Lesson 9
The Revelation of Jesus Christ
Chapter Four - The
Vision of Heaven and the Throne
<4:2b-3> The occupant of
that Throne
"and One
sitting on the throne.
1. Who is in view? Who is sitting on this throne? God Father.
- The great prophetic Psalm
outlines the sequence of events; Psa 110:1
Peter makes the point on the day of Pentecost in his first
major sermon in Acts 2:33-36;
- This is not speaking of Christ
taking the throne before the age of Grace, but it is Christ rising from His
place at the right hand of the Father at the end of the age of Grace.
The eternal plan and righteousness of God is about to be
vindicated as the day of the Lord is about to dawn.
From here on out we don't see Christ as mediator but as
judge during the time of the tribulation.
2. 4:3 further describes the One John saw!
"And He who
was sitting was like jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a
rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance."
- Jasper is a crystal clear gem;
probably something like diamond, from
-
The rich blood-red of the sardius or carnelian speaks of the righteous
wrath of God, its the color of fire of the divine anger.
-
The rainbow reminds us of God's covenant with Noah, Gen 9:11-17, which
was symbolic of His promise that He would never destroy humanity with a flood;
promise to all men.
Let's look at vs:5a before we examine those worshipers who
surround the throne.
* This throne is clearly a throne
of judgment and here we see that out of it flows some indications of the
awesome power of God and His presence.
And from the throne proceed flashes of lightning and
sounds and peals of thunder.
-
After each series of judgments, seals, the trumpets and the bowls this same
demonstration of God's power and presence in all that is happening is
observed. 8:5;
<4:4-6>
We are next introduced to those around the throne; the Worshipers.
à First
Question is Who are the 24 Elders?
What is their place in the book of Revelation?
1. They are a part
of the narrative from here to chapter 19.
2.
In all the passages in which they appear, it is consistent, they are
never seen apart from the throne; always connected with the throne.
3.
What are their characteristics:
- never see an elder apart from his throne 4:4;
- their thrones surround the throne.
- They are clothed in white; wear crowns; 4:4
- So their enthroned, clothed in white, and wear a crown.
4. What do they do? What is their
ministry?
- their ministry is always
presented as one of praise and worship 4:10-11
Praise of the Creator.
- The foundation/basis of all
worship and praise is that He is the Creator God! If He is not! Then there is no honor due Him!
** This is why for a Christian the issue
of Creationism vs. evolutionism is so important!
5. Their Identity
#1. Elders, presbu,teroj, are representatives of the people.
#2. The number 24 also points to them being
representatives.
#3. These 24 elders are representatives of the Church.
#4. Why representatives of the church only!
Their status here is the same that is promised to the
church. That is enthroned, wearing white
garments, and crowned.
a. The church is specifically promised crowns; rewards
- Here in 4:4 we have those wearing
a "golden crown";
representatives of those who are overcomer's; i.e. believers.
24 elders wearing overcomer's crowns, victor's crowns.
* Where is this promise made to the Church?
- Crowns are given as rewards for
quality Christian living; concept of axiwj worthily; a life in balance with the BD, the
truth known; Eph 4:1
The quality of our life now, that is after salvation, will
directly bear on what kind of worship we are able as individuals to offer in
eternity.
b. They wear white clothing; promise to the church Rev
3:4-5.
c. They occupy thrones;
also ties them to the church
** Back to 4:4;
Look carefully at this verse.
Time is just before the Trib; starts in ch 6.
- Very strongly says that the
rewarding, clothing and enthronement has already taken place.
-
If we conclude that these events occur before the Trib starts, then how
did they get there to be rewarded??
So as the Scene in heaven opens in Rev 4, these 24 elders are already rewarded and are
ready to participate in the praise and worship of the Creator!