REVELATION 4 – THE FOUR LIVING CREATURES

I trust you have taken time to carefully consider the information in the previous post.  This post will continue to build on those thoughts.

As we continue reading in this chapter, we will find that the scene is one of innumerable angels surrounding the throne.  The most significant fact that emerges is that Jesus hasn’t even entered the picture yet.  That would not be the case if John represented the raptured body of believers.

John 14:2–3 “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

Next John describes more of what he sees that bring to mind events at Mount Sinai when God met with Moses on the mountain. 

Revelation 4:5 “And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.”

Exodus 20:18–19 “And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.”

It seems that the floor in front of throne was clear and transparent.  Surrounding the throne are four creatures “full of eyes.” 

Revelation 4:6–8 “And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.”

John compares the first creature to a lion, the second to a calf, the third to a man, and the fourth to a flying eagle.  Each of the creatures had six wings, and again John describes them as full of eyes.  This is very similar to Ezekiel’s description of the cherubim.

Ezekiel 1:10 “As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.”

Ezekiel 10:12 “And their whole body, and their backs, and their hands, and their wings, and the wheels, were full of eyes round about, even the wheels that they four had.”

It seems that the whole purpose of these creatures is to honor and worship the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY.  Isn’t it interesting that the phrase is “holy, holy, holy” in reference to a triune God?

Revelation 4:9–11 “And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”

It would also seem that the function of the 24 elders is directly connected to the four creatures.  Their worship focuses on the truth that God is The Creator of all things (other than Himself is implied). 

Why does/did He create?  For His own pleasure (choice, desire, will).  Isaiah also supports this truth: 

Isaiah 43:7 “Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.”

This verse in Revelation emphasizes that all things were created for His good pleasure.  In Isaiah the emphasis is on the fact that those called by His name are created for His glory.  Is there a difference in glory and pleasure?  In looking at the definitions from the original languages and Webster, I think there is a distinct difference.  All things were created according to the pleasure/choice/will/desire of God, but not all things give Him glory.  Those who are called by His name have been created with the express purpose of glorifying/honoring God; we are to reflect Him in our lives—by how we act, speak, and think.

This poses an important point of reflection for each believer—How much do I glorify God?

(to be continued…)

REVELATION 4 – JOHN ENTERS THE THRONE ROOM & THE 24 ELDERS

In the previous post, John was called up to heaven.  Immediately, he was transported there in his spirit—not his physical being. 

Revelation 4:2–3 “And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.”

The first thing John saw the LORD seated on His throne.  He compares his vision of the LORD to seeing beautiful gemstones.  Around the throne he sees an emerald rainbow.  Warren Wiersbe made some interesting observations concerning the colors of the stones.  The jasper is a clear stone that bespeaks the purity and righteousness of God.  The sardine stone is a red stone that bespeaks God’s righteous wrath and judgment.  The green of the emerald is representative of God’s grace and mercy.

My pastor, Bob Coy, had an interesting insight regarding the jasper and sardine stone.  The high priest wore a breastplate that had four rows of three gemstones each that represented the tribes of Israel.  The sardine and jasper stones are the first and last stones respectively.  Assuming that the stones were arranged in the order of birth, the sardine would have represented the tribe of Reuben and the jasper the tribe of Benjamin.  The meaning of the name Reuben is “behold a son,” and Benjamin means “son of my right hand.”  The throne represented the seat of the “first and the last” who is in position to honor “the son of His right hand,” Jesus, the Lamb.

Revelation 4:4 “And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.”

Because scripture says that we will rule with Christ and that we can earn crowns of reward, many assume that this has to picture the body of believers.  The Greek for “crowns” is the word “stephanos,” and is defined as “a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally).  I think they are trying to force a puzzle piece to fit that doesn’t. 

I have heard and read many thoughts about the 24 elders.  One thought that comes to mind is that if John is representative of the “raptured” church, these elders must all come from a time before the church since they are in position upon his arrival.  Also, it couldn’t include the twelve apostles since John is one of the apostles. 

Both Moses and David were given blueprints from which to build the tabernacle and temple respectively.  It would seem that the divisions of the priesthood were based on this heavenly council of 24 angels.

1 Chronicles 28:11–13 “Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the porch, and of the houses thereof, and of the treasuries thereof, and of the upper chambers thereof, and of the inner parlours thereof, and of the place of the mercy seat, And the pattern of all that he had by the spirit, of the courts of the house of the LORD, and of all the chambers round about, of the treasuries of the house of God, and of the treasuries of the dedicated things: Also for the courses of the priests and the Levites, and for all the work of the service of the house of the LORD, and for all the vessels of service in the house of the LORD.”

I am also reminded that Daniel records a vision of thrones of authority being positioned in judgment.

Daniel 7:9–10 “I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.”

Earlier in Daniel we are told of judgment that is declared against Nebuchadnezzar by decree of the “watchers…the holy ones.”

Daniel 4:13–17” I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven; He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches: Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth: Let his heart be changed from man’s, and let a beast’s heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him. This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.”

It makes sense to me that just as with government on earth, there is a hierarchy among the angels in heaven.  Evidently, some have been chosen to serve as part of God’s heavenly supreme court.  This is supported by the Greek for the word “elders” that includes reference to “member of the celestial council” in its definition.

(to be continued…)

REVELATION 4 – JOHN GOES TO HEAVEN

These next few chapters in Revelation have been a particular area of continued discovery for me over the last several years.  The first step towards making many of these discoveries was recognizing that previous teaching in this area could be in error.  After all, I had listened to some of the most respected prophecy teachers in the evangelical arena.  I began doing lots of outside reading and research to become acquainted with alternative teachings and was rewarded to be able to pick up nuggets here and there that have helped me to find more pieces that fit naturally into the prophetic puzzle and answer some of the questions that had been left unanswered by previous teaching.  (Wow that was a mouthful!) 

I am going to slow the pace quite a bit to allow time for meditation and consideration of the ideas presented.  My prayer is that you will consider the thoughts presented in light of the scripture.  Hopefully, you will find some of the prophetic puzzle pieces fitting more naturally as well.

Revelation 4:1 “After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.”

After receiving the letters to the churches, John looks up to see a door opened in heaven.  The very first voice he hears sounds like a trumpet and calls him up to enter heaven.  This description connects directly to the voice of Divine nature identified in chapter 1.

Revelation 1:10–11 “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last….”

Based on Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, I had always been taught to understand John’s experience as representing the rapture of the church, but I no longer believe that to be true. 

1 Thessalonians 4:16 “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

The verses in Thessalonians detail the voice of the archangel and the trump of God.  They also detail Jesus coming to get us—not just calling out for us.  It makes more sense within the context to represent a change in perspective—from earthly to heavenly, and I believe that will become clearer as we progress through this study.

The purpose for bringing John to heaven is to show him things that are yet to happen.  The majority of the Revelation John is yet to receive is still future, but I believe a foundation is being laid at this point which will help us better understand events to come.  The same can be said for the first half of chapter 12.

This change in my understanding in no way precludes my belief in a pre-tribulation rapture.  I still strongly hold to that belief; I just do not agree that events will occur as understood by most in the pre-tribulation camp. 

I believe the tribulation, also known as the 70^th week of Daniel, is directed toward the people of Israel—not the church—to produce a believing remnant through whom God will honor His covenants with Abraham and David.  I believe that the coming time of God’s wrath also known as “the day of the Lord” is directed in vengeance toward the enemies of God; this is the time from which believers are promised deliverance.  These actions of God are directed toward different people groups for different purposes.  Though I believe these two times of judgment run basically concurrently, I do not believe they necessarily have the same starting point.  Some of the same judgments may be used, however, in accomplishing both purposes—much as one fire can be used for multiple purposes.

I might add that I will continue to be open to scriptural teaching that may cause me to modify my beliefs once again.  I only want to know the truth, and my beliefs will always be subject to the enlightenment of the Spirit based on the study of God’s word.  I never want to miss out on discovering the truth because I am close-minded.

(to be continued…)

LAODICEA – WRETCHED, MISERABLE, POOR, BLIND AND NAKED

The final letter is addressed to the body of believers at Laodicea.  Antiochus II built this city for his wife Laodice, and it was originally known as Diospolis, the “city of Zeus.”  The city often experienced earthquakes and was completely destroyed in 60 AD.  It was not far from the city of Colossae. 

Revelation 3:14–22 “And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

The Lord identifies Himself to this church as the Amen, the true One, the Creator.  This church needs to recognize that God’s word is just as sure now as it was when He first created the world.

Again, the Lord declares that He knows their works and compares their effectiveness to lukewarm water—neither cold and refreshing or hot enough for comfort or healing.  According to Wikipedia, “The archaeology shows Laodicea had an aqueduct that probably carried water from hot mineral springs some five miles south, which would have become tepid before entering the city.”  Lukewarm water doesn’t taste good.  A lukewarm church does not put a good taste in the Lord’s mouth; He’d rather spit it out.  In fact, the word for “spue” is “emeo,” which means to vomit; it’s where we get our word emetic. 

 

This church considered itself to be blessed because they were rich; they really didn’t see that they had need of anything.  Jesus, on the other hand, sees them as wretched (distressed, miserable), miserable (pitiable), poor (spiritual paupers), blind (mentally—they don’t recognize their condition) and naked (without clothing—the garments of salvation).  This was a church in name only.  I liken this church to the wealthy churches today that provide social functions for the community and humanitarian aid for those in need, but they are really serving self and not God in the process.

Jesus uses the language of money to get the attention of this church and advises them to buy from Him “gold tried in the fire” and submit to His will and testing to earn treasures in heaven; spiritual riches are the true riches of eternity.

1 Peter 1:7 “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ….”

To buy white raiment is a reference to the garment of salvation given to all that come to Jesus in faith believing on His finished work on the cross.  In Jesus we are presented righteous before the Father.

2 Corinthians 5:21 “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

Isaiah 61:10 “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.”

Laodicea was known for its medical school and its production of a special eye salve called collyrium that was used to treat eye diseases.  Jesus advises them to anoint their eyes with the salve of truth declared by the gospel that can make one completely whole and healthy.

It would seem that those in this church see themselves as spiritually healthy.  The Lord reminds them that He rebukes and chastens those He loves.  If you are not feeling His rebuke and chastening in your life, it’s a danger sign. 

Hebrews 12:6 “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.”

So take this message as a love letter.  Recognize the truth about yourself; turn your apathy into energy and desire—repent (change your motives, actions and direction). 

God is so merciful!!  This time He pictures Himself standing at the door and calling out to them wanting to come in and fellowship with them.  He is not going to force His way in though.  It is a sad day when God is left standing and knocking at the door seeking fellowship with those in this church.  He wants to see them respond to Him with repentance and faith.  He wants them to see with spiritual eyes and hear with spiritual ears. 

Overcomers are basically promised a spiritual inheritance in Him as was declared by the Apostle Paul.

Romans 8:16–17 “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”

(to be continued…)

PHILADELPHIA – STRONG IN FAITH DESPITE PERSECUTION

The sixth letter is to the church at Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love.  It got its name as a tribute from King Eumenes II who named it for his brother, Attalus, his successor.

Revelation 3:7–13 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

The Lord addresses this church as the Holy Mighty One in complete control, an important truth for this church that is pictured as very weak and struggling just to maintain its existence.  I think He is assuring this church that though weak in strength as to what they are able to do, their strong faith ensures that there is no power that can deprive them of His protection and provision.

There are many false teachers today who teach that God wants everyone to be wealthy, healthy and strong.  Throughout scripture we learn that men and women of faith often face great trials and suffering.  It is a very powerful witness to the lost world around us when our actions show tenacity of faith and exhibit peace of spirit due to the grace and faithfulness of Almighty God through the ministry of His Holy Spirit during the bad times.

It seems that these believers were suffering persecution from those pretending to be followers of God, but who were really followers of Satan.   Jesus assures the believers in Philadelphia that they will eventually get to witness the humbling of those that have persecuted them when they are made to bow the knee before Jesus.

Revelation 3:21 “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.”

Isaiah 45:23 “I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.”

Romans 14:11 “For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.”

Because the believers in Philadelphia have held fast to and guarded the truth of the words of Jesus with steadfastness and cheerful endurance, Jesus will keep them from (“ek”—out of) the hour of temptation (putting to proof) which shall (future tense from John’s perspective) come upon ALL the world, to try (put to the test) them that dwell on earth.  Obviously, this time of testing will be appointed for a specific time, of specific duration, to a specific generation. 

Many refuse to accept that this affirms the teaching of the rapture on the grounds that there is no reason this generation of believers should escape the coming hard times any more than any other generation.  Henry Morris made a good point.  “The fact is, however, that Christians in every other generation have escaped the great tribulation, so there is no reason why the last should be singled out for participation in it.”

When Jesus returns, it will be quickly (suddenly).  He is encouraging the believers to hold on to their faith and not let any man deprive them of their crown.  This is not a reference to losing your salvation—just your reward.  Those who overcome will be “a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out.”  I think this is indicative of the position of security the believer has for eternity in the presence of God. 

The overcomer will also be publicly identified as belonging to God by being stamped/marked with “the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem.”  He will also be proudly identified with a stamp of the new name of Jesus—probably a name that we will only be able to appreciate in our glorified state.

This church, along with Smyrna, was given no words of rebuke. 

As with each one of the seven letters, the principles addressed are applicable to every body of believers.

(to be continued…)