Revelation 4:1-6a

After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.”  At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne.  And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald.  Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads.  From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God, and before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal.

This chapter starts with the words “after this.”  This certainly appears to be an indication of a transition from the letters to the churches to a new section of the revelation John is receiving.  There is a transition from “what is” to “what will be.”  This revelation is given in a vision which will be a common theme throughout the rest of the book.  It is a transition from letters written to visions experienced.  This first vision is all about the throne from all different perspectives. 

A VISION OF THE FUTURE THRONE: John sees a door open into heaven and from the open door he hears a voice inviting him to come up into heaven.  The reason for this invitation is to be able to show John what will take place “after this.”  The seven letters to the seven churches have concluded and now a vision about the future has begun.  The remainder of this book will be revealed from the perspective of heaven.  It is possible that John’s being taken up into heaven is symbolic of the rapture of the church.  If the churches are representative of specific churches is Asia Minor and typical churches throughout the history of the church, it is reasonable to assume that the visions that follow would be about that which will come after the rapture of the church.  Being dogmatic about the timing of the rapture seems unwise, but this inference is possible.  The main point of the vision is that John gets a glimpse into heaven and the first thing he sees is a throne.  God rules and reigns so a throne is symbolic of His ultimate authority.

A VISION ON THE THRONE: The Person on the throne is described as one who “had the appearance of jasper and carnelian.”  It is difficult for us to imagine that John’s first description of God in the throne room of heaven would be precious stones.  This is likely a reference to the stones that appear on the breastplate of the high priestly breastplate.  It was covered with 12 stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel.  Jasper and carnelian were the first and the last stones respectively.  God is the beginning and the end.  He is pure and holy.  He sits on the throne of heaven ruling sovereignly over the affairs of the world.  He is King of kings, Lord of lords and worthy of all worship.

A VISION AROUND THE THRONE: Surrounding the throne there is what John describes as a rainbow that is the color of emerald.  Rainbows are symbolic of the promise of God.  Emeralds are green in color which reminds us of life.  Perhaps this rainbow represents the promise of eternal life offered through the Lord Jesus Christ.  Also, around the throne there are twenty-four elders who are wearing crowns.  These elders likely represent all believers from the history of the world.  The Old Testament is represented in the twelve tribes of Israel.  The New Testament is represented by the twelve apostles.  The crowns represent rewards given for faithfulness in service on the earth and demonstrate that believers will worship the Lord as well as rule and reign with God in eternity.

A VISION FROM THE THRONE: John sees flashes of lightning and hears peals of thunder proceeding from the throne.  This had to be an awesome experience.  God’s omnipotence and holiness are on full display in this magnificent throne room.  There are seven torches which John tells us are the seven spirits of God.  This is difficult for us to interpret because there only one Spirit of God.  The number seven is one of perfection so the seven spirits may represent the perfect work of the Spirit of God and His attributes of mercy, grace, wisdom, holiness, etc.  Before the throne is the sea of glass like crystal.  The ambiance in this throne room is indescribable.  John’s descriptions are awe inspiring but all the vocabulary from all the languages throughout history is inadequate to describe the glory of God.  

APPLICATION: The awe of heaven and the throne of God is clearly inspiring and should cause us to do now what we will do throughout eternity: worship.  We can live with great hope because we are represented in this amazing place.  Live a life of holiness to the glory of God because His is holy and worthy of our praise.