The Book of Revelation: Chapter 4

Scripture References:

• Revelation 4:1-11 - John's vision of God's throne room
• Revelation 1:19 - The three-part structure of Revelation
• Revelation 3:10 - The promise to keep from the hour of trial
• 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 - The rapture of the church
• 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 - Deliverance from the wrath to come
• Ezekiel 1:26-28 - Ezekiel's vision of God's throne
• Ezekiel 1:4-7, 10 - The four living creatures
• Exodus 28:17-20 - The stones of the high priest's breastplate
• Genesis 9:10 - God's covenant with Noah and creation
• Isaiah 6:3 - The "Holy, Holy, Holy" declaration

As we transition from Revelation chapter 3 to chapter 4, something remarkable happens. The word "church" appears 19 times in the first three chapters, but then disappears completely until chapter 22. Where did the church go? We believe Scripture teaches that the church has been "caught up" in what we call the rapture—taken up to meet Jesus in the clouds, just as Paul described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17.

The Greek word Paul uses for "caught up" is harpazo, which was translated into Latin as rapturo—giving us our English word "rapture." This pre-tribulation rapture isn't just wishful thinking; it's biblical. God consistently delivers His people from judgment rather than through it. Just as He delivered Noah from the flood and Lot from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, He will deliver His church from the coming tribulation.

The Throne Room of Heaven

Chapter 4 opens with John hearing a voice like a trumpet saying, "Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this." This marks the beginning of the final section of Revelation's three-part structure outlined in chapter 1:19—"the things which will take place after this."

Immediately, John finds himself in the Spirit, standing in the very throne room of God. Can you imagine the overwhelming awe? One moment he was on a remote island; the next, he stood before the throne of the Almighty!

The One on the Throne

What strikes us immediately is that John doesn't even attempt to describe God directly. Instead, he tells us what He is like, using precious stones to convey His appearance. He describes God as having the appearance of jasper and sardius stones (both red stones that were the first and last gems on the high priest's breastplate). The jasper represents majesty, holiness, and purity, while the sardius stone represents wrath and judgment.

John also sees a rainbow around the throne, appearing like an emerald. This rainbow isn't just an arc as we see on earth; it's a complete circle, for in heaven, all things are complete. This rainbow reminds us of God's covenant faithfulness to Noah and to all creation.

The vision John receives echoes Ezekiel's encounter with God's throne in Ezekiel 1:26-28, showing us the consistency of God's revelation throughout Scripture. What we see here is a magnificent display of God's majesty, splendor, glory, and faithfulness.

The Twenty-Four Elders

Around the throne, John sees twenty-four smaller thrones with twenty-four elders sitting on them. These elders wear white robes and golden crowns (stephanos or victor's crowns). While we can't be absolutely certain, many believe these elders represent the church—the redeemed people of God, now enthroned and rewarded in heaven.

What an incredible honor this represents! God didn't just create us and redeem us; He destined us to reign with Him for all eternity. No wonder verse 10 shows these elders casting their crowns before the throne in worship, giving back to God what He first gave to them.

The Atmosphere of Heaven

The scene John describes is both majestic and powerful. Lightning and thunder proceed from the throne, representing the coming storm of tribulation and reminding us of God's awesome power. Before the throne burns seven lamps of fire, representing the Holy Spirit in His fullness.

John also sees a sea of glass like crystal before the throne, likely representing the purity of heaven and the complete absence of any need for cleansing. Everything in heaven reflects God's perfect holiness.

The Four Living Creatures

Perhaps the most unusual element of John's vision is the four living creatures "full of eyes in front and back." These creatures, also described by Ezekiel, have faces like a lion, a calf, a man, and an eagle. While their exact meaning is debated, two popular interpretations help us understand their significance:

First view: These creatures represent God's covenant with all creation, as mentioned in Genesis 9:10. The man represents humanity (Noah), the eagle represents the birds, the calf represents cattle, and the lion represents the beasts of the earth. They remind us that God rules over all creation from His throne.

Second view: These creatures illustrate the fourfold picture of Christ in the Gospels—Matthew's King (lion), Mark's Servant (calf), Luke's Son of Man (man), and John's divine Son of God (eagle).

The fact that these creatures are "full of eyes" symbolizes that God sees everything. Nothing escapes His notice or His sovereign control.

Eternal Worship

The chapter reaches its climax with continuous worship. The four living creatures cry out, "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!" This threefold repetition of "holy" carries incredible weight in Hebrew; it's the ultimate expression of God's perfect holiness and power.

The twenty-four elders respond by falling down in worship, casting their crowns before the throne, and declaring: "You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created."

What This Means for Us

As we read chapter 4, we're reminded that no matter what chaos surrounds us on earth, God sits sovereignly on His throne in heaven. As Corrie ten Boom said, "There is no panic in heaven...God has no problems, only plans."

This vision also gives us a preview of our eternal destiny. We will spend eternity worshiping the One who created us, redeemed us, and called us to reign with Him. The question this raises for us today is: Are we withholding anything from God? Money, time, talents, or service? The elders in heaven withhold nothing; they give it all back to Him.

Chapter 4 ends with the elders singing a glorious hymn praising God our Creator. John's vision reminds us that we should get some practice down here, preparing our hearts for the eternal worship that awaits us in heaven.

The throne room scene in Revelation 4 isn't just a spectacular vision; it's a preview of our eternal home and a reminder that our awesome God deserves our complete devotion and worship today.

All for Him,

Pastor Dustin