Bible Study Lesson 2

Revelation, Chapter 4

A Note to those who have just subscribed to the Bible Study. It is Very Important that you read the Lessons from the Book of Genesis, before studying these lessons. You will need to know about the three Earth and Heaven ages, as well as, who the Kenites are to understand the Book of Revelation, for without that knowledge one can become lost in trying to understand Revelation.

Now the Greek word for Revelation is 'apokalupsis' pronounced "Apocalypse," meaning [ to unveil or uncover.] So we will now uncover Chapter 4 in our lesson today! Now Friend, get ready for we are about to view the Throne Room in Heaven through the eyes of the Apostle John!! So hang on to your hats!!!

Revelation, Chapter 4

(Print and Study or just pick up your bible, a pen, and a few sheets of paper and step into the Bible Study Lesson)

4:1 After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, "Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this."

Now some falsely teach that this refers to the "Rapture" of the Church before the "great tribulation. Note that the word "I" is being used here, not the word "Church." It is only John that is being called, and not the entire Church. Also of Note the word "Rapture" does not even appear in the Original Transcripts! To find out the truth about that word, go to Yahoo or Google and search using the word "rapture." Then click on any of the links appearing there.

The voice that John heard that sounded like a trumpet was the voice of Jesus Christ.

2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.

Four times in the Book of Revelation, John says that he was "In The Spirit." ( Rev 1:10; 4:2; 17:3; & 21:10. ) This statement means that the Holy Spirit was giving him a vision. A vision of future events that only he could see! All true prophecy comes from God through the Holy Spirit. It is written: [ knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.] ( 2 Peter 1:20-21 )

3 And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald.

Here John saw the awesome Glory of He who sits on the Throne!

4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty- four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads.

Twenty-four Elders, who are these Elders? Well, because there were 12 tribes of Israel in the Old Testament and 12 Apostles in the New Testament. Thus the 24 Elders are the Patriarchs of Israel and the Apostles of Jesus Christ, it is believed.

White Robes, signifies their righteousness.

Crowns of Gold, points to the fact that these Elders have already been judged and rewarded.

5 And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

In the Book of Revelation, Lightning and Thunder are connected with significant events in Heaven. They also remind us of the lightning and thunder at Mount Sinai when God gave the people His laws. (see Exodus 19:16) In the Old Testament God often used this imagery to reflect His power and majesty. ( see Psalm 77:18 )

"The Seven Spirits of God," is another name for the Holy Spirit. It presents the fullness of the God Head as well. Remember the number Seven means spiritual completeness in Biblical Numerics. See also Zechariah 4:2-6, where the seven lamps equated with the one spirit.

6 Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back.

Now glass was indeed rare in New Testament times, and crystal clear glass was impossible to find. (see 1 Corinthians13:12)

These creatures are probably the Cherubim, ( highest order of angels, ) that Ezekiel saw close to God's Throne. ( see Ez 10:1-20 ) 7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle.

Now just as the Holy Spirit is symbolic of the seven lighted lamps, the "four lining creatures" represent the attributes, qualities and character of God. God's attributes are symbolized in the animal-like-appearance of these four creatures. These four creatures are majestic and powerful (Lion) faithful (Ox), intelligent (Man), and sovereign (Eagle)

8 The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!"

"Full of Eyes," a Hebrew Idiom meaning "sees all!" "Rest Day or Night," Rest is a physical necessity of our Earthly life, but in Heaven it will be unnecessary.

9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, This speaks of God's Eternal nature, past, present and future.

10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying:

Cast Their Crowns," symbolizes the willing surrender of their authority. After all, God alone should be worshiped and recognized as sovereign

11 "You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created."

The point of this Chapter is summed up in this verse! All creatures in Heaven, and on Earth will praise and honor Him one day! After all He is the Creator and Sustainer of everything! Amen.