Revelation Chapter 4

The Reigning God

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!

Open Door 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

Romans 1:25

“Who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and

worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed

forever. Amen.”Such Honor Belongs

Only to God!