Explore: Glimpse of the throne

• The Explore the Bible lesson for Aug. 2 focuses on Revelation 4:1-11.

Let’s consider the wider context of John’s Apocalypse as we approach a magnificently encouraging scene of God’s throne room in Revelation 4. Keep in mind, John wrote to believers on the verge of tremendous persecution. The Romans, who were mostly tolerant of other polytheistic religions, scoffed at Christians. Christianity was considered an aggressive religion in the Roman Empire. They were “too evangelistic,” so to speak.

Also, the Romans balked at the outright refusal of Christians to worship the Caesars. The primary confession of faith for the believer was, and still is, “Jesus is Lord.” When believers did not bow down in loyalty to a so-called divine leader, they bore the brunt of nationalistic opposition. By the time Emperor Nero came to the throne (54-68 A.D.), Christians paid dearly with their blood for the cause of Christ. 

John wrote in this kind of environment to strengthen believers all over the Empire. Consequently, theology comes down to ground level for us here. These are tracts for hard times. In this lesson, we will explore the nature of God as it relates not only to the original context, but also to our own. While we fortunately do not face the imminent and violent persecution our brothers and sisters did in ancient Rome, we can take great comfort in John’s words during our contemporary period of rapid cultural change. We will therefore highlight three aspects of God’s nature in Revelation 4—God’s glory, God’s holiness and God’s sustaining power.

God’s glory (4:1-6)

In Revelation 4, John described a vision of the heavenly courtroom or throne room. He offered a unique and highly encouraging view concerning the glory surrounding God’s throne and God’s power. By offering this vision, John communicated the idea that God is worthy of all praise and worship, because God is the sovereign and everlasting Creator. Notice a few unique aspects of this passage.

First, God’s throne existed before John saw a vision of it. God was, is and ever will be on his throne ruling over his creation in all power and authority. 

Second, John related God’s appearance on the throne was like jasper and ruby stones. These stones, in ancient times, were said to reflect purity and would have been considered pricelessly beautiful gems. In other words, God is a majestic, powerful and mysteriously authoritative God who is in control on his throne.

Third, John saw a rainbow surrounding the throne of God. We must remember other occasions in the Bible when a rainbow was used as a great and mighty symbol to the faithful. The rainbow following the Great Flood episode comes to mind (Genesis 9:8-17), and Ezekiel also had a vision that included a rainbow (Ezekiel 1:28). Any time we find a rainbow in the Scripture, we also find instances of God’s reassuring promises. This also is the case in Revelation. Even though we may live in harrowing times, God is on his throne. The believer will be victorious in life and in death.

Fourth, John introduced us to 24 elders seated around God’s main throne. Many solid and encouraging interpretations exist as to the exact meaning and identity of these 24. The most recognized interpretation suggests 12 represent the sons of Israel while the other 12 represent Jesus’ apostles. Others think these people represent the entirety of the church, both Jew and Gentile. The elders were dressed in white and wore golden crowns. That is, they are pure and whole believers who have been redeemed by Jesus Christ and now participate in the priestly ministry of eternal worship.

Fifth, John spoke of a glassy sea that appeared like crystal. John will utilize this image again in chapter 15. In ancient Jewish thought, bodies of water like a sea or ocean were viewed with wide skepticism and even fear. The lack of scientific knowledge throughout antiquity gave rise to deep suspicions about the seas. They were said to be chaotic, murky and even evil. However, in God’s throne room a transparent sea exists that is crystal clear. God has separated good from evil and has absolute power over his creation that has been corrupted by the freewill sin of humankind.

God’s holiness (4:6-8)

John introduced us to four rather odd-looking creatures that circled the throne of God. Each creature was covered with eyes and has wings. Yet, they bore resemblance to different animals. Some scholars think John related here the same thing Ezekiel described in his mentioning of the cherubim and seraphim (Ezekiel 10). We may understand these creatures in a variety of ways. They could represent the entirety of God’s creation. Notice, too, that they led nonstop worship in heaven in order to recognize God’s holiness. The songs in which both the creatures and the 24 elders participate may have been widely used and highly appropriate hymns of the first-century church.

God’s sustaining power (4:9-11)

God is worthy of worship. The 24 elders joined the creatures in offering their worship in recognition of God’s sustaining power. This is quite an active scene in which God clearly is known and proclaimed as both Creator and Redeemer. In other words, God is the beginning and the end. He will finish what he has started and will be faithful to complete the good work he starts in the believer (Philippians 1:6).