Lesson SIX. Worship at The Throne. Chapters 4-5
The Throne standing
60 in heavenThe Churches Still On Earth
Pretribulationist commentators on the book of Revelation insist that the church does not appear in the text from chapters 4-18 and is therefore absent from the earth. This is an argument from silence. They need, because of their hypothesis, for the church to be absent from the earth during the time of the great tribulation. But, the simple facts are that the Revelation is addressed "to the churches" (1:4; 22:16), and churches are referred to as present in these tribulation chapters. Since we find the seven churches present on earth in chapters 2-3, our reasonable assumption is that they are still on earth in the remainder of the book, unless we are notified of their removal. There are no such notifications until chapters 11 and 14. Chapter 11 is probably the most obvious example of reference to the church on earth in the tribulation, followed by the rapture. There we see "the temple" (11:1), "the holy city" (11:2) and "the two lampstands that stand" (11:4). That these references to "the temple" (cf. 1 Cor 3:17, Eph. 2:21-22) and "the holy city" (cf. Heb. 12:22-23) are references to "the church," and not a building or metropolis, is obvious from the very structure of the passage. In 11:1-2 the reader is introduced to two terms (temple, holy city) which then are further explained by the following verses as "my two witnesses" (11:3) and "the two lampstands that stand." , In 1:20 the seven lampstands were identified as seven churches. So, very early in Revelation lampstand equals church. Then in chapters 2-3, five lampstands (churches) are in trouble with the Lord, while two lampstands (the churches of Smyrna, Philadelphia) stand without criticism. Thus in chapter 11 we encounter direct reference to the church on earth during the tribulation. Also in chapter 11, following the execution of the members of the two churches, they are resurrected and called into heaven, 11:12. It is also apparent from the words of the Lord Jesus to his disciples (Matt. 24:2), that there would not be a literal temple of stones standing during the tribulation: And He answered and said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Truly I say to you, not one stone here shall be left upon another, which will not be torn down. It is a simple fact from the above context that (1) the temple Jesus pointed to was torn down long before the great tribulation (AD 70), and (2) that it was the non-existence of that very temple which formed the basis of the disciples' question, "...when shall these things be..." (Matt. 24:3). The temple of Herod was destroyed in 70 AD, and no temple was standing at the time John received and wrote the Revelation. Therefore the reference in Rev. 11 to the temple is to the church. We are in fact notified that the churches will be present during the great tribulation by Jesus' repeated reference to what He will do to them at His coming (2:5; 2:16; 2:25; 3:3; 3:11). The pretribulationist (not all) here sometimes tries to escape the force of His words by stating that the coming to which He refers is "special," not the coming which is the subject of Revelation (Walvoord, p. 57).
61John, having received the messages to the seven churches, is now introduced to a scene at the throne of God. He is informed that he is being shown "...what must take place after these things." This informs John that there is a causal relationship between the condition of the churches and the events that are about to unfold. After the churches portrayed are found in the condition described then God "must" take the actions that follow.
61Several important truths are displayed in this great scene at the throne of God. The presentation of these truths is foundational to our understanding of all the scenes that follow (seals, trumpets, bowls, etc.). John is shown here
(1) the availability of God's throne ("door standing open"),
(2) the holiness of God (confession of the living ones),
(3) the nature of His rule (characteristics of the "throne"),
(4) why and how God is worshipped in heaven,
(5) that which is central to His rule ("center" of throne),
(6) the relationship of end-time events, "scroll," to the throne and
(7) the relationship of the Lamb's work to the opening of the scroll.
(Go to Endnotes)
As we follow John's description, we will view every aspect of the throne: "on" the throne, "around" the throne, "from" the throne, "before" the throne, "center-around" the throne, and the very "center" of the throne. These pictures of the throne of God teach us truth about the rule of God, the activity of God toward His creation.
Revelation 4:1-11
4 After these things I saw, and behold, a door open in heaven, and the first voice that I heard, a voice as of a trumpet speaking with me, one saying, Come up here, and I will show you the things which must come to pass hereafter. 2 Immediately I was in the Spirit: and behold, there was a throne set in heaven, and one sitting upon the throne; 3 and he who sat was to look upon like a jasper stone and a sardius: and there was a halo round about the throne, like an emerald to look upon. 4 And round about the throne were four and twenty thrones: and upon the thrones I saw four and twenty elders sitting, dressed in white garments; and on their heads crowns of gold. 5 And out of the throne proceed lightnings and voices and thunders. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God; 6 and before the throne, as it were a sea of glass like a crystal; and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, four living creatures full of eyes before and behind. 7 And the first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face as of a man, and the fourth creature was like a flying eagle.
8 And the four living creatures, having each one of them six wings, are full of eyes round about and within: and they have no rest day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come. 9 And when the living creatures shall give glory and honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne, to him who lives for ever and ever, 10 the four and twenty elders shall fall down before him who sits on the throne, and shall worship him who lives for ever and ever, and shall cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 Worthy are you, our Lord and our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power: for you created all things, and because of your will they were, and were created.
The Open Door
John's attention is drawn now to "a door standing open in heaven." We are reminded of the Son's words to the Philadelphians wherein He reminded them that He "...opens and no one will shut, and shuts and no one opens..." (3:7). This is in sharp contrast to the closed door in Laodicea at which the Lord was knocking to gain entrance. We see emphasized here the availability of God's rule, in contrast to the reluctance of the Laodicean church to admit Him.
The voice as a trumpet.
Here (and elsewhere) John hears a voice "like a trumpet." This apparently means a voice that gets his attention and speaks with authority. In the temple ceremonies the trumpet played the role of calling the attention of worshippers to times and reasons for worship. Edersheim writes, "According to tradition, they were intended symbolically to proclaim the kingdom of God, Divine Providence, and the final judgment."
62Come up here
63 and I will show you...John's location is now changed from earth to heaven. What he is to be shown from the heavenly perspective will enable him to see and understand what must take place on the earth. As John is confronted by the scene at the throne, teaching him the very nature of God’s rule, the events to follow on earth will be expected and necessary. As John encounters each fact about God, each will teach him the inevitability of judgment to follow.
Again, as in 1:10, John uses this expression, "in the Spirit," (1:10, 4:2, 17:3, 21:10) to designate the means whereby he became exposed to the exceptional information that follows the expression.
One on the throne
John's attention is drawn first to a throne standing in heaven. We have noticed earlier that throne is the means of portraying rule. This throne stands in heaven, a fact that notifies us that the One who is seated here is the ruler of heaven.
Then, John draws our attention to the One on the throne. This use of the word One designates quite clearly the fact that only one ruler rules heaven. This becomes more important because later (5:6) we see a lamb standing in the center of this throne. In these two fascinating word pictures we are reminded that there is but one God who rules the universe, and that the One God exists and is revealed in Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
John's choice of jewels and a halo to describe what he sees communicates the astonishing beauty, value and uniqueness of the One who rules. The Jasper is a clear stone (purity), the Sardius is red (redemption) and the Emerald is green (life). (The possible message: Life emanates from the sacrificial God.)
The beauty, value and uniqueness of the One on the throne spells judgment for the creatures and a creation where ugly self-will and murder reign. John sees here the God of light who is preparing to invade the darkness. The creation will be brought to worship beauty as defined at the throne.
Note: The rule of God is beautiful, and He makes beautiful the lives He rules.
Thrones around the Throne
The thrones around the throne tells us that God is the King of kings. The kings subject to the King are clothed in white; they rule righteously because they are subject to the throne. They are wearing crowns of victory,
65 a further result of being subject to His throne.The truth that God’s throne is the throne above all thrones, has certain implications for the creation where rebel kings reign. The authority that belongs to the King will certainly be realized. From this scene John will expect the eventual judgment of rebel authorities, and enthroning of righteous kings.
Note: Lives ruled by God, rule in righteousness and victory.
Lightning and thunder from the throne
John sees lightning and thunder proceeding from the throne. Lightning and thunder typify raw power. Power comes from God's throne; it is the true source of power.
Power coming from the rule of God has implications for a creation where power is defined in terms of independence and self-expression. From this scene John will expect the creation to be taught that strength comes from dependence on the rule of God.
Seven lamps of fire before the throne which are the seven Spirits of God
Before the throne John sees "...seven Lamps of fire burning...which are the seven Spirits of God..." (4:5). Seven is the number of totality, fullness and completion. A lamp of fire burning, communicates, gives light. These "lamps" burn and bear light before the throne. The throne is the subject and reason for their burning light.
But these lamps are the seven Spirits of God. The Spirit of God communicates the life of God. Seven Spirits communicate the fullness of the life of God. John later tells us that the seven Spirits of God are "...seven horns and seven eyes [of the Lamb]...sent out into all the earth" (5:6).
We are driven by this scene to understand that the fullness (seven) of the life (spirit) of God is communicated (lamps burning) before the throne. It is when we are before and subject to the throne of God that we experience and understand God as He intends to be understood.
66Note: The fullness of the life of God is experienced before His throne, when we are subject to His rule.
Sea of Glass
Also before the throne is a "sea of glass." A sea of glass is a sea with no hint of a ripple, no wind whipping up waves. This is a picture of complete calm. Perfect peace is in view here before the throne.
Note: The life subject to the throne experiences the peace of that throne.
The living ones immediately around the throne.
These possess eyes that enable them to see the One on the throne and compare Him with all else ("full of eyes in front and behind" v.6, and "around and within" v. 8). Each one has a distinctly different point of view. One sees him from a lion’s point of view, one as a calf, one as a man and one as a flying eagle. All have six wings, giving them complete mobility to view the throne from any angle.
Yet with their distinct points of view, complete mobility and thorough ability to see the throne and compare it with all else, they all cry out and describe the One on the throne in exactly the same way. He is the thrice Holy God, the Almighty, the One who transcends space and time. Their declaration distinguishes the One on the throne as unique, unlike any created thing, and transcending all that they have seen and know. Their declaration is true both day and night.
67The worship of the twenty-four elders.
The twenty-four elders are moved to their knees by the declarations and worship of the four living ones. They join the worship by casting their crowns
68 before the throne. This act acknowledges that their victory, their ability to function correctly, is due to the One on the throne. Their worship focuses on the fact that the Holy One on the throne is the Creator of all things.Note: True worship recognizes:
a. the unceasing, unique holiness of God
b. that He rules (is on the throne)
c. that He is Almighty and eternal
d. that He created all, including us, and is the source of victory.
Chapter five: The Throne, the scroll and the Lamb.
Revelation 5
5 And I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, totally sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a great voice, Who is worthy to open the scroll, and to break the seals? 3 And no one in the heaven, or on the earth, or under the earth, was able to open the scroll, or to look inside. 4 And I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open the scroll, or to look inside: 5 and one of the elders says to me, Weep not; behold, the Lion that is of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome to open the scroll and the seven seals.
6 And I saw in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, having seven horns, and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent forth into all the earth. 7 And he came, and he took it out of the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 8 And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, having each one a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sing a new song, saying, Worthy are you to take the scroll, and to open the seals: for you were slain, and purchased for God with your blood men of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation, 10 and made them to be to our God a kingdom and priests; and they reign upon earth. 11 And I saw, and I heard a voice of many angels round about the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 12 saying with a great voice, Worthy is the Lamb who has been slain to receive the power, and riches, and wisdom, and might and honor, and glory, and blessing. 13 And every created thing which is in the heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, To him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be the blessing, and the honor, and the glory, and the dominion, forever and ever. 14 And the four living creatures said, Amen. And the elders fell down and worshipped.
The Scroll and The Lamb
John's attention is now called to a scroll in the right hand of the One on the throne. It is completely sealed (seven seals) and full of writing (both sides). (We are reminded here of Ezekiel 2:9, Dan. 12:9, and Zech. 5:1-4). The scroll signifies the expressed will, the decree of God.
The execution of the contents of this scroll will result in the defeat of God's enemies and the reign of Christ over the kingdom of this world (11:15). But the scroll must be unsealed in order to be executed.
The question loudly asked by the strong angel focuses our attention on the nature and identity of the One worthy and thus able to execute the contents of the scroll. He is first of all set forth as one who is not a creature who can be found anywhere in a search of the created universe, "...heaven, earth or under the earth..." (5:3). Initially the fruitless search of creation for a champion causes John great grief, presumably because he concludes that there is no individual capable of carrying out God’s decree. John’s grief, however, provides one of the elders (5:5) with an opportunity to positively identify "...the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the root of David..." as the one who "...has overcome so as to open the book...." John looks to see the one indicated by the elder, and sees a "standing" "slain Lamb" in the center of God's throne. The picture is now complete. One who is not anywhere in the creation, One who is in the center of God’s throne, One who is both the source and offspring of David (5:5 cf. 22:16), One who stands because He was slain, is the One who has "overcome" to open the scroll.
This is the "heart" of Revelation. Here, the churches that have been formerly exhorted to "overcome" are shown how God overcame Satan. As the Lamb is exhibited "in the center"
69 of God's throne, we are notified that sacrifice (the sacrifice of the Son) is central to the rule ("throne") of God. His ability to rule over the universe and defeat the power of sin resides in His nature, exhibited by the Lamb. The Lamb "stands," He overcame, in that He was slain.(We will notice in following chapters that saints who have understood this scene will overcome by giving their lives in their testimony for the Lord Jesus. In the very next chapter we will see that the rider on the white horse (6:2, a picture of saints) will "go out overcoming so that he might overcome."
70 As a result of "going out to overcome" they are killed (by the rider on the red horse), and we find them dead "under the altar" (6:9). Again in chapter 12 the saints overcome Satan (12:11) "because of the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony, and [because] they did not love their life even unto death." The slain saints who worship God in heaven are those who are "victorious" (lit."those overcoming," 15:2)).Lamb...having seven horns and seven eyes... the seven Spirits of God
The Lamb, central to God's rule, has seven horns and seven eyes. Seven is "total, complete." A "horn" is power. "Eye" is understanding, wisdom. Thus, in the sacrifice of the Lamb resides all the power of God and wisdom of God.
These Lamb-horns and Lamb-eyes are the seven Spirits of God, the fullness of God, sent out from the throne to the creation. God communicates all His power and wisdom from the center of His throne, from the slain and standing Lamb.
Scroll is taken by the Lamb; worship explodes in heaven.
As we have seen, the scroll, when fully executed, will mean the realization of redemption, the defeat of Satan and the beginning of the reign of Christ. Thus, as the Lamb takes the scroll, in preparation to open and execute its contents, worship of the greatest possible magnitude breaks out. The worship is observed by John in three distinct phases: (1) those nearest the throne (5:8-10), (2) a very large number of other angels in heaven (5:11-12), and (3) all the rest of creation.
The four living ones and 24 elders worship.
Worship starts first with those nearest the throne.
71 Earlier we saw the four living ones and the twenty-four elders worshipping God as the Creator (4:11). Now John describes in great detail another worship service that focuses on the redemption of mankind. The throne of the Creator is also the throne of the Redeemer. Only He can pay the required price of redemption, the blood of the Lamb.72John calls our attention to four definite elements of the worship service. We see that the worshippers have harps, they also have golden bowls containing sweet-smelling prayers of saints,
73 they prostrate themselves before the throne and they sing a new song of praise. Their worship is multi-dimensional, whole life, appealing to the sight, hearing, smell and understanding of the Lamb. The song they sing is a new song because it celebrates something new that is happening; redemption is being realized in the opening of the scroll.The song they sing celebrates all the facets of redemption: the One who paid (the Lamb), the reason He paid (for God), the price (blood), the ones purchased (people of all nations), their resulting position (a kingdom, priests) and the realm of their authority (earth). We notice here that, the ones purchased are other than the four living ones and 24 elders.
74 (Thus, we should not attempt to seize this scene as a text to prove that saints are already in heaven. These worshippers are angels.)The ones purchased are from "every tribe, tongue people and nation." (Notice the repetition of this phrase, 5:9, 7:9, 10:11, 11:9, 13:7, 14:6, 17:15. These do not equal "those who dwell on the earth," 3:10, 6:10, 8:13, 11:10, 13:8, 14, 17:8. Compare 11:9 with 11:10 and notice that this group does not allow the burial of the witnesses; they apparently fully expect their resurrection!)
The angels and all of creation worship.
We are reminded here of Paul's letter to the Philippians when he says, "every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth" (Phil. 2:9-11). The worship scene that develops as the Lamb takes the scroll, spreads in an ever-widening circle. Finally, every creature is included in the worship.
The elders fell down and worshipped. This required getting off their thrones and removing their crowns. This phrase is repeated six times in Revelation (4:10, 5:8, 14, 7:11?, 11:16, 19:4). There is no question that we are supposed to notice the connection between ruling and worshipping. The thrones in heaven closest to the throne of God are occupied by those who are able to leave their thrones, take off their crowns, fall down and worship.
Summary observations of the scene at the throne.
God is worthy to be worshipped because He is the One who created us and redeemed us. Worship is at the throne where the Lamb is at the center. Worship begets worship. The power of God that results in overcoming all the effects of sin is in the sacrifice of the Lamb. The rule of God is beautiful, beneficial, the source of power and the means of peace. We realize fullness of life (the seven spirits) and understanding (seven lamps) in obedience to God.
Lesson Seven: The Seals