I.        INTRODUCTION

A.      In the first three chapters of Revelation, John revealed the Lord’s presence among His churches.

                                                             1.      The seven churches of Asia were commended and condemned according to their deeds, which were well known to Christ, for He walked among them.

                                                             2.      This revealed how intimately involved and aware the Lord was (and still is) with His churches.

B.      In the rest of this book, John recorded his visions that reveal the destiny of the church and Christ’s enemies.

                                                             1.      According to the Lord’s command in 1:19, John recorded the things which he had seen (the vision of Christ in chapter 1) and the things which were at that time (the letters to the seven churches).

                                                             2.      The remainder and main part of this book falls into the category of “things which shall take place after these things” (1:19; i.e. “things which must shortly take place” – 1:1).  This begins with a view into the throne room of God in the fourth and fifth chapters.

II.      THE THRONE OF GOD

A.      The visions that John received were shown to him by an angel of God (Rev. 4:1-2).

                                                             1.      Whereas the letters to the seven churches were dictated to John directly by Christ, John was taken in spirit to see visions by an angel (see 22:8).

                                                             2.      The loud voice that John had heard at first (1:10) called him to look into an open door in heaven.

B.      The first of these visions was the spectacular scene of God’s throne room (Rev. 4:3-11).

                                                             1.      Symbolically enthroned at the center of this scene was God, who is the central figure in all things.

a.       The throne and God Himself are described in terms of precious and beautiful stones and gems, which indicate His brilliant glory.

b.       From God’s throne proceeded lightning, sounds (or voices), and thunder (reminiscent of Mt. Sinai), which indicate His power and terror.

c.        The seven lamps before the throne represented the seven Spirits of God, namely, His Holy Spirit who is omnipresent and omniscient (see 1:4; 3:1; 5:6).

d.       Notice that Isaiah (approx. 840 years earlier) and Ezekiel (approx. 690 years earlier) both saw similar visions into heaven (the throne, the glory of the one sitting on the throne, and the living creatures – see Isa. 6:1-3; Ezek. 1).

                                                             2.      Around God’s throne were twenty-four other thrones with twenty-four elders upon them.

a.       These likely represent the redeemed from both the Old Testament and New Testament eras.  With this figure, the twelve patriarchs represent the Old Testament redeemed, and the twelve apostles represent the New Testament redeemed (compare to 21:12-14).

b.       Notice a few points about these elders:

i.         They are clothed in white garments, representing their purity and forgiven state (compare to the promise of 3:5).

ii.        They are enthroned and adorned with crowns (compare to the promise of 3:21).

iii.      They are mentioned throughout Revelation (7:11, 13; 11:16; 14:3; 19:4).

                                                             3.      Also present in the throne room were four living creatures.

a.       These four creatures appear to be a special order of angels.  They are probably cherubim (Gen. 3:24; Ex. 25:18) and are similar to those seen by Isaiah and Ezekiel.

b.       Each of the four creatures had a distinctive and symbolic appearance: a lion (royalty and nobility), a calf (strength and service), a man (wisdom), and an eagle (speed).

c.        The similarities of the living creatures were that each one had six wings (representing swiftness) and was full of eyes (symbolizing watchfulness).

                                                             4.      Those who were present at God’s throne presented their songs of praise to God.

a.       The song of the four living creatures was one of praise and thanksgiving to the holy and eternal God.

i.         This unceasing song lauded God as “holy, holy, holy,” emphasizing His exalted, eternal, and sanctified nature.

ii.        This is the same song heard by Isaiah (Isa. 6:2).

b.       The song of the twenty-four elders was one of praise to God for His creation.

i.         In concert with the four living creatures, the elders offered unending praise to God.

ii.        Notice that the elders submitted to God and worshipped by falling from their thrones and casting their crowns before Him.

III.   THE LAMB OF GOD

A.      Within this glorious scene, John’s focus shifted to the sealed book (scroll) in the hand of God (Rev. 5:1-4).

                                                             1.      This book represented the contents of the book of Revelation, which was God’s purpose and plan.

                                                             2.      John wept because no one in heaven or on earth was found worthy to open the book of God.

B.      The only one found worthy to open the book was the Lamb, who is Jesus Christ (Rev. 5:5-7).

                                                             1.      One of the elders comforted John by declaring that there was one who was worthy.

a.       This worthy one was called “the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah,” which is a reference to the prophecy of Christ by Jacob in Genesis 49:9-10.

b.       He is also called “the Root of David,” which is a Messianic figure used by Isaiah (Isa. 11:1, 10) in accordance with the promise given to David through Nathan (2Sam. 7:4-17).  Christ referred to Himself in this way in Revelation 22:16.

                                                             2.      When John saw the worthy one, he saw Him in the figure of the slain Lamb.

a.       The figure of a slain lamb represented sacrifice.  John the baptist called Jesus “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

b.       John saw the slain Lamb alive in the midst of the throne room scene.  By virtue of overcoming death, He was worthy to open (reveal and execute) the book of God.

c.        The seven horns of the Lamb represent His perfect power, and the seven eyes represent the Holy Spirit who acted at the direction of Christ (John 16:13-15).

C.      When the Lamb took the book, all of heaven and earth pealed forth in praise of the Lamb and of God (Rev. 5:8-14).

                                                             1.      Just as the four creatures and the elders had worshipped God on His throne, so also they worshipped the Lamb who is Christ.

                                                             2.      The symbol of the incense in verse 8 is interpreted as the prayers of the saints.  Perhaps the harps represent the songs of the saints.

                                                             3.      Notice the songs that are raised in praise of God and Christ.

a.       The four creatures and elders sang a new song of praise to Christ.

i.         Their songs recorded in 4:8 and 4:11 were of things that had always been true.  However, this new song was of things which Christ had newly accomplished.

ii.        Notice that Christ’s kingdom was already in effect in verse 10.  Just as Christians serve as priests now, there is also a sense in which they will reign on the earth.

b.       Innumerable angels sang a song of praise for the worthiness of the slain Lamb.

c.        All of creation (living and dead) symbolically sang a song of praise to God and Christ (compare to Psalm 148).

                                                             4.      Thus, the honor given to God and Christ was complete and universal in heaven, on earth, and under the earth.

IV.    CONCLUSION

A.      The purpose of this vision was to present God and His Christ in their proper, exalted positions above all creation.

                                                             1.      This scene was (still is) needed to encourage the Christians who were suffering and would continue to suffer.

                                                             2.      This vision assures Christians that their cause will ultimately emerge as victorious, for they serve the Almighty God of heaven and will overcome the world and Satan just as Christ has overcome.

B.      With the power and control of God well established, the reader is prepared for the opening of the seven seals.

*** In the next lesson, we will study the opening of the seven seals (6:1-8:5).***