Revelation

Chapter 4

v1 – after these things – after the church age ends….

-Eph 2:11-22 – the church age – we are living in it now

-the rapture of the church is the next event to take place after the church age ends

-behold – means to get someones attention because something is about to happen

a door – this is an entrance or an opening

-2 Peter 3:9

-this is the rapture of the church

-Come up here

Rapture – means to be caught up and taken away, seized or taken by Jesus in a state of joy

-the church is not on earth any longer after this verse

-the rapture takes place so the Lord will deal with Israel – Israel will be the main focus – Isaiah 26:20

verses 2-3 – the key word in Revelation chapter 4 is THRONE

-John had a visions and sees the throne in heaven

-Jesus is on the throne

v3 – a description of Jesus Christ on the throne

1. Jesus is like a jasper stone

-Jasper is clear as crystal and it represents His glory and presence and purity

2. Jesus is like a sardius stone – it is red in color.  It represents the redemption of Jesus through His blood.  Even after the rapture people can get saved…

rainbow –  the rainbow formed a full circle around the throne.  The Lord fully and completely keeps His Word…

v4 – Around The Throne – 24 Elders

-elders speaks of human beings and those who are saved

-the 24 elders represent all born again believers from the OT and NT

-the 24 elders are sitting on thrones – means ruling and reigning with jesus

-the 24 elders are dressed in white clothes – represents holiness and righteousness

-the 24 elders have gold crowns on their heads – are victor crowns given to believers for their service on earth

vs5-6 – Out of The Throne

-lightning and thunder are signs of a coming storm

-speaks of the power of God and the judgment of God – Rev 8:5 & 11:19

Before The Throne

7 lamps of fire – represents 7 qualities of the Holy Spirit – Isaiah 11:1-7

v6 – sea of glass like crystal

-this refers to total peace and calm

-nothing has to disturb your peace

4 living creatures – vs6-7

-they are angelic beings

-they point to Jesus in every way

vs8-11 – The living creatures worship Jesus Christ

Holy Holy Holy – they proclaim the holiness of God/speaks of the Trinity

-they praise the lord for 3 main things:

-holiness

-omnipotence

-eternal

-He is Worthy – v11