In Revelation 4:1, the Apostle John is privileged to have a wonderful vision of the Heavenly Throne after he had heard Christ’s powerful messages to the Seven Churches of Asia Minor. Prior to hearing Christ’s stupendous messages to the Seven Churches of Asia Minor, he had witnessed Christ in His exaltation in Revelation 1:12-16. As stated previously in our study of this spectacular book, in the outline seen in Revelation 1:19, John was instructed to write about: “things he hath seen (past, chapter 1); and the things which are (present, chapters 2-3); and the things which shall be hereafter (future, chapters 4-22).
Chapter 4 signals the beginning of “things which shall be hereafter – those things which shall occur after the church age. In verses 1-3, the Apostle John is invited to “Come up hither,” as he received a glimpse of the heavenly throne before he witnesses the horrible judgments to be poured out on the earth. Actually, events that take place on earth, have their origin in heaven. The heavenly ascent is not unexpected. A true insight into history is only gained when we properly gain a heavenly perspective. In verses 2-3, once the door of heaven was opened to the Apostle John, he was “immediately” in the Spirit. “Experientially he was taken up to heaven though his body was actually still on the island of Patmos” (Walvord and Zuck, eds., The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Victor). Like a few others in the Bible (I Kings 22:19; Isaiah 6:1; Daniel 7:9), John was privileged to view the heavenly throne. The One seated on the throne is the Lord God Almighty (Revelation 4:8). The Lord God Almighty is described in terms of two precious stones – jasper (clear as crystal) and sardine (blood red). Also, verse 3 describes a rainbow that completely encircles the throne of God. The encircled rainbow describes the complete faithfulness of God!
Having viewed the heavenly throne in verses 1-3, John gives us a glimpse of the heavenly worship that takes place in heaven (vv. 4-11). Surrounding the throne were twenty-four elders, who were dressed in white with gold crowns on their heads. There are varied interpretations as to who these twenty-four elders were. In reading the various interpretations, it seems best to interpret these elders as representatives of redeemed human beings around the throne who offered their worship to God (Revelation 5:8; 11:16; 19:14). There are indeed many redeemed human beings around the throne of God, but the twenty-four elders represent all the redeemed! From this impressive scene, there proceeded from the throne lightnings, thunderings, and voices (v. 5). Also, the Apostle John witnessed seven blazing lamps which are the seven Spirits of God (symbolical of the Holy Spirit’s fullness (Isaiah 11:2-3; Zechariah 4:1-6; Revelation 1:4; 3:1).
In verses 6-8, the Apostle John describes a sea of glass, clear as crystal; in addition, he mentions four living creatures, and their likenesses were as a lion, an ox, a man, and an eagle. Each of the creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around. The four beasts probably represent angelic beings (seraphim). These living creatures (angels) are “full of eyes,” which indicates their ability to see in all directions, perhaps symbolizing the omniscience of God (II Chronicles 16:9; Zechariah 4:10). In verse 7, John’s vision of these four beasts was similar to Ezekiel’s vision in Ezekiel 1:5, 10. These angelic beings had likenesses as unto a lion, an ox, a man, and an eagle. These living creatures (angels) are engaged in ceaseless praise to God (v. 8). As the four beasts offered their praise to God, it was a signal for the twenty-four elders to do the same.
Our God deserves continual “glory, honor and thanks (v. 9). The twenty-four elders are perpetually prostrating themselves before God and laying down their crowns as a sign of their homage. They cast their crowns as an acknowledgment of God’s Sovereignty! They cast their crown before Eternal God, One who “liveth for ever and ever.” Ascribing glory, honor, and power to God is appropriate, for He created all things and we were created to render praise to our majestic Lord (v. 11).
May God Bless!
Rev. Johnny Calvin Smith
