The Throne Room of God

John, having delivered Jesus’ message to the churches, is brought deeper into the vision.  He sees an open door in Heaven.  Note that John doesn’t speak of these things as if they are fantasy.  It is a vision, but visions of a real place, albeit a spiritual one.

Be careful to understand that the book of Revelation is largely symbolical (it conveys meaning using symbols), but the symbols almost always connect with real people, places, and things. Back to Revelation.

Upon being invited “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this,” John enters the door and the very throne room of God.  He sees a throne, and One on the throne (God).  The description that follows is a magnificent throne room that could be unmatched by any earthly king.

Interestingly, the one on the throne is never directly described.  Only his “appearance” (vs. 3). Even in the very presence of Jehovah, there are no human words to describe Jehovah himself.

In front of the throne: The seven lamps which are the Seven Spirits of God. See the connection to the golden lampstand in the tabernacle (read Exodus 25:31-40; 37:17-24).

Around the throne: 24 elders who are righteous rulers together with 4 living creatures.  The creatures are mighty, have the swiftness of flight, and see everything (there is a connection to Ezekiel 1 here).

Coming from the throne: lightnings, thundering, voices.  Go read Exodus 19:9-24; 20:18-21.  John sees something similar to what caused the people of Israel to plead with Moses to go before the presence of God so they would not have to witness this.

The creatures praise the One on the Throne night and day saying, “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty.  Who was and is and is to come.” Whenever the creatures praise God, the elders fall down, cast their crowns down, and worship the one on the throne.  They are great, they are righteous, they are mighty, but they are nothing compared to God.

Lesson:  If this communicates to humanity the awesomeness of God’s presence, how significant is it for the Hebrew writer to state, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need”

Next week: The Symbols and Numbers of Revelation.

The Dead, The Faithful, the Sickening

To Sardis: An assembly with a false reputation.  They think they are a living body of Christ, but Jesus pronounced them dead.  Christians among them are still alive, but without repentance, He is coming with unexpected judgment.  Those whose garments are unsoiled will receive their reward.
Promise: To the overcomer – white robes, a name in the Book of Life & their name confessed by Christ (cf. Mat. 10:32).

To Philadelphia: An assembly with an open door that no man could shut. Neither humanity nor spiritual beings can overcome the purposes and actions of God.  This church is going through the wringer.  More persecution is coming, but the faithful have a crown awaiting.
Promise: To the overcomer – become a pillar in the Temple of God & names written on him.

To Laodicea: An assembly that makes God sick.  Apathy reigns in this church.  Prosperity physically, and wretchedness spiritually.  They have an eye affliction; they are blind, deceived by wealth and oblivious to the truth.  Christ is rebuking them, will they repent? He is knocking, will they open?
Promise: To the overcomer – a seat with Christ on the throne for the overcomer like Him.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Next week: The Throne Room of God.