The Throne Room

The Throne Room

Revelation, Part 4, Revelation 4:1-11 (Ezekiel 1 also)

Introduction

- Over-arching theme: 2 Tim 4:2 says “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”

-- We ought to be able to give an answer …

-- We must be able to give hope to the future and why we believe …

- We have looked closely at the church age; which is now over in Revelation

-- The first three chapters of Revelation were an open book for us to apply

-- A guideline of how we should make corrections as needed in God’s eyes

- We have examined the things that God does NOT support in a church

-- We have also been given a glimpse of Heaven as John saw it in Chapter 1

- Today we shall be looking further into Heaven and seeing what awaits

-- If you ever wanted a “backstage pass” – this is the one you want

-- IMP: To those who believe, this is what awaits us

- CHALLENGE: While we are examining this glimpse today, I want you to keep one question in mind: “How will you feel when you are standing in the throne room of the true and living God?”

Read Revelation 4:1-11

Ω Point 1 – The Throne Room

- After finishing writing the letters to the church (v1) John is commanded …

-- The voice of Christ calls him and compels (moves) him into Heaven

-- Lots of people get caught up on it being a regular door, wood door, etc.

-- IMP: He is brought into the very throne room of Christ; majesty!

--- This is NOT a small little room, but the expanse of heaven

- Being in the Spirit means he was one with the Spirit; full of the Spirit (v2)

-- John’s consciousness was now fully aware of Christ’s revelation

-- Given a view of the throne, and the one who truly sits on it

- This throne is the mercy seat

-- This is NOT the one Jesus sits on before the great judgment (Rev 20:11)

-- It is where Jesus is today; interceding with the Father on our behalf

-- In that place he offers grace and mercy to those that would receive

- If you died now in Christ you would see this very throne and Christ on it

- (v3) John writes so we can understand (human comprehension vs. God’s)

-- IMP: In terms that he sees so that we can appreciate the glory of God

- This view of how Christ appears is beyond comprehension, but …

-- Take special note of the visuals he gives us: rainbow, jasper, carnelian, and emeralds – these are all PRECIOUS JEWELS!

-- The rainbow serves as a constant reminder of God/man covenant

TRANS: Incredibly enough, Jesus is not alone in this room

Ω Point 2 – The 24 Elders

- Bible never really gives us a clear view as to who these are

-- However, there are several theories as to who these elders are

-- First, let’s remember that the Bible defines an elder as: One who directs the affairs of the church. This is different from a deacon (who serves).

- Now, some say they are angels … but this cannot be

-- The bible is specific about its word choice: it says elders

-- Angels are never referred to as elders, they are created beings: by God

-- An elder is someone senior to you; given respect and honor

- Next, (v4) they sit on thrones and wear crowns

-- You never will find an angel wearing a crown or destined to rule

-- A throne indicates royalty; a position of honor and authority (to rule)

- We are told throughout the Bible that the righteous shall inherit the earth,

-- Luke 22:30 says “so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

- Next, these crowns are not diadem crowns worn by kings of this earth

-- These crowns are the stephanos crowns, the crowns of an over-comer

-- One who has survived this life by being faithful to Jesus Christ

-- This is the type of crown given as a reward to the members of the church

-- Remember last week the 5 crowns? These elders are wearing theirs!

- They are wearing white garments

-- If they are righteous glorified men in Heaven, this is what they ought to be wearing as the clothing at the Marriage Supper.

-- Revelation 19:7-8, “Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.”