Deadly Sin of Idolatry

²⁰ But the people who did not die in these plagues still refused to repent of their evil deeds and turn to God. They continued to worship demons and idols made of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood—idols that can neither see nor hear nor walk! ²¹ And they did not repent of their murders, their witchcraft, their sexual immorality, or their thefts. Revelation 9:20-21 (NLT)

Revelation chapters 6 through 19 describe the outpouring of God’s wrath of judgment upon sinful humanity. Each series of judgments increased in intensity from one-fourth in chapter 6 to one-third of the earth in chapters 8 and 9, and finally to total destruction in chapters 15 and 16. God’s wrath and judgment revealed in the book of Revelation was not vengeful but God’s final attempt to bring sinful humanity to redemption and repentance.  Like the watchman and his trumpet in the Old Testament book of Ezekiel, the judgments warn people of impending danger to lead them to God in repentance and redemption (see Ezekiel 33).  The Holy Scriptures reveal God’s grace, patience, compassion, love, and mercy (see e.g., Exodus 34:6-7; 2 Chronicles 30:9; Psalm 116:5-6). In His mercy and patience, God gives everyone an opportunity to repent and turn from their evil deeds and wickedness (Revelation 2:21-22; Revelation 9:20-21; Revelation 16:9, 11; see also Amos 4:6-13; Romans 2:4-5).

Yet with each series of judgments, many people refused to repent of their wickedness and stop “worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk, nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts” (Revelation 9:20-21, ESV). Sadly, many people hardened theirs rebellious hearts, cursed God, and continued worshipping the destructive, worthless, and deadly forces of demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood (Revelation 13:3-4, 16-18; Revelation 16:9,11, 21; see also Psalm 115:4-7; Psalm 135:15-17; Isaiah 17:8). In other words, many people continued to worship the works of their own hands, which could well include the buildings they constructed, the machines they made, and the cities they built (see e.g., Isaiah 44:6-20; Daniel 5:23).  Their idol worship plunged people into murder, witchcraft, sorcery, sexual immorality, dishonesty, corruption, and thief (Revelation 9:21; Revelation 21:8; Revelation 22:15; see also Galatians 5:19-21). Because of sinful humanities’ continued rebellion and wickedness, God promises to bring total destruction upon the earth (see Revelation 16:1-21). The rebellious people will be thrown into the eternal pit of eternal suffering along with Satan and his allies (Revelation 14:9-11; Revelation 20:10; see also e.g., Matthew 13:36-43, 47-50).

Significantly, God prohibited many of the sins listed in Revelation 9:20-21 from His Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3–17; see also Luke 18:20; Romans 13:9). Sinful humanity broke the first two commandments by making and worshiping demons and idols (see Exodus 20:3-4). In their murders, they violated the sixth commandment, and in their thefts, the eighth commandment was violated (see Exodus 20:13, 15). By their sexual immorality, un-repented humanity violated the seventh commandment (see Exodus 20:14). In Revelation 22:15, those who practice murder, thief, magic arts, sexual immorality, and falsehood (lying) have no part in the new heaven and earth (see also Revelation 21:7-8).

Idolatry is a deadly sin that seeks to worship and trust in anything other than the true and living God.  Ultimately, idolatry leads to the worship of Satan and his demons (see 1 Corinthians 8:4-6; 1 Corinthians 10:19-20). Satan has always wanted to be worshiped as God (see e.g., Isaiah 14:12-15; Matthew 4:8-10). However, the Lord God and His Son Jesus the Lamb must be faithfully worshipped, loved, and obeyed (Revelation chapters 4:11; Revelation 5:12-14; Revelation 14:6-7; see also, Deuteronomy 6:13-17; Deuteronomy 10:12-13, 17, 21; 1 Samuel 7:3; Matthew 4:10; Luke 4:8). The Holy Scriptures repeatedly teach that life, joy, and peace comes with our love and worship of God and obedience to His moral commandments (see e.g., Deuteronomy 28; Joshua 24:14-15; John 15:1-17). There is only one true God, the Father, who created everything and only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom God made everything and through whom we have been given life (see e.g., Psalm 86:10; John 1:1-5; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:5-6; 1 Timothy 2:5).

Throughout the entire universe and the Holy Scriptures, the true and living God has revealed His gracious and invisible presence to all humanity (see e.g., Genesis 1:1-2; Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Psalm 19:1-6; Acts 14:17; Acts 17:24-27). Even more, the Old Testament and New Testament writers reveal God’s repeated efforts to draw people to worship Him as the true and living God.  Despite God’s loving presence and patience, many people refuse to worship Him and obey His moral commandments. Instead, many people continue to seek and worship the destructive habits of demons and worship idols (gods) of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood (see Romans 1:18-25). God has given everyone free will to either follow Him as the only true God (see e.g., Deuteronomy 4:35, 39; 1 Corinthians 8:4) or follow the path of destruction, death, and wrath (see e.g., Ephesians 5:3-7; Colossians 3:5-6).

God does not want anyone to perish, but He wants everyone to enjoy the abundant and eternal blessings of light and life through repentance and redemption (Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:14-15; John 3:15-21; John 17:3; see also 2 Peter 3:9). God does truly love the world, and He wants no one to perish (see John 3:16; Luke 15). However, when people repeatedly reject God and His commandments, then judgment must fall (Romans 2:4-11)! God is not vindictive, but He will honor humanities’ free will that often leads to eternal destruction and death (see e.g., Romans 1:18-32).

Despite God’s outpouring of judgment and wrath, many people refused to repent of “their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts” (Revelation 9:21, KJV). “Sorceries” include magical arts, potions, witchcraft, and poisons (Revelation 18:23; Revelation 21:8; Revelation 22:15; see also Galatians 5:20). Interestingly, the word translated “sorcery” is the Greek word pharmakia, which means “the use of drugs.”  Thus, many biblical scholars noted their religious activities involve worship of idols and demons (devils), and sorceries or witchcraft, with the use of magic potions and mind altering drugs. 

Repentance is an active step and a radical redirection of one’s entire life from the ways of the wicked to the fruits of goodness (see e.g., Matthew 3:1-2, 8-10; Galatians 5:19-23). Jesus Christ, the true author of Revelation, called upon His churches and the inhabitants of the earth to repent of their wickedness and evil and turn wholeheartedly in faith and obedience to the living God (see Revelation 2:5, 16, 21-22; Revelation 3:3, 19; Revelation 16:11; see also Matthew 4:17). If His Church and inhabitants of the world do wake up and turn from sin, Jesus promises He will “come like a thief” and visit them in judgment and wrath (see Matthew 24:42-44; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10). 

References

Life Application Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005).

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Senior Professor of New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2016).

Metzger, Bruce. Breaking the Code: Understanding the Book of Revelation (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1993).

Mounce, Robert H. The Book of Revelation (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary –New Testament (Victor Books, 1989).

The Trumpet Blows

¹ When the Lamb broke the seventh seal on the scroll, there was silence throughout heaven for about half an hour. ² I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and they were given seven trumpets. Revelation 8:1-2 (NLT)

Revelation chapters 6 through 19 describe three series of judgments: seven seals (chapter 6), seven trumpets (chapters 8 and 9), and seven bowls (chapters 15-16). Many biblical scholars identify these three sets of judgments as “Messianic woes,” the “Great Tribulation,” or the “birth pains of the Messianic age.” Both the Old Testament and the New Testament predicted these Messianic judgments on the earth before the Messiah coming (see e.g., Daniel 11:36-12:13; Matthew 24:1-22; Mark 13:1-20; Luke 21:5-24).

The damaging effect of these three sets of judgments increases in intensity from one-fourth of the earth with seal judgments to one-third of the earth with the trumpet judgments. Finally, Revelation chapter 16 describes the last set of judgments as God pours out His final wrath upon the earth, culminating in the Messiah’s return! Interestingly, the trumpet and the bowl judgments involve the same areas – the earth, rivers, heavens, humankind, an army, and angry nations.

Many biblical scholars also note the similarities in these three set of judgments to the plagues of Egypt from the Old Testament (see Exodus chapters 7 through 11). These three sets of judgments (seals, trumpets, and bowls) echo the ten plagues on Egypt (see Exodus 7-11). Similar to the ten plagues on Egypt, the true and living God sent these three series of judgments so that everyone will acknowledge and worship Him as the Almighty God (Revelation 1:8; Revelation 11:17; Revelation 15:3; Revelation 19:6; see also Genesis 17:1; Exodus 6:1-2).

Revelation chapters 8 and 9 describe the devastating disasters of God’s wrath against sinful humanity when the trumpet blows! Revelation chapter 8 begins with Jesus the Lamb opening the seventh seal judgment (Revelation 8:1). With the opening of the seventh seal, there was silence throughout heaven for about half an hour (Revelation 8:1). Many would assume that the end has come after the earth’s punishment with the six prior seal judgments, but nothing happens (see Revelation 6). Instead, “there was silence throughout heaven for about half an hour” (Revelation 8:1), and then seven angels who stand before God were given seven trumpets (Revelation 8:2). Anticipating the end, John notices that the prayers of the saints ascending to God (Revelation 8:3-4). Many scholars have suggested that everything in heaven halted so that God may hear the prayers of His people.

With the trumpets, more judgments damage the earth. Seven angels, one after another, blow their trumpets announcing hailstorms with fire and blood descending, volcanic eruptions, blood in the sea, afflictions on the land, the pollution of springs and fountains, eclipses of sun and moon with shooting starts, climaxed by an enormous plague of demonic locusts. In the first four trumpets, God affects one-third of the earth with His divine judgments (Revelation 8:6-12). After the fourth trumpet, a solitary eagle flies through the heavens crying loudly, “Woe, woe, woe to the people of the earth because of the terrible things that will soon happen when the three remaining angels blow their trumpets” (Revelation 8:13, TLB).

Then, Revelation 9 describes two frightening armies God released to judge humankind with the fifth and sixth trumpet judgments. The first army came from the bottomless pit or the Abyss (the underworld) (Revelation 9:1-12), and the second army came from the great Euphrates River in the east (Revelation 9:13-21). Revelation chapter 9 begins with a star falling down to the earth (Revelation 9:1). Many biblical scholars believe this “star” represents Satan or a demonic being. This evil being is given the key to the Abyss or underworld (Revelation 9:1). From the Abyss came creatures beyond human imagination, and God allowed locusts, plagues, and other disasters to torment the people of earth. The war or battle ultimately has origin from Satan, but God allowed the destruction because God is fully in control.

When the fifth angel blows his trumpet, a plague of demonic locusts is released from the Abyss (Revelation 9:3). The leader of these demonic hordes is named “Abaddon” in Hebrew and “Apollyon” in Greek and he is the Destroyer (Revelation 9:11). These demonic locusts were told not to harm the grass, plants, or trees, but only the people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads (Revelation 9:4). Just as God’s people had been exempted from the plagues of Egypt, so now God’s people (Jews and Gentiles) who have God’s seal upon their foreheads will be completely unharmed by these awful creatures of divine judgment (Revelation 9:4-6). 

At Revelation 9:13, God sends a sixth angel to release the four angels bound at the great Euphrates River in the east. These four angels were released at precisely the hour, the day, the month, and the year revealing God’s complete control (Revelation 9:15). Then, a massive army is released numbering 200 million and their horses bring the plagues of fire, smoke, and sulfur that destroyed one-third of the human race (Revelation 9:15). Many biblical scholars call the sixth trumpet the battle of Armageddon and this battle has parallel references from Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39.

Horrible though the judgments are the overall intention of the judgments is not to inflict vengeance on humankind but to bring people to repentance. Instead of total destruction, only a third or a fraction of the whole earth is affected by the trumpet judgments (Revelation 9:18). The fraction of the destruction reveals God’s patience and mercy. Despite the torment and devastation, many people of the earth refuse the opportunity to repent and turn to God (Revelation 9:20-21). Because of humankind’s continued stubbornness, God continued the outpouring of His wrath on earth (Revelation chapters 15 and 16).

Revelation identifies the sin to which the unrepentant cling: Idolatry! Sadly, many people refused to worship God, and they continued their demon-worship of idols made of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood (Revelation 9:20). Moreover, many people refused to repent by changing their minds and attitudes about all their murders, sorceries, witchcraft, nor their immorality and theft (Revelation 9:21).

References:

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Senior Professor of New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2016).

Metzger, Bruce. Breaking the Code: Understanding the Book of Revelation (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1993).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary –New Testament (Victor Books, 1989).

Seal of God

¹ Then I (John) saw four angels standing (stationed) at the four corners of the earth, (firmly) holding back the four winds so they did not blow on the earth or the sea, or even on any tree. ² And I saw another angel coming up from the east (the rising of the sun), carrying the seal of the living God. And he shouted to those four angels, who had been given power to harm land and sea, ³ “Wait! Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we have placed the seal of God on the foreheads of His servants.” ⁴ And I heard how many were marked with the seal of God—144,000 were sealed from all the tribes of Israel: ⁵ from Judah — 12,000 from Reuben — 12,000 from Gad — 12,000 ⁶ from Asher — 12,000 from Naphtali — 12,000 from Manasseh — 12,000 ⁷ from Simeon — 12,000 from Levi — 12,000 from Issachar — 12,000 ⁸ from Zebulun — 12,000 from Joseph — 12,000 from Benjamin — 12,000.

⁹ After this I (John) saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. ¹⁰ And they were shouting with a mighty shout, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!” ¹¹ And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living beings. And they fell before the throne with their faces to the ground and worshiped God. ¹² They sang, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and ever! Amen.” ¹³ Then one of the twenty-four elders asked me (John), “Who are these who are clothed in white? Where did they come from?” ¹⁴ And I (John) said to him (one of the twenty-four elders), “Sir, you are the one who knows.” Then he said to me (John), “These are the ones who died in the great tribulation (persecution). They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and made them white. ¹⁵ That is why they stand in front of God’s throne and serve Him day and night in His Temple. And He who sits on the throne will give them shelter (with His presence). ¹⁶ They will never again be hungry or thirsty; they will never be scorched by the heat of the sun. ¹⁷ For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” Revelation 7:1-17 (NLT)

Revelation chapter 7 provides an interlude or interruption in the action from the outpouring of God’s wrath (Revelation 6). The book of Revelation has three interludes (Revelation 7:1-17; Revelation 10:1-11:14; Revelation 20:1-6). In the first interlude at Revelation chapter 7, John has two separate visions: the sealing of the 144,000 (Revelation 7:1-8) and the blessedness of the immeasurable multitude of God’s people “from every nation” (Revelation 7:9-17). Much debate has occurred about the identity of the 144,000 and the great multitude from every nation. Many biblical commentators believe John’s two visions are the Church from two different vantage points. 

In the first vision, John sees four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four destructive winds from blowing so that not a leaf rustled in the trees, and the ocean became as smooth as glass (Revelation 7:1). The four corners of the earth represent the whole world – north, south, east, and west.

Then, John saw another angel coming from the east, carrying the great seal of the living God (Revelation 7:2). The angel carrying the seal shouted out to those four angels who had been given power to injure earth and sea, “Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God” (Revelation 7:3, NIV). This seal is the Name of the Lamb and God (see Revelation 14:1; Revelation 22:4). With the sealing, God wanted to mark or stamp His people to preserve and protect them during the Great Tribulation (also known as the Messianic judgments or birth pains of the Messianic age) (see also Revelation 3:12; Revelation 9:4; Revelation 14:1; Revelation 22:4). God’s sealing is antithetical to the mark of the beast (see Revelation 13:16-18; Revelation 16:2; Revelation 19:20) and symbolizes God’s ownership and protection (2 Timothy 2:19). God’s Holy Spirit also seals God’s servants as His property (see Ephesians 1:13-14; Ephesians 4:30).

To preserve during the time of tribulation does not mean God’s people will not suffer. However, the living God’s mark on the forehead of His servants will protect, preserve, and provide for them during the Messianic judgments. As with the Egyptian plagues from the Old Testament, the Messianic judgments (the seals, trumpets, and bowls judgments) relate ONLY to sinners that refuse to repent and obey the living God.

Then, John heard the number of people given the seal of God: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel (Revelation 7:4). The tribes of Israel listed in Revelation chapter 7 do not exactly match the literal twelve tribes listed in the Old Testament (see e.g., Genesis 35:22-26; Exodus 1:1-7). In Revelation chapter 7, John omitted the tribe of Dan and John lists Joseph instead of his son Ephraim. Moreover, Judah, the tribe of the Jesus Christ, appears first rather than Reuben, the firstborn of Israel (Revelation 5:5; see also Genesis 49:10; Hebrews 7:14). Instead of listing Dan, John adds Manasseh from the tribe of Joseph (see Genesis 46:20). Many scholars believe John eliminated the tribe of Dan because of Dan’s early connection with idolatry (see Judges 18:30) and condemnation following their compromise and accommodation with Baal worship (see 1 Kings 12:25-33). Even more, the twelve tribes listed in Revelation chapter 7 are not the twelve literal tribes of Israel because the twelve tribes were shattered after the Assyrian invasion in 722 BC and the Babylonian invasions of the Promised Land in 586 BC. Instead, many biblical commentaries believe the twelve tribes symbolically represent the new Israel of God – the Church (Jews and Gentiles) – that are now in a covenant relationship with God that centers on our covenant with Jesus Christ and not the Law of Moses (see e.g., Romans 2:9; Galatians 6:16; 1 Peter 2:9-10).

Out of all twelve tribes of Israel, as listed here:

Judah, 12,000

Naphtali, 12,000

Issachar, 12,000

Reuben, 12,000

Manasseh, 12,000

Zebulun, 12,000

Gad, 12,000

Simeon, 12,000

Joseph, 12,000

Asher, 12,000

Levi, 12,000

Benjamin, 12,000

In the second vision, John once again saw a vast crowd of people that no one could count (Revelation 7:9; see also Revelation 5:9). The vast crowd of people was from every nation, from all tribes and people, and languages, and they were all standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb (Revelation 7:9). These people were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands (Revelation 7:9; see also Revelation 6:11). Many scholars call John’s second vision the Church in triumphant. John’s vision assures God’s people that God will protect and preserve them during the Messianic judgments.

Then, John heard the great crowd of people standing before the throne shouting with a mighty shout in worship and celebration:

“Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” Revelation 7:10 (NIV)

All the angels were crowding around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and falling face down before the throne and worshiping God saying:

“Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!” Revelation 7:12 (NIV)

Then, one of the twenty-four elders asked John, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” (Revelation 7:13, ESV). John answered, “Sir, you know” (Revelation 7:14, (NIV). The elder told John, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 7:14, NIV; see also Revelation 12:17). These people stand before God in the righteousness of Jesus the Lamb (see Romans 3:23-25).

Then, the elder informed John, “That is why they are here before the throne of God, serving Him day and night in His temple. The One sitting on the throne will shelter His servants, and they will never be hungry again, nor thirsty, and they will be fully protected from the scorching noontime heat” (Revelation 7:15-16, TLB). Next, the elder informed John, “For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their Shepherd, and He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 7:17, NIV). Hopefully, John’s vision gives God’s people hope knowing that they are under the protective covering of God and Jesus the Lamb.

References

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Senior Professor of the New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2016).

Mounce, Robert H. The Book of Revelation (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998).

Beginning of God’s Wrath

¹ Now I (John) saw when the Lamb (Jesus) opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, “Come and see.” ² And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer (conquest war). ³ When He (Jesus the Lamb) opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come and see.” ⁴ Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill (slaughter) one another; and there was given to him a great sword. ⁵ When He (Jesus the Lamb) opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales (balance) in his hand. ⁶ And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius (a day’s wage), and three quarts of barley for a denarius (day’s wage); and do not harm the oil and the wine.” ⁷ When He (Jesus the Lamb) opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come and see.” ⁸ So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth.

⁹ When He (Jesus the Lamb) opened the fifth seal, I (John) saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain (martyred) for the Word of God and for the testimony which they held. ¹⁰ And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” ¹¹ Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren (God’s people), who would be killed as they were, was completed.

¹² I (John) looked when He (Jesus the Lamb) opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. ¹³ And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. ¹⁴ Then the sky receded (rolled) as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place.

¹⁵ And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men (wealthy), the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, ¹⁶ and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him (God) who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! ¹⁷ For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” Revelation 6:1-17 (NKJV)

The vision of the living and glorified Jesus Christ (Messiah) in Revelation chapter 1 led to the writing of the seven letters to the churches in Revelation chapters 2 and 3). Similarly, the throne-room vision of heaven with God the Father and Jesus the Lamb in Revelation chapters 4 and 5 set the stage for the beginning of God’s wrath with the Messianic judgments in Revelation chapters 6 through 16. Jesus the Lamb received from God’s right hand a scroll sealed with seven seals that sets the stage for the Messianic judgments on the earth (Revelation 5).

Revelation 6 begins the first of three seven-part Messianic judgments on the earth. Many biblical scholars believe Revelation 6 marks the beginning of the “great tribulation.” The first set of Messianic judgments is the seven seals (Revelation 6:1-8:1), followed by seven trumpets (Revelation 8:3-11:19), and then seven bowls (Revelation 15:1-16:21). The opening of the seventh seal, in turn, introduces the seven trumpet judgments and the seventh trumpet leads to the seven bowl judgments. All three sets of Messianic judgments (seals, trumpets, and bowls) are parallel and repetitious, but each set of Messianic judgment increases in intensity with each progression. The seven trumpet judgments more or less repeat the seven seals and the seven bowl judgments more or less repeat the seven trumpet judgments. Both the Old Testament and the New Testament predicted these Messianic judgments on the earth before the Messiah coming (see e.g., Daniel 11:36-12:13; Matthew 24:1-22; Mark 13:1-20; Luke 21:5-24).

The seven-part seal judgments began with the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” (Revelation 6:1-8). None of the four horsemen say a single word. Each horsemen rides forth in silence. The imagery of the horsemen are partly from the Old Testament book of Zechariah (see Zechariah 1:7-17; Zechariah 6:1-8). In Revelation, the four horsemen correspond to the character of the rider and symbolize conquest (white), bloodshed and warfare (red), famine (black), and death (pale). Biblical scholars have debated the identity of the four horsemen for centuries. However, no one can accurately identify the horsemen identity. Nonetheless, the first four seals bring four calamities on the earth that resulted from the sinfulness of humanity – war, bloodshed, famine, and death.

The vision of the four horsemen begins with the Lamb, who has already taken the scroll from God (Revelation 5:7), begins to open the seven seals. As John watched, Jesus the Lamb broke the first seal and began to unroll the scroll (Revelation 6:1). Then one of the four living creatures said to John with a voice that sounded like thunder, “Come and see!” (Revelation 6:1). John looked, and there in front of him was a white horse (Revelation 6:2). The white horse rider carried a bow, and a crown was placed upon his head, and he rode out to conquer in many battles and win the war (Revelation 6:2).

Then, Jesus the Lamb broke the second seal, and John heard the second living creature say to him, “Come and see!” (Revelation 6:3). This time John saw a red horse rode (Revelation 6:4). The red horse rider was given a long sword and the authority to take peace from the earth (Revelation 6:4). There was war, anarchy, and killing broke out everywhere (Revelation 6:4).

When Jesus the Lamb broke the third seal, John heard the third living creature say, “Come and see!” (Revelation 6:5). Then, John saw a black horse, with its rider holding a pair of balances in his hand (Revelation 6:5). John heard a voice from among the four living creature saying, “A quart of wheat for a day’s wages (denarius), and three quarts of barley for a day's wages (denarius), and do not damage the oil and the wine!” (Revelation 6:6, NIV). This horse brought famine and scarcity on the earth. A natural result of warfare and conquest is famine, inflation, starvation, scarcity, and economic collapse.

When the fourth seal was broken, John heard the fourth living creature say to him, “Come and see!” (Revelation 6:7). Now, John saw a pale horse, and its rider’s name was Death and following after him a companion horse whose rider’s name was Hades (Revelation 6:8). God gave the pale horse and his companion control of one-fourth of the earth, to kill with war, famine, disease, and wild animals (Revelation 6:8). Another natural result of the conflict, war, and famine is death or wasteland (fourth horse).

After the four horsemen had ridden forth, Jesus the Lamb broke open the fifth seal. John saw an altar and underneath the altar were all the souls of the faithful martyrs who had undergone suffering and death for preaching the Word of God and for being faithful in their witnessing (Revelation 6:9). These martyrs are God’s people - Jews and Christians. God gives a special place under the altar for His people that have faithfully proclaimed His message. The martyrs called out loudly to the Lord God and asked the crucial question, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until You judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” (Revelation 6:10, NIV). The martyrs’ call is not the cry of personal vengeance but God’s vindication or proof. Evil and unrighteous people killed these martyrs because of their refusal to acknowledge God with honor and obey His moral Word.

White robes were given to each of martyrs, and they were told to rest a little longer until their other fellow servants had been martyred on the earth and joined them (Revelation 6:11). Note that John knows nothing of a “rapture” of the church by which Christians are spared the tribulation. During the Messianic judgments, God's people equally share in the world suffering.

With the opening of the sixth seal, there were great cosmic disturbances (Revelation 6:12-14). There was a great earthquake, the sun became dark like black cloth, and the moon was blood red (Revelation 6:12). Then the stars of heaven appeared to be falling to earth —like green fruit from fig trees buffeted by mighty winds (Revelation 6:13). The starry heavens disappeared as though rolled-up like a scroll and taken away; and every mountain and island shook and shifted (Revelation 6:14).

For the enemies of righteousness, the coming day of God’s wrath will be a day of terror. Rebellious humanity - the kings of the earth, world leaders, wealthy people, high-ranking military officers, people great and small, slave and free – will seek cover from God and the Lamb in the caves and rocks of the mountains (Revelation 6:15). These people called to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!” (Revelation 6:16, NIV). For the great day of God the Father and Jesus the Lamb’s wrath will come with panic and dread (Revelation 6:17). “Who can stand?” (Revelation 6:17).

Despite the devastation and suffering, God’s wrath in the first set of seal judgments is only limited to one-fourth of the earth (Revelation 6:8). Similar to the Old Testament Egyptian plagues, God’s purpose in the Messianic judgments is not to destroy the earth but to lead people to Him in repentance and redemption so they will not perish (2 Peter 3:8-9). God wants sinners to repent! (Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:14-15). However as God unleashed His wrath, many people refused to turn to Him as their God in repentance and redemption (see e.g. Revelation 2:21-22; Revelation 9:20-21; Revelation 16:9, 11). God does not approve of conquest, war, famine, and death, but these disasters are what must follow if people persist in sin, wickedness, and disobedience toward God and His moral laws. In essence, God is not vindictive, but He will honor humanities’ freewill that often leads to destruction and death (see e.g., Romans 1:18-32).

References

The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Senior Professor of New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2016).

Metzger, Bruce. Breaking the Code: Understanding the Book of Revelation (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1993).

Mounce, Robert H. The Book of Revelation (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998).

When Will The World End Come?

¹ As I (John) watched, the Lamb (Jesus) broke the first of the seven seals on the scroll. Then I heard one of the four living beings say with a voice like thunder, “Come!” Revelation 6:1 (NLT)

The heavenly praise and worship described in Revelation chapters 4 and 5 are preparation for God’s coming wrath described in Revelation chapters 6 through 19. God is VERY patient, gracious, and loving, but God is also holy (see e.g., Exodus 34:6-7; Joshua 24:19-20; Nahum 1:3). God must judge sin!

Both Jews and Christians believe history has a definite beginning point at God’s creation and end at consummation when the Messiah comes. However, Christians believe the Messiah has already come with the arrival of Jesus, the Lamb of God (see Matthew 1:16; Mark 1:1; John 1:1-5, 14, 18, 29-36; John 4:25-26; John 20:31). At the end of our age, Christians believe Jesus the Messiah will return. Thus, Christians confess two comings of Jesus the Messiah. However, most Jews believe the Messiah has not yet come, but the Messiah will come at the end of the age (consummation).

Both Jews and Christians believe prior to the Messiah’s coming there will be a period identified in Jewish sources and the New Testament as the “Messianic woes,” the “Great Tribulation,” or the “birth pains of the Messianic age” (see Daniel 11:36-12:13; Matthew 24:1-22; Mark 13:1-20; Luke 21:5-24). Wars, earthquakes, disobedience, famine, anarchy, lawlessness, and social disorder will characterize this troubling period (see e.g., 1 Timothy 4:1-5; 2 Timothy 3:1-9; 2 Peter 3:3). Also during this troubling period, God’s people – Jews and Christians – will suffer persecution, mistreatment, and even death because of the Word of God and their faithful testimony. However, the Old Testament and New Testament encourage God’s people to remain faithful and steadfast because God will vindicate the world for their unjust suffering and mistreatment (see e.g., Revelation 6:9-11; Revelation 16:6; Revelation 18:20; Revelation 19:2).

In Revelation chapters 6 through 19, John gives a vision of three sets of judgments: seven seals (Revelation 6:1-8:2), seven trumpets (Revelation 8:3-11:19), and seven bowls (Revelation 15:1-18:24). Many biblical scholars call these three sets of judgments from John’s vision as “Messianic woes,” the “Great Tribulation,” or the “birth pains of the Messianic age” identified in Jewish sources and the New Testament. These troubling events are necessary for the Messiah coming. Revelation does not give a specific date when these troubling events will occur or the Messiah coming. In fact, Jesus warns against speculating and calculating His second coming as the Messiah because God the Father alone will determine the Messiah coming (see e.g., Matthew 24:36; Mark 13:32-37; Acts 1:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2). Since God’s people never know when the Messiah will come, each generation must live in expectancy of His soon return (see Revelation 16:15; Revelation 22:7, 18-20). 

Throughout out generations, some people have argued that John’s timing and vision of the Messiah’s coming were inaccurate or fabricated because John warned the Messiah’s coming will happen “soon” (see e.g., Revelation 22:7, 12, 20). However, we must never forget to the Lord “a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day” (see Psalm 90:4; 2 Peter 3:8). The true and living God is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness (see Hebrews 10:35-37; 2 Peter 3:9). Instead, God is patient because He does not want anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). God’s promises are always sure (see e.g., Deuteronomy 7:9; 2 Samuel 22:31; Habakkuk 2:3; 1 Corinthians 1:9), and His promises find complete fulfillment in Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:20)! Even more, God does love the world, and He wants no one to perish (see John 3:16; Luke 15).

Many suggestions have been offered to explain the relationship between the three major series of judgments (seals, trumpets, and bowls) found in Revelation chapters 6 through 19. Some biblical commentators characterize these three major judgments as a chronological sequence of future events. However, some biblical commentators see these three major judgments as a recapitulation or repetition of one another with increasing intensity. In other words, these three major judgments are one set of judgment with three versions. Each set of seven judgments adds additional intensity. Most biblical commentators find that these three major judgments cover the same period of human history that leads the Messiah coming. The major point is that the intensity of these judgments increases with each series. The seal judgments affect “a fourth of the earth” (Revelation 6:8), the trumpet judgments affects “a third of the earth” (Revelation 8:7, 8, 11, 12), and the bowls judgment complete the wrath of God (Revelation 16:17).

Moreover, most biblical scholars see a parallel of the three major series of judgments (seals, trumpets, and bowls)  to Jesus’ teaching of His future return found in the Synoptic Gospels (see Matthew 24:1-22; Mark 13:1-20; Luke 21:5-24). Jesus’ teaching of His return at Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 are parallel but not identical because each Gospel provides different but some similar details on the Messiah coming. Prior to the Messiah’s coming (Parousia), Jesus said there will be wars and rumors of wars, famines, and earthquakes in various places, persecution, many false prophets, lawlessness, and love of many will grow cold, but the Gospel (Good News) will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. Even more, biblical scholars see a parallel of the three major series of judgments from Revelation chapters 6 through 19 with the plagues of Egypt from the Old Testament (see Exodus chapters 7 through 11). The three sets of judgment echo the plagues of Egypt.

The trumpet judgments are an expansion of the seventh seal and the bowls judgments are an expansion of the seventh trumpet. However, three interludes separate the three judgments: Revelation 7:1-17; Revelation 10:1-11:14; and Revelation 14:6-20). The interludes are the pastoral portions of Revelation to give a break in God’s wrath and to give God’s people hope and comfort. In the interludes, John encourages God’s people to be faithful. John’s recurring themes to God’s people in the three major judgments is continuing faithfulness and dedication in God because our fate is secure in the Messiah!

References

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Senior Professor of New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2016).

Mounce, Robert H. The Book of Revelation (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary –New Testament (Victor Books, 1989).

Scroll of Destiny

¹ Then I (John) saw a scroll (book) in the right hand of the One (God) who was sitting on the throne. There was writing on the inside and the outside of the scroll (book), and it was sealed with seven seals. ² And I saw a strong angel, who shouted (proclaimed) with a loud voice: “Who is worthy to break the seals on this scroll (book) and open it?” ³ But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll (book) and read it. ⁴ Then I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll (book) and read it. ⁵ But one of the twenty-four elders said to me (John), “Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Heir (Root) to David’s throne, has won (overcome or conquer) the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll (book) and its seven seals.” ⁶ Then I saw a Lamb (Jesus) that looked as if it had been slaughtered, but it was now standing between the throne and the four living beings and among the twenty-four elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the sevenfold Spirit of God (the sevenfold Holy Spirit) that is sent out into every part of the earth. ⁷ He stepped forward and took the scroll (book) from the right hand of the One sitting on the throne. ⁸ And when He took the scroll (book), the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. ⁹ And they sang a new song with these words: “You (Jesus) are worthy to take the scroll (book) and break its seals and open it. For You were slaughtered (slain or sacrificed), and Your blood has ransomed (purchased) people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. ¹⁰ And You have caused them to become a Kingdom of priests for our God. And they will reign on the earth.” ¹¹ Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders. ¹² And they sang in a mighty chorus: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered (slain or sacrificed), — to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.” ¹³ And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang: “Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the One sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.” ¹⁴ And the four living beings said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped the Lamb. Revelation 5:1-14 (NLT)

Revelation chapter 5 continues John’s throne room vision of heaven. Chapters 4 and 5 of Revelation are the central and most important vision from the book of Revelation. These two chapters are one vision with two parts and contain the glorious and most magnificent picture of the true and living God and His Son Jesus Christ in all the Scriptures.

In chapter 5, the focus moves from the eternal God of Creation to Jesus as the Lamb of God who alone is worthy to open the scroll of destiny. Revelation chapter 5 begins with John seeing a book or scroll in the right hand of God sitting on the throne (Revelation 5:1). The scroll had writing on the inside and the outside and sealed with seven seals (Revelation 5:1). Significantly, the scroll contained the full destiny and future course of the world history. Beginning with chapter 6, various dramatic events take place and the start of God’s wrath.

Before chapter 6, John saw a mighty angel with a loud voice shouting or proclaiming throughout the whole creation this question: “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” (Revelation 5:2, NIV). In other words, who is worthy to unloose the next phase of history? No one in all heaven or earth or from among the dead was worthy to open and read the sealed scroll (Revelation 5:3). The angel did a complete search, and no one was WORTHY to open this book. No one in all creation could take the book from the hand of the One seated on the throne and read the scroll.

Then, John began to weep with sadness and disappointment because no one anywhere was worthy to open and read the scroll (Revelation 5:4). Nevertheless, one of the twenty-four elders said to John, “Stop crying, for look! The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered or won the battle, and proved Himself worthy to open the scroll and to break its seven seals” (Revelation 5:5, TLB). The Lion of the tribe of Judah and the Root of David are the Messianic titles ascribed to Jesus taken from the Old Testament (see e.g., Genesis 49:8-12; Isaiah 11:1, 10). In the Old Testament, the Messiah is a military conqueror and ideal king like David who will judge with righteousness and usher in an era of peace (see also Romans 15:12; Hebrews 7:14; Revelation 22:16).

Amazingly, when John turned looking for the Lion, he did not see a Lion but a Lamb standing before the twenty-four elders, in front of the throne and the living creatures (Revelation 5:6; see also Isaiah 52:13-53:12). The Lamb was alive with the marks of slaughter yet standing in readiness for action (Revelation 5:6; see also Revelation 1:18). On the Lamb, John saw wounds that caused His redemptive and sacrificial death that took away the sins of the world (Revelation 5:6, 9; see also Isaiah 53:5; Mark 10:45).

Moreover, the Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which represented the Seven Spirit of God, sent out into every part of the world (Revelation 5:6). The Seven Spirits of God was coming from God’s throne (Revelation 4:5) and now the Seven Spirits of God is on the Lamb (Revelation 5:6). The Lamb stepped forward and took the scroll from the right hand of God sitting upon the throne (Revelation 5:7). Only the Lamb was found “worthy” to take the book from God seating on the throne by virtue of His moral excellence. As the Lamb, Jesus was the only One that triumphed over sin and death and therefore worthy to open the scroll of destiny.

Images of Jesus abound in Revelation. After His glorious appearance in Revelation chapter 1, Revelation presents as a Lion, an Heir to David’s throne, a Child, a Warrior on a horse, the Lord of the whole world, King of kings, and the Husband of a bride. Of all the images of Jesus, none is as amazing as John’s second vision of Jesus in chapter 5 as a Lamb! Jesus’ depiction as a Lamb repeatedly appears throughout the book of Revelation – over 29 times. Jesus Christ the King is also the Lamb, the One who died for our sins (see e.g., John 1:29, 35-36; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Peter 1:19). Jesus’ sacrificial death appears to be a great defeat, actually ushered in a decisive victory as the Lamb to open the scroll. Jesus accomplished the conclusive victory over all evil and death by His self-sacrifice on the Cross!

With the handing of the scroll of destiny to the Lamb, we enter into one of the greatest scenes of universal adoration and praise anywhere records (Revelation 5:9-14). The four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell before Lamb in worship (Revelation 5:8). Notice, these same living creatures and twenty-four elders that worshipped before God on the throne (Revelation 4:8-11) now falls down in worship before the Lamb (Revelation 5:8-14). The Lamb is separate from God the Father, but the Lamb is God (John 1:1-5)! The Lamb receives the same worship given to the true and living God.

The four living creatures and the twenty-four elders each held a harp, and they were holding golden bowls (vials) full of incense, which were the prayers of the saints – God’s people (Revelation 5:8; see also Psalm 141:2; Revelation 8:3-4). Then, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders began singing a new song to the Lamb for His redemptive work of salvation. Through His death, Jesus fulfilled the promise to the Israelites at Mount Sinai (“You will be for Me a Kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6). Jesus established the church through His sacrificial death, and corporately all true believers are a Kingdom, and individually they are priests of God (see Revelation 1:6; Revelation 5:10; Revelation 20:6). Therefore, all true believers can join with the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders to sing a new song:  

“You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For You were slaughtered (slain or sacrificed), and Your blood has ransomed (purchased or bought) people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. And You have caused (made) them to become a Kingdom of priests for our God. And they will reign on the earth.” Revelation 5:9-10 (NLT)

Then, John looked again, and he heard the singing of countless millions of angels surrounding the throne and of the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders (Revelation 5:11). These majestic angels sang in a mighty chorus:

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered— to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.” Revelation 5:12 (NLT)

Even more amazing, John heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea exclaiming and singing:

“Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the One sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.” Revelation 5:13 (NLT)

Then, the four living beings kept saying, “Amen!” and the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped the Lamb (Revelation 5:14).

Revelation chapters 4 and 5 are a heavenly worship scene. Nowhere in all the Holy Scriptures will one find scenes of such unrestrained praise and adoration. All of heaven breaks out in jubilant praise from an immeasurable multitude of people. The multitudes are singing with a loud voice to God and the Lamb, Jesus Christ. All of heaven’s praise came because the Lamb took the scroll from God’s the Father's hand and Jesus’ redemptive work of salvation to save humanity.

The book of Revelation is filled with songs of praise and worship (see Revelation 4:8, 11; Revelation 5:9-13; Revelation 7:12-17; Revelation 11:15-18; Revelation 12:10-12; Revelation 15:3-4; Revelation 16:5-7; Revelation 18:2-8; Revelation 19:2-6). A study of Revelation chapters 4 and 5 will help believers understand how to worship God and His Son Jesus. To worship means “to ascribe worth” and to use all that we are and have to praise God and His Son, the Lamb of God (see Revelation 4:11; 5:12).

The closing hymn of Revelation 5:13 direct praise and worship to both God the Father and the Lamb, Jesus. Every part of creation worships! One day, “at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11, NLT).

References

New Student Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992).

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Senior Professor of New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2016).

Mounce, Robert H. The Book of Revelation (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary –New Testament (Victor Books, 1989).

Throne Room of Heaven

¹ Then as I (John) looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a (war) trumpet blast. The voice (Jesus) said, Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this (in the future).” ² And instantly I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven and Someone sitting on it. ³ The One sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled His throne like a rainbow. ⁴ Twenty-four thrones surrounded Him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads. ⁵ From the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder. And in front of the throne were seven torches with burning flames. This is the sevenfold Spirit of God (the sevenfold Holy Spirit). ⁶ In front of the throne was a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal. In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back. ⁷ The first of these living beings was like a lion; the second was like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. ⁸ Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty— the One who always was, who is, and who is still to come.” ⁹ Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the One sitting on the throne (the One who lives forever and ever), ¹⁰ the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the One sitting on the throne (the One who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say, ¹¹ “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because You created what You pleased.” Revelation 4:1-11 (NLT)

Revelation chapters 4 and 5 are the central and most important vision of the entire book of Revelation. The key to understanding Revelation comes from these two chapters. These two chapters are one vision with two parts. Significantly, Revelation chapters 4 and 5 provide the grandest and most magnificent picture of God in all the Scriptures. Isaiah 6 and Ezekiel 1 from the Old Testament comes close to Revelation chapters 4 and 5; however, Revelation chapters 4 and 5 give the most majestic vision of God from the Holy Scriptures.

The book of Revelation moves from earth with chapters 1 through 3 to heaven starting with chapter 4. Jesus’ letters to the seven churches on earth are now complete. In the letters, Jesus encouraged His churches to remain faithful to God and not accommodate to the world’s evil culture (see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 27; Revelation 3:5, 12, 21). Now, John as the human author of Revelation is swept away in the Holy Spirit’s power to the open door of heaven (Revelation 4:1). The same voice John heard in Revelation 1, which sounded like a mighty trumpet blast, spoke to him and that voice was the living and glorified Jesus (Revelation 4:1; see also Revelation 1:10-11). Jesus said to John, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen in the future!” (Revelation 4:1, TLB). When John goes to heaven, John first sees a throne! The throne is a dominant image of Revelation, and John refers to the throne over forty times. On the throne, John sees the Lord God Almighty seated (Revelation 4:2, 8). With John’s vision of the throne room, John uses many Old Testament references, including Ezekiel 1, Daniel 7, and Daniel 10. Many Old Testament prophets witnessed a similar vision of the true and living God.

In his second vision, John describes the transcendental glory and grandeur of the living God who reigns on the throne with dazzling brilliance and light (Revelation 4:5; see also Psalm 104:2; Ezekiel 1:26-28; 1 Timothy 6:16). John avoids any descriptive form of God in accord with Jewish tradition (see e.g., Exodus 20:4; Deuteronomy 4:12, 15-18). Instead, John says that the One who seats on the throne looks like precious stones of “jasper and carnelian” (Revelation 4:3). In addition, John saw around the throne “a rainbow that looks like an emerald” as a symbol of God’s covenant mercy (Revelation 4:3; see also Genesis 9:11-17). Then, twenty-four smaller thrones surrounded God’s glorious throne, and twenty-four elders were sitting on these smaller thrones. The twenty-four elders all were clothed in white, with golden crowns upon their heads (Revelation 4:4).

For centuries, biblical scholars have debated the symbolic significance of the twenty-four elders. Some scholars argue that the twenty-four elders are the twenty-four courses of Aaronic priesthood from the Old Testament who provide priestly worship (see 1 Chronicles 24:4-19). However, a vast majority of scholars see the twenty-four elders as the combination of the twelve patriarchs (tribes) of Israel and the twelve apostles that form the church. Thus, the twenty-four elders is a symbolic representation of God’s people - Israel in the Old Testament (old covenant) and the church in the New Testament (new covenant). Revelation and the New Testament teach that the church is the new Israel of God and there is continuity with the church and the old Israel. However, the church does not replace Israel as seen by Romans chapters 9, 10, and 11. In these chapters, God promised Abraham that He would bless his descendants. The apostle Paul never denounces Israel because the promise of Abraham was without conditions. The church has not replaced Israel!

Then, John saw “flashing of lightning, and rumbling and peals of thunder” issued from God’s throne (Revelation 4:5). This scene is similar to God’s divine revelation with the giving of His Law to Moses at Mount Sinai (see Exodus 19:16-19). In the Holy Scriptures, God’s appearance was often accompanied by an impressive display of meteorological sights and sounds (see e.g., 1 Samuel 7:10-12; 1 Samuel 12:18; Job 38:1; Job 40:6; Psalm 18:13-14). Directly in front of God’s throne were seven lighted lamps representing the seven-fold Spirit of God (Revelation 4:5). Seven is the number of completion and fulfillment. The Seven Spirit of God means the fullness, completion, and majesty of the living God. Spread out before God’s throne was a shiny crystal sea (Revelation 4:6; see also Exodus 24:10).

Surrounding God’s throne on each side were four living creatures. (Revelation 4:6). These living creatures are similar to the four living creatures the prophet Ezekiel witnessed, but the creatures are not an exact duplication (see Ezekiel 1:4-14). The first of these creatures was in the form of a lion; the second looked like an ox; the third had the face of a man; and the fourth, the form of an eagle, with wings spread out as though in flight (Revelation 4:7). Also, these four living creatures had six wings similar to the prophet Isaiah’s vision, full of eyes all around, even underneath their wings, suggesting unsleeping watchfulness (Revelation 4:8; see also Isaiah 6:2). The four living creatures have no symbolic meaning except they sang praises to the true and living God seated on the throne, like choirmasters leading public worship. These living creatures praised God day and night in ceaseless worship for His holiness, eternity, and mighty power (omnipotence) (Revelation 4:8; see also Isaiah 6:1-3). Day after day and night after night, the four living creatures continual kept saying:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.” Revelation 4:8 (NIV)

When the four living creatures gave glory, honor, and thanks to God sitting on the throne, who lives forever and ever (through the eternities of the eternities), the twenty-four elders fell down prostrate before eternal living God and worshiped Him and casted their crowns before His throne (Revelation 4:9-10). The twenty-four elders sang to God:

“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they were created and have their being.” Revelation 4:11 (NIV)

The vision of heaven reminded John and his readers that God alone is the holiest, most powerful, and everlasting One of the universe. Even more, John’s vision reveals the true and living God as Creator, and He controls all the world and not political powers (Revelation 4:11). Most important, the great throne-room vision of chapters 4 and 5 remind everyone that the true and living God and His Son are “our Lord and God” and only God and His Son are worthy to receive glory, honor, and power (Revelation 4:11; Revelation 5:12-13).

No matter what may happen on earth, the eternal and living God is fully and completely in control of the world. God is our all-powerful (omnipotent) and all-knowing (omniscient) Lord and King. That same power of God is available to everyone through wholehearted faith in Him!

References

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Senior Professor of New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2016).

Metzger, Bruce. Breaking the Code: Understanding the Book of Revelation (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1993).

Mounce, Robert H. The Book of Revelation (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998).