Thou Art Worthy O Lord!!!

REVELATION 4:1-11

THEME:  John Describes His Vision of the LORD GOD in Heavenly Glory and the Worship of Him Around His Throne as the Almighty Creator.

INTRODUCTION:

1.  True spiritual worship is perhaps one of the greatest needs in our individual lives and in our churches. There is a constant emphasis today on witnessing for Christ and working for Christ, but not enough is said about worshiping God. To worship means "to ascribe worth" (see Rev 4:11; 5:12). It means to use all that we are and have to praise God for all that He is and does. (Wiersbe)

2.  Heaven is a place of worship, and God's people shall worship Him throughout all eternity. Perhaps it would be good for us to get in practice now! A study of Rev 4-5 will certainly help us better understand how to worship God and give Him the glory that He deserves.

3.  After we are summoned to Heaven, God's judgment of the earth can begin. But before God pours out His wrath, He gives us a glimpse into glory and permits us to hear the worshiping creatures in Heaven as they praise God. Much can be learned from the various aspects of their worship for our instruction and imitation. (Wiersbe)

 

LESSON:

I.  THE SUMMONS TO HEAVEN (Rev. 4:1).

If Rev 1:19 is God's inspired outline of this book, then Rev 4 ushers us into the third division: "the things which shall be hereafter."(4:1).

         — Things which thou hast seen.  The Past (Rev. 1:10-20).

         — Things which are.   The Present (Rev. 2 & 3)  

         — Things which shall be hereafter.  The Prospect (Rev. 4– 22)

   A. SUMMONED BY THE VISION (Rev. 4:1 a):

John sees a door standing open in Heaven.

       1.  The Time of the Vision.   Vs. 1

“AFTER THIS” points to the time after the Church Age is completed.  This phrase literally points to a time sequence for the future events of the book.

            A. The Rapture Will End the Present Church Age.

                  1.  There is NO mention of any church between Rev. 2:22–22:16.

                  2.  There have Always Been NT Churches Since the Time of Christ as Seen in Rev. 2 & 3.

                  3.  The Coming of Christ for Believers Has Always Been Imminent (it could happen anytime).

            B.  The Time of This Vision Support the Pre-Tribulation Rapture Position.

The experience of John in Rev. 4:1, 2 represents the believer’s translation into Heaven before the Tribulation period actually begins.

                                                                                               

                 1.  Chapters 4 & 5 Depict Believers Worshiping God in Heaven Itself.

                 2.  Chapter 6-19 Depict Primarily What Will Happen on the Earth during the Tribulation. (Rev. 6:4)

                 3.  Christians will not Pass through the 70^th Week of Daniel–including the Great Tribulation.

                 4.  The Christian life is, however, filled with tribulations– Jn. 16:33.    

                                                                       

       2.  The Significance of the Vision.   Vs. 1

“A door was opened in Heaven,” therefore the Apostle John is transported to Heaven “in the spirit” and given a foretaste of the glorious Rapture of the saints. In fact, that is exactly what God said to John when He summoned him to Heaven! There are three doors mentioned in the Revelation:

            A.  The Open Door.  Rev. 3:8– Christ is Seeking.

            B.  The Closed Door.  Rev. 3:20– Christ Pleading.

            C.  The Heavenly Door.  Rev. 4:1—Christ Receiving. 

 It would appear that, in this experience, John illustrates what will happen to God's people when the Church Age has run its course: heaven will open; there will be a voice and the sound of a trumpet; and the saints will be caught up to Heaven (1 Cor 15:52; 1 Thess 4:13-18).  Thus we will be received by our glorious Lord.

   B. SUMMONED BY THE VOICE (Rev. 4:1 b):

A voice says, "Come up hither."

       1.  The Voice Like a Trumpet.  Vs. 1

This most likely signifies the “trump of God” and the “last trump” related to believers summing us to Heaven for the purpose of worshiping Christ the King!

1 Thes. 4:16,  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

1 Cor. 15:52,  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

       2.  The Voice of Jesus Christ.   Vs. 1

           A.  This May be the voice of the archangel Michael (1Thess. 4:16); he is the only archangel in the Bible (Ju. 9).

           B.  This Could be the Voice of the Savior. 

John refers to it as the “first voice which I heard”— indicating the voice which he heard at first, namely that of Christ, in Rev 1:10-11. Once again the Savior speaks and calls the saints through the open door into Heaven unto God’s throne. 

       3.  The Voice of the Rapture.    Vs. 1, "Come up hither."

1 Cor. 15:51-52, Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, [52] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

          A.  For the Resurrection.

1 Thes. 4:16,  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

Clearly the voice of the resurrection is the voice of Jesus Christ as illustrated during His earthly ministry!

Mark 5:41, And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.

John 11:43, And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

          B.  For the Rapture.

Philip. 3:20-2, 1 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: [21] Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. 

We will receive glorious bodies like that of our Lord Jesus Christ.

  

         C.  Not For The Revelation.

In is important at this point to distinguish the Rapture from the Revelation. 

                1.  At the Rapture Christ does not return to the earth–the people of God are “caught up” to meet Him in the air. 

               2.  Then in the Revelation, Christ will literally come back to the earth.   Always bare in mind that the “Second Coming of Christ” as two phases–The Rapture and The Revelation. These verse point to the latter phase.

Zech. 14:4, And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. 

Acts 1:11-12, Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. [12] Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.

APPLICATION: Ensure that you are living for the Lord and ready whenever He calls us Home in the Rapture. Because as with John we could “immediately” find ourselves passing through the doorway into the very Throne room of God!

II. THE SIGHTS IN HEAVEN (Rev. 4:2-8)

Vs.  2, “Behold a throne was set in HEAVEN”

The key word in this chapter is “throne;” it is used fourteen (14) times. In fact, this is a key word in the entire book, appearing forty-six (46) times. No matter what may happen on earth, God is on His throne and is in complete control. Various teachers interpret Revelation in different ways, but all agree that John is emphasizing the glory and sovereignty of God. What an encouragement that would be to the suffering saints of John's day and of every age in history.                         

Psalm 103:19, The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.

                                                                                                           

  A.  JOHN SEES SOMEONE SEATED ON A THRONE (Rev. 4:2-3 a):

He has the appearance of a jasper and sardine stone.

     1.  This is Not Jesus Christ.

Christ Jesus does not enter the Throne Room until chapter 5 when He is formally presented and when He takes the sealed book from the hands of the Heavenly Father (5:6, 7, 13). 

         A.  When the Son Jesus Christ, “the Lamb,” is introduced, Rev 5:5–9, a new song is sung which distinguishes the Sitter on the throne from the Lamb, “Thou hast redeemed us to God,” (5:9).

         B.  A Similar distinction is made in Rev 5:13, “Unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.”

         C.  So also in Rev 5:7, as in Da 7:13, the Son of man brought before the Ancient of days is distinguished from Him. The Father in essence is invisible, but in Scripture at times is represented as assuming a visible form.

     2.  This is Not the Judgment Seat of Christ.

While it is true that Believers will appear before the judgment seat after the Rapture, this is not the focus of this event.  The primary emphasis is on the worship of the Creator (Rev. 4:9-11) and not judgment of service for rewards.  However, since the elders are casting the crowns before the feet of God, it is safe to conclude that Believers have already been to the Judgment Seat of Christ.  Notice several facts about this judgment.

         A.  It is After the Rapture.

1 Thes. 2:19, For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

1 Cor. 4:5,  Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

2 Tim. 4:1,  I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;  

2 Cor. 5:10,  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Romans 14:10,  But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

Romans 14:12,  So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

         B.  It is Only for Believers.

         C.  It is for Works and Not Salvation.

According to 1Cor. 3:9-15 the Lord will evaluate our service to Him in building up the people in our church.

         D.  It is for Rewarding Faithful Church Ministry.

1 Cor. 3:14, If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

Again the mention of Crowns regarding the 24 Elders (Rev. 4:4, 10) indicates that they have already been through this judgment, though not recorded in the events of the book.   

   

     3.  This is Almighty God.  (Vs. 2, 3 a).

On the throne in Almighty God the Father, since the Son approaches the throne in Rev 5:6, and the Spirit is pictured before the throne in Rev 4:5. There is no possible way for human words to describe what God is like in His essence. John can only use comparisons.

         A.  His Appearance was Like a Jasper.

Jasper is a clear gem like the diamond (see Rev 21:11). The Lord is robed in transparent light, according to the Word.

Psalm 104:2, Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:  

1 Tim. 6:16, Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

Once again this depicts the Father in radiant glory, and brilliant fascination. Clearly both the stones reveal Him in exceptional glory and brilliance.

         B.  His Appearance was Like a Sardine.

The sardine is a blood red gem like the ruby. It seems to convey the Father as ready to take up the matter of judging the nation of the Jews. 

         C.  His Appearance Points to Israel.

Both the jasper and the sardine were found in the breastplate of the high priest (Ex 28:17-21).  These stones were the first and the last in the High Priest’s breastplate. The jasper represented Reuben, Jacob’s first born son and the sardine represented Benjamin, Jacob’s last born son.  Thus the two stone represent all the other sons and sets forth the nation of Israel, the people of God.  By this means God relates Himself with His ancient covenant people and the judgment that will befall them during the 7 years of tribulation on the earth.  

Jeremiah 30:7, Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.

Daniel 9:24, Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

  B.  JOHN SEES AN EMERALD RAINBOW ABOVE THE THRONE (Rev. 4:3 b).

 Around the throne appears a rainbow (v. 3 b).

       1.  This Rainbow Was a Complete Circle, Not Merely an Arc!

For in Heaven all things are completed. What the Father initiates He will bring to completion.

Numbers 23:19, God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Romans 11:29, For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

1 Thes. 5:24,  Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

  

       2.  The Rainbow Reminds Us of God's Covenant with Noah (Gen 9:11-17).

This is symbolic of His promise that He would never again destroy the earth with a flood. God's covenant, as we shall see, was not only with Noah, but with all of His creation.

       3.  Judgment Is about to Fall, but the Rainbow Reminds Us That God Is Merciful.

Even when He judges (Hab 3:2) he still remembers mercy.

Habakkuk 3:2, O Lord, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.

       4.  Usually, a Rainbow Appears after the Storm; but Here, We See it Before the Storm.

          A.  This Rainbow Looked like the Emerald.

Thus the most prevailing color was a pleasant green, to show the reviving and refreshing nature of the new covenant.

Jeremiah 31:31-34,  Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: [32] Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the Lord: [33] But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. [34] And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

          B.  The Rainbow Represents Returning Grace.

Before the time of judgment begins the Father is anticipating the Jews embracing the New Covenant!  Clearly the rainbow symbolizes grace returning after wrath! It is a promise that God will keep His promises to the creatures of the earth and the nation of the Jews.

  C.  JOHN SEES MANY CREATURES SURROUNDING THE THRONE (Rev. 4:4, 5 b, 6 b-8).

Around the throne we find the elders and beautiful living beast creatures (Rev. 4:3-4, 6-7). The rainbow was around the throne vertically, while these heavenly beings were around the throne horizontally. They are, as it were, the king's court.

       1.  Twenty-four Elders (4:4):

They are dressed in white and wear golden crowns.

            A.  Who Are These Twenty-four Elders Seated on Thrones?

                1.  They Are Not Angles.

                     A.  It is unlikely that they are angels, because angels are not numbered (Heb 12:22), crowned, or enthroned.

                     B.  They believe that the elders are an angelic group providing the worship. Their continuous praise and the fact that they serve along side the four living creatures (Rev. 4:11; 5:9-10; 11:17-18; 19:4) supports this view.  Therefore they conclude that the twenty-four elders are beings who live in heaven and worship God at his throne (see also 14:3).  Their actions, such as worshiping and offering bowls of incense, seem to be that of a special order of angels.

                     C.  The Elders are Different from Angles.

Notice in Rev 7:11, the elders are distinguished from the angels (see also Rev 5:8-11).

                     D. The Elders are Rewarded and Angles are Not. (Rev. 4:4)

The crowns they wear are the "victor's crowns" (the Greek word stephanos, see Rev 2:10); and we have no evidence that angels receive rewards.

                2.  They are the People of God. (N.T. Christians)

These elders most likely symbolize the people of God in heaven, they represent the NT Saints raptured prior to the Tribulation Period and then enthroned and rewarded in Heaven.

                                                                                   

                     A.  They are Symbols of a Priestly People.

                             1.  There were twenty-four courses of priests in the Old Testament temple (1 Chron 24:3-5,18; see also Luke 1:5-9). But these depict the believer priests of the NT Era.

                             2.  God's people are "kings and priests" (Rev 1:6), reigning and serving with Christ.

                             3.  Note especially the praise of these priests (Rev 5:9-10).

Here the elders represent the raptured believers, which sing the song of redemption (Rev. 5:8–10).

1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

                                                                                                           

                     B.  They are Symbols of an Enthroned People.

                             1. Their Thrones.

The word “seats” (Rev. 4:4) literally refers to twenty four ‘stately seats or thrones’ pointing to powerful potentates.  However, these are lesser thrones!

                             2.  Their Crowns.

The crowns were similar to those given victors in Greek games (stephanos), in contrast with the crown of a sovereign ruler (“diadem”). The crowns seem to indicate that the elders had been judged and rewarded.

                             3.  Their Presence.

When Daniel (Dan 7:9) saw the thrones set up (note that "cast down" actually refers to the establishment of these thrones), they were empty; but when John saw them, they had been filled.

                    C.  They are Symbols of a Redeemed People.

                            1. White Robes.

The white robes and golden crowns speak of righteousness and victory (also see Rev 7:9, for tribulation saints).

                            2. Golden Crowns. 

They are the NT believers who have their crowns and live in the place prepared for them, where they have gone with Jesus (John 14:1–4).

                            3.  Redeemed Overcomers.

Rev. 3:21, To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

These are the "overcomers" who have conquered because of their faith in Christ (1 John 5:4-5). Their joint rule with Christ, their white garments (Rev. 19:7,8), and their golden crowns (Rev. 2:10) all seem to indicate that these 24 represent the NT redeemed people of God (Rev. 9–11; 5:5–14; 7:11–17; 11:16–18; 14:3; 19:4).

            B.  Why are There Twenty Four Thrones Surrounding the Throne of God?

                1.  Possibly For Twelve Patriarchs and Twelve Apostles.

Some believe that it is because there were twelve tribes of Israel in the Old Testament and twelve apostles in the New Testament, the twenty-four elders (twelve plus twelve) in this vision represent all the redeemed of God for all time (both before and after Christ's death and resurrection). Some view them as representatives of the Heads of the Old and New Testament churches respectively, the Twelve Patriarchs (they compare this passage with Rev 7:5–8, not in their personal, but in their representative character), and Twelve Apostles. They believe they symbolize all those -- both Jews and Gentiles -- who are now part of God's family. The twenty-four elders show us that all the redeemed of the Lord are worshiping him.

                2.  They Do Not Symbolize Redeemed Israel.

Since the nation is not yet saved, glorified, and coronated it could not possibly be them. That is still to come at this point in the events of the end. Their resurrection and glory will come at the end of the 7 year tribulation time (Dan. 12:1–3). Tribulation saints aren’t yet saved (Rev. 7:9,10). Only one group will be complete and glorified at that point—the NT Christian Saints.

                3.  Twenty-four as a symbolic number occurs only in this book and only for these elders (Rev 4:4, 10; 5:8; 11:16; 19:4).  We do know that there were twenty-four courses of priests in the Old Testament Temple (1 Chron 24:3-5,18; see also Luke 1:5-9). Perhaps Christians will form this very order in Heaven itself.  We do not really know why this number is chosen!

       2.  Seven Spirits of God (4:5 b)

Before the throne were also lamps of fire (Rev. 4: 5).

            A.  Seven Fold Spirit of God.

                 1.  Completeness of the Spirit.

The seven lamps connote completeness and symbolize the Holy Spirit of God (Rev 1:4; Ezek 1:13; Zech 4:2-6). Seven is the number of completeness, so John is identifying the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Christ has the fullness of the Spirit, for seven is the number of fullness (Rev. 3:1).

                 2.  Character of the Spirit.

The concept of the sevenfold character of the Spirit (Isa. 11:2-3; Rev. 1:4; 5:6).

Isaiah 11:2-3, And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; [3] And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears

These should be understood to represent the Holy Spirit rather than seven individual spirits or angels.   

            B.  Fire is a Symbol of the Spirit.

Rev. 1:4, John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;  

Ezekiel 1:13, As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps: it [Holy Spirit of burning] went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.

Isaiah 4:4, When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.

  

                 1.  These are symbols of the Holy Spirit (Rev.1:4), who is “the Spirit of burning” (Isa 4:4).

During this age of grace, the Spirit is pictured as a dove of peace and guidance (John 1:29-34); but after the Christians are taken up in the Rapture, the Spirit will minister a judgment of fire.

                 2.  With God the Father seated on the throne and the Holy Spirit represented by the seven burning lamps, the stage is then set for the revelation (chap. 5) of Christ Himself as the slain Lamb.   

       3.  Four Beautiful Beasts.  (Living Angelic Creatures) (4:6 b-8)

Also around the throne, John saw four "beasts" who were nearer to God than the angels and the elders.  They appear to be on four corners around the throne. They are literal creatures, with symbolic meaning.

            A.  Their Description (Rev. 4:6b-8a) (The Beautiful Beasts)

                 1. They Resemble Cherubim.

They resemble the cherubim that the Prophet Ezekiel saw (Ezek 1:4-14; 10:20-22), but they may not actually be such.  But, as such they depict the burning judgment of God.

                 2.  They Resemble Seraphim.

Then their praise “Holy, holy, holy” (Rev 4:8) reminds us of the seraphim of Isa 6:2-7, but again they may not be such. But, as such they depict the burning purity of God.  Both Cherubim and Seraphim are guardians of the Throne of God; these creatures seem to be a combination of the other two classes.

                 3.  They Symbolize Earthly Creation.

These are most likely special creatures who symbolize God's creation and are related to God's covenant with Noah (Gen 9:8-17).

                        A.  Four is the number of the earth, so we have here God's covenant with earthly creation.

                        B.  Read Gen 9:8-13 and you will see that God has made His covenant with mankind, fowls, cattle, and the wild beasts; and each of these is represented by a face on the living creatures.

                        C.  God gave man dominion over creation, but this rule was lost through sin (Gen 1:28-31; Ps 8:1).

                        D.  However, in Christ, that dominion will be regained when the kingdom is established; see Isa 11:6-8 and 65:25.

                 

                        E.  The presence of the four creatures (symbolizing creation) before God's throne teaches us that He is in control of creation, and that He will keep His promise to one day deliver creation from the bondage of sin (Rom 8:19-24).

                 4.  They Are Covered with Eyes (Rev. 4:6b).

                       A.  They Signify the Wisdom of God.

These creatures signify the wisdom of God ("full of eyes") and proclaim the holiness of God. They are heavenly reminders that God has a covenant with His creation and that He rules His creation from His throne. The presence of the emerald rainbow further enhances this image, since the rainbow was given as the sign of the creation covenant. No matter what terrible judgments may fall on God's earth, He will be faithful to keep His Word.

                       B.  They Signify Comprehensive Perception.

Although not omniscient—an attribute reserved for God alone—these angels have a comprehensive knowledge and perception. Nothing escapes their scrutiny (also 4:8).  They are “eye witness” to the faithfulness of the Lord to His covenant with creation.

                 5.  They Had a Four Fold Appearance.  (Rev. 4:7)

                                                                                   

                       A.  The first has the appearance of a lion; the second, a calf; the third, a man; and the fourth, a flying eagle (4:7).

                       B.  The faces of the living creatures parallel God's statement in Gen 9:10-His covenant is with Noah (the face of the man), the fowl (the face of the eagle), the cattle (the face of the calf), and the beasts of the earth (the face of the lion).

                       C.  Some Bible students see in the four faces described (Rev 4:7) an illustration of the four fold picture of Christ given in the Gospel accounts.

                              1.  Matthew is the royal Gospel of the King, illustrated by the lion.

                              2.  Mark emphasizes the servant aspect of the Lord's ministry (the calf).

                              3.  Luke presents Christ as the compassionate Son of man.

4.      John magnifies the deity of Christ, the Son of God (the eagle).

                 6.  They Each Have Six Wings (Rev. 4:8 a).

This seems to symbolize swiftness, strength and power. Perhaps they fulfill their service to God with the swiftness of eagles’ wings and as such they are presented as strong and powerful creatures poised to execute His will.

              B.  Their Duties (Rev. 4:8 b): (The Beautiful Beasts)

                  1.  They Emphasize the Holiness of God.  “Holy, holy, holy” (Rev 4:8).

Day and night they proclaim the holiness of God.  Men may curse Him during the judgments (Rev 16:9,11,21), but nature will praise Him and magnify His holiness. He is praised as "holy":

                        A.  For His majesty (Rev 4:1), about to display itself;

                        B.  His justice (Rev 4:4) now displaying itself;

                        C.  His mercy (Rev 4:6-8) displayed in time past.

                  2.  They Emphasize the Might of God.

The name used by these creatures, "Lord God Almighty," emphasizes the power of God.

                         A.  As mentioned in chapter 1, the name Almighty is used nine times in Revelation.

                         B.  The only other such usage in the New Testament is 2 Cor 6:18.

2 Cor. 6:18, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

                         C.  But it is found at least, thirty-one times in Job, a book that magnifies the power of God in nature.  Clearly, He Who possess power to create the world has power and right to judge.

              

                  3.  They Emphasize the Eternity of God.

“God Almighty, which was and is and is to come.” (See Rev. 1:4). God’s eternal presence is not limited by time. He has always been present and will come in the future. So here His eternal nature is emphasized, "holy," as He "which was;" "holy," as He "which is;" "holy," as He "which is to come."

                        A.  He presents Himself as the object of “holy” worship in the past creation of all things:

                        B.  More fully He presently shows Himself to be “holy” in governing all things:

                        C.  He will in the future, and to the highest degree, show Himself to be “holy” in the consummation of all things. 

Romans 11:36, For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. 

Isaiah 6:3, And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.                                                            

Thus the Lord signifies His clear intent to be true to His eternal character of holiness as He prepares to deal out judgments upon the earth and mankind.

                  4.  They Emphasize the Providence of God.

The cherubim described in Ezekiel one seem to have a part in the providential workings of God in the world, pictured by the "wheels within the wheels." God uses the forces of nature to accomplish His will (Ps 148), and all nature praises and thanks Him.  Perhaps these symbols of natural creation foreshadow the Lord’s providential work still to come.  These judgments are providential not haphazard, nor are they the ultimate goal of the Lord, redemption and reconciliation are.

  D.  JOHN SEES A CRYSTAL SEA OF GLASS IN FRONT OF THE THRONE (Rev. 4:6a).

       1.  The Sea Was Like Glass.  “There was a sea of glass”    (A Symbol of Peace)

The emphasis on a glass like sea depicts still waters and symbolize the calmness, peace, and tranquility that will characterize our time in Heaven.

          A.  Peace Through the Blood.

Col. 1:20-22,  And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. [21] And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled [22] In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

                1.  A Symbol of the Temple Laver.

John saw before the throne a sea of glass, as in the temple where there was a great container of brass–brazen laver– filled with water.  This "sea of glass" (Rev. 15:2) must be an allusion to the sea in Solomon's temple (1 Kings 7:23; 2 Chron 4:2,6).  Israel’s priests were to wash when they went to worship and serve the Lord.

                2.  A Symbol of the Cleansing Blood.  (Fellowship, not Redemption)

The laver or basin is a type of Christ, cleansing the believer-priest from the defilement of sin (John 13:2-10; Eph 5:25-27). The priests, after serving at the bronze altar (which was a type of Christ's cross on which He, as our whole burnt offering, purchased our redemption), could not enter the Holy Place of God's presence until their hands and feet were cleansed.

APPLICATION: Today the sea or laver for cleansing is the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, who cleanses from all sin.  Our duty is to come to Him with confessions on our lips.  In relating the “sea of glass” to glorified believers it would symbolize the truth that all who have been washed are admitted into the gracious presence of God in Heaven for worship and service. Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power are washed in the blood of the lamb?

Romans 5:1,  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Hebrews 10:19-22,  Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, [20] By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; [21] And having an high priest over the house of God; [22] Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

  

          B.  Peace Through the Battles.

               1.  The Time of Trouble is Past.

Sometimes life can be like a ragging stormy sea.  At periods we seem to live in a mad battle to remain afloat and avoid being drowned in the waves of a troubled life.  The sea sometimes represent the wicked in their restlessness ( see Isa. 57:15-21) and its a symbol of the seething nations of the world and of the troubled lives of the unrighteous (Dan 7:2-3; Matt 13:47; Rev 13:1).  Yes, even the people of God have seen some turbulent and troublesome times, but that is all a part of the past!  Now is the time of rest, relief, and peace within the soul and in their environment.

               2.  The Time of Tranquility is Come.

All that the sea once stood for-storms and treacherous waves, agitation and unrest among the peoples of the earth-had now been subdued, conquered, and silenced! Its will be a matter of history for us as we are finally brought completely under the rule and reign of our great God.

                                                                       

APPLICATION: This “sea of glass” is before His Throne.  Therefore the rule and administration of God will result in peace in the lives of His subjects. God portrays His throne as symbolizing the peace, calmness, and majesty of His rule.  This “sea of glass” is emblematic of the calmness, the peacefulness of God’s administration-like an undisturbed and unruffled ocean of glass He rules and leads on with His great plans.  Indeed God is on the Throne, let there be peace in the hearts of His people.  The life truly ruled by Him will enjoy His peace in the soul. 

Philip. 4:7, And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Col. 3:15,  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Isaiah 9:6-7,  For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. [7] Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

While the world below will experience tribulation and judgement, we as Christians will enjoy peace in Heaven with the Lord on the throne.

       2. The Sea Was Like Crystal.  “A Sea of glass like unto crystal”   (A Symbol of Purity)

           A.  Symbolizes Purity and Transparency.

Crystal refers to clear glass and colorlessness-as the transparent crystals of quartz.  Thus the crystal sea was perfectly clear and transparent.  The “sea of glass like unto crystal” serves as a fascinating part of the floor or foundation of God's throne room and highlights both the magnificence and holiness of God. 

           B.  Symbolizes the Holiness of God.

This is intended to be emblematic of the rule of God which is always in purity and based on His holy nature. A pure crystal sea symbolizes God's holiness, and the mingled fire speaks of His holy judgment (Rev. 15:2).

                  1.  The crystal "firmament" in Ezekiel's vision also comes to mind (Ezek 1:22); it was the foundation for God's throne.

                  2.  We shall meet this "sea of glass" again in Rev 15 where it is connected with Israel's victory over Egypt.

                  3.  The Rule and Judgment of God is always based on His Righteousness, Holiness and Purity.

Psalm 50:5-6, Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice. [6] And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah.

Psalm 96:13,  Before the Lord: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.

Psalm 98:9,  Before the Lord; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.

Isaiah 11:3-5,  And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: [4] But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. [5] And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

Rev. 19:11, And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 

 

       3.   The Scene Was Like the Temple (Rev 4:4-7).

John also seems to suggest in Revelation that the "heavenly sanctuary" follows the pattern of the earthly tabernacle and temple.

Hebrews 8:5, Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

Hebrews 9:23, It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

Hebrews 9:24,  For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

Hebrews 10:1,  For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

             A.   The Types.

The parallels these “examples,” “shadows,” “figures,” and “patterns” are as follows:

                   1.  Earthly temple                              1.  Heavenly sanctuary

                   2.  Holy of holies                               2.  The throne of God

                   3.  Seven-branched candlestick           3.  Seven lamps of fire before the throne

                   4.  Bronze laver                                 4.  Sea of glass

                   5.  Cherubim over the mercy seat        5.  Four living creatures around the throne

                   6.  Priests                                          6.  Elders (kings and priests)

                   7.  Brazen altar                                  7.  Altar (Rev 6:9-11)

                   8.  Incense altar                                 8.  Incense golden altar (Rev 8:3-5)

                   9.  Ark of the covenant                       9.  Ark of the covenant (Rev 11:19)

           

             B.  The Temples.

                   1.  The entirety of Heaven should be viewed as God’s Temple.  Clearly all of Heaven is God's sanctuary for those who serve before His holy throne (Rev 7:15).

                   2.  However, John indicates in Rev 15:5-8 that there is a special “temple of God” a ‘smaller sanctuary’ within Heaven itself which serves as a special place for God, His Word and some angelic beings (note also Rev 11:19). This parallels wonderfully with the “ark of the covenant” in the holy of holies (Exodus 26:33-35). 

                   3.  In the eternal state, there will be no temple (Rev 21:22).

APPLICATION:  John describes these scenes in such detail because Christians in the first century came from many backgrounds. Not all of them understood Jewish history or knew the glory of the Temple. Revelation instructs us in worship. It shows us where, why, and how to praise God. What does worship do?

    — Worship takes our minds off our problems and focuses them on God.

    — Worship leads us from individual meditation to corporate worship.

    — Worship causes us to consider and appreciate God's character.

    — Worship lifts our perspective from the earthly to the heavenly.

  E.  JOHN SEES A STORM DEVELOPING FROM THE THRONE (Rev. 4:5 a).

Out of the throne of God we can see storm signals (v. 4:5 a).  “Lightenings and thunderings and voices”

       1.  These Are Indications of a Coming Storm.

These "storm signals" will be repeated during the time of judgment, always proceeding from the throne and temple of God.

Rev. 8:5, And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.

Rev. 11:19,  And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.  

Rev. 16:18,  And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.

       2.  These Are Reminders of God's Awesome Power. 

Exodus 9:23, And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven: and the Lord sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along upon the ground; and the Lord rained hail upon the land of Egypt.

Exodus 9:28,  Intreat the Lord (for it is enough) that there be no more mighty thunderings and hail; and I will let you go, and ye shall stay no longer.

Exodus 19:16,  And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.

       3.  These Are Reminders That God Has Indeed Prepared His Throne for Judgment.

Psalm 9:7, But the Lord shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment.

Psalm 77:18, The voice of thy thunder was in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook.  

Our world does not like to think of God as a God of judgment. They prefer to look at the rainbow around the throne and ignore the lightning and thunder out of the throne. He certainly is a God of grace, but His grace reigns through righteousness (Rom 5:21). This was made clear at the cross where God manifested both His love for sinners and His wrath against sin.

III. THE SONG OF HEAVEN (Rev. 4:9-11)

Not only do we have a Summons to Heaven, and have seen the Sight in Heaven, but be also have the Song of Heaven. Praise to Him that sits on the throne (vv. 9-11).

  A. THE SINGERS (Rev. 4:9-10):

All the inhabitants of heaven will offer worship to the Lord on the Throne.

      1.  The Four Beautiful Beasts. Rev. 4:9 (Living Angelic Creatures).

This round of the praise worship service begins with these glorious beautiful beasts.  In the most proper sense, Angelic beings do not sing.  They recite their words of praise to the Lord.  Notice the word “saying” in Rev. 4:8 and 5:12.

      2.  The Twenty Four Elders.  Rev. 4:10 (Glorified Believers Enthroned).

The worship was contagious!  Whenever the living creatures glorified God, the elders would fall before the throne and praise Him and casting the crowns at the feet of Almighty God.

         A.  Our Works Will Glorify Him.

Matthew 5:16,  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

         B.  Our Rewards Will Glorify Him.

Rev. 4:10, The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

1 Cor. 3:8-10, Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. [9] For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. [10] According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

1 Cor. 3:14-15,   If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. [15] If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

         C.  Our Words Will Glorify Him.  Rev. 4:11

               1.  Because He is Worthy. “To receive glory and honour and power”

                  

               2.  Because He is Creator.

I suppose it is safe to say that there will be no evolutionist in Heaven! Since the twenty-four elders typify the people of God in heaven, then we must ask, "Why should God's people praise God the Creator?"   If the heavens are declaring the glory of God, why shouldn't God's heavenly people join the chorus?

                     A.  Creation bears constant witness to the power, wisdom, and glory of God (Ps 19).                                            B.  Acknowledging the Creator is the first step toward trusting the Redeemer (see Acts 14:8-18; 17:22-31). "All things were created by Him [Christ] and for Him ... and by Him all things consist [hold together]" (Col 1:16-17).

         D.  The Revelation Constantly Encourages Praise!

The Book of Revelation is filled with hymns of praise (Rev 4:8,11; 5:9-13; 7:12-17; 11:15-18; 12:10-12; 15:3-4; 16:5-7; 18:2-8; 19:2-6). The emphasis on praise is significant when you remember that John wrote this book to encourage people who were going through suffering and persecution!

  B.  THE SONG (Rev. 4:11):

They worship God for his great work in creating all things. The song of this section teaches us two things about the purpose of creation.

       1.  Creation is for the Praise of God.

The theme of this hymn is God the Creator, while in Rev 5 the elders praise God the Redeemer. The praise in Rev 4 is given to the Father on the throne, while in Rev 5 it is directed to the Son (the Lamb) before the throne. The closing hymn (Rev 5:13) is expressed to both, another proof of the deity of Jesus Christ.

       2.  Creation is for the Pleasure of God.

But sinful man worships and serves the creature rather than the Creator, and this is idolatry (Rom 1:25). Furthermore, sinful man has polluted and destroyed God's wonderful creation; and he is going to pay for it (see Rev 11:18).

Creation is for God's praise and pleasure, and man has no right to usurp that which rightfully belongs to God. Man plunged creation into sin, so that God's good creation '(Gen 1:31) is today a groaning creation (Rom 8:22); but because of Christ's work on the cross, it will one day be delivered and become a glorious creation (Rom 8:18-24).

CONCLUSION: 

It is unfortunate that churches today often neglects to worship the God of creation. The real answer to the ecological problem is not financial or legal, but spiritual. It is only when man acknowledges the Creator and begins to use creation to God's glory that the problems will be solved. (MacDonald & Wiersbe)

How important it is for us to recognize and praise the mighty power of our Creator God. This hymn, “I Sing the Mighty Power of God,” teaches us to sing of His goodness, wisdom as well as His omnipresence. God’s people have much to sing about!                         

I sing the mighty pow’r of God that made the mountains rise that spread the flowing seas abroad and built the lofty skies. I sing the wisdom that ordained the sun to rule the day; the moon shines full at His command, and all the stars obey.

I sing the goodness of the Lord that filled the earth with food; He formed the creatures with His word and then pronounced them good. Lord, how Thy wonders are displayed where’er I turn my eye: If I survey the ground I tread or gaze upon the sky!

There’ s not a plant or flow’r below but makes Thy glories known; and clouds arise and tempests blow by order from Thy throne. While all that borrows life from Thee is ever in Thy care, and ev’rywhere that man can be, Thou, God, art present there.

       Try to catch a new awareness of God’s great power, goodness, and wisdom. Thank Him for His promise to be at your side. Praise Him as you go!