Welcome to the throne room.

Revelation 4:1-11.

Over the last few weeks we have heard the messages to the seven churches of Asia and we have heard Christ speak of their strengths and their weaknesses. Today we will enter heaven by way of John’s vision and look upon the throne of God.

According to Psalm 103:19, “The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.”

After the messages to the seven churches, John looked and saw a door standing open in heaven.

This door represents Jesus Christ because He says in John’s gospel that, “He is the door of the sheep.” The only door on the ark, that Noah built, represented Jesus. We know a door can give access or deny access. This door is standing open. Christ is our entrance and access to God and this door is opened to unending worship.

A summons from the throne.

John looks up from Patmos and sees an opened door in heaven, and He hears a voice sounding like a trumpet [clear and bold] saying, “Come up here and I will show you what must take place after this.” ESV. The words “Come up” are written in as a verb and it is singular in its description.

This throne belongs to God the Father, and John has an awesome privilege of seeing it in this vision. Earlier we know that the preacher of the book of Hebrews stated, “Let us come boldly [with confidence] before the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in a time of need.”

During great tribulation, this throne will issue justice and judgment.

The glory of the throne.

Psalm 104:1-2 says, “Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, you are very great! You are clothed with splendor and majesty, covering yourself with a garment, stretching out the heavens like a tent.”

The view of the glory of the throne and the one sitting upon the throne has to be breath taking. There are no human words or vocabulary to describe the glory. John does his best to describe it by using the translucent stones of various colors.

If you look closely at the description of the High Priest in Exodus 28:17-21 you will see the same disclosure. Christ is our Great High Priest.

The rainbow serves as a reminder of God’s promises and covenant of mercy. Noah saw the rainbow in the sky and in Revelation 10:1; Christ wears this rainbow around His head. At this particular time John see’s it around the throne.

Those around the throne.

There are 24 thrones [Daniel7:9-10] around the throne of God. Seated on those 24 thrones are Elders representing God’s people. Elders are men of Kingly character and in the church they oversee the spiritual care and exercise oversight. In 1 Chronicles 24 the description is given of 24 divisions of priest and singers.

The beauty of the throne.

Flashes of lightening, rumblings, and peals of thunder are taking place. [Exodus 19:16-20]

The glory is set- the Lord’s authority is permanent. This laser show of lights represents the wonderful splendor of God.

The Articles before the throne.

The tabernacle and the temple on earth were only models of a heavenly original.

Seven lamps of fire. This could symbolize the Holy Spirit. In the Old Testament the seven branched lamp stand represented the Holy Spirit.
The sea of glass. It looks like crystal and it represents holiness. In the Old Testament this was the laver.
The 4 living creatures. Henry Barclay Swete says, “Nature, including man is represented before the throne of God worshipping the Lamb of God.”

They are praising God for His inherent attributes: His infinite holiness, His power [creative energy], and eternal life.

To give thanks is instructions for how God is to be properly worshipped.

To give glory is man’s responsibility to exalt the true and living God for His power and might.

To give honor is to ascribe worth or value to God.

We must express our thankful gratitude for the favor given to us through Christ.

Who is on the throne of your life?

Who do you worship the most?