Lesson 8 The Throne Scene in Heaven (Rev 4:1-11)
Revelation 4 opens the throne scene. Revelation 5 continues the throne scene with the spotlight on the Lamb of God and the scroll.
Significant throne scenes are found in Isaiah 6, Ezekiel 1, 10 and Daniel 7. Seven men who had glimpses of heaven are: Jacob, Elisha, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Stephen, Paul, John
In the book of Revelation, the word “throne” is mentioned 43 out of 55 times in the New Testament. Around God’s throne are thrones. Twenty-four elders sit on these thrones (Rev 4:4, 11:16). There could be others, like the Tribulation martyrs, who will be seated on thrones (Rev 20:4). Also around God’s throne, there are myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands of angels (Rev 5:11).
The throne scene in Revelation 4
vs 1-2 John was in the Spirit and beheld a throne in heaven, with God the Father seated on the throne.
v3 God the Father has the appearance of jasper and carnelian. Around the throne was an emerald colored rainbow. Before the throne, a sea of glass, like crystal.
v4 Twenty-four elders were seated on thrones, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns (stephanoi) on their heads.
v5 God the Holy Spirit is shown as seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God. From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder
vs 6-9 Four living creatures, each with one face (lion, ox, man and eagle), are around and on each side of the throne. Each has six wings, full of eyes in front and behind, all around and within. Day and night, they give glory and honor and thanks to God, saying,
“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”
v10-11 The twenty-four elders fall down before God and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
“Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they existed and were created.”
These four living creatures are similar to the four living creatures in Ezekiel 1 and 10. Ezekiel’s creatures are called cherubim. Each creature has four faces (lion, ox, man, eagle). From John’s position, he saw only one face of each of the these four creatures (lion, ox, man, eagle). The cherubim in Ezekiel have four wings each. However the living creatures in Revelation have six wings each.
The seraphim in Isaiah 6 have six wings each and worship God saying,
“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” (Isa 6:3)
What truths can we learn and apply and be blessed from the study of the throne scene?
The Father reigns, the Lamb redeems, and the Spirit empowers
Blessedness: We receive grace and peace from this tri-unity God (Rev 5:13-14)
God judges the world with righteousness; He judges the peoples with uprightness (Psa 9:7-8). Righteousness and justice are the foundation of God’s throne. Steadfast love and faithfulness go before Him (Psa 89:14, 97:2)
Apply: Pray for your enemies and forgive them. Vengeance belongs to God who judges rightly (Rom 12:19; 2 Thess 1:8; Heb 10:30).
Jesus is presently seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven (Ps 110:1; Isa 9:7; Dan 7:13-14; Zec 6:12-13; Rom 8:34; Col 3:1; Hebrews 8:1; 10:12; 12:2; 1 Pet 3:22).
Blessedness: On the throne, Jesus is ministering to us as the great high priest (Heb 4:14-16; 8:1; 9:11, 26; 10:12, 21-22).
Apply: In our intercession for others, the Holy Spirit helps us and brings our requests to God the Father, in the Name of Jesus Christ.
As a royal priesthood, pray for all men, at all times (Eph 6:18; Phil 4:6-7; 1 Tim 2:1-3; 1 Pet 2:9; Rev 1:6, 5:10, 20:6)
Jesus is returning for His bride and to judge all nations (Mat 26:64; Mk 14:62; Lk 22:69)
Blessedness: Everyone who hopes in Christ purifies himself as He is pure (2 Cor 3:18; 1Jn 3:3)
