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REVELATION – LESSON 3

I. THE THRONE SCENE IN HEAVEN – GOD ON THRONE (Chapter 4)

A. Door opened in Heaven (v. 1-2a).

     1. John hears “voice as of trumpet speaking with him” – heard loud and  clear.

     2. Invitation: “Come up hither, and I will show thee the things which must come to pass hereafter.”

     3. Means of access: “in the Spirit” – under the Spirit’s control (cf. Ezekiel 3:12, 14, 8:3)

B. John see throne set in heaven with one (God) sitting upon it (v. 2b-3a).

    1. God’s glory like: (cf. Psm. 97:2-3, 89:14-15)

        a. looking upon the white clear as crystal JASPER stone (cf. 21:11)- God’s holiness and righteousness.

    2. looking upon the fiery red SARDIUS stone – God’s justice and judgments.

C. “A rainbow round about the throne” (v. 3b).

                1. Like looking upon the green color of an EMERALD – God’s judgments tempered with mercy (Gen. 9:13-17).

D. Twenty-four thrones round about the throne with twenty-four elders sitting upon them (v. 4).

    1. Elders “arrayed in white garments” – purity, not defiled.

    2. Elders wearing victorious “crowns of gold” upon their heads.

    3. The number of patriarchs over the twelve tribes of Israel, God’s Old Covenant people.  And the number of the                         Lord’s appointed apostles under the New Covenant.

E. Lightnings, voices and thunders proceed out of the throne (v. 5a) – a sign of God’s powerful presence, especially in                     judgment (cf. Exodus 19:16-19, Rev. 8:5, 11:19, 16:18, Psm. 18:13-14, 144:6).

F. Seven lamps (torches) of fire burning before the throne (v. 5b) – seven spirits of  God – perfect work of God’s Holy                    Spirit illuminating (cf. John 16:13, Rev. 13:1, 5:6)

G. A clear, crystal like sea of glass before the throne (v. 6a) – God’s transcendence; temporarily separated from people                   (cf. Rev. 21:1).

H. Four living creatures in midst and round about the throne (v. 6b-8).

    1. A special high order of heavenly beings -cherubim (cf. Ezekiel 1:5, 10, 18, 10:20).

        a. Each have six wings – (cf. Isa. 6:2- Seraphim).

                    b. Full of eyes before and behind – sees all

                    c. No rest day and night – constant vigil.

                2. Capable of serving God:

                    a. noble strength as a lion

                    b. enduring service as a calf (ox)

                    c. intelligence as a man

                    d. swiftness as an eagle

                3. Praises God for Holy, Almighty (power and provider) and eternal Character

 I. Song glorifying God as Creator (v. 9-11).

                1. Twenty-four elders join the four creatures’ praise unto God’s glory and honor saying God is worthy for such honor f                    for He willed and created all things.

                2. Elders cast their crowns in worship unto God.

II. THRONE SCENE IN HEAVEN – CHRIST THE VICTORIUS LAMB (Chapter 5)

 A. A book (scroll) in the right hand of God on the throne (v. 1)

                 1. Book filled with writing – full of information concerning future of God’s people (cf. Ezekiel 2:10).

                 2. Book is closed and sealed – seven seals – completely sealed.

 B. Proclamation of strong angel (v. 2-4).

                 1. “Who is worthy to open the book, and loose seals thereof?”

                 2. No one anywhere is able – has power- to open the book.

                 3. John weeps because he cannot know what purpose God has for His people.

 C. Comforting response of one of the elders (v. 5)

                 1. Reasons for John not weeping:

                     a. “The lion that is of the tribe of Judah (Gen. 49:9-10, Heb. 7:14)

                     b. The root of David (2 Sam. 7:11-14, Jer. 23:5-6, Acts 2:30)

                     c. “…hath overcome to open book and the seven seals thereof.”

            D. John sees slain lamb standing (v. 6-7)

                1. in the midst of the throne

                2. in the midst of four living creatures

                3. in midst of the elders

                4. As though slain (I Pet. 1:19, Jn. 1:29, Isa. 53:1-7)

                5. Has seven horns – complete power (cf. I Sam. 2:10)

                6. Has seven eyes – spirits of God – possesses complete knowledge

E. The twenty-four elders and four living creatures sing a new song – redemption         (v. 9-10).

    1. Each has a harp – represents praise or joy (cf. Psm. 137:2)

    2. Each has golden bowls of incense – prayers of the saints.

    3. New Song (New- KAINOS- new character) never such deliverance accomplished or experienced.

    4. Christ worthy of praise because:

        a. Redeemed people for God (Rom. 5:6-11)

        b. His sacrifice – his blood; was slain (I Pet. 1:18-19)

        c. Redemption unlimited in scope – “out of every tribe, tongue, people and nation.”

        d. The redeemed are made kings (kingdom) and priests who reign through Christ triumphant over sin and Satan (Rom. 5:17, I Pet. 2:9; Exodus 19:6).

F. Chorus in heaven give praise (v.11-14).

    1.  Chorus composed of:

         a. Four living creatures; twenty-four elders; myriads of angels (cf) Dan. 7:10); every created thing.

    2. Seven distinctive characteristics forming a unified whole showing the Lamb is worthy of praise:

         a. Power – right to rule

         b. Riches – abundance, wealth

         c. Wisdom – insight into the true nature of things

         d. Might – strength

         e. Honor – respect

         f. Glory – brightness and splendor

         g. Blessing – desiring well-being state

    3. The four living creatures sound forth confirming “Amen” – elders fall down to worship.

QUESTIONS:

1. What THREE factors allow John to see the heavenly throne scene?

2. What is the purpose for the vision?

3. How do the two stones JASPER and SARDIUS describe God on the throne?

4. What is the significance of the rainbow round about the throne?  

                                            

5. Who do the twenty-four elders represent?

6. What THREE facts are revealed concerning the twenty-four elders?

7. What proceeds out of the throne, and what affect should it have on you?

8. What do the lamps represent, and who has them?

9. What does the sea of glass represent? Is it permanent?

10. What are the similarities and differences between Ezekiel’s creatures and John’s?

11. John’s four living creatures were like:

12. What do the four living creatures do in this Book?

13. For what THREE characteristics of God do the creatures give God’s praise?

14. For what do the elders say God is deserving of glory and honor?

15. Why does John weep?

16. Applying the characteristics revealed in Revelation 5:5, identify the one worthy to open the sealed book:

17. What is the significance of the slain Lamb “standing?”

18. What did the Lamb do that caused the singing of a new song?

19. What did each of the four living creatures and twenty-four elders have?  What is their significance?

20. What is the significance of the groups that makeup the heavenly chorus?