Revelation chapter 4 and 5 are one vision.
- They are the introduction to the seven seals.
- In these 2 chapters we see not only Jesus but the Father as well.
- In the seven churches we really only saw Jesus.
- But in chapter 4 and 5 we see the Father in the heavenly sanctuary as well.
- This shows that it is not only Jesus, but the Father as well, and all the heavenly host, is involved in the great plan of salvation and the restoration of this world.
Revelation 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 I looked”
- This is not a continuation of the seven churches. This does not take place after the second coming.
- What “after this” means is after this vision, John has another vision.
What does he see?
- A door is opened in heaven. What door is being opened here?
- In the 7 churches we see a door opened and closed in the church of Philadelphia. We saw the Holy Place door being closed and the Most Holy Place door being opened.
- But this is not referring to the Most Holy Place.
- The door being opened here in the Holy Place of the heavenly sanctuary. How do we know?
- Revelation 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. - The seven lamps of fire are the seven golden candlesticks.
- Revelation 4:5
- So this is important. Remember the timeline of the sanctuary that we saw in our introduction?
- This means that the time period is starting from the ascension of Christ which is around 31AD.
So when the angel says I’m going to show you things which must be hereafter, he is referring to 31 AD and not after the seven churches.
Revelation 4:2-3
2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. 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.
Now we see a description of the Father.
- We know this is the Father because later in chapter 5 Jesus is the One that actually comes to take something from the Father who is sitting on the throne.
What is the descriptions that we see here?
- He looked like a jasper and sardine stone.
- And there is a rainbow around the throne like an emerald.
JASPER AND SARDINE STONE
Jasper:
- Although it has many different colours, it is mostly found to be a red colour.
Sardine:
- It is normally a reddish, brown – orange colour.
When mixed together, it has the appearance of fire.
- Ezekiel 1:26-27
26 And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne… 27 And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it… I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about. - When you think of fire, we think of vengeance and justice.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:8
In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Then we see a rainbow around the throne like an emerald.
- This is in line with what we read in Ezekiel.
- Ezekiel 1:28
As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about… - Where did we see the first rainbow? It was in relation to Noah when he came out of the ark. God gave the rainbow to promise him that He would never destroy the world by a flood anymore.
- It was a representation of God’s mercy.
- But it also represented something else as well.
- Genesis 9:12-13
12 And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: 13 I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. - It was God’s covenant.
- Genesis 9:12-13
- That covenant still stands today. God will never destroy the world with a flood again.
- However, what else is God’s covenant to us today?
- Hebrews 8:12
For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. - God’s mercy.
- Hebrews 8:12
So this big picture of God’s throne and the Father sitting on it represents God’s justice and also God’s mercy coming together.
- God will never forget us in our struggle with evil and with sin.
- The cross was the ultimate act of God’s mercy and justice.
- How he can be just in paying the penalty of sin, yet at the same time being merciful to each of us a sinner who deserves death.
Revelation 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 the 24 elders?
- The scriptures are not 100% clear. There are arguments both ways for them to be human and angels.
- This is not important. What is important is what is their purpose and why are they there?
Revelation 5:8-10
8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb… 9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art… 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
They are kings and priests.
- This is just like Christ who is a king and priest, not after the order of the Levites, but after the order of Melchizedek who was a king and also a priest.
- So it seems that these elders are assistant priests to Christ in heaven.
- Angels do take that role.
- Hebrews 1:14
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
- Hebrews 1:14
- They assist Christ in the plan of salvation.
Furthermore, the number 24 could be referring to the 24 courses of priests that we see in 1 Chronicles 24:4-18. Please go back and read that in your own time.
Revelation 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.
This gives us the exact location of where we are in heaven. We are still in the Holy Place.
- The throne of God has the seven Spirit of God in front of it.
- The Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit, does not play such a prominent role in this next vision of the seven seals like how He did in the seven churches when it was said in every church – he that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
- It is not that He is no longer important, but we are getting a different perspective this time.
- So here, it’s just location.
Revelation 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 will look at the sea of glass in a future vision.
But now we are introduced to 4 beast who are full of eyes.
- Who are they?
- Let’s keep reading.
Revelation 4:7-8
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. 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.
We read a similar description in Ezekiel of these creatures.
- Ezekiel 1:6, 10
6 And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings. 10 As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle. - Who are they?
- I dare not put a picture to even try and illustrate it.
- Ezekiel 10:14-15
14 And every one had four faces: the first face was the face of a cherub, and the second face was the face of a man, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle. 15 And the cherubims were lifted up. This is the living creature that I saw by the river of Chebar.- They are cherubims.
- Ezekiel 10:1
Then I looked, and, behold, in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubims there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne.- Very clearly they are cherubims and they are supporting the throne of God as well.
- However, in Revelation they are 6 wings.
- In Revelation 7:8 they are crying holy, holy, holy. Where else do we see this?
- Isaiah 6:1-3
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. 2 Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. 3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. - They are seraphims – just a different order of angels.
- And they are full of eyes.
- They are observant to what God wishes them to do in regards to the plan of salvation of each person on earth. Interested in the gospel being preached to man.
But what is the significance of the different faces?
- Lion, calf, man and eagle.
We are not entirely sure of what they represent exactly.
It could represent four aspects of God:
- Lion: His kingliness.
- Man: His humanity.
- Ox: His service and sacrifice.
- Eagle: His divinity.
On earth:
- Lion: Judah’s standard was that of a lion.
- Man: Reuben’s standard.
- Ox: Ephraim’s standard.
- Eagle: Dan’s standard.
When we look at the gospel’s:
- Lion: Matthew is trying to prove that Jesus came as king.
- Man: Luke, Jesus is presented as the Son of Man.
- Ox: Mark is trying to show that Jesus came as a servant and a sacrifice.
- Eagle: John is trying to prove that Jesus was divine, that He was God.
These angels are interested in the gospel, they are full of eyes.
- 1 Peter 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.
These angels, these seraphim, cease not to give God praise day and night crying out holy, holy, holy.
Revelation 4:9-11
9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, 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, 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.
The angels under the throne of God give praise to God the Father and give praise to Jesus.
- And they seem to lead the whole of heaven to praise God.
Here we are given the reason why everyone should praise and worship and give glory to God.
- For you have created all things!
- We are reminded that God is our Creator. He has made us. He formed us with His own hands. He is intimately acquainted with us.
And not only that – for they pleasure they are and were created.
- It has given God great pleasure in the creation of the whole world. When we were formed, it was for His pleasure. He made all things to enjoy.
- Isn’t that the same with parents? When we see our children, it gives us great pleasure also.
- And not only that, our re-creation and restoration gives God great pleasure as well.
- Luke 15:10
Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
However, the story is not completed yet. Let’s continue in chapter 5. These 2 chapters are 1.
Revelation 5:1
And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
So we see the Father holding a book in His right hand. What is this book?
- It cannot be the book of life because only when all the seals are broken, will this book be able to be read and that will be at the second coming.
- This book cannot be the book of Daniel as well which was sealed. Daniel’s book, the portion that was sealed, was unsealed at around 1798 – the time of the end.
- It must be of great importance though. Why? Let’s keep reading first.
Revelation 5:2-4
2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? 3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. 4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
It was of great importance to John to have this book unsealed. However, no one was found worthy to open this book.
- No one on earth – that was for sure.
- As a result, John began to weep.
Revelation 5:5
And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
However, one of the elders come and comforts John. He tells him that Jesus – the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, is able to open this book.
The Lion of the tribe of Judah
- Judah was the leading tribe of Israel. And the lion was its emblem.
- Genesis 49:9-10
9 Judah is a lion’s whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up? 10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. - From Judah would arise the Messiah.
The Root of David
- This term is from Isaiah.
- Isaiah 11:1
And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:- Jesse was the father of king David.
- Isaiah 11:10
And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. - From the root of David would come the Messiah.
So all this is pointing to Christ.
When you hear this description, what are you expecting?
- You’re expecting someone arrayed in royal robes right? A lion. A king!
But what does John see?
Revelation 5:6
And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
Instead of a lion, John see a lamb!
- What about this lamb?
- It looks like it has been slain.
- It has seven horns.
- It has seven eyes which are the seven Spirits of God.
Remember this is all symbolism. When we get to heaven we are not going to see Jesus as a literal lamb. I don’t wish to put a picture up of this. It’s just something that we cannot represent properly.
- But what does the lamb symbolize?
- John 1:29
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. - It is Christ who has come to save us from our sins! The very theme of the book of Revelation.
- This is what enables Christ to have authority to open this book.
How about the seven horns and seven eyes? Let’s start with the seven horns.
The seven horns
What does horn represent in the Bible?
- Habakkuk 3:4
And his brightness was as the light; he had horns coming out of his hand: and there was the hiding of his power.- Horn represents power.
- Luke 1:69
And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David.- Horn also represents salvation.
- Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation…- God’s power for us to be saved (salvation) is found in the gospel.
- The Lamb has 7 horns. The seven represents perfection, completeness.
- The secret to Christ’s complete and perfect power and for our salvation is found in His sufferings, the cross.
The seven eyes
We already know that the seven eyes are the seven Spirits of God sent to all the earth. What else?
- John 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. - The ministry of the Holy Spirit is the representative of Christ on the earth today.
- For what purpose in regard to the eyes?
- Psalms 34:15
The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. - Proverbs 15:3
The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. - It’s a reminder to us again that God sees everything. Nothing is hidden from Christ. He is mindful of every move that the righteous and the wicked make. As we saw in the seven churches, God is well acquainted with our works.
Revelation 5:7-8
7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. 8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
When the Lamb, Christ, comes to take the book from God, the elders fall down and worship.
- The prayers of the saints we will look at in more detail in the seven trumpets.
Revelation 5:9-10
9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
In the way that all the heavenly host sings praises, we get an idea of what is contained in this book.
- This is a new song.
- It is a song about the death and sacrifice of Christ.
- It is a song about redemption throughout each nation, kindred, tongue and people.
- This spans the whole of earth’s history from the very beginning down to the very last saint to be saved.
- Because at the end it is about how God will make us kings and priests and how we will reign on the earth – that is even after the second coming.
- So it is a prophetic history of God’s providences in how He has worked and will work throughout the timeline of earth’s history.
Revelation 5:11-14
11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. 14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
All of heaven breaks out to praise and worship Jesus, the Lamb that was slain.
- Thousands and thousands of angels add to the praise.
- Every creature on earth praise.
- And the 24 elders and the four beasts also give praise.
The redemption story has been the focus of all of heaven and earth. This is why this book sealed with seven seals is so important and why John wept. And it will be ultimately unsealed at the very end, the second coming.
That book today is yet to be finished unsealing. We will see this as we go through the seven seals next time. That means our story is yet to be finished as well. How God is trying to save each and every one of us. How His providence to lead us to repentance and salvation is still being unfolded.
Let’s learn to give God the praise and the glory today for what He has already done in our lives. The fact that you’re sitting here and listening, or even listening the audio by itself later, shows the interest that you have in heavenly things. How the Holy Spirit has been guiding each of you to study His word. God is still leading your life today. Let’s continue surrender our lives to Jesus to allow Him to work out the plan that He has for each of us. For truly, His ways are always better than ours. His plans and His thoughts for each of us, is always much better.