the revelation of jesus christ chapters 4 & 5

The Revelation of Jesus ChristAn In-depth study of the Book of Revelation

Chapters 4 & 5The Throne Room of God

1. In spite of a few naysayers, Revelation 4:1 -2 provides great support for the pre-tribulation rapture view.2. The throne viewed in Chapters 4 & 5 is most likely a special throne for the purpose of judgment and not the eternal throne we often think of as God’s abode.

Revelation 4:1-2 (NASB) After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven, and the first voice which I had heard, like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things." 2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and One sitting on the throne.

Psalm 9:7 (NASB) But the LORD abides forever; He has established His throne for judgment,

Daniel 7:9, 13-14 (NASB) "I kept looking Until thrones were set up, And the Ancient of Days took His seat; His vesture was like white snow And the hair of His head like pure wool. His throne was ablaze with flames, Its wheels were a burning fire. … 13 "I kept looking in the night visions, And behold, with the clouds of heaven One like a Son of Man was coming, And He came up to the Ancient of Days And was presented before Him. 14 "And to Him was given dominion, Glory and a kingdom, That all the peoples, nations and men of every language Might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion Which will not pass away; And His kingdom is one Which will not be destroyed.

“ … this is a special throne prepared for the Tribulation and from this point on the Book becomes predominantly the Book of the throne. The word throne is mentioned 45 times (in the Book of Revelation) versus only 15 times in all the rest of the New Testament. Perhaps this throne is somewhere in the second heaven, outer space (see Rev. 6:16). God leaves His eternal throne, the throne of the third heaven (2 Cor. 12:2) to establish this one to defeat His enemies and to establish His rule on earth.”

3. The glory of God and His majesty is truly beyond human comprehension. 4. The use of the jasper and sardius stones would have been especially significant for the Jewish believers during the first and second centuries.

Revelation 4:3 (NASB) And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance.

“…rainbow round about the throne—forming a complete circle surrounding the throne vertically. Its various colors, which combined form one pure solar ray, symbolize the varied aspects of God's providential dealings … the predominating color among the prismatic colors is green, … symbolizing God's consolatory promises in Christ to His people amidst judgments on His foes. Moreover, the rainbow was the appointed token of God's covenant with all flesh, and His people in particular. Hereby God in type renewed to man the grant originally made to the first Adam. The antitype will be the "new heavens and the new earth" restored to redeemed man, just as the earth, after the destruction by the flood, was restored to Noah. …” Dr. John Walvoord

5. There are three ideas as to who the twenty-four elders are of verse 4 and one is truly better than the rest. • Angels •Representatives of all the redeemed throughout the ages•Representatives of the Church

Revelation 4:4 (NASB) Around the throne were twenty-four thrones; and upon the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and golden crowns on their heads.

Luke 1:5-9 (ESV) In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. … 8 Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense.

Rev. 5:11 (NKJV) Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands,

Daniel 12:1-2 (ESV) “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. 2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.


Chapters 4 & 5The Throne Room of God – Part 2

Revelation 4:5-8 (NASB) Out from the throne come flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God; 6 and before the throne there was something like a sea of glass, like crystal; and in the center and around the throne, four living creatures full of eyes in front and behind. 7 The first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face like that of a man, and the fourth creature was like a flying eagle. 8 And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say, "HOLY, HOLY, HOLY is THE LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME."

1. Verse 5 supports a view of judgment based on the activity proceeding from the center throne.2. The seven lamps and seven Sprits are better understood as representing The Holy Spirit.

Revelation 4:5 (NASB) Out from the throne come flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God;

3. The “sea of glass” in verse 6 may best represent a sense of majesty and stability as a glassy sea appears calm. Revelation 4:6a (NASB) and before the throne there was something like a sea of glass, like crystal; …

4. There are 3 primary views concerning the creatures of verses 6 – 8 and their activities. • First view – they represent the attributes of God• Second view – they represent Christ as revealed in the 4 Gospels• Third view – they represent 4 angelic beings

Revelation 4:6b-8 (NASB) … and in the center and around the throne, four living creatures full of eyes in front and behind. 7 The first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face like that of a man, and the fourth creature was like a flying eagle. 8 And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say, "HOLY, HOLY, HOLY is THE LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME."

5. The four creatures also serve as worship leaders as the 24 elders follow in worshiping and praising God.

Revelation 4:9-11 (NASB) And when the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 "Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created."

1. The events of Chapter 4 have in a great respect served as an introduction to Chapter 5 and the events which are to follow from this throne of judgment.2. The word “scroll” is “biblion” in the Koine Greek and meaning “Bible.”

Revelation 5:1 (NASB) I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a book written inside and on the back, sealed up with seven seals. 3. The seven sealed scroll serves as the “Will” of God as well as the “Title Deed” to the Earth that He will present to His Son in accordance to His time.

Isaiah 29:11-12 (NASB) The entire vision will be to you like the words of a sealed book, which when they give it to the one who is literate, saying, "Please read this," he will say, "I cannot, for it is sealed." 12 Then the book will be given to the one who is illiterate, saying, "Please read this." And he will say, "I cannot read."

Daniel 12:1-4 (NASB) "Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued. 2 "Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. 3 "Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. 4 "But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase."

Daniel 12:8-13 (NASB) As for me, I heard but could not understand; so I said, "My lord, what will be the outcome of these events?" 9 He said, "Go your way, Daniel, for these words are concealed and sealed up until the end time. 10 "Many will be purged, purified and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand. 11 "From the time that the regular sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. 12 "How blessed is he who keeps waiting and attains to the 1,335 days! 13 "But as for you, go your way to the end; then you will enter into rest and rise again for your allotted portion at the end of the age."

1. The events of Chapter 4 have in a great respect served as an introduction to Chapter 5 and the events which are to follow from this throne of judgment.2. The word “scroll” is “biblion” in the Koine Greek and meaning “Bible.” 3. The seven sealed scroll serves as the “Will” of God as well as the “Title Deed” to the Earth that He will present to His Son in accordance to His time.

4. The angel crying out in a “loud voice” is the first of twenty proclamations made in the book of Revelation in connection with God’s judgment upon the earth. 5. This proclamation also reveals that a “man” is sought to break the seals yet not one is found in “heaven, on earth, or under the earth.”6. The Apostle John weeps because he understands the consequences of the seals remaining closed.

Revelation 5:2-5 (NASB) And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals?" 3 And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the book or to look into it. 4 Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look into it; 5 and one of the elders said to me, "Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals."

“The scroll is also intended to be opened to put an end to the serpent’s rule on the earth. (The scroll) …holds a promise, but human sin and satanic evil have (has )brought a curse instead. …the opening of the scroll …is to bring a release from the curse via judgment that will expel the liar-thief. It is at this point that we discover the visual depictions and this unfolding of judgment that will drive out the curse.” Jack Hayford

Zechariah 5:1-4 (ESV) Again I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold, a flying scroll! 2 And he said to me, “What do you see?” I answered, “I see a flying scroll. Its length is twenty cubits, and its width ten cubits.” 3 Then he said to me, “This is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole land. For everyone who steals shall be cleaned out according to what is on one side, and everyone who swears falsely shall be cleaned out according to what is on the other side. 4 I will send it out, declares the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter the house of the thief, and the house of him who swears falsely by my name. And it shall remain in his house and consume it, both timber and stones.”

Revelation 5:2-5 (NASB) And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals?" 3 And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the book or to look into it. 4 Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look into it; 5 and one of the elders said to me, "Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals."

The Lamb appears in the midst of the throne with visible scars due to mankind’s sin. 8. Power and judgment over the earth are committed to Christ Jesus when the scroll is placed in His hand.9. The “seven eyes” symbolically represent the Holy Spirit.

7. The Lamb appears in the midst of the throne with visible scars due to mankind’s sin. 8. Power and judgment over the earth are committed to Christ Jesus when the scroll is placed in His hand.9. The “seven eyes” symbolically represent the Holy Spirit.

Revelation 5:6-7 (NASB) And I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth. 7 And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.

John 20:25-28 (ESV) So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” 26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”

Daniel 7:13-14 (ESV) “I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. 14 And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.

Daniel 7:24 (ESV) As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings shall arise, and another shall arise after them; he shall be different from the former ones, and shall put down three kings. Revelation 13:1 (ESV) And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads.

Zechariah 4:10 (ESV) For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. “These seven are the eyes of the LORD, which range through the whole earth.” Revelation 1:4 (ESV) John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne,

1. The act of worship by the creatures and twenty-four elders again supports the identity of the Lamb as none other than Christ Jesus.2. The “prayers of the saints” are most likely the unanswered prayers of believers concerning the glorious return of Christ. 3. The textual issue of verse 10 doesn’t diminish the fact that the Lamb of God is worthy of all praise.

Revelation 5:8-10 (NASB) When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they *sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. 10 "You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth."

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV) But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Revelation 1:6 (ESV) and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Revelation 20:6 (ESV) Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.

“The song of redemption would be entirely normal for saints, but would be rather unusual if the angels were involved. Nowhere else in the Bible are angels pictured as singing since sin entered the world. In the early joy of creation, before it was spoiled by sin, Job refers to the time “when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy” (Job 38:7). The morning stars are commonly identified with the angels. Since Adam’s sin, however, there is no further record of angels singing. The angels praised God at the birth of Christ (Luke 2:13–14), but this seems to have been a recital of words, not a song.” Dr. John Walvoord

4. Verses 11 and 12 seem to support a distinction between the redeemed and the angelic host of heaven. Revelation 5:11-12 (NASB) Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing."

5. At some point in the future all creatures throughout the universe will praise the Lamb of God!Revelation 5:13-14 (NASB) And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, "To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever." 14 And the four living creatures kept saying, "Amen." And the elders fell down and worshiped.

Philippians 2:9-10 (ESV) Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

Revelation 20:11-12 (ESV) Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.

the revelation of jesus christ chapters 4 & 5

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