Revelation

Chapter

Four

Heaven - the abode of God and the angelic beings

Paradise—The place of blessedness

II Corinthians 12:2-3

Luke 23:42-43

Revelation 2:7

The language of Revelation 4 is very “symbolic” and

“metaphorical”. The one who sat on the throne is

described as having the appearance of Jasper and

Carnelian.

Throne— symbolizes absolute sovereignty

Daniel 7:9

I Kings 22:19

Scripture teaches that God is sovereign

Psalm 135:6

Ephesians 1:11

Revelation 11:15

Jasper—crystal clear

God’s nature is s pure as crystal = no sin at all

Radiant

Light

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Chapter Four (4)

Sermon Notes and significant thoughts

and ideas from the sermons on this chapter

Chapter Four (4)

I Timothy 6:16

“Who dwells in unapproachable light.”

Baptist Confession of 1689

“God is a most pure spirit, invisible, without body, parts or passion . . . .”

John 4:24

“God is spirit, and those who worship

him must worship in spirit and in

truth.”

Colossians 1:15

“He is the image of the invisible God.”

Carnelian—fiery red = judgment

God is a consuming fire

Hebrews 12:29

“Our God is a consuming fire.”

Thunders / Lightnings / Thick Cloud

Trumpet Blast

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Spirit is the opposite of

physical & visible

Mt. Sinai

Chapter Four (4)

Exodus 19:18 = God descended on the mountain

in fire.

Judgment is Coming

Hebrews 9:27

Rainbow—Emerald Green = “Mercy”

The 24 Elders - They are angelic beings who rule

and lead in heavenly praise to God. They represent the future raptured, resurrected and rewarded

saints.

24 Elders

12 Patriarchs—Old Testament

12 Apostles—New Testament

They represent both Old and New Testament Saints

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“It is appointed unto men to die once

then comes the judgment.”

Rainbow

God’s Mercy & Promise

All sinners who embrace Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior

are forgiven of their sins.

Chapter Four (4)

1. White garments—Christ’s righteousness

2. Golden crowns—rewards

3. Casting them to the throne—an act of praise

& thanksgiving

4. Seated on thrones—ruling with Christ

5. Worshiping—our response to salvation

7 torches of fire which are the 7 spirit’s of God =

The fullness and blessing of the Holy Spirit.

The Counselor, Teacher, Guide, Sustainer, Comforter, etc.

In Creation—Perfector

In Salvation—Regeneration

In Sanctification—sets us apart

In Prayer—prays within us

Sea of Glass—the majesty of God’s divine presence as

well as his purity and holiness.

Four Living Creatures—they are angelic beings that

represent 4 dimensions of God’s creation.

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3rd Person of the

Blessed Trinity

Chapter Four (4) Lion—Wild beast of the earth

Ox—Domesticated animals

Man—Human beings

Eagle—Flying animals

They also represent praise and adoration of God for

his complete creation.

The 24 elders, the four living creatures worship God for his

sovereign power in creating the Universe.

Revelation 4:11

1. Worship is the highest priority of our lives—John 4:23-24.

2. Worship is only received when done from our hearts -

Mark 7:1-8.

3. Worship that is God-honoring is empowered by the Holy

Spirit—Philippians 3:3.

4. Worship is the deepest privilege of every believer—Psalm 150.

5. Worship is given to the Triune God the Father, Son and

Holy Spirit throughout eternity—Revelation 21-22.

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“Worthy are you, our Lord and God to

receive glory and honor and power,

for you created all things, and by you

will they exist and were created.”

Personal Application

SERMON OUTLINE

Heaven – the abode of God and angelic beings.

Revelation 4:1-11

*When we get a look into heaven we see . . .

1. One seated on the throne with the appearance of

Jasper and Carnelian surrounded by a rainbow.

2. Twenty four (24) elders clothed in white garments

with golden crowns on their heads.

3. Seven (7) burning torches of fire representing the

seven (7) spirits of God and a sea of glass like

crystal before the throne.

4. Four (4) living creatures full of eyes that were like

a lion, an ox, the face of a man and an eagle in

flight.

5. A chorus of worship and praise to a sovereign God

who created the universe.

INTRODUCTION

II Corinthians 12:2-3; Luke 23:42-43; Revelation 2:7

Point 1 Revelation 4:2-3; John 4:24; Colossians 1:15;

I Timothy 6:15; Daniel 7:9; I Kings 22:19;

Psalm 135:6; Ephesians 1:11; Revelation 11:15;

Hebrews 12:29; Hebrews 9:27; Exodus 19:18;

Revelation 20:11

Point 2 Revelation 4:4; 5:9; 14:3

Point 3 Revelation 4:5-6; 19:16; Exodus 24:10;

Revelation 15:2-3

Point 4 Revelation 4:6-8; Isaiah 6; Ezekiel 10

Point 5 Revelation 4:9-11; Psalm 90:4; Genesis 1:1;

Psalm 105:6; John 4:23-24; Mark 7:

Philippians 3:3; Psalm 150; Revelation 21, 22

Scriptures used throughout

this Sermon

Revelation 4:1-11

Revelation

Chapter

Five

Lamb—the symbol used throughout Scripture for a

sacrifice to God. Genesis 22:7-8; Exodus 12:3; Isaiah 53:7; John 1:29;

I Corinthians 5:7; I Peter 1:18-19; Revelation 5:6,8,12,13.

Jesus is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah—Genesis 49:9-10 Lion = Fierceness and Strength

It points to the one who will rule as King

There are “456” Messianic Prophecies in the Old

Testament.

Jesus is the Root of David—Isaiah 11:1-10; II Samuel 7;

II Timothy 2:8

David

Solomon Nathan

Joseph Mary

Matthew 1:1-16 Luke 3:23-38

Jesus was raised from the dead and established his

Kingdom—Acts 2:34; I Corinthians 15:25-26.

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Chapter Five (5)

Sermon Notes and significant thoughts and

ideas from the sermons on this chapter

Chapter Five (5)

Jesus was slain but was standing

Slain—Violent Death

(1) He is our sacrifice—Ephesians 5:2

(2) He is our substitute—Isaiah 53:7

(3) He is our satisfaction—I John 4:10; Romans 3:25

His standing represents his resurrection from the dead

Jesus has seven (7) horns and seven (7) eyes which

are the seven (7) spirits of God. 7 Horns— Symbol of power and strength – Matthew 28:18

7 Eyes—Symbol of complete vision—Zechariah 4:10

7 Spirits—Symbol of the Holy Spirit—Galatians 4:6

A scroll written within and on the back, sealed with

7 seals.

The scroll contains the prophecies of the end times events

including the salvation of God’s people and the judgment

of the wicked.

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Chapter Five (5)

1. The finality of history.

2. The overthrow of evil.

3. The gathering of the saved.

4. The rule of Christ forever.

The 7 seals move us from the 1st Century to the Second

Coming of Christ and the end of history.

A.D. 30 2nd Coming

of Christ

The Death of Christ . . .

(1) Redeemed sinners from all over the earth.

(2) Made the redeemed a kingdom of Priest to God.

(3) And promised that they will reign upon the earth.

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 = Seals

All of the 24 elders, the four living beast, millions

and millions of angels and all the redeemed will

worship the Lamb throughout eternity.

Chapter Five (5)

1. Jesus Christ is the Lord and Savior of all who receive

him for forgiveness—John 1:29

2. Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah of the Old

Testament—Matthew 16:16

3. Jesus Christ is the sovereign Lord over all history -

Revelation 5

4. Jesus Christ will bring history to an end and judge

the lost and bring full salvation to the saved -

Revelation 6-22

5. Jesus Christ is worthy of worship will all of our

hearts now and for eternity—Revelation 5

-4-

Personal Application

SERMON OUTLINE

Lamb of God – the title that John the Baptist used for

Jesus in the Gospel of John 1:29,36 –

“Behold the Lamb of God, who takes

away the sin of the world.”

Revelation 5:1-14

*The apostle John sees the glorious picture of the Lamb who is . . .

1. The Lion of the tribe of Judah and the root of David.

2. The one slain with 7 horns and 7 eyes which are the

7 spirits of God.

3. The only one who can open the 7 seals of the scroll.

4. The one who redeems us from every tribe, language,

people and nation and makes us a kingdom of priests

who shall reign upon the earth.

5. The only one who can receive power, wealth, wisdom,

might, honor, glory and blessing from the worshipers

in heaven.

INTRODUCTION

John 1:29; Genesis 22:7-8; Exodus 12:3; Isaiah 53:7;

I Corinthians 5:7; I Peter 1:18-19; Revelation 5

Point 1 Revelation 5:1-5; 49:9-10; 19:16; Isaiah 11:1-10;

I Peter 3:13; II Samuel 7:12; II Timothy 2:8;

Acts 2:34; I Corinthians 15:25-26; Romans 16:20

Point 2 Revelation 5:6; Isaiah 53:7; Ephesians 5:2;

Mark 10:45; I John 4:10; Romans 3:25; I Peter

1:18-19; Matthew 28:18; Zechariah 4:10;

Galatians 4:6

Point 3 Revelation 5:1-5; Ezekiel 2:9-10; Revelation

7:1-22:21

Point 4 Revelation 5:7-10; Colossians 1:13-14;

Mark 10:45; Ephesians 1:7; Revelation 5:10;

Romans 11:33-36

Point 5 Revelation 5:11-14; Psalm 95:1-3; John 1:29;

Matthew 16:16; Revelation 6-19

Scriptures used throughout

this Sermon

Revelation 5:1-14

Revelation

Chapter

Six

Scroll—a book sealed along the outside with seven (7)

seals.

The Scroll contains two (2) things in particular . . .

(1) The establishment of the Kingdom of God and

the gathering of his saints for eternity.

(2) The judgment of God upon the evil demonic

powers which have oppressed his people -

God’s wrath against evil will be poured out

upon the world.

1st 2nd

Century Coming of

Christ

End of History

1. White Horse — Militarism

2. Red Horse — War

3. Black Horse—Famine

4. Pale Horse—Death

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Chapter Six (6)

Sermon Notes and significant thoughts and

ideas from the sermon notes on this chapter

The Four Horsemen

Chapter Six (6)

The souls under the altar who had been slain for the

Word of God and their witness. Under the Altar—saints pictured as those

sacrificed for Christ.

Matthew 24:9

“You will be hated by all nations for my

Name’s sake.” Their prayer is a prayer of vindication.

(1) White robes—symbol of blessedness and rest

(2) Rest a little longer—until the consummation

of all things at Christ’s return. (3) Until the number of their fellow servants

and brothers should be complete—the end

is not immediate and more martyred Christians

will follow.

The end of persecution and killing is not finished.

The 5 seals takes us across 2,000 years of Christian

History

Militarism War Famine Death Martyrdom 1st Century 2013

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1 2 3 4 5

Chapter Six (6)

God’s wrath will be poured out upon the nations at

the end of history.

Revelation 6:12-17

This is a day of both . . .

Salvation

Judgment

Matthew 24:9—Acts 2:20-21—Revelation 6:12-17

II Thessalonians 1:5-12—II Thessalonians 2:3-12

The wrath of God fulfills the Old Testament prophecies

of the day of the Lord.

1. Joel 2:31

2. Joel 3:15

3. Isaiah 13:10-11

4. Isaiah 34:4

5. Jeremiah 4:23-28

6. Isaiah 2:19

7. Matthew 24:29-31

8. Acts 2:20-21

9. Revelation 6:12-17

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“For the great day of their wrath has

come, and who can stand.”

Chapter Six (6)

Dr. George Ladd Writes . . .

-4-

The breaking of each of the seals does not witness the

opening of part of the book, chapter by chapter as it were;

all of the seals are preliminary to opening the book. The

sixth seal brings us to the threshold of the opening of the

book and the great events of the end. The breaking of the

seventh seal makes is possible for the book to be

opened and its contents disclosed. The book contains the

prophecies of the end of the world; but the end is not a

single event but consists of a whole complex of events. It

includes the outpouring of God’s wrath upon a rebellious

civilization, the judgment of the Antichrist and the

destruction of his hosts, as well as the resurrection of the

dead and the establishment of the Kingdom of God. So we

may conclude that the sixth seal brings us to the threshold

of the end; and then John stands back, as it were, to tell

the story of the end in greater detail. The breaking of the

seventh seal opens the book and begins the story of the

events of the end time; this is the substance of the

remainder of the Revelation.

-5-

1. For 2,000 years and until Christ returns we will

experience -

Militarism

War

Famine

Death

Martyrdom

4 horses and the 5th seal of Revelation

2. These 5 seals will only increase and intensify at

the end of history before Christ’s Second Coming.

3. Those who are put to death for Christ go immediately

into his presence in heaven.

4. The day of God’s wrath and vengeance upon the

wicked is ultimately and absolutely coming.

Revelation 6:17

“For the great day of their wrath has

come, and who can stand.”

5. Jesus Christ is the sovereign Lord of history who is

in absolute control of the scroll and the seven (7)

seals that open the scroll.

Revelation 6:1

“Now I watched when the Lamb opened

one of the seven seals . . . .”

Personal Application

SERMON OUTLINE

Scroll – A book sealed along the outside edge

with seven (7) seals.

Revelation 6:1-17

*The Lamb opens the seals that bring disasters on the earth . . .

1. The 1st seal represents militarism.

2. The 2nd seal represents war.

3. The 3rd seal represents famine.

4. The 4th seal represents death.

5. The 5th seal represents martyrdom.

6. The 6th seal represents the wrath of God coming

upon the earth.

7. The wrath of God fulfills the Old Testament prophecies

concerning the day of the Lord.

INTRODUCTION

Psalm 138:16; Daniel 8:26; Zechariah 6:1-8

Point 1 Revelation 6:1-2; II Thessalonians 2

Point 2 Revelation 6:3-4; Revelation 16:12-16; 19:16;

Matthew 24:7

Point 3 Revelation 6:5-6; Matthew 24:7

Point 4 Revelation 6:7-8; Matthew 24:9

Point 5 Revelation 6:9-11; II Timothy 4:6; Matthew 24:9;

Matthew 24:14; Luke 18:7; Romans 12:19

Point 6 Revelation 6:12-17; Romans 11:15; 26-27;

II Thessalonians 2:3-12; 6:12-17;

II Thessalonians 1:5-12; Revelation 19:1-21

Point 7 Revelation 6:12-17; Joel 2:31; 3:15; Isaiah

13:10-11; 34:4; Jeremiah 4:23-28; Isaiah 2:19;

Matthew 24:29-31

Scriptures used throughout

this Sermon

Revelation 6:1-17

Revelation

Chapter

Seven

Chapter Seven (7)

The seal of God also implies ownership.

The 7th seal of God brings the 7 trumpets of God’s wrath.

The 4 angels hold back the 4 winds of destruction until

God’s people are sealed.

The 144,000 represent symbolically all the saved upon the

earth prior to God’s wrath being poured out upon the earth.

144,000 = Both Jew/Gentile

The Body of Christ

The following seven (7) reasons are given for the 144,000

being all of the saved (Jew/Gentile).

1. The number 144,000 is a symbolic number of

completeness.

12 X 12 X 1,000 = 144,000

The whole book of Revelation is filled with symbolic

numbers. Even the new dimensions of the New Jerusalem is

given with 12,000 and 144.

Revelation 21:16-17

Dr. Robert Mounce writes:

“The number is obviously symbolic. Twelve (the

number of the tribes) is both squared and multiplied

by one thousand—a twofold way of emphasizing

completeness.”

-2-

Perspective—A proper evaluation with

proportional importance

given to component parts.

Revelation 7 is an interlude between the 6th and the

7th seal

6th 7th

Seal Seal

The sealing of the 144,000 answers the question of

Revelation 6:17. “For the great day of their wrath has come and who can stand?”

The 144,000 are sealed to protect them from God’s

wrath.

Seal of God—the seal of protection from God’s wrath

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Chapter Seven (7)

Sermon Notes and significant thoughts

and ideas from the sermon on this chapter

The sealing of the

144,000

The Great Multitude

Ezekiel 9

An X was placed on all the foreheads

of those who were deeply grieved

over Israel’s sin. It protected them

from God’s judgment.

Chapter Seven (7)

2. The list of the 12 Tribes that John gives does

“NOT” agree with the 12 Tribes listed in Genesis

49 and Ezekiel 48.

Revelation 7 Genesis 49 Ezekiel 48

Judah Reuben Dan

Reuben Simeon Asher

Gad Levi Naphtali

Asher Judah Manasseh

Naphtali Zebulun Ephraim

Manasseh Issachar Reuben

Simeon Dan Judah

Levi Gad Benjamin

Issachar Asher Simeon

Zebulun Naphtali Issachar

Joseph Joseph Zebulun

Benjamin Benjamin Gad

George Ladd writes:

-3-

“No satisfactory explanation of this irregular list

of names has been offered, unless it be this:

John intends to say that the 12 Tribes of Israel

are not literal Israel, but true, spiritual Israel—

the church.”

Chapter Seven (7)

3. The church is called the Israel of God.

Romans 9:6

Galatians 6:16

“. . . upon the Israel of God.”

Galatians 3:29

4. The 10 Tribes of Israel in 722 B.C. disappeared

after Assyria conquered them and took them

into captivity.

5. The 144,000 are seen in Revelation 14:1-5 and

the number is clearly symbolic of all believers.

6. The Tribe of Judah is listed first.

Jesus the Savior is from the Tribe of Judah—he is

Normally listed 4th but he is listed first to signal the

New Covenant and the church is the Israel of God.

-4-

“Not all who descended from Israel

(ethnic Jews) belong to Israel

(spiritual Jews).”

“And if you are Christ’s then you are

Abraham’s offspring, heirs according

to the promise.”

Revelation 7:5

“12,000 from the Tribe of Judah were

sealed.”

Chapter Seven (7)

7. We are at the end of history with God’s wrath

being poured out on the world and Revelation

9:4 clearly teaches only those with the seal

of God on the foreheads are protected.

If this seal is not placed upon all believers

then some of the saved will experience God’s

wrath. But Scripture is clear that this can

not happen.

Romans 5:9; I Thessalonians 1:9-10

Examples: Noah and the flood

Lot and Sodom/Gomorrah

Israel and the 10 plaques

Israel and the Red Sea

The great multitude represent the 144,000 who are

saved by Christ’s blood but are now seen in Heaven.

(1). They are a great multitude that no one can number -

every nation, tribe, people and language.

(2). God’s promise to Abraham was that his descendants

(spiritual believers) would be as numerous as the

stars in the sky, sand on the seashore and the dust

of the earth (Genesis 15:5; 22:17; 28:14).

-5-

The Bible clearly teaches that God will protect

His people from his wrath.

Chapter Seven (7)

(3). They were before the throne of God = Heaven

(4). They were clothed in white robes with palm branches

in their hands. This pictures victory, celebration and

worship.

(5). They were crying out that salvation belongs to God -

God alone saves sinners.

(6). Their robes were washed and made white in the

blood of the Lamb.

Hebrews 9:22

“Without the shedding of blood there is

no forgiveness.”

(7). The great multitude in heaven.

Serve God day and night.

Are sheltered by God’s presence.

Never hunger nor thirst again.

The sun will not strike them or the scorching heat.

The Lamb will be their Shepherd.

He will guide them to springs of living water.

God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

-6-

1. Every Christian can have perfect peace that God’s

wrath will never strike them.

2. God will shield, protect and seal believers from his

wrath now and at the end of history.

3. All the redeemed can celebrate their salvation that

has been accomplished through the shed blood of

the Lord Jesus Christ.

4. Every believer in Jesus Christ can have absolute

confidence that God will bring us through whatever

tribulation in life we face.

5. Every believer can know for certain that our ultimate

destination is heaven where we will live in complete

bliss and joy forever and ever.

-7-

Personal Application

SERMON OUTLINE

Perspective –A proper evaluation with proportional

importance given to the component parts.

Revelation 7:1-17

*John sees the same group of believers from two different

perspectives . . .

1. The 144,000 are sealed by an angel for protection

from God’s wrath that is coming upon the earth.

2. The 144,000 represent symbolically all the saved upon

the earth prior to God’s wrath being poured out upon

the earth.

3. The Bible clearly teaches that God will protect his

people from his wrath.

4. The great multitude represent all who have been saved

by the blood of Christ.

5. The great multitude represent the sealed 144,000 who

are now in heaven.

INTRODUCTION

Matthew 24:29; Acts 2:20

Point 1 Revelation 7:1-8; II Timothy 2:19; Revelation

8:1; 11:15; 16:17

Point 2 Revelation 7:1-4; Isaiah 11:12; Daniel 7:2;

Jeremiah 49:36; I Timothy 5:21; Genesis 49;

Ezekiel 48; Romans 2:28-29; Romans 9:6;

Galatians 6:16; Galatians 3:14; 29;

Philippians 3:3; Revelation 7:5; 9:4

Point 3 Romans 5:9; I Thessalonians 1:9-10; Revelation

6:16-17; Genesis 6-9; 19; Exodus 7-12; 12; 14

Point 4 Revelation 7:9-14; Genesis 15:5; 22:17; 28:14;

Isaiah 66:1; Matthew 21:1-11; Luke 19:10;

John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Revelation 7:14; Hebrews

9:22

Point 5 Revelation 7:15-17; Mark 10:45; Matthew 5:6;

John 6:35; Psalm 23:1; John 10; Psalm 5:8;

John 7:37-38; Revelation 21:4

Scriptures used throughout

this Sermon

Revelation 7:1-17