John’s Vision of the Throne of God (Revelation 4 and 5)

Chapter 3
In Chapter four, John is called into heaven to the very throne of God. The comment by pre-tribulation rapturists that this is a veiled reference to the rapture of the church (see John McArthur’s Study Bible footnote p. 1968) is inept at best. There is no reference to any coming out of the tribulation until Revelation 15:2-4, which comes right after the true rapture of the church as described in Revelation 14:14-16.

1. After these things, what does John see? 4:1a

2. What did the first voice John heard sound like? 4:1b

3. To whom was that voice speaking? 4:1c

4. What did the voice say? 4:1d


5. In what condition was John transported to heaven? 4:2a

6. What eleven things did he see? 4:2b-8a

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

f.

g.

h.

i.

j. four living creatures . . .

(4:7a) j1.

(4:7b) j2.

(4:7c) j3.

(4:7d) j4.

k.

7. How does John describe the four living creatures at this point? 4:8b



8. What do these living creatures not cease to say? 4:8c, 9a



9. What is happening simultaneously? 4:10, 11

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Around this throne were twenty-four thrones with twenty-four elders sitting on them who had crowns on their heads. The twenty-four elders are most likely the twelve patriarchs of the Old Covenant and the twelve apostles of the New Covenant. Jesus promised the apostles they would sit on twelve thrones (Matt. 19:28). In front of the main throne was the sevenfold spirit of God (representing the Holy Spirit). Four living creatures full of eyes in front and back were in the center and around the throne. They are described as, like a lion, a calf, a man, and an eagle. They each have six wings. Their task is to proclaim, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God almighty, who was, is, and is to come.” night and day (4:8). While they do this, the twenty-four elders will fall down before God, worship Him, and throw their crowns before Him proclaiming, “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created” (4:11).

In chapter 5 John sees the book of the Seven Seals in the right hand of God the Father. He hears a strong angel proclaim, “Who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals?” When it appeared no one was able, John began to weep (5:4). An elder told him to quit weeping because the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Jesus) and the root of David, was able to open the book (5:5). At this point, John sees a Lamb standing as if slain. Interestingly enough, this Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes (the seven spirits of God).

1. What did the Lamb do? 5:7a

2. Who was “Him who sat on the throne?” 5:7b

2. When the Lamb took the book, what did the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures do? 5:8-10





The Lamb took the book from God the Father, at which time the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before Him, each one with a harp and golden bowls full of incense (prayers of the saints), and sang a new song,

“Worthy are you to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom of priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.”

John’s attention was then diverted to a myriads and myriads of angels around the throne who were saying, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.” Notice they were not singing. They were saying. It seems singing is a task apportioned only to man. The angels never sing; they only say.

It is at this point that we get some insight as to the time about which this vision is supposed to be. The phrase

“And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, ‘To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever,’” (5:13)

indicates the time of this vision is yet future. The key part of the phrase is “every created thing.” Obviously every created thing has not yet acknowledged the kingship of Jesus. Just as obviously, when He comes to establish His earthly kingdom (Revelation 20:11-14), every created thing will acknowledge His blessing, honor, glory, and dominion forever and ever.