Inside The Throne Room Of God

INSIDE THE THRONE ROOM OF GOD

Text: Revelation Chapter 4

When we began our study in the book of Revelation we found that this book is the unveiling of Jesus Christ. When we were in chapter 1 and verse 19 we found that Jesus Himself rightly divided this book for our continued study. Jesus gave us a commandment to do this and He helped us out here.

2Ti 2:15 says Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

To rightly divide is to handle the word of God correctly! This expression means "to cut straight" A carpenter, a stone mason, a surgeon, a farmer, a road builder all have a hope to cut straight. To those that refuse to handle the word of God according to His guidelines will be judged of God. Those who teach God's word are to remain true to the word of God at all times. Those who hear God's word and believe on it have this same responsibility.

Remember Jesus was a carpenter, and a stone mason, and a surgeon and a farmer and it is He that has provided the road to salvation!

The way Christ divided this book:

Rev 1:19 Write the things [which thou hast seen], and the things [which are], and the things which [shall be hereafter];

1.) The things that were seen: Jesus Christ Himself. Chapter 1

2.) The Things which are: The Church and the Church Age. Chapter 2-3

3.) The things that are to come: The Prophetic future. (after the church age) Chapter 4 till the end.

Let's begin our third section of this great book.

The words "church" or "churches" are used 20 times in this book but 19 times in the first three chapters and then only one more time in the remaining chapters of this book:

Rev 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

If we accept the fact that Jesus Christ is the author of this book and that all scripture is inspired of God.

2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Does this book have divine authorship?

This book is no different than what was told to Moses:

Exo 20:1 And [God spake all these words], saying,

Exo 20:2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

Nor to Joshua:

Jos 1:1 Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that [the LORD spake unto Joshua] the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying,

Jos 1:2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.

The words "the Lord spake" or "God spake" are use 157 times in the Bible. Add "God said" for 46 more times. "Thus saith the Lord" is seen 413 times in the Bible.

God says what He means and He means what He says!

The Apostle John says he will "bare" the record of the word of God!

Rev 1:2 says Who [bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw].

Bare means: to be a witness, to bear witness, to affirm that one has seen or heard or experienced something, or that he knows it because taught by divine revelation or inspiration

We know God speaks through a mediator:

Again Moses:

Deu 31:24 And it came to pass, [when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book], until they were finished,

Deu 31:25 That Moses commanded the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying,

Deu 31:26 Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there for a witness against thee

Samuel:

1Sa 10:25 [Then Samuel told the people the manner of the kingdom, and wrote it in a book], and laid it up before the LORD. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house.

Nehemiah:

Neh 8:5 And [Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people]; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:

Neh 8:6 And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

This happens all through the Old Testament and the New Testament.

It should not be too hard to accept that the Lord Jesus divided this book and the Church, the Bride of Christ will go to Heaven at the end of the Church Age.

Because the Lord also said these words:

Rev 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, [I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth].

This would be the coming tribulation period.

Our Text:

*****Rev 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

(After this)

After Rev 1:1-3:22

Among those who do not believe that the Second Coming of our Lord will be in two phases, they often point out that the word "rapture" does not appear in the English Bible. But, as we all know, the New Testament was written in Greek, not English. The word which is used in Greek to give us the understanding of the Rapture is harpazo - translated in I Thessalonians 4:17 with the English words "caught up."

1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain [shall be caught up] together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

harpazo = catch (away, up), pluck, pull, take (by force).

Additional usages of harpazo include Matthew 11:12; 13:19;

and all these others:

Mat 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent [take it by force].

Mat 13:19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and [catcheth away] that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

John 6:15; 10:12, 28-29; Acts 8:39; 23:10;

Joh 6:15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and [take him by force], to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

II Corinthians 12:2, 4; Jude 23; and Revelation 12:5.

Our English word "rapture" is a transliteration of the "Latin" translation of I Thessalonians 4:17 which uses the word "rapturo."

So after the Church age ends with the Rapture of the Bride of Christ these other things will begin and the first thing we see is the Throne Room of God. This is the view the Church will have!

Paul wrote:

1Co 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

1Co 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

Remember we just left the Laodicean church. This church will go through the tribulation period. (Jesus Christ was on the outside). He has given this church the opportunity to repent and this church has until the rapture to do so. At that time the period of "grace" will be over.

God has this message to all those that hear and reject His Word of Truth:

2Th 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

2Th 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

2Th 2:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

There will be some saved during the tribulation period but not any of the Laodicean church period. They will have chosen their own destiny and it will not be in Heaven.

We must not be confused about the "rapture". The Philadelphian church will be "called out". The Laodicean church will be "spewed out"!

The Bible Says:

1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

(I looked, BEHOLD the door)

The Apostle John had witnessed a lot of miracles of Jesus. He had seen the transfiguration of the Lord. He had Apostolistic powers and had done miracles himself, possibly even raising the dead. John had never seen anything that compared to what was inside that door of heaven.

Behold means: To fix the eyes upon; to see with attention; to observe with care.

We as Christians know that there is only one door that leads into Heaven.

Jesus says:

Joh 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

because He is the only way:

Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

The Apostle John is not the only one who got a glimpse inside this door.

Act 7:55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, [and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God],

Stephen got a glimpse.

Dan 7:9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.

Dan 7:10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.

Daniel got a glimpse:

Isa 6:1 In the year that king Uzziah died [I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne], high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.

Isaiah got a glimpse:

Eze 1:1 Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, [that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God].

Ezekiel got a glimpse;

Exo 24:9 Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel:

Exo 24:10 And [they saw the God of Israel]: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.

We can see that Moses and 72 more got a glimpse of Heaven.

You see this door was closed to the Laodicean church and it will be closed to all unbelievers but it will be open to all the saints of God. Not to those chosen by men but only those that have chosen Jesus Christ as their saviour. There is only one way to become a saint. You have to invite Christ Jesus into your heart. He will come if you are sincere!

(trumpet)

In the Bible the trumpet was used to call attention to important announcements. This time it will be the greatest announcement for the church, the Bride of Christ.

"Come home, come home, it's supper time!"

Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, [I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me].

1Co 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

You see Jesus made a promise to the church:

Rev 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

This is best known as the "time of Jacob's trouble".

Jer 30:7 Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.

Jer 30:8 For it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds, and strangers shall no more serve themselves of him:

Jer 30:9 But they shall serve the LORD their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them.

The church is not appointed to this wrath:

1Th 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

1Th 5:10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

Born again believers are not saved just to go through the wrath of God. There would be no time of "grace" if this was so. The church will be delivered from the wrath of God.

Most of this nonsense comes from the teaching that the church is the true Israel. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Israel and the Church are two different peoples with two different walks that lead to the gates of Heaven. Not another way because the only way will still be through the Lord Jesus Christ. The church has obtained true salvation and it begins the moment you allow Jesus into your heart.

Christ in your heart will deliver you daily from the power of sin, the world, the flesh, the devil and God's coming wrath on this world.

1Jn 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

1Jn 3:2 [Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is].

1Jn 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

The Lord knows how to deliver the Godly from temptations:

2Pe 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

We have the proof in God's word:

In the day of the world wide flood, not one drop of rain fell until Noah and his family were safe inside the Ark!

Gen 7:1 And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.

In the day of the destruction of Sodom not one spark of fire and brimstone fell till Lot was safe.

Gen 19:29 And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt.

Lot placed himself in the middle of Satan's evilness but he was still righteous in God's eyes.

2Pe 2:7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:

2Pe 2:8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)

Certainly the Bride of Christ is loved as great as these. The church will not see any of the wrath of Christ:

Rev 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

Rev 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

(the things that will come)

John is telling us of some things that will happen as believers enter into Heavens Gates. We first will see the door. We know that door is Jesus Christ. John will describe these in Chapters 4 and 5. The things here after begin in Chapter 6.

Heaven is a real place. We have already said that Ezekiel, Isaiah, Daniel, Stephen and even the Apostle Paul got a view of Heaven. John gives us the Heavenly view. When John is told not to write some things we can praise God because those will be some things that the church will never know because they are so horrible. Probably done by Satan but allowed by God.

Our Text:

*****Rev 4:2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.

Rev 4:3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.

(in the spirit)

As I have said we must remember the Apostle John had powers way beyond the normal man as did all the Apostles. That power died out with the Apostle John and does not exist. The power of the Holy Spirit exist but all other powers returned to the Almighty God.

What I'm trying to say is John had seen some wondrous things but nothing as wondrous and wonderful as what he was looking at just then at the door of Heaven. These are the beginnings of the things that are here after. (Rev 1:19).

John says "and immediatly"

1Co 15:52 In a moment, [in the twinkling of an eye], at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

John was in the spirit. It is the Holy Spirit of God that will rapture us off this planet. He will go home when God calls Him home. We know that Jesus could not give us His Spirit until He had ascended back to heaven and He cannot come back until His Spirit is back in Heaven.

Joh 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

Joh 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

Joh 16:9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;

Joh 16:10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;

Joh 16:11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

This process will be in reverse when the Lord returns. He will recall the Spirit with the saints and he Then He will return to this Earth.

(The Throne)

We as Christians know this throne now as the "Throne of Grace". If we humble ourselves we can approach this throne through our prayers.

Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

We know Christ Our Lord is there in Heaven to receive our prayers:

Heb 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Heb 4:16 [Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace], that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

After the rapture we will see the throne that John is telling us about now.

Psa 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

Psa 100:5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

This will probably be the throne we will face Christ at His Judgement Seat (Bema) but this will "not" be the throne of the White Throne of Judgement as there will never be sinners allowed into Heaven.

Psa 89:14 Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.

Psa 89:15 Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.

The Lord God Almighty is the one that sit's on this throne!

Our text:

*****Rev 4:3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.

In Rev 21:11 we see a description of the Jasper Stone:

Rev 21:11 [Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal];

Stone: The Greek word "lithos" Apparently a primary word; a stone

Most Precious: The Greek word "timios" valuable, that is, (objectively) costly, or (subjectively) honored, esteemed, or (figuratively) beloved: - dear, honourable, (more, most) precious, had in reputation.

Jasper: The Greek word "iaspis" a gem.

The word Jasper is used exactly seven times in the Bible and we know the importance of the number seven in the book of Revelation.

Jasper in the Old Testament from the Hebrew word "yashpheh" meaning to polish.

No matter what the modern world thinks of this stone it is precious in the Bible.

In this description of Lucifer:

Eze 28:13 Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, [and the jasper], the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.

Oliver Green tells us these things:

"And thou shalt set in it [the high-priest's breastplate] settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row. And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond. And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst. And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their enclosings" -- Exodus 28:17-20

"In Exodus 28, we read of these stones in the breastplate of the high priest. The Sardius (the blood-red) stone having to do with Reuben is mentioned first, and the Jasper stone last. Revelation 4 speaks first of the Jasper stone--the clear white stone of Benjamin. This is not to be taken lightly. There is a definite reason for reversing of the stones, putting the first last, and the last first.

"The Sardius was blood-red, speaking of the sacrifice of blood, pointing to the cross and the first coming of Jesus to shed His blood for the remission of sin. The name is derived from two Hebrew words meaning 'behold the Son.' It pointed to the person of whom John the Baptist said, 'Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world' (John 1:29). It also tells us that He (the Lord Jesus) was the first born of every creature, and the first begotten--the ONLY begotten--son of God (John 3:16).

"The Jasper, the last stone in the Old Testament breastplate, represented Benjamin. This was a clear stone, speaking of total victory. On the Jasper stone was Benjamin's name, which is a combination of two Hebrew words (BEN and JAMIN), so scholars tell us, meaning 'the son of my right hand'...or, as one authority puts it, 'the son of my power.' The first and last stones pointed forward to the first and second coming of the great High Priest--none other than the Lord Jesus Christ.

"However, here in Revelation 4, the order of the stones is reversed. John the Beloved sees Him (Jesus) first as the Jasper, and second as the Sardius. The reason is clear: In the Old Testament the saints looked forward to the day when the Lamb would come, they looked forward to the cross, and therefore saw the Sardius...the blood-red stone...first. They looked beyond that and saw the Jasper, the clear white stone representing His power and His rule at His second coming to set up the kingdom. However, when John had the experience we are now studying, he was on this side of Calvary and the Rapture, and was looking back. John saw, first of all, the Jasper stone, the clear one--and then the red stone, the cross and sacrifice."

We must realize that there is no way John could put what he saw into words:

1Co 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

What John did see was God sitting on His Throne. Praise God, no matter what is happening here on Earth, it is God that still sits on the Throne.

John saw glorious colors. The Emerald color of the rainbow, the red of the Sardine stone and the multiple colors of the Jasper stone. Glory in all it's brilliance. More beauty than could be imagined by a man in the spirit of a vision. Praise God, this is the view He gives until He shows us the real thing.

The Bible Says:

1Jn 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

John got a glimpse of the unsurpassed splendor of a Holy God.

Jasper stands for the Holiness of God Rev 21:11

Sardine stands for the blood atonement demanded by God for the remission of sins. Here it represents the Lord Jesus Christ in the flesh and His death on the cross.

It is the white stone of glory the people will see at His "second coming".

The "rainbow" is a reminder of His promise about the flood. God never breaks His promises!

The color green denotes God's grace and all these things together denote the love that God has for His Church, His Bride.

Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Joh 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Joh 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

God's mercy endures forever and is unbroken to those that believe on Him:

2Jn 1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

2Jn 1:8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

Let's keep in mind that if you do not meet Jesus Christ at this throne, you "will" meet Him at the White Throne of Judgement! Every Knee will bow to this righteous God!

Rom 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

Rom 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

Php 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

Php 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

You do not have to believe that this happen but the truth is the truth and God said let the ignorant remain ignorant.

Paul wrote:

1Co 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

1Co 14:38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

Our Text:

*****Rev 4:4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.

Who are these Elders?

In the Old Testament there were 24 priests on duty at all times. They represented all the priests in Israel. The Bible teaches that every born again child of God is a priests.

Rev 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

It can be said that these 24 Elders represent all the saints that are the children of God. All God's children are priests.

1Co 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

1Co 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Eph 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

(clothed in white)

White stands for the Righteousness and the Holiness of God.

Rev 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

Rev 19:8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

(the crowns)

These Elders set forth royal dignity:

1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Rev 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee [a crown of life].

The Bible mentions 4 more crowns:

Jas 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive [the crown of life], which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

1Pe 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive [a crown of glory] that fadeth not away.

2Ti 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me [a crown of righteousness], which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

1Co 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we [an incorruptible].

This may mean that the Judgement Seat of Christ has already taken place and the rewards distributed. These are rewards but the saints will not rule with Christ until the Millennium. The 12 Apostles will judge and rule and administer to the 12 tribes of Israel.

Luk 22:29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;

Luk 22:30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

And some of the Saints will be given some authority over cities and maybe regions and nations.

Luk 19:17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

Luk 19:18 And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.

Luk 19:19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.

Rev 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

Rev 2:27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.

Our Text:

*****Rev 4:5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

Rev 4:6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.

We absolutely do not have a clue to what it will be like to be in the "presence of God".

In Exo 19:16-19 and Exo 20:18-19 we can see that the children of Israel feared for their lives!

Exo 20:19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.

In 1Sam 7:10 we can read where the entire army of the Philistines ran for fear of God!

1Sa 7:10 And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel.

Note: this will happen again at the second coming of the Lord.

Note: the saints of God, the "born again" will miss the day of wrath.

In our world, thunder and lightning announces the coming of an approaching storm We know the Bible says there will be the terrible storm of God about 7 years after the rapture of the church. The days of the Antichrist will also be terrible days.

(seven spirits)

We have looked at these 7 spirits in earlier lessons and they denote the Spiritual perfection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

He is our: 1.) Faithful witness:

Joh 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

He is the 2.) The first begotten of the dead:

1Co 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

1Co 15:21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

1Co 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

1Co 15:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.

He is 3.) The Prince of the Kings of this Earth:

Mat 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

He is 4.) The one who loved us!

1Jn 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

5.) He is the "One" who washed us from our sin in His Own Blood:

1Pe 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

1Pe 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

1Pe 1:20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

1Pe 1:21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

Rev 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

Rev 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

(seven lamps)

We know that oil in the Bible can represent the Holy Spirit. The candlesticks earlier represented the church. Here we see the word lamps. The oil of the Holy Spirit fills those lamps and the flame of Jesus shines brightly. The perfect Son of God. We also know that God's church is now in Heaven.

Joh 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

Joh 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

You know this is the third time these spirits have been mentioned and they represent the fulness of God of Whose "essence" is the Holy Spirit.

The Bible says of these lamps: They are of Life, Intelligence, Knowledge, and Guidance.

The Bible also says:

1Co 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

1Co 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

Php 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

Php 1:28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

Php 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Php 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

Php 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

Php 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

In this book of the "Unveiling" of the Lord Jesus Christ, it would help to think like He does, after all it is His Spirit that abides inside of us.

Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

This is why so many will be left behind sitting on those pews, they forgot about Jesus!

(that Sea of glass)

That Sea of Glass is the reflection and perfection of a Holy God. Those four beast have it right, Holy, Holy, Holy the Lord God Almighty.

The Bible said it would look like ice, and with those colors mention by John it certainly would look so beautiful and wonderful. (Read Job 28)

In the Old Testament the wicked are said to be like a troubled sea:

Isa 57:20 But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.

There is no wickedness in Heaven so it will be like a Sea of Perfection, the perfection of Peace. When we look back at the Old Testament see these words.

1Ki 7:29 (read through verse 45) And he made a molten sea, ten cubits from the one brim to the other: it was round all about, and his height was five cubits: and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about.

For what purpose?

Exo 30:18 Thou shalt also make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash withal: and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein.

Exo 30:19 For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat:

Exo 30:20 When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn offering made by fire unto the LORD:

Exo 30:21 So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not: and it shall be a statute for ever to them, even to him and to his seed throughout their generations.

Exo 38:8 And he made the laver of brass, and the foot of it of brass, of the lookingglasses of the women assembling, which assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

We can see the that Cystal Sea in Heaven would never have a ripple because all that come into the congregation of Heaven needed no washing.

God has given us a glimpse of this before:

Exo 24:10 And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.

Eze 1:22 And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above.

Remember even this Earth the Lord Jesus said to the Sea of Galilee these words:

Mar 4:39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, [Peace, be still]. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Mar 4:40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

Without "faith" we will never see this Sea of Heaven and the beauty and glory of it. Even the sailor knows the calmness of the open sea.

(the 4 beast)

Of those four beast. The Greek word "zoon" is used here which means a living creature and some animal. If we compare this beast to the one in Rev 6:8 we can see a lot of difference. That one is of the Greek word "therion" which means a dangerous animal.

These "beast" before the throne are not dangerous animals. These in the eyes of John were some living creature that he had never seen on Earth so he will give us some things that they resembled.

The number four represents things of this world in scripture: These four living creatures, also the four winds of Revelation, the four seasons, the four points of direction (NESW), the four rivers of Eden, the four corners of the Earth and we could go on to others.

We can be sure that these four living creatures are also angelic creatures maybe representing the living creatures of this Earth.

The Bible says "All" the Earth will worship Him:

Psa 66:4 [All the earth shall worship thee], and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah.

"All" flesh:

Isa 66:23 And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, [shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD].

Now the Bible says animals will not go to Heaven but we know there are already some there!

So these four beast are Angelic creatures that denote God's creation. There is nothing hideous about these creatures.

Ezekiel saw them in a vision:

Eze 1:4 And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire.

Eze 1:5 Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.

Eze 1:6 And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings.

Isaiah saw them also:

Isa 6:2 Above it stood the seraphim: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.

Isa 6:3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.

He called them Seraphim and Ezekiel said Cherubim but they are probably the same.

(full of eyes)

The Greek word "ophthalmos" is used for the word "eyes" in this verse. This word means vision and denotes that these creatures had great vision. This can also mean they had a great faculty for knowing, which is obvious as we see them continuously singing Holy, Holy, Holy to the Lord God Almighty. We should envy these creatures if it were not sin.

There is nothing like them here on Earth because John gave no examples as he did the Sea. The word "like" is not the same as the word "as".

God has a purpose for everyone of His creations and these creatures needed no rest from the purpose they had. They "worship" God!

Angels do not know everything like God does but they have been real close to Him for 6000 years. But it is they that are envious of the born again Holy Ghost filled child of God:

1Pe 1:10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:

1Pe 1:11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

1Pe 1:12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; [which things the angels desire to look into].

Our Text:

*****Rev 4:7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.

Rev 4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

1.) The Lion denotes strength, it represents the tribe of Judah and the Blood line of the Lord Jesus Christ. Some say the Book of Matthew speaks of this trait of our Lord.

2.) The Ox(Calf) denotes patient labor, working for the good of others. Some say the Book of Mark paints that picture of Our Lord.

3.) The Man represents intelligence. Even though some would teach a falsehood, man is the most intelligent of God's creation. Only humans can accumulate knowledge to share with each other. After all man is created in the image of God. Some say that the Book of Luke best explains the humanity of Jesus Christ Our Lord.

4.) The flying Eagle denotes God's deliverance of His children:

Exo 19:4 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and [how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself].

Rev 12:14 And to the woman were given [two wings of a great eagle], that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.

It is the Lord that leads us to this throne in Heaven.

Deu 32:11 As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:

Deu 32:12 {So the LORD alone did lead} him, and there was no strange god with him.

That's why it's called faith!

Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Some say it is the Book of John that denotes this trait of Our Lord.

No matter what we think of these winged creatures they got that praise part right. They feed from the praise they offer up to God. They do not want or need anything else. They are happy doing what they are doing. For He is the one which was, and is, and is to come!

Our Text:

*****Rev 4:9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,

Rev 4:10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

Rev 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

1.) Glory: Praise ascribed in adoration; honor.

Psa 7:17 I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.

2.) Honor: Reverence; veneration; or any act by which reverence and submission are expressed,as worship paid to the Supreme Being.

Psa 89:7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.

3.) Thanks: Expression of gratitude; Gratitude is the feeling or sentiment excited by kindness; thanks are the expression of that sentiment.

Psa 117:1 O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.

Psa 117:2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.

Eph 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

We see that the signal is issued to join in when the saints arrive and see this praise. [They have already been to the judgement seat]. The time has come after seeing these beasts praise Him that the unworthiness of wearing a crown before such an Awesome God sets in and those crowns are cast to the Saviour's feet and all join in on the praising of the Lord God Almighty. Praise God "That truly will be a glorious day".

The deliverance that has been written about has happened to the Church, the Bride of Christ and we are at home. It will truly be overwhelming.

Rom 8:20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,

Rom 8:21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Rom 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

Rom 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

Let's Pray!