Revelation Part 20

Chapter four is where the heart of Revelation truly begins. Now we will get into the opening of the seals and the unveiling of God’s plan for the future. Up to this point, John has been introduced to Jesus Christ and seen Him in His glorified state. He has learned how the Chief Shepherd thinks about His flock as he recorded the messages to the churches. Beginning in Revelation 4 and 5, the focus turns from earth to heaven, from the affairs of the churches to the eternal throne of God, and to the great events that will unfold “after these things.” The visions that he will receive and record for our benefit are about events that for the most part have not yet taken place. 

Revelation 4:1, “After these things I looked and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice 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…” John is invited to come up and see through an open door into heaven. It is an open invitation, one that underscores that what he is about to witness must be disclosed. Carried in the Spirit, John beholds the throne room of God—a vision of the seat of the government of the entire universe. Human institutions such as the Oval Office, the Situation Room or the Supreme Court only dimly echo this heavenly reality. Even the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle and temple was a physical facsimile of this ultimate spiritual throne room. From this throne, all authority in heaven and on earth is issued. Nothing that happens—past, present, or future—occurs apart from God’s knowledge and sovereignty. Whatever authority angels possess, whatever influence Satan exerts, whatever power kings and rulers wield, all is permitted, limited or revoked by decree of this throne. Belshazzar learned this when his kingdom was stripped away in a night (Daniel 5). Ananias and Sapphira learned it when they lied to the Spirit and fell dead (Acts 5). From this throne comes the true “executive order,” and all earthly versions pale in comparison.

This is the setting for the rest of Revelation: the heavenly throne with the living creatures, the twenty-four elders, the millions upon millions of angels—all offering praise before the Almighty. Hymns resound in the throne room, two of them already sung in Revelation 4. The first declares, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (Revelation 4:8). The second affirms, “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” (Revelation 4:11). It is in this atmosphere of worship that chapter 5 introduces the scroll.

UYA Team | uya@ucg.org 
United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.