Revelation Chapter 4
As we have previously noted, Revelation 1:19 gives a divine outline of the book of Revelation. John is told, “Write the things which thou hast seen (chapter 1), and the things which are (chapters 2-3), and the things which shall be hereafter (chapters 4-22).” So in chapter four, we begin to read about things that are future. The words, “after this” in verse one tell us that John is now writing about things that will happen after the events of chapters 2 and 3, which described the Church Age in which we now live. Between chapters 3-4, the rapture will have occurred; that is, Jesus will have come as described in 1 Thessalonians 4: 14-17.
Chapter four opens with a scene in Heaven. The voice telling John to “Come up hither” is a hint of the voice of the Lord calling His saints to rise and meet Him in the clouds. Verse two records that John was transported in spirit into heaven at that time, where he sees a throne being set, which is the throne of God. During this Church Age, God has been seated on a throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16) with Jesus at His right side. However, after the rapture, a time of judgment will begin. Therefore the throne being set up for Him here is a judgment throne. And yet, notice that there is a rainbow around about the throne, which is always indicative of the mercy of God. Even as the Lord pours out His judgment on the earth during the seven years of tribulation, His mercy will be manifest in many ways. He is a God of mercy and it is not His will that any should perish.
At this time, the first thing John notices about God is His beauty. His great glory is noted here without any attention being drawn to a physical form. He is described as like jasper and a sardine stone, with the rainbow around the throne like an emerald. The jasper is described in Revelation 21:11 as a stone most precious and clear as crystal. The jasper and sardine stones were the first and last stones in the High Priest’s breastplate, which indicates that God is a God of all(the stones in the breastplate represented the 12 tribes of Israel). The sardine stone was ruby red and the emerald, a beautiful stone of light green color, reminds us of Jesus’ shed blood and of His resurrection, which is a basis for judgment.
Next John sees 24 smaller thrones, on which 24 elders sit, clothed in white raiment with golden crowns on their heads. The word “elder” always implies dignity and wisdom (Proverbs 31:23). White clothing represents righteousness, and the crowns are representative of a victor’s crown that has won rulership. Just as in the seven letters of chapters 2-3, Jesus uses many Old Testament examples to teach us. Therefore we understand much of Revelation by comparing it with Old Testament practices. In 1 Chronicles 24, 25, and 27, we read that there were 24,000 of the Levitical Priesthood arranged in courses of 24, so that there were never more than 24 priests on duty at any one time. These 24 represented the whole Levitical Priesthood. Also, there were 24 orders of priests appointed to praise God with instruments of song (12 in each order).
The title “elder” and the number 24 suggest that this is a group of Israel. The number 24 is a representative number, even as the 24 priests and singers were only a part of the total number of those who ministered in the house of the Lord in Old Testament times.
In Hebrews 11, we read that the Old Testament worthies of faith desired a “better country, better resurrection, and better thing.” The Amplified version of Hebrews 11:40 reads, “Because God had us in mind and had something better and greater in view for us so that they (these heroes and heroines of faith) should not come into perfection apart from us (that is, before we could join them).” I believe these scriptures point to the fact that these Old Testament worthies of faith (or overcomers) will be a heavenly people. This is in contrast to the nation Israel which will be an earthly people through eternity. So the 24 elders represent this group of overcomers from Old Testament times. They are in heaven with their God, ruling under Him, and in a place of great prominence. Hebrews 11:40 states that without us (the church), they would not be made perfect (or complete). But now it is time for the church to be in heaven with the Lord, so it is also time for the Old Testament overcomers to be made complete. This is clear by their position (seated on small thrones around God’s throne) and the fact that they are crowned.
The lightnings, thunderings and voices of verse five show us that this is a time for the storm of judgment on a sinful world to begin. The Holy Spirit is seen here with the Father as the seven lamps of fire. (Zechariah 4:6)
When God gave Moses instructions for the Tabernacle in the wilderness, He told him to make a laver of brass for the priests for washing purposes. Also note 2 Chronicles 4:6 concerning the temple Solomon built. However in our heavenly scene, we have a sea of glass as a reminder of the purity that is always present, so there is no more need to wash in water.
Next, John describes the four beasts, or living creatures, that he sees in the midst and round about the throne. Before we determine the meaning of the description of these living creatures, we must determine whom they represent. According to Revelation 5:9-10, these living creatures, along with the 24 elders, praise God for redemption. They have come out of every kindred, tongue, people and nation. Therefore, they must be people who have been redeemed and are in heaven at this time. However, they are not seated and crowned, as the 24 elders are, which shows that there must be something yet to occur before they will be made complete, or before they will enter into their complete reward. At this time, they are in the midst and round about the throne of God. Later on, we find them assisting in judging the world (Chapter 6:1; 15:7). Compare this thought with 1 Corinthians 6:2 and Psalms 149:5-9.
The promise to the overcomers of the church of Philadelphia, in chapter 3:10, is that they will be kept from (or out of) the hour of temptation, which shall come upon the entire world. The four living creatures represent the overcomers of the church, or body of Christ, who have loved Jesus’ appearing as did the Apostle Paul. (2 Timothy 4:8) Therefore they have been raptured at the corning of the Lord as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17. They are those mentioned in Hebrews 9:28 as “them that look for Him.”
As the scene in heaven opens in Revelation 4, we see both the overcomers of the Old Testament (24 elders) and also the overcomers of the New Testament church praising and giving glory to God. The four living creatures represent the overcomers of the church, indicating that they are from the four corners of the earth. They are full of eyes before, behind and within, which illustrates that they have discernment in all things. They manifest the characteristics of Christ that are revealed in the four gospels. Matthew reveals Him as a Lion (Kingly characteristic); Mark shows Him as a Calf (Servant); Luke, as a Man (Humble One); and John, as an Eagle (Son of God). 2 Peter 1:4 tells us that we may be “partakers of the divine nature.” As God’s people yield their lives to Him as a living sacrifice, and put Him first in their lives, He works these characteristics in them, even as they are in Christ. Note Romans 8:29, “conformed to the image of His Son …”
Not all believers are willing to give up their lives and let the Lord change them into His likeness. Those who do not follow Him in this manner will go to heaven, but not at this time. We see them as the “great multitude” in chapter 7, and will discuss them later.
These living creatures are the same ones Ezekiel saw in his vision in Ezekiel Chapter one and ten. However, the ones in Ezekiel are no doubt seen as overcomers while still on the earth, before the rapture, while John sees them after having gone to heaven. John sees them as having six wings. Six is the number of man, and these are redeemed human beings, yet heavenly, with complete mobility to do God’s bidding. The 24 elders are seated, their place in heaven complete; but the living creatures are not yet seated and won’t be until the marriage supper takes place in chapter 19. At that time, they will be granted the privilege of sitting with Christ in His throne, even as He overcame and is now seated with His Father in His throne. (Revelation 3:21)
The first words they utter are “Holy, holy, holy.” They know and appreciate His holiness. How important it is that we recognize His holiness! Next, the living creatures acknowledge Him as Lord (Principal Ruler), God (Light), Almighty (All powerful), and the One which was, is, and is to come (Eternal One). Then the 24 elders cast their crowns before His throne and give God all the glory. They are not interested in their rewards—only in worshipping and glorifying God.
Verse 11 reminds us of John 1: 3 and Colossians 1: 16. God is seen here as the “Most High God.” Everything He does is perfect! H. A. Seiss wrote in 1823, “The Lord fasten it on your soul and give each of us grace to let go friends, pleasures, comforts, home, country, freedom, life, everything, rather than let slip so blessed an opportunity for so great a prize.” Amen!
Chapter four opens with a scene in Heaven. The voice telling John to “Come up hither” is a hint of the voice of the Lord calling His saints to rise and meet Him in the clouds. Verse two records that John was transported in spirit into heaven at that time, where he sees a throne being set, which is the throne of God. During this Church Age, God has been seated on a throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16) with Jesus at His right side. However, after the rapture, a time of judgment will begin. Therefore the throne being set up for Him here is a judgment throne. And yet, notice that there is a rainbow around about the throne, which is always indicative of the mercy of God. Even as the Lord pours out His judgment on the earth during the seven years of tribulation, His mercy will be manifest in many ways. He is a God of mercy and it is not His will that any should perish.
At this time, the first thing John notices about God is His beauty. His great glory is noted here without any attention being drawn to a physical form. He is described as like jasper and a sardine stone, with the rainbow around the throne like an emerald. The jasper is described in Revelation 21:11 as a stone most precious and clear as crystal. The jasper and sardine stones were the first and last stones in the High Priest’s breastplate, which indicates that God is a God of all(the stones in the breastplate represented the 12 tribes of Israel). The sardine stone was ruby red and the emerald, a beautiful stone of light green color, reminds us of Jesus’ shed blood and of His resurrection, which is a basis for judgment.
Next John sees 24 smaller thrones, on which 24 elders sit, clothed in white raiment with golden crowns on their heads. The word “elder” always implies dignity and wisdom (Proverbs 31:23). White clothing represents righteousness, and the crowns are representative of a victor’s crown that has won rulership. Just as in the seven letters of chapters 2-3, Jesus uses many Old Testament examples to teach us. Therefore we understand much of Revelation by comparing it with Old Testament practices. In 1 Chronicles 24, 25, and 27, we read that there were 24,000 of the Levitical Priesthood arranged in courses of 24, so that there were never more than 24 priests on duty at any one time. These 24 represented the whole Levitical Priesthood. Also, there were 24 orders of priests appointed to praise God with instruments of song (12 in each order).
The title “elder” and the number 24 suggest that this is a group of Israel. The number 24 is a representative number, even as the 24 priests and singers were only a part of the total number of those who ministered in the house of the Lord in Old Testament times.
In Hebrews 11, we read that the Old Testament worthies of faith desired a “better country, better resurrection, and better thing.” The Amplified version of Hebrews 11:40 reads, “Because God had us in mind and had something better and greater in view for us so that they (these heroes and heroines of faith) should not come into perfection apart from us (that is, before we could join them).” I believe these scriptures point to the fact that these Old Testament worthies of faith (or overcomers) will be a heavenly people. This is in contrast to the nation Israel which will be an earthly people through eternity. So the 24 elders represent this group of overcomers from Old Testament times. They are in heaven with their God, ruling under Him, and in a place of great prominence. Hebrews 11:40 states that without us (the church), they would not be made perfect (or complete). But now it is time for the church to be in heaven with the Lord, so it is also time for the Old Testament overcomers to be made complete. This is clear by their position (seated on small thrones around God’s throne) and the fact that they are crowned.
The lightnings, thunderings and voices of verse five show us that this is a time for the storm of judgment on a sinful world to begin. The Holy Spirit is seen here with the Father as the seven lamps of fire. (Zechariah 4:6)
When God gave Moses instructions for the Tabernacle in the wilderness, He told him to make a laver of brass for the priests for washing purposes. Also note 2 Chronicles 4:6 concerning the temple Solomon built. However in our heavenly scene, we have a sea of glass as a reminder of the purity that is always present, so there is no more need to wash in water.
Next, John describes the four beasts, or living creatures, that he sees in the midst and round about the throne. Before we determine the meaning of the description of these living creatures, we must determine whom they represent. According to Revelation 5:9-10, these living creatures, along with the 24 elders, praise God for redemption. They have come out of every kindred, tongue, people and nation. Therefore, they must be people who have been redeemed and are in heaven at this time. However, they are not seated and crowned, as the 24 elders are, which shows that there must be something yet to occur before they will be made complete, or before they will enter into their complete reward. At this time, they are in the midst and round about the throne of God. Later on, we find them assisting in judging the world (Chapter 6:1; 15:7). Compare this thought with 1 Corinthians 6:2 and Psalms 149:5-9.
The promise to the overcomers of the church of Philadelphia, in chapter 3:10, is that they will be kept from (or out of) the hour of temptation, which shall come upon the entire world. The four living creatures represent the overcomers of the church, or body of Christ, who have loved Jesus’ appearing as did the Apostle Paul. (2 Timothy 4:8) Therefore they have been raptured at the corning of the Lord as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17. They are those mentioned in Hebrews 9:28 as “them that look for Him.”
As the scene in heaven opens in Revelation 4, we see both the overcomers of the Old Testament (24 elders) and also the overcomers of the New Testament church praising and giving glory to God. The four living creatures represent the overcomers of the church, indicating that they are from the four corners of the earth. They are full of eyes before, behind and within, which illustrates that they have discernment in all things. They manifest the characteristics of Christ that are revealed in the four gospels. Matthew reveals Him as a Lion (Kingly characteristic); Mark shows Him as a Calf (Servant); Luke, as a Man (Humble One); and John, as an Eagle (Son of God). 2 Peter 1:4 tells us that we may be “partakers of the divine nature.” As God’s people yield their lives to Him as a living sacrifice, and put Him first in their lives, He works these characteristics in them, even as they are in Christ. Note Romans 8:29, “conformed to the image of His Son …”
Not all believers are willing to give up their lives and let the Lord change them into His likeness. Those who do not follow Him in this manner will go to heaven, but not at this time. We see them as the “great multitude” in chapter 7, and will discuss them later.
These living creatures are the same ones Ezekiel saw in his vision in Ezekiel Chapter one and ten. However, the ones in Ezekiel are no doubt seen as overcomers while still on the earth, before the rapture, while John sees them after having gone to heaven. John sees them as having six wings. Six is the number of man, and these are redeemed human beings, yet heavenly, with complete mobility to do God’s bidding. The 24 elders are seated, their place in heaven complete; but the living creatures are not yet seated and won’t be until the marriage supper takes place in chapter 19. At that time, they will be granted the privilege of sitting with Christ in His throne, even as He overcame and is now seated with His Father in His throne. (Revelation 3:21)
The first words they utter are “Holy, holy, holy.” They know and appreciate His holiness. How important it is that we recognize His holiness! Next, the living creatures acknowledge Him as Lord (Principal Ruler), God (Light), Almighty (All powerful), and the One which was, is, and is to come (Eternal One). Then the 24 elders cast their crowns before His throne and give God all the glory. They are not interested in their rewards—only in worshipping and glorifying God.
Verse 11 reminds us of John 1: 3 and Colossians 1: 16. God is seen here as the “Most High God.” Everything He does is perfect! H. A. Seiss wrote in 1823, “The Lord fasten it on your soul and give each of us grace to let go friends, pleasures, comforts, home, country, freedom, life, everything, rather than let slip so blessed an opportunity for so great a prize.” Amen!