Heaven Opened Series

March 02, 2024

So far we have learned about the cities and conditions of the 7 churches and how we can apply their circumstances and struggles to the panorama of history – even in our own day.

There are a couple of things to be aware of as we move on to chapter 4:

• Time: The letters to the 7 churches were written to real churches that existed in John’s time – “the things which are.”

Now there is a shift from the now to the future, to “the things that must take place after this.”

It is important to understand that this shift to the future refers to chapters 6-22, which provide us with a survey of history from John’s time to Jesus’ 2nd Coming. Chapters 4 and 5 are introductory to chapters 6-22 but are not chronological. What John is witnessing in Chapters 4 and 5 is the enthronement of Christ, which occurred 64 years earlier – in 31 AD. By showing John this glorious event, the stage is set for what’s to come. Remember this is earth from heaven’s perspective, so as history unfolds before John, he is reminded that Jesus reigns on the throne of the universe = good news.

• Language: The language of chapters 1, 2 and 3 is straightforward and is, in general, easy to understand. In chapter 4, John will begin to use complex symbolic language that is not easy to interpret. His use of symbolic language reminds us of the book of Ezekiel in the Old Testament.

Revelation 4:1 - After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. The voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this."

John – in vision – is ushered into the heavenly temple – throne room of God.

At the center of this amazing room is a Being sitting on a throne. He is the object of worship.

The throne is featured 17 times in chapters 4 and 5. It is central to everything that will take place and is fundamental to our theological understanding of the events that follow.

A throne, in the ancient world, was the symbol of power and authority. Whoever had the throne had the power. Even today, a throne is used to describe monarchy: “After years of preparation, Charles takes the British throne.”

The throne of God stands for his power and authority over the universe.

However………… There is someone who wants the throne – Satan (Isaiah 14:12-17 and Ezekiel 28:12-19).

The central issue in the Great Controversy between God and Satan is WHO HAS THE RIGHT TO RULE.

Revelation 4 and 5 portrays a decisive event in that conflict – The Coronation of Christ as He takes his place on the throne of the universe.

John was not the 1st to be invited into this wonderful place. Micaiah (1 Kings 22:19), Isaiah (6) and Daniel (7:9-10) were all given a glimpse of the splendor of the heavenly throne room. However, Ezekial 1 most closely resembles Revelation 4. As a matter of fact, about 1/3 of words in Revelation 4 also appear in Ezekiel 1.

What words would you use to describe God’s radiant glory?

Ezekiel used fire:

Ezekiel 1:27 - I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him.

John used 2 specific gemstones:

Revelation 4:3 - And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian…..

Jasper comes in a multitude of shades. At least 12 different types of jasper exist, so which one was John talking about?

Well, combine that with his use of Carnelian (Sardius – a red precious stone, probably ruby or carnelian), and Ezekiel’s use of fire, I think we can reasonably choose red jasper.

Encircling the throne was a rainbow that resembled an emerald.

Dissecting the theological symbolism, we find that, in the Old Testament, these 3 stones represent the tribes of Reuben (Sardius), Benjamin (Jasper) and Judah (Emerald):

Exodus 28:17-20 - And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row. The second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond. The third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst. The fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper…. (KJV)

And the rainbow, reminds us of God’s covenant promise to Noah after the flood:

Genesis 9:12-13 - And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.