John Sees The Throne Of Heaven (Biblical Stories Explained)

throne room of God do you wonder what heaven looks like what an amazing experience it would be to be able to see inside the throne room of God and witness what is going on in heaven John is granted the opportunity and he relates to us what He observed during his time there three key texts paint a picture of heaven for us two of these texts can be found in the Old Testament Revelation 4 contains the third text what do you think we'll see the common conception of Heaven in modern times depicts inhabitants as winged beings who play Harps and fly through the sky in the text we won't find anything remotely similar to that therefore throw out all of your preconceived notions about what heaven is like and make room in your head to receive John's vision of what heaven looks like The Book of Revelation continues the prophecy after speaking to the seven churches in the Roman province of Asia Revelation 4 1 Amplified Bible after this I looked and behold a door standing open in heaven and the first voice which I had heard by the sound of a war trumpet speaking with me said come up here and I will show you what must take place after these things the voice of Christ is the one that John hears and recognizes as the one that calls him to heaven it is not necessary for Jon to fight his way into heaven as some of John's contemporaries believed they had to rather he is invited using language that is reminiscent of God's call to Moses to receive his Revelation come up here the Lord Jesus promises to show John things which must take place after this in heaven John notices an Open Door the trumpets-like voice that spoke to John at the beginning tells him to come up Revelation 4 2-3 Amplified Bible at once I was in special communication with the spirit and behold a throne stirred in heaven with one seated on the throne and he that sat was to look upon like a Jasper and a sardine stone and there was a rainbow round about the throne in sight like unto an emerald John has a new vision and John is going to glimpse into the throne room of Heaven we must visualize the picture before us as we are taken into this vision paint the image in your mind and see what is going on in heaven the Holy Spirit takes special possession of John and he immediately sees the Eternal God Seated on his throne in majesty and splendor some following the majority of manuscripts omit the words and he who sat there was making the Jasper and sadius descriptive of the throne rather than of the Lord these precious stones however may also represent the Lord himself The Jasper in the high priest's breastplate represented Ruben Jacob's firstborn and the sadius his last born Reuben means Behold a son and Benjamin means son of my right hand Revelation 4 3 to 6. and he that sat was to look upon like a Jasper and a sardine stone and there was a rainbow round about the throne in sight like unto an emerald and round about The Throne were Four and Twenty seats and upon the seats I Saw 4 and 20 Elders sitting clothed in white Raymond and they had on their heads crowns of gold and out of the throne preceded Lightnings and thunderings and voices and there were seven lamps of fire burning Before the Throne which are the seven spirits of God and Before the Throne there was a sea of glass like unto Crystal and in the midst of the throne and round about The Throne were four beasts full of eyes before and behind the sea merits particular observation it likely indicates to readers the great glory of the Heavenly Temple Mighty Waters also appear in apocalyptic images of heaven or Paradise perhaps developing Psalm 104 3 148 4 and especially Ezekiel 1 24. Note 2 that rain and lightning fall from Heaven Psalm 104 3 new international version and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their Waters he makes the clouds his Chariot and rides on the wings of the Wind Psalm 148 4. new international version Praise Him you highest heavens and you Waters above the skies Revelation 4 7 to 8. and the first Beast was like a lion and the second beast like a calf and the third Beast had a face as a man and the fourth Beast was like a flying eagle and the four beasts had each of them six wings about him and they were full of eyes Within and they rest not day and night saying holy holy holy Lord God Almighty which was and is and is to come the four living creatures are difficult to identify all we know for certain is that they are created beings because they worship God they appear to be a cross between the cherubim of Ezekiel 10 and the seraphim of Isaiah 6. verse 7 depicts cherubim and verse 8 depicts seraphim the cherubim appear to be associated with burning judgment whereas the seraphim appear to be associated with burning purification the living creatures never stop singing about God's holiness and Eternity the word holy appears nine times in most manuscripts Revelation 4 9. and when those beasts give glory and honor and thanks to him that sat on the throne who liveth forever and ever the 24 Elders surrounding the throne like the rest of Heaven's worshipers demonstrate the proper response to God's glory worship their precise identification is not as easily accessible others consider them to be Saints from the Old Testament While others consider them to be angels Revelation 4 10. the 4 and 20 Elders fall down before him that sat on the throne and worship him that liveth forever and ever and cast their crowns Before the Throne saying whenever the living creatures worship the Eternal one on the throne the 24 Elders prostrate themselves worship the Eternal God and cast their crowns Before the Throne Revelation 4 11. Thou Art Worthy O Lord to receive glory and honor and Power for thou Hast created all things and for thy pleasure they are and were created their Worship acknowledges the Lord as worthy of Glory and Honor and power because he created all things and by his will they exist the vision prepares us for what is to follow God is seen as the almighty ruler of the universe sitting on the throne of his glory surrounded by worshiping creatures and about to send judgment on the Earth throne room the picture of God's Throne appears several times throughout this chapter the throne is mentioned 12 times not counting the 24 Thrones that are also mentioned 12 times we read about the throne and one sitting on that throne the focus is on God's throat in verse 2 we see that the throne has been established in the midst of heaven and that the one is Seated on it this is a respectful statement not naming who sits on the throne because the almighty God sits on the throne Vivid colors are used to describe the throne room and the one who sits on the throne the jasper stone is described as clear as crystal in Revelation 21 11. as a result we should Imagine The Gleam of a diamond Carnelian was also a fiery Redstone a rainbow surrounds the throne with the shine or glimmer of deep green like an emerald the rainbow image will appear once more in Revelation chapter 10. the rainbow appears to be a reminder of God's faithfulness to his Covenant just as it was for Noah After the flood not only is there a rainbow around the throne but there are also 24 Thrones Seated on those 24 Thrones are 24 Elders dressed in white with gold crowns on their heads we're left wondering who the 24 Elders are and what they stand for flashes of lightning Rumblings and thunderclaps emanate from the throne the throne and the person who sits on it are depicted as being very active the Lord is not dozing off on the throne there is movement the reader is being prepared for the outpouring of God's Wrath in Revelation 8 5 we observe that the lightning Rumblings and peels of Thunder that symbolize judgment come from God's Throne as he sends forth his judgments this language also brings to mind the thunder and lightning that occurred at Mount Sinai when God visited there Exodus 19. on the morning of the third day a thick Cloud came down onto the mountain there was a thunder and lightning and a very loud sound from a trumpet all the people in the camp were frightened then Moses led the people out of the camp to a place near the mountain to meet God Mount Sinai was covered with smoke smoke Rose off the mountain like smoke from a furnace this happened because the Lord came down to the mountain in fire also the whole Mountain began to shake the noise from the trumpet became louder and louder every time Moses spoke to God God answered him with a voice like thunder there was something that like a sea of glass or Crystal Before the Throne was there once more the glory Brilliance and Majesty of God's throne room are bought to the Forefront the four living creatures have six wings and are covered in eyes both externally and internally these are incredible Spiritual Beings that are difficult to visualize and comprehend before we proceed with the description of this Throne scene it is important to note that this is not the first time these images have been recorded for us the throne Vision in Revelation 4 like the rest of the book is reminiscent of Visions in the biblical prophets particularly Isaiah Daniel and Ezekiel the throne room in the Old Testament Ezekiel documents a similar Throne scene Ezekiel 1 4 to 10 Amplified Bible as I looked I saw a stormy wind coming out of the North a great cloud with fire flashing continually from it and a brightness was around it and in its core there was something like glowing amber colored metal in the midst of the fire within it there were figures resembling four living beings and this was their appearance they had human form each one had four faces and four wings their legs were straight and the soles of their feet were like a calf's hoof and they sparkled and gleamed like shiny bronze under their wings on their four sides they had human hands as for the faces and wings of the four of them their wings touched one another their faces did not turn when they moved each went straight forward regarding the form and appearance of their faces they each had the face of a man in front and each had the face of a lion on the right side and the face of an ox on the left side all four also had the face of an eagle at the back of their heads Ezekiel first noticed a fierce Whirlwind coming from the north then he saw four living creatures each with four faces lion Ox Eagle man four wings straight feet and hands under its wings the creatures represent God's attributes seen in creation his majesty power swiftness and wisdom the Lord Of Glory sat on a throne above the firmament there was a wheel or rather a wheel within a wheel beside each of the living creatures this vision of God's glory came before ezekiel's call to the prophetic Ministry consider the parallels to what John saw as we read through Ezekiel 1. the first thing we notice in our comparison is that Ezekiel provides a much more detailed description of the four living creatures in Ezekiel 1 22 we see a similar sea of glass like Crystal Ezekiel 1 22 Amplified Bible now stretched over the heads of the living beings there was something like an expanse looking like the terrible and awesome Shimmer of icy Crystal Ezekiel also recounts a rainbow in verse 28 as well as a bright throne room in verse 26. the scene is consumed by Flames which resemble the vision that John had of lightning bolts erupting from the throne Ezekiel 1. 26-27 Amplified Bible now above the expanse that was over their heads there was something resembling a throne it appeared like it was made of sapphire or lapis lazuli and seated on that which looked like a throne high up was a figure with the appearance of a man now upward from that which appeared to be his waist I saw something like glowing metal that looks like it was filled with fire all around it and downward from that which appeared to be his waist I saw something like fire and there was a brightness and a remarkable Radiance like a halo around him Daniel also mirrors the imagery found in Revelation 4. Daniel 7 9 to 14 Amplified Bible I kept looking until Thrones were set up and the Ancient of Days God took his seat His Garment was white as snow and the hair of his head like pure wool his throne was flames of fire its Wheels were a burning fire a river of fire was flowing and coming out from before him a thousand thousands were attending him and Ten Thousand Times Ten Thousand were standing before him the court was seated and the books were opened then I kept looking because of the sound of the great and boastful Words which the horn was speaking I kept looking until the Beast was slain and its body destroyed and given to be burned with fire as for the rest of the beasts their power was taken away yet their lives were prolonged for the length of their lives was fixed for a predetermined time I kept looking in the night visions and behold on 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 and to him the Messiah was given Dominion supreme authority glory and a kingdom that all the people's Nations and speakers of every language should serve and worship him his Dominion is an everlasting Dominion which will not pass away and his kingdom is one which will not be destroyed Additionally the imagery described in Revelation 4 is mirrored in the Book of Daniel the following are some of these similarities Throne that is set in heaven on the throne is God's seated presence fire Before the Throne Angelic attendance standing Before the Throne Before the Throne is a scroll or a book appears that the book or scroll is open the Divine figure of the Messiah comes forward to receive Authority as he approaches the throne authority over every tribe language and people emotional distress at seeing the vision an explanation from the Heavenly Council the discussion ends with a reference to the unending rule of God even the sequence of events appears to be consistent between Daniel and revelation Revelation is showing us that we need to keep Daniel's prophecy in mind as we read so what are we to take away for ourselves today in reading these Vivid images of the throne room of God number one God remains active it is a common misconception that after creating the world God sits back and lets things run their course without being involved God is Seated on the throne and contrary to popular belief he is not dozing off there has been no break in God's activity God is Not only aware of what is taking place but he is also actively involved the Rumblings and flashes of lightning that emanate from his throne represent God exercising his authority and sending judgments out throughout the world number two see the Lord in his splendor this is what the Lord says Heaven is my throne and the Earth is my footstool could you build me a temple as good as that could you build me such a resting place my hands have made both Heaven and Earth they and everything in them are mine I the Lord have spoken I will bless those who have humble and contrite Hearts who tremble at my word Isaiah 66 1-2 be struck by the glory of the Lord understand what he asks of his people since he is the almighty God he demands submissiveness from us a yielding heart that trembles at the very words of God and desires to obey number three the greatness of God one seeking to digest or communicate this chapter should not bog down in the details of most of its background important as they are for understanding the details of John's portrait one should instead place all the details expounded in the context of their primary Old Testament background in the broader perspective of their function to reveal the greatness of God's Court hence his own greatness thus they also reveal a striking contrast with the pretense of the Earthly ruler's arrogant pomp the text invites us to worship today no less than at its first reading in Ephesus it also invites us to relinquish our fear of human Grandeur which pales before the Majesty of the Eternal god with whom we have become intimate number four God is in charge because chapters 4 and 5 depict God's judgments on the world they transport us to a Celestial perspective and remind us of who is in power here on Earth as Gregory Beale rightly puts it the Pastoral purpose of ref four to five is to assure suffering Christians that God and Jesus are sovereign and that the events that the Christians are facing are part of a sovereign plan that will culminate in their Redemption and the Vindication of their faith through the punishment of their persecutors we ought to worship God in the manner that he is due and allow him to bestow upon us the experiences that he sees fit the glory of God is the primary focus of the Revelation that John gets even the judgments that he will soon witness will honor God and explain his activity rather from merely satisfying our curiosity about the future this Revelation seeks to Enlighten us about God's splendor number five invitation to praise the manner that 24 Elders worship compels us to offer praise in a manner similar to theirs the elders demonstrate that they do not claim the crowns as their own or the dragons but as Gods Alone by imitating such an act of subordination humility is more than just recognizing who God is and who we are and the resulting vast difference between God and ourselves this and other passages in Revelation remind us that our primary job in heaven like that of every other created being in heaven is to worship God worship that focuses on God's worthiness both his character and deeds is our closest foretaste of Heaven in the present life Revelation 4 8. Amplified Bible and the four living creatures each one of them having six wings are full of eyes all over and within underneath their wings and day and night they never stop saying holy holy holy is the Lord God the almighty the omnipotent the ruler of all who was and who is and who is to come the unchanging Eternal God psalm 152. Amplified Bible praise him for his mighty Acts Praise Him according to the abundance of his greatness Revelation 5 9. Amplified Bible and they sang a new song of Glorious Redemption saying worthy and deserving are you to take the scroll and to break its seals for you were slain sacrificed and with your blood you purchased people for God from every tribe and language and people and Nation 2 Corinthians 1 22. it is he who has also put his seal on us that is he has appropriated us and certified us as his and has given us the holy spirit in our hearts as a pledge like a security deposit to guarantee the Fulfillment of his promise of eternal life 1 Corinthians 2 9 to 10. Amplified Bible but just as it is written in scripture things which the eye has not seen and the ear has not heard and which have not entered the heart of man all that God has prepared for those who love him who hold him in affectionate reverence who obey him and who gratefully recognize the benefits that he has bestowed for God has unveiled them and revealed them to us through the Holy Spirit for the spirit searches all things diligently even sounding and measuring the profound depths of God the Divine councils and things far beyond human understanding worship also reminds us that whatever else our calling or gifts now all Christians become God's worshipers our devotion to God will always rise 1 Corinthians 30 8 to 13. Amplified Bible Love Never Fails it never Fades nor ends but as for prophecies they will pass away as for tongues they will cease as for the gift of special knowledge it will pass away for we know in part and we prophecy in part for our knowledge is fragmentary and incomplete but when that which is complete and perfect comes that which is incomplete and partial will pass away when I was a child I talked like a child I thought like a child I reasoned like a child when I became a man I did away with childish things for now in this time of imperfection we see in a mirror dimly a blurred reflection a riddle an enigma but then when the time of perfection comes we will see reality face to face now I know in part just in fragments but then I will know fully just as I have been fully known by God and now they remain Faith abiding trust in God and his promises hope confident expectation of Eternal salvation love unselfish love for others growing out of God's love for me these three The choicest Graces but the greatest of these is love many Bible students believe that John's entrance into heaven is a picture of the churches being taken home to be with the Lord at this time 1 Thessalonians 4. 13 to 18. Amplified Bible now we do not want you to be uninformed Believers about those who are asleep in death so that you will not grieve for them as the others do who have no hope Beyond this present life for if we believe that Jesus died and rose again as in fact he did even so God in this same way by raising them from the dead will bring with him those believers who have fallen asleep in Jesus for we say this to you by the Lord's own word that we who are still alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will in no way proceed into his presence those believers who have fallen asleep in death for the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a shout of command with the voice of the Archangel and with the blast of the trumpet of God and the dead in Christ will rise first then we who are alive and remain on the earth will simultaneously be caught up raptured together with them the resurrected ones in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so we will always be with the Lord therefore comfort and encourage one another with these words concerning our reunion with believers who have died

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Length: 35min 18sec (2118 seconds)

Published: Sat Oct 15 2022