The Throne Of God Series

BEFORE THE THRONE OF GOD

** Revelation 1:19

” the things which shall take place after this”.

__This is the revelation of things which shall take place in the future

**” I was in the spirit…” (Revelation 4:2)

__ Immediately I was in the Spirit: John already said he was in the Spirit at Revelation 1:10. This was yet a different experience, as John came to heaven and a heavenly perspective.

__ “In the Spirit”: Where was his body? Was John’s body in heaven also, or was it just his spirit? This is impossible to know. Paul, when he had his heavenly experience, didn’t know if he was in the body or not (2 Corinthians 12:1-4).

John’s description of heaven.

**” And behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne”. (Revelation 4:2-3)

__ This throne was what first impressed John, and it is the centerpiece of this vision. John was fixated on the occupied throne, and everything else is described in relation to this throne.

__ The throne is not empty. There is some One who sits on this great heavenly throne. The throne is a powerful declaration of not merely God’s presence, but of His sovereign, rightful reign, and His prerogative to judge.

__ “There is here no description of the Divine Being---- The description rather aims to point out the surrounding glory and effulgence than the person of the almighty King.”

__ Like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance: Instead of describing a specific form or figure, John described emanations of glistening light in two colors: white (jasper may mean “diamond”) and red (sardius).

__ Perhaps these two colors are meant to communicate the glory of the empty tomb (white, Matthew 28:1-3) and the sacrificial love of Calvary (red, indicating blood). Or, perhaps they are linked with the first and last gems in the high priest’s breastplate (Exodus 39:8-13).

__ The throne was surrounded by a green-hued rainbow (in appearance like an emerald). The rainbow is a reminder of God’s commitment to His covenant with man (Genesis 9:11-17).

__ God has a reminder of His promise to never destroy the earth again with water, a promise that directs His sovereignty, so that it is not capricious or against His promises.

__ A throne says, “I can do whatever I want, because I rule.” A promise says, “I will fulfill this word to you, and I cannot do otherwise.” A rainbow around the throne is a remarkable thing, showing that God will always limit Himself by His own promises.

** Revelation 4:4

“Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones, I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads”.

__ Before the elders caught John’s eye, he noticed the twenty-four thrones they sat on.

__ These twenty-four elders sat on thrones, around the throne of God. Later John will mention their song of worship (Revelation 4:10-11).

__ the elders certainly seem to represent God’s people.

__ Elders represent the people of God, especially in the Old Testament. The 24 courses of the priesthood represented all the priests (1 Chronicles 24), and the 12 tribes and the 12 apostles represent all the faithful.

__ In Revelation 5:9-10, the twenty-four elders sang a song of praise to Jesus, and they cried out: For You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood, out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation. In that passage, the twenty-four elders clearly spoke as representatives of all God’s people, of the great company of the redeemed.

__ Clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads: The white robes and crowns of the elders seem to indicate that they are indeed human beings – in glory, of course.

__ Angels are sometimes presented in white robes or garments (Mark 16:5; John 20:12; Acts 1:10), but saints also have white robes (Revelation 6:11, 7:9, 13-14) as a picture of their imputed righteousness (Isaiah 61:10, Revelation 3:5-18). However, we never see angels crowned but believers will be (1 Corinthians 9:25; 2 Timothy 4:8; 1 Peter 5:4).

__ Therefore, redeemed, glorified man sits enthroned with Jesus. On lesser thrones, to be sure, but thrones none the less. We are joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), and we will reign with Him (2 Timothy 2:12).

__Revelation 4:5

“And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thundering’s, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.”

__ The lightning, thunder, voices and fire are reminiscent of God’s fearful presence at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16-19 and 20:18-19). They communicate the awe associated with the throne of God.

__ The Holy Spirit (the seven Spirits of God, as referred to in Revelation 1:4 and Isaiah 11:2) is represented by seven burning lamps. In other passages He is represented as a dove (Matthew 3:16) or a flame of fire (Acts 2:3).