Series: Rev’d Up
Thesis: We need to receive a fresh revelation of Jesus Christ every day so we do not fall asleep at our assigned mission. We need to know He is coming back soon! Having a vision of Jesus will also give us the inner strength to stand for the Gospel in a hostile world even to the point of death. But we also need to see God’s Throne in Heaven and see His glory, majesty and power. He holds the throne of absolute power over this world – no demon – no ruler – no Caesar – no person – no angel – He is the one with the authority to determine the future.
Key verse of Revelation: Text: Revelation 12:11: “They overcame him by the
blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives
so much as to shrink from death.”
Sermon 9: – Revelation Chapter 4 “A vision of the throne of God.”
Scripture Text: Rev. 4
1After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And 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.”
2At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it.
3And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne.
4Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads.
5From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God.
6Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back.
7The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle.
8Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.”
9Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever,
10the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:
11“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”
Thesis: Seeing God on His throne should remind us who is in control of this world. A clear vision of Him on the throne should inspire us to press toward the goal of Heaven and its great rewards. Seeing God on the throne of Heaven should cause us to bow in reverence to Him and to want to worship Him.
Introduction:
Last week we finished up the message to the church in Laodicea. The church was rich in materialistic things but pitiful, poor blind and naked in the eyes of Jesus. They needed to repent and get back into His truth. They were informed that Jesus was standing at the door of their heart knocking, He wanted to come in and have fellowship with them – share a meal with them – reference I believe to communion. But they have to open the door. They need to realize they are blind and they need to see through the eyes of the Lord! They need a healing! They and us were also promised that the Ones who overcome in this life will get invited to sit with Jesus on His throne. Jesus reminds them and us how He has overcome and how He got to sit with God the Father on His throne. The same invitation is waiting for these Christians if they open the door and repent – they must reignite a fire for the things of Jesus and lose the things of the world which are blinding them to truth.
We leave chapter 3 hearing Jesus inviting them and us to open the door to our hearts – so we can see – so we can regain fellowship with Him – He wants us to answer the door, “Yes” open the door so we too can be a part of ruling with Him on His throne in the end of time. He wants us to connect with His holiness.
I find it interesting in my study how many theologians disconnect chapter 3 and 4. They note there is break here between the vision – the church messages are over and now John sees another dimension of Heaven – the throne of God. He hears the same trumpet voice he heard at the beginning of His revelation see 1:10 – now it blows again 4:1.
I. The door open’s and John sees “The Throne of God” (Rev. 4:1)
a. Chapter 4 opens with the comment “After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven.” Through this open door, John gets a view of the Throne of God in all of its splendor and glory. He see’s God on the throne – He hears from Jesus what is going to take place – a special moment at the throne is coming for Him to see and watch – it’s a pinnacle moment in the time of Heaven and Earth.
i. Message from the vision of the Throne of God:
1. Seeing the throne of God gives us an eternal perspective on life and reminds us who is in control. It also is a reality check to how life is multidimensional – there is the world we see each day and experience and there is a spiritual world which most people don’t see or experience but it is just as real – The Laodiceans were spiritually blind to the spiritual world as most Christians are today and Jesus gives us revelation to open our spiritual eyes and ears to the realm of the Spirit.
2. God is the center of reality! He is to be the center of all things!
3. This vision John receives from Jesus reveals the sovereignty of God the Father as He rules and reigns from His Throne in Heaven. He does this everyday – this is the scene of God’s Throne in Heaven - it’s a real place - a spiritual place but this spiritual place of authority is involved with life on this earth and it intersects with people daily. There is a spiritual realm moving around us in this world – there is good spirits and evil spirits – there is a war which manifests itself in the lives of people daily – But John saw God the Father sitting and ruling from His throne – can you imagine that scene? The scene John sees is God “seated,” meaning He is actively exercising the duties of His executive office, administering over the affairs of His creation. We you and I are part of His Creation. Do you recall what Jesus said to the Laodicean church last week “These are the Words of the Amen, the faithful and True Witness, the ruler of God’s Creation.” Revelation 3:14.
a. Jesus is the Ruler with God of Creation! Don't forget this fact! He sits on the throne with God the Father.
b. I have prayed and pondered this scene in Heaven all week – The Throne of God – the visual image of it – the message of it to all of us today – the dimension of worship revealed in the vision – do we live with a vision – a revelation of this reality – this court room scene of Heaven? Do we see it on a daily basis and strive to live for it?
i. Bible.org states, “Have you looked up lately to see God still upon His throne? Have you come to understand that His sovereign throne controls the events of your life? No matter what may seem out of control in your life, know that God is still in control. Though evil reigns for a time on earth, God will ultimately prevail. There is no attribute more comforting to God’s children than His sovereignty. Whatever your trial, whatever your test, whatever your tragedy, God is still on His throne. There are times when that is the only thing that will keep you and me going.” From https://bible.org/seriespage/13-glimpse-glory-revelation-41-11
ii. Remember the church of John’s day is being persecuted – people are dying for the faith – they needed to see God on His Throne – they needed to know He is in Control – Jesus is in control and He is the Ruler of God’s Creation – all of God’s Creation.
iii. That means us too – yes it means you too – this church and School are under His rule.
c. The picture of the Throne of God -opened to John is an amazing scene to see.
i. The colors that John see’s associated with the Throne of God are stunning and informative.
1. Jasper what he sees as the appearance of God on the throne – a clear crystal look - like a diamond almost transparent in light.
2. God's appearance is also likened to the color of Carnelian or Sardius which is a red stone calling to mind God’s avenging wrath.
3. Rainbow resembling Emerald circled the throne. This would be a deep green circle around the throne – but like a rainbow which is a symbol of God’s mercy and grace from Genesis 9:12-15). A symbols of His covenant with mankind.
4. Peterson notes the following about this scene (pages 62-63):
a. Light with the colors of precious stones bathes everyone around the throne and is associated with the worship of the One on the throne.
b. He notes precious stones are precious because they collect and intensify light. Light is full of color, all colors, but our dull eyes are unperceptive. A stone, selecting certain colors our of the air and intensifying them, shows us the deep glory of the color that was in the light all the time.
c. The ancient world valued stones not for decoration, but for their capacity to reveal and deepen the colors of light.
d. These colors create an awe of God’s light – so glorious and beautiful and bright. So deep and rich and multilayered in brilliance. Revealing the depth of God.
ii. The 24 Elders and 24 other Thrones:
1. We see the 24 elders – dressed in white – wearing golden crowns around the throne – many believe they represent the 12 Patriarchs of the Old testament which represented the 12 Tribes of Israel then the other 12 represent the 12 apostles of the New Testament. Peterson notes, “The two twelves include the old and the new, prophecy and fulfillment, and everything in between…” (Page 61, Reversed Thunder)
a. They say the following: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”
2. Who then are these twenty-four elders? We conclude, first, that they are the kings and priests among the angels (They are men not angels). They are the elders of the universe, governing the angels and the world and serving God. The evidence of this is as follows:
a. They sit on thrones and wear golden crowns. Hence, they must be kings.
b. They wear white robes which are the priestly garments (see Exo. 28; Lev. 6:10; 16:4). They have harps, songs, and golden bowls full of incense. All these prove that they are priests.
i. They are the representative of the Royal Priesthood – the church note 1 Peter 2:9.
ii. The reason they are priests among the angels is that they are the elders of the universe. In chapters four and five, God is God, the Lord is the Lamb, the Holy Spirit is the seven Spirits of God, and the four living creatures represent the animals in creation. Man is on the earth, and the devil does not count.
c. Another thought for the twenty-four elders is the number of the priests in David's time, the priests were divided into twenty-four courses (1 Chron. 24:7-18). The responsibility of the priests is to bring the prayers of the saints before God. The harps are for singing, and the bowls of incense are for prayers. From https://www.ministrybooks.org/books.cfm?n.
iii. The flashes of Lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder.
1. A scene similar to the one from Mt. Sinai at Exodus with Moses and Israel when God established His Covenant with Israel. See Exodus 19 especially verse 16: “On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled” see verses 17-19.
2. These manifestations describe the fearsome power of God, and reveal His sovereignty over the forces of nature. It also reveals what happens when God’s presence is manifested to men.
iv. Seven Lamps blazing – 7 Spirits of God – The Holy Spirit!
1. See notes: Most scholars say these lamps represent the Holy Spirit and the number seven – a sign of perfection – completion – points to the various gifts, graces and operations of the Holy Spirit.
v. The Sea of Glass – clear as Crystal
1. See notes: it is said to represent the Molten Sea or Laver in Solomon’s Temple which was used for cleansing.
2. Many believe this represents Baptism and it’s association with water and this sea is now hardened so people can approach the throne. This is made possible by the slain lamb of Chapter 5.
vi. The Living Creatures – represent the whole of Creation!
1. The beings with faces and wings revealed in this Revelation according to Jewish rabbi’s and Christian Scholars represent God’s Creation – Peterson states it this way: “On each side of the throne, are four living creatures” (Rev. 4;6). The four creatures are all aspects of creation, just as the twenty-four elders are all facets of faith. The noblest (lion), the strongest (ox), the wisest (human), and the swiftest (eagle) are centered in God.” (Page 62).
a. Gregg notes from His commentary this about our four creatures:
i. In the case of God’s throne, the creatures are not carved, but living creatures. The rabbi’s said the lion was chief of the wild beasts, the ox the chief of domestic beasts, the eagle the chief of birds, and man the chief of all “intellectual creatures.” (Page 90).
2. These beings or angels either Cherubim or Seraphim represent God’s Creations – the ones who praise the eternal God on the throne night and day. The focus of their worship is on God’s purity – God’s power – God’s preeminence. They give God the glory due His name – they call attention to His holiness and perfectedness.
a. The vision of the creatures and their description parallel Exekiel’s vision of the throne of God in (Ezek. 1) of the Cherubim Angels.
b. The creatures also parallel the throne of God in the vision Isaiah had in (Isa 6) and of the Seraphim Angels and the same type of song the Seraphim sang these creatures sing.
3. They give thanks for Him and who He is – Who He was and what He will do in the future. The 24 elders follow the lead of these angelic beings and also bow and worship the One who sits on the throne – they even take their crowns off in reverent worship to God the One on the throne of Heaven.
4. They had Six wings.
5. They were covered with eyes all around.
6. There repeated saying: “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.” Stresses the Holiness of God before all of Creation! What a vision to see.
a. Joel Scandrett from Christianity Today notes this about the term "Holy."
i. For many Americans 'holiness' conjures up musty images of revival meetings, gospel trios, and old time religion-along with stern prohibitions against drinking, dancing, and playing cards...We act as if holiness were either outdated or something that characterizes only small (if important) part of our lives...to our quest for cultural relevance, which is defended in the name of winning others to Christ...we are rapidly forsaking our historic commitment to holiness...many in our culture don't view us a morally different in any meaningful way – except to see us as hypocrites.
ii. But God says, "Be holy, because I am holy." (Lev. 11:44; 1 Peter 1:16).
iii. The basic meaning of "Holy" and or "Holiness" is:
1. Holy – Hebrew "qodesh" means: apartness, set apart, separateness, and sacredness.
2. Holy – Greek "Hagios" means: set apart, reverend, sacred, and worthy of praise.
3. Holy is connected to the weight of God's glory.
b. When the creatures sing Holy 3x – it is very significant – God is not just holy – but – holy, holy, holy and when in Scripture something is mentioned 3 x in row it's off the charts in importance!
d. More thoughts on the Throne of God:
i. International Standard Encyclopedia says this about God’s throne:
1. The matchless glory, the transcendent power and absolute sovereignty of God (and Christ);
a. Micaiah “saw Yahweh sitting on his throne,” (1 Ki 22:19; compare 2 Ch 18:18);
b. Isaiah and Ezekiel had similar visions (Isa 6:1; Ezek 1:26); compare also Dan 7:9 and Rev 4:2 (and often); in trying to depict the incomparable greatness of the King of kings, the Bible tells us that His throne is in heaven (Ps 11:4, etc.) and, moreover, that heaven itself is His throne (Isa 66:1; Mt 5:34, etc.);
c. His reign is founded on righteousness and justice (Ps 89:14; compare 97:2) and of eternal duration (Ps 45:6; compare Heb 1:8; Lam 5:19); He acts justly and kindly (Ps 9:4 and 89:14); He defends His glory (Jer. 14:21); He manifests His holiness (Ps 47:8) and His grace (Heb. 4:16), and yet His dealings with us are not always fully understood by us (Job 26:9).
d. The throne of God is a common subject in the book of Revelation.
ii. The reference to a Throne in NT:
1. “The word thronos appears 62x in the New Testament, 47x of which are in the book of Revelation.
a. Twice (Rev. 2:13; 13:2) it refers to Satan’s throne (being synonymous with his authority or power) and once to the throne of the beast (Rev. 16:10).
b. On four occasions it refers to God’s throne on the new earth in consequence of its having come down from heaven (Rev. 21:3, 5; 22:1,3).
c. In every other instance (40x) thronos refers to a throne in heaven, either that of God the Father, of Christ, of the 24 elders, etc.”
i. From https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justin-taylor/thrones-in-revelation/
2. “Since we find the word “throne” or “thrones” used thirteen times in this chapter alone (and forty seven times in the whole of the Book of Revelation), it is no surprise that this is the key word for this chapter and one of the main ones for the entire book.”
a. We are first presented with a heavenly picture of the throne of God as a sort of introduction to a major purpose behind the events described in the whole of Revelation, that it is the throne of God which rules the universe, not the thrones of men.
b. Much of what takes place in the Last Days is Satan’s attempt to take the throne for himself as exhibited in the midway point of the Tribulation when the satanically-possessed Antichrist takes the newly built Temple and demands to be personally worshiped in God’s place.
c. But ultimately Christ comes to earth to take His throne and rule from Jerusalem as He establishes His Millennial Kingdom. The details may be found in the seals, trumpets and bowls of the Last Days, but the ultimate agenda is all about who occupies the throne. For overcomers, it is most important to remember that God is on His throne and in complete control. The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all. (Ps. 103:19)”
i. From http://www.walkwiththeword.org/Studies/02_NT/66_Rev/66_Revelation_04.html
II. The point of this vision of the Throne of God?
a. What do we need to know from this vision – this revelation of the Throne of God?
i. God sits on the throne of Heaven and governs the affairs of men, angels and even limits demons. He is the author of History and the writer of the future and no one will exalt or supersede His throne – or His will - not even Satan himself!
1. See Ezek. 28:1-19 describing the sin of Satan represented through the King of Tyre!
2. He has failed to secure the throne of God.
ii. God is in control not earthly kings or dictators! No one will win a war against God.
1. He will orchestrate His plan to perfection – He will have His way!
2. We can choose to reign with Him in the future or be annihilated by Him in the end.
3. We need to see Him on His throne – to open our blind eyes!
4. We are not in control! He is!
5. We need to worship Him for who - He was – He is and will do in the future.
iii. We need a revelation of God’s Throne! To see Jesus clearly!
b. Why do we need to see the Throne of God?
i. If we do not have a proper view of God, then we will miss the blessings of Heaven.
ii. If we do not see Him in His majestic state, then we will dishonor Him before men.
iii. If we do not understand how powerful He is, we will underestimate Him and disregard Him.
iv. If we do not humble our self before Him, we will never experience His love and grace.
v. If we do not see the throne – see God - experience His presence we will never tell our God story to others, so they too can experience His majestic presence and power.
vi. If we do not have a holy awe for God, we will miss the purpose for our life!
vii. We need to see that God is Holy, Holy, Holy and we are not without Jesus.
c. What do we need to do when we see and experience the Throne of God?
i. We need to worship Him!
ii. We need to bow in reverence to Him!
iii. We need to honor Him and His holiness – especially the gift of holiness!
iv. We need to remove our own crowns!
v. We need to acknowledge that we have our being or life because He created us!
vi. We need to be holy like He is holy!
1. Note: We will take time at the end of my message to honor and worship God.
d. Why do they need to do this?
i. We will come alive in our soul and spirit if we see this vision of the throne.
ii. We will experience His power and His presence.
iii. We will be healed and set free!
iv. We will feel the wave of His love, mercy and grace flood over us.
v. We will be transformed in His presence!
vi. We need to want to be holy because He is holy and He wants us to be holy!
Conclusion:
Beth will replay “Holy Holy” by Matt Gilman and we will ask the people to spend some time worshipping and honoring God on the throne.
I pray that the Lord shows up and people get a fresh revelation of the “Throne of God.”
