A. INTRODUCTION
1. John wrote Revelation to show us and tell us three things. “Write down what you have seen—both the things that are now happening and the things that will happen” (Rev. 1:19, NLT).
2. John saw and heard an invitation. “I looked and behold a door was opened in heaven . . . and I heard . . . said to me, ‘Come up hither’” (4:1, KJV).
3. That is a picture of the coming rapture. “The Lord Himself shall descend . . . with a shout . . . we shall be caught up” (1 Thess. 4:16-17).
B. WHAT SHALL WE SEE IN HEAVEN?
1. We will see a glorious God sitting on His throne. “The One sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled His throne like a rainbow” Rev. 4:3, NLT).
a. Shinning and glistening like jewels in the sun.
b. Beautiful clouds like a rainbow.
c. Couldn’t see God for His glory. “But you may not look directly at my face, for no one may see me and live” (Ex. 33:20).
2. Twenty-four thrones represent twelve Old Testament saints and twelve New Testament saints in white with crowns.
3. Sounds from the throne, “lightning and thunders” (4:5).
4. Smoke from seven burning lamps represents the perfection of the Holy Spirit.
5. A perfectly calm sea in front of the throne that was crystal clear (4:6).
6. Four angels constantly praising God, “Holy, holy, holy, day and night” (4:8)
7. The twenty-four saints worshiped God, “Cast their crowns” (4:10).
8. Worship God for His creation. “Thou art worthy oh Lord to receive glory . . . honor . . . power, for Thou has created all things for Thy pleasure” (4:11).
C. ACTION IN HEAVEN
1. John saw a sealed book in God’s hand (the title deed to earth). Satan had been the god of this world.
2. John wept because the book could not be opened.
3. An elder told John, “The Lion of the tribe of Judah” (5:5) has won the victory to open the book.
4. Out of the throne steps the Lamb who was slain (5:6).
5. Jesus took the book which means the entire universe is in His hands. “The Lamb . . . took the book” (5:6-7).
6. The twenty-four saints worshiped Jesus with all believers of all time. “The twenty-four saints fell down to worship Jesus praying with all the saints” (5:8, ELT).
7. Jesus is worshiped by the four angels around the throne, plus many other angels (5:11) 10,000 x 10,000, plus thousands of thousands.
8. They worship Jesus for His death that provided salvation, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power . . . riches . . . wisdom . . . strength . . . honor . . . glory” (5:12).
9. What is worship? “Giving the worthship to God that is due to Him” (worthship is an old Scottish term).
10. All saved from all time, plus those in hell worship Jesus. “Every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth . . . saying, blessing . . . honor . . . glory . . . power to Him who sits on the throne” (5:13).
11. How long will they worship? “Forever and ever” (5:13-14).
D. WHAT CAN WE LEARN?
1. Worship begins thanking God for creation around us. “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship” (Ps. 19:1, NLT).
2. What is the purpose why God created the world and people? To glorify Himself and to receive worship.
The one thing God doesn’t do, worship Himself.
The one thing we are created to do, worship God.
3. What will God do to those who will not come to Him and seek His blessing and glorify Him today? He will cast them away. “I never knew you, depart from Me, ye that work iniquity” (Matt. 7:23).
4. How do people refuse God? Refuse to believe; refuse to live godly, refuse to follow God’s principles, refuse to attend worship, and refuse to pray and glorify God with their lives.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
All PBC lessons are available online at trbc.org/pbc. Go to www.Hopenow.tv for the current program schedule.
www.itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-elmer-towns
Dr. Towns' email is ELTowns@liberty.edu
Dr. Towns’ web address is www.elmertowns.com
