Worship Around the Throne

Revelation 4

Immanuel – 1/30/22

Thus far we have spent 10 weeks in Revelation. No matter who you are or what your eschatological framework – if you have been paying attention – the Revelation of Jesus Christ has challenged you. And we have only made it through the first part. It began with a glorious vision of God: of this One like a son of man, strange and awesome. Then it moved into Christ’s messages to the seven churches – filled with commendations, rebukes, and promises.

Today we enter the second part of Revelation, and like the first, it begins with a glorious vision of God: the Ancient of Days seated upon His throne and surrounded by majesty and worship. The things John sees bend the mind; and as much as we are able to understand, there is so much still beyond the reach of our comprehension.

But even though this is the second part, it does not mean that it is disconnected to the first. There is most certainly a theme running through them both, and it would do us well to remember the theme of Revelation according to John himself:

To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood and made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him, and all the tribes of the [land] will wail on account of Him. Even so, Amen. -Revelation 1:5-7

Purpose

Identify the symbolism of chapter 4.

What does this mean for our worship?

Read Revelation 4

Symbols

Before we begin walking through this passage, it is important to put this in its right literary context. Like much of Revelation, this is a prophetic vision; and as a prophetic vision it is jam packed with symbolism. When I say that this chapter is highly symbolic, by no means do I mean that it is somehow less true.

As humans, we are severely limited in our ability to think of things beyond time and beyond space. Just try: can you imagine operating without time or something outside of space? You truly cannot.

Because God transcends time, space, and energy, He gives us symbols as windows into things beyond our comprehsion. He gives these symbols so we will understand divine truths – in these very revelations; and these truths touch on things far beyond the reach of our minds. In other words, symbols help us identify (in a limited way) things we cannot see.

Here is just one example from Revelation 4: everything is centered around the throne of God. This is not the throne of Jesus. Here’s the thing, we know that God does not actually sit on a throne – or even sit. The Bible teaches us that God is invisible, that He is spirit, that He is non-physical. He also exists in all places at all times, and is not located in just one place. Not only is a throne entirely unnecessary, but it would be a limitation.

The throne of God is a symbol of His ultimate sovereignty, of His divine justice, of His power and wisdom and knowledge. A literal throne is a thing of earth that God uses to reveal something about Himself and His realities. That is what we have in chapter 4: symbols that give us eyes to see things we are not able to see.

Here we go. Chapter 4, and the second section of Revelation, begins with after this. We are immediately confronted with a question of timing. We are meant to ask, “After what?”

I think it is as simple as this: after John received the first vision, he receives a second. But thinking more about timing, the vision John receives bends how we humans think about time. It appears to be both present and future, an already and not yet. It is a look into heaven, and heaven both stretching and compressing time. You’ll see what I mean in a bit.

Through a Door

After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! A symbol. A physical open door was not in the sky. John was looking at the landscape of the isle of Patmos and then all of the sudden, out his normal experience, he began to see beyond, into heaven.

Suddenly, John hears a voice, the same voice that he heard when the first vision began. It is a voice like a trumpet. As we saw in chapter 1, at the beginning of the first vision, this voice is reminiscent of God’s voice on Mount Sinai. His voice was so terrifying that the people begged not to hear Him. You’ll see a few images from Mount Sinai in this chapter.

The voice John hears again brings timing into question. The voice says, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” Again, we should ask, after what? This time it seems clear; John is about to see what takes place after the seven churches receive their messages from Christ.

We know this because chapter 4 is filled with overcomers, and the seven churches were filled with those who still needed to overcome. How gracious of our God to call us to overcome, and then give us a glorious picture of weary journeyers having overcome!

So when is the after this according to the heavenly voice? I think it is after the churches have taken the message of Jesus to heart, repented, and faithfully overcome their circumstances; and I think it is when they have reached the final overcoming through the resurrection. But, I do not believe this is a vision of one or the other. God seems to be showing John a vision of both. It is true about overcoming now and it is true about final overcoming as will be experienced in the next life.

The voice speaks, and as soon as John hears the voice, that small vision growing in his mind, he is flung entirely into.

Read vs 2

As I have said, this throne is symbolic, as it is all over Scripture. And who is seated upon this symbolic throne? He is the Ancient of Days from Daniel’s vision.

As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took His seat; His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of His head like pure wool; His throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire. A stream of fire issued and came out from before Him, a thousand thousands served Him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him; the courts sat in judgement, and the books were opened. -Daniel 7:9-10

You can see many overlaps between Daniel’s vision and John’s. One major connection between the two visions is Him who sits upon the throne: Yahweh, the Triune God, the Ancient of Days.

Imagine it. Something in John’s vision has changed: a small door and a glimpse into heavenly things. Suddenly he is caught up in the spirit for the second time and transported immediately before the awesome and imposing Ancient of Days; and all language flees away for its inadequacy to describe accurately the things John beholds.

John’s language now turns to his best approximations.

Read vs 3

Though jasper stones can be many different colors, it would seem that John has red jasper in mind, which itself contains a variety of hues. If fire were to suddenly solidify, it might look like red jasper. And as you can see, when carnelian is backlight, it also has fire-like qualities.

The rainbow encircles the throne: a halo of every color, though somehow it is filtered through the greenish hue of emerald. Down in verse 5 we read that lightning is flashing from the throne; not too uncommon on earth to see lightning and rainbows in the same sky.

There are reflections of Old Testament prophecies all throughout this imagery. We will consider two today: the visions of Ezekiel and Daniel. We have already seen a portion of Daniel’s. Here is a portion of Ezekiel’s, and I think you will see some striking similarities.

Above the expanse there was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like sapphire; and seated above the likeness of a throne was a likeness with a human appearance. And upward from what had the appearance of His waist I saw as it were gleaming metal, like the appearance of fire enclosed all around. And downward from what had the appearance of His waist I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and there was brightness around Him. Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around. -Ezekiel 1:26-28

Images of a living inferno, precious stones of fiery red, encircled by the full and brilliant spectrum of color. All of this symbolizes the Almighty’s holiness and majesty, His beauty and wonder before which all language fails.

Again, I say it is symbolic because God cannot be seen. John, the very same one to receive this heavenly vision, also says this:

No one has ever seen God. -1 John 4:12

It seems clear that John means no one has seen God. Not him, not Ezekiel, not Daniel.

[For He] alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. -1 Timothy 6:16

What has been seen by the prophets are symbols that represent God, small manifestations. They are true, they are real, but they are infinitely smaller than the entirety. They are little pieces – visions – symbols given to prophets representing realities far, far greater. They simultaneously give us an understanding and stretch our understanding.

And isn’t that how it should be with such an awesome, infinite God?

All these stones and colors in Revelation 4, represent holiness and beauty and majesty and wonder. They are spiritual glories being given physical representation.

Read vs 4

Do you remember from Daniel’s vision that thrones were placed? These would be thrones other than the throne. Here, in John’s vision, we learn who is seated upon these thrones: the 24 elders.

Who are these 24 elders? Hint: they are not angelic beings. Their description is the key to understanding. They are seated upon thrones, clothed in white, and wear crowns upon their heads. Remember the link that this vision has with the last one? As I said, chapter 4 is filled with overcomers – conquerors from the seven churches.

(Smyrna)

Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. -Revelation 2:10

(Sardis)

The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments. -Revelation 3:5

(Laodicea)

The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne. -Revelation 3:21

The 24 elders represent overcomers; they are symbolic representatives of the church. Promises Jesus gave to the seven churches are seen in the 24 elders.

And why 24? Biblically, 12 is the number associated with the people of God. 24 is twice 12. In the New Jerusalem there are 12 foundations with the apostle’s names, and 12 doors with the names of the 12 tribes of Israel (Revelation 21:12-14). Together, these 24 names represent the people of God, or, the church throughout all time.

Additionally, in 1 Chronicles 24, David arranges the priests into 24 divisions. In the next chapter, David arranges 24 leaders of worship in the temple. 24 priests, 24 worship leaders, 24 names built into the New Jerusalem, and 24 elders upon thrones. The fact that the elders are on thrones means that they are rulers, kings, reigning with Christ and under Christ.

All of these images come together in Peter’s first letter.

You yourselves like living stones are being built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ...You are…a royal priesthood…that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of the darkness and into His marvelous light. -1 Peter 2:5,9

A royal priesthood – kingly priests. Remember what John said in the theme of Revelation? God has made us a kingdom, priests unto God. The 24 elders are representatives of that kingly priesthood. Again, the 24 elders are symbolic representatives of the church; like senators in God’s governing body over the earth.

They are not people with names. They are symbols of the great honor and grace given to all overcomers!

Again, what wonder! After John beholds the majesty of the Most High, the very next thing he sees are sinners seated in glory and honor; the wayward rebels, rescued, redeemed, and royal. In a symbolic way, it is where every believer is seated right now. In a symbolic way, it is where we will be seated forever. These 24 elders represent us – now and forever!

Read vs 5-6a

More images from Mount Saini.

On the morning of the third day there were thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud on the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled.

-Exodus 19:16

When God visited Israel as Exodus records, Mount Sinai served as the throne of God; and His glory was terrible to behold. The people thought they were going to die. In the Old Testament especially, lightning and thunder symbolize God’s manifested presence on earth. In Revelation, since the thunders and lightnings are coming from the throne, it suggests that God is the source of all revelation and power.

Then there are seven torches or fire which are the seven spirits of God. This is the third time we are hearing about the seven spirits of God, and we have already identified these seven spirits as the Holy Spirit.

Why is the Holy Spirit represented as a seven-fold flame? Because the seven churches are symbolically called the seven golden lampstands (Revelation 1:20). This is yet another link between the last section and this one. The Holy Spirit is the fire within the church, the One who give the church light and spiritual energy and life. In the Old Covenant, the thunder and lightning was too much for humanity to bear. In the New Covenant, the Spirit is the person that purifies men and draws them unto God. The Spirit is the person that empowers us to become overcomers and gives us any and all ability to approach the throne.

John also observes a sea of glass, like crystal. Here is another intersection with Ezekiel’s vision.

Over the heads of the living creatures there was the likeness of an expanse, shining like awe-inspiring crystal, spread out above their heads. -Ezekiel 1:22

I have here an image of something called tessellated pavement. It is a flat rock shaped with these very geometric patterns – a geometric patterning similar to crystal. And when water rests within the pattern, it is reminiscent of a sea of glass like crystal. Of course, if John saw something like this, it must have been much more polished and on a far larger scale.

John is seeing the immense polished floor of the courtroom of God. Everything he sees has this glassy sea beneath it.

You could also think of the glassy sea like the heavenly floor before the Holy of Holies. Because before the Holy of Holies, in the temple, was something called the “sea of cast metal” or the “sea of bronze (1 Kings 7:23).” It was the place in the temple priests would go to cleanse themselves for their practices and duties of worship.

And in case you don’t know, everything in the temple is modeled after things in heaven. Or to put it more precisely, the physical temple is a physical symbol of spiritual worship. It was always meant to point towards how God wants to be worshipped.

This sea of crystal, that John is seeing, symbolizes that all who approach the throne must thus be cleansed – and one can only approach the throne through Jesus Christ. He is the only way to the Father (John 14:6)!

Without Christ we could never hope to approach the throne of God. Like Israel, all we have on our own is a certain expectation of condemnation. We know we a guilty, that we fall woefully short of the glory of God. We know there is no place in such majesty for us. And if we do not somehow know this, the law of God makes it crystal clear. The consequence is to be cast eternally for the glorious presence of God, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.

But Jesus, the only righteous Son of God, came and touched our uncleanness. He became sin, was forsaken by the Father so that we need not be, and offers to us forgiveness and righteousness. He has opened a door for us and all we need to do is repent and believe.

It is not about temples and rituals; it’s about spirit and truth in Jesus Christ.

Jesus spoke of these very things.

“Believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father…But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship Him. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” -John 4:21,23-24

Anyone that comes to God must be purified, holy and righteous, must worship in spirit and truth through Jesus Christ. All this is symbolically revealed in thunder and lightning, the seven spirits of God, and the glassy sea.

Read vs 6b-8

Worshippers

Ezekiel’s vision goes into much greater detail about these four living creatures. But in his vision they look a bit little different than in Revelation, though they are clearly the same creatures John is seeing. In Ezekiel these creatures are named “the cherubim.”

One thing is for sure, cherubim are not pudgy little naked angel babies, fluttering around with tiny bows and arrows – which we will unfortunately be visited by once Valentine’s Day draws nearer. These cherubim are glorious and awesome, and if one of these suddenly appeared in this room we would fall on our faces and know truly what it means to tremble!

The cherubim symbolize creation glorified. Though they are symbolic, it does seem that these creatures do exist as deeply wise and powerful beings. Their many eyes symbolize great watchfulness and wisdom. I don’t know if cherubim actually look like John and Ezekiel describe, or if their description is symbolic.

Either way, the four creatures named are the kings of their own realm. The lion is king of the wilderness, the ox king of domesticated animals, the eagle king of the air, and man is given dominion over all.

Additionally, in the Bible, the number four represents creation and the created order. Scripture speaks of four rivers that surrounded the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:10-14), four corners of the earth, the four winds, and four seasons. Here, the four creatures symbolize the glorified created order.

Day and night the four cherubim cry “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” Day and night the four living creature lift ceaseless praise; and since they are symbolic of creation glorified, I cannot help by hear Psalm 19.

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. -Psalm 19:1-4

Day to day, night to night, the four living creatures pour forth speech: Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come! Is that not the declaration of all creation?

Have you not seen the sunset set the world on fire? Or heard the deafening roar of a mighty waterfall? Or felt your house tremble with a powerful crack of thunder? Or seen the spring dew lay diamonds in a field? Or been dwarfed by the vastness of innumerable stars? Does it not all cry out with a resounding, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come?!

And when creation reveals the beauty and majesty of her Creator, does it not fill your heart with worship, where the only possible response is to sing with all your might: “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.”

Yes! The heart can do nothing else! When we hear the speech creation pours forth, day to day and night to night, we must fall on our faces before the Ancient of Days!

Read vs 9-11

What a magnificent image! These elders of the church, the picture of all saints in glory, are happy to cast their tokens of glory before the throne. It is a gesture of love and adoration. It so clearly symbolizes that these saints have earned nothing, deserve nothing, but that it all comes from Him and it is all for Him. Our glory is His glory.

And this whole scene is played out continuously. Like verse 8 says, the four living creatures worship day and night, and every time they do the elders fall on their faces. There is no break, there is no ceasing, there is no end. It is continual, awesome, glorious worship.

But let us here again remember that this is a symbolic picture. I do not think that there are beings stuck in an endless loop of call and response. I believe we are seeing what happens when men and women have conquered, both the circumstances of our lives now and when in glory we are resurrected. There is an already and not yet aspect to this heavenly worship.

It is my experience, and the experience of countless other saints, that when you are drawn into the presence of God you cannot help but see His majesty in creation, and your heart erupt in praise. It is the order of creation. It is the purpose of creation. Creation’s ultimate purpose is fulfilled when it turns our hearts to worship.

We see it all over Scripture, and especially the Psalms.

Read Psalm 8

Every time you are moved by the beauty of a snow laden landscape, or a full moon casting silver beams through branches, or the sound of boulders tumbling in a swollen river – and these glories place in your heart an awe for God – then you are participating in the very scene that John is beholding.

And this is just a taste of what is to come, for one day the separation between heaven and earth will entirely vanish. In that day, and in your new body, every taste and touch, every sight and smell, will be packed with gratitude and pleasure in God. Your whole being will reverberate with a continuous song of praise as you enjoy the glories of creation.

As if creation cries out, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty!

And your only desire is to respond with, Worthy are you, Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things!

What is the most practical thing you can do in response to this sermon? Turn off your screen and go outside. Listen to the wind. Watch the winter birds. Feel the cold bite your lungs. Remember sun kissed skin and warm rocks by the water. And let it move your heart to worship Him who made it all. How good and glorious our great God! He is holy! He is worthy!

All creation waits in eager expectation for the Holy Spirit to awaken such glories with you. It is yours now and will be yours more completely at the resurrection! Just as an open door into Heaven was opened for John, there is a door that stands opened before for us.

“Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut.” -Revelation 3:8

“Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door.” -John 10:7

In the next chapter this same Heavenly vision will shift to the One who has opened the door. And upon His appearing all heaven and earth will erupt in worship. Yes, there is a greater glory in the worship of Heaven, and it is catalyzed by a Lion and Lamb.