jasper as “crystal-clear,” so it is best to identify this stone as a diamond, brilliantly flashing and refracting all the colors of the spectrum of the glory of God. The sardius stone is a fiery blood-red ruby. This also expresses the shining beauty of God’s glory; and symbolizes God’s blazing wrath about to be poured out on the sinful rebellious world (Chapters 6-19). The sardius and the jasper were the first and last stones on the high priest’s breastplate (Exodus 28:17-20), representing the firstborn (Reuben) and the lastborn (Benjamin) of the 12 sons of Jacob. These stones depict God’s covenant relationship with Israel. The names of Reuben (“behold a son”) and Benjamin (“son of my right hand”) picture God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, sitting at His Father’s right-hand in glory.

Rainbow around the throne – This rainbow was “in appearance like an emerald,” revealing green to be the dominant color and encircled the throne. The emerald was the stone of Judah, whose name means “praise. This again reveals the magnificence of the glory of God. In Genesis 9:13-17, a rainbow symbolizes God’s covenant, faithfulness, mercy, and grace. The rainbow that Ezekiel and John saw around the throne was circular.

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. (4:4)

24 thrones and 24 elders – It is best to view them as human representatives of the church:

1. The reference to the 24 thrones (θρόνος thrónos, Gk) on which the 24 elders sat indicates that they reign with Christ. The church is repeatedly promised a co-regency with Christ (Revelation 2:26-27; 3:21; 5:10; 20:4; Matthew 19:28; Luke 22:30; 1 Corinthians 6:2-3; 2 Timothy 2:12).

2.  The word for elders (πρεσβύτερος presbúteros, Gk), is always used in Scripture as referring to men; older men in general, and the rulers of both Israel and the church (Isaiah 24:23).

3. While angels do appear in white (John 20:12; Acts 1:10), white garments more commonly are the dress of believers. It symbolizes Christ’s righteousness imputed to believers at salvation (Revelation 3:5, 18; 19:8).

4. The crowns of gold on their heads provide further evidence that they were humans. The victor’s crown (στέφανος stéphanos, Gk), is worn by those who successfully endured the trial; those who completed and won the victory. Christ promised a crown such as this to the loyal believers at Smyrna (Revelation 2:10; 1 Corinthians 9:25; 2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4).

5. The number 24 is used in Scripture to speak of completion and representation (1 Chronicles 24:4-5, 7-18). In the book of Genesis there are 24 Patriarchs listed in the line of the promised seed: Adam, Seth, Enosh, Cainan, Mahalalel, Jared, Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, Noah, Shem, Arphaxad, Salah, Eber, Peleg, Reu, Serug, Nahor, Terah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, and Perez (Genesis 5:1-32; 11:10-26; 21:3; 35:23-26; 38:27-30; 46:12) These men are a picture of the “elders” of God’s elect, His church, the Body of Christ.

6. While individual Jews have been and will continue to be redeemed throughout history, at the time of this vision the nation as a whole had not yet been redeemed. Tribulation saints had also not yet been converted.

7. The elders are also seen in heaven when other momentous events of the Tribulation take place. In all their appearances in Revelation they appear as a unified group of 24, never as two groups of 12.

8. This leaves only one other acceptable possibility, that they represent the raptured and glorified church, which sings the song of redemption (Revelation 5:8-10). They have their crowns and live in the place prepared for them, where they have gone to be with Jesus (John 14:1-4).

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 (4:5).

 

Lightnings, thunderings, and voices – They are associated with God’s presence in Exodus 19:16 and Ezekiel 1:13, and with God’s judgment during the Tribulation. John saw a preview of the divine wrath that was about to burst forth on the sinful world.

7 lamps and 7 spirits – Unlike the lampstands mentioned in Revelation 1:12-13, these were outdoor torches, giving off the fierce blazing light of a fiery torch. These are the 7 Spirits of God, describing the Holy Spirit in all His fullness. The sevenfold representation of the Holy Spirit in Isaiah 11:2 speaks of deity (LORD), wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge, fear (reverence), and; in Zechariah 4:1-10 of power; in Revelation 1:4 of grace and peace; and here of fiery judgment. Torches are associated with war in Judges 7:16, 20 and Nahum 2:3-4. John’s vision depicts God as ready to make war on sinful, rebellious mankind and the Holy Spirit as His war torch.

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 (4:6).

 

Sea of glass – The Sea is metaphorical, since there is no sea in heaven (Revelation 21:1). What John saw at the base of the throne was a vast pavement of sapphire glass shining brilliantly like sparkling crystal (Exodus 24:10; Ezekiel 1:22, 26). It also represents pristine purity. It will also be the victory stand for martyrs in Revelation 15:2.

4 Living creatures – These creatures are said to be in the center and around the throne; their station is in the inner circle nearest the throne. Ezekiel 1:12, 17 suggest they are in constant motion about it. “Living creatures” combines two Greek words; the word “ζάω záō, Gk” and the word “ζῶον zṓon, Gk” - hence the phrase “Living Creatures.” Ezekiel’s description (Ezekiel 1:4-25) and that in Revelation 4 describe the impending judgment of Almighty God that is about to be unleashed upon the earth. Ezekiel 10:15 identifies these 4 living creatures as “cherubim,” an exalted order of angels associated with God’s holy power (1 Samuel 4:4; 2 Samuel 6:2, 22:11; Psalm 80:1; 99:1; Isaiah 37;16). In Isaiah 6:1-7, they are called “seraphim,” which means “fiery ones,” and are of the same order of the cherubim. They are also mentioned in Genesis 3:24; 1 Kings 6:23-28; Ezekiel 28:14, 16).

 These are the guardians of the throne of God and accompany it wherever it goes – Clarence Larkin.

Covered with eyes in front and in back – This symbolizes their awareness, alertness, and comprehensive knowledge. They are not omniscient, but nothing pertaining to their duties escapes their scrutiny.

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 (4:7)

 

These descriptions view the 4 cherubim in relation to the created world:

1. Like a lion – represents wild creatures and also strength, majesty, and omnipotence.

2. Like a calf – represents domestic animals and service, patience, and continuous labor.

3. Face like a man – represents the pinnacle of creation and reason, intelligence, and rational power.

4. Like a flying eagle – represents flying creatures and speed, sovereignty, and supremacy.

The 12 tribes of Israel camped under 4 banners:

1. Ruben – symbolized by a man.

2. Dan – symbolized by an eagle.

3. Ephraim – symbolized by a calf (ox).

4. Judah – symbolized by a lion.

The four Gospels:

1. Matthew – Lion of the tribe of Judah, the King.

2. Mark – Calf (ox), Servant of Jehovah, the Faithful One.

3. Luke – As man, He is the human Jesus.

4. John – Eagle represents Him as the divine Son of God.

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!” (4:8)

 

6 wings – The 6 wings denote that their supreme responsibility and privilege is to constantly worship God. Four of their 6 wings related to worship. With 2 they covered their faces, since even the most exalted created beings cannot look on the unveiled glory of God without being consumed. They used 2 wings to cover their feet, since they stood on holy ground. Worship is their privilege, calling, and permanent occupation. In Isaiah 6:1-7, they are called “seraphim,” which means “fiery ones,” and are of the same order of the cherubim.

Full of eyes around and within - This symbolizes their awareness, alertness, and comprehensive knowledge. They are not omniscient, but nothing pertaining to their duties escapes their scrutiny.

This scene in heaven culminates in worship directed toward God on His throne. In this passage and in chapter 5 there are 5 great hymns of praise. They begin in verse 8 with a quartet-the 4 living creatures. In verse 10, the 24 elders join in, and in 5:8, harps are added to the vocal praise. The rest of the angels add their voices in 5:11, and in 5:13 all created beings in the universe join in the mighty chorus of praise to God.

Holy, holy, holy – The three-fold repetition of holy is also found in Isaiah 6:3. Holiness is the only one of God’s attributes so repeated. It is the summation of all that He is. God’s holiness is his utter and complete separation from evil in any and every form. He is absolutely untainted by an evil, error, or wrongdoing. On this occasion, the praise is for God’s holiness specifically exhibited through judgment. It also refers to the past, present, and future work of the triune God. He is perfectly holy in His work of creation, redemption, and consummation.

Lord God Almighty – The term “Almighty” identifies God as the strongest, most powerful being, who’s conquering power, and overpowering strength none can oppose. Because God is Almighty, He can do whatever His holy will purposes to do (Isaiah 40:28). Job declares that He is strong in Job 9:19. God’s power is seen in creation (Psalm 33:9). The phrase “He is able” expresses God’s power toward His redeemed children (Ephesians 3:20; 2 Corinthians 9:8; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 2:18; 7:25). God will judge those human rulers who foolishly think they can stand against Him (Psalm 2:2-6; Isaiah 13:6; Joel 1:15).

Who was and is and is to come – God’s eternal presence is not limited by time. He is presently happening, ever existing (Exodus 3:14: Hebrews 13:8).             

Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever (4:9).

Glory, honor, and thanks – The term “honor” is a word meaning “value.” The worthiness of God to receive such praise is related to His Sovereign right to rule as the One who sits upon the throne. The person who finds in the Scriptures the revelation of our great God, and who bows before Him now in this day of grace, is wise!

Who lives forever and ever – Scripture repeatedly affirms God’s eternity. He transcends time, and has no beginning and ending (Psalm 90:2; 93:2; 102:24-27; Isaiah 57:15; Micah 5;2; Habakkuk 1:12; 1 Timothy 1:17; 6:15-16).  To know that God is eternal provides comfort for His children. God’s eternity guarantees that our eternal life in heaven will never cease (2 Corinthians 4:17).

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 (4:10).

24 elders fall down before Him….cast their crowns before the throne – This is the first of 6 times that the elders prostrate themselves before God (Revelation 4:10; 5:8, 14; 7:11; 11:16; 19:4). This posture is one of reverential worship to the majestic, holy, awe-inspiring glory of God. They are not preoccupied with their own excellence, or concerned about their own holiness, honor, or reward. All those things pale into insignificance and become meaningless in light of the glory of God.

“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.” (4:11).

You are worthy O Lord to receive glory, honor, and power – The word worthy (ἄξιος áxios, Gk.) was used of the Roman emperor when he marched in a triumphal procession. The focus of the elders’ song is on God’s glory manifested in creation. He is presented as Creator throughout Scripture (Revelation 10:6; Genesis 1:1; Exodus 20:11; Isaiah 40:26, 28; Jeremiah 10:10-12; 32:17; Colossians 1:16). They are acknowledging that God has the right to redeem and to judge His creation. Their song anticipates paradise lost becoming paradise regained (Romans 8:19-22).

This first movement of the oratorio of praise pictures God about to judge Satan, demons, and sinners, and take back His creation – John MacArthur.

 

 

©2013 Kenute P. Curry. All rights reserved.