Revelation 4:1-6a
Session 10 – The Study of Revelation
Keep your Bible open as you study with us. Also, while we won’t quote every passage in full, we’ll provide links to an online Bible for easy reference. Thanks for joining us!
Before you begin, if you have not already done so, visit the Victorious – Glorious Main Page for introductory materials that will enrich your study of Revelation. You’ll also find helpful articles on eschatology under Theology › End Times. If you missed any earlier sessions, be sure to review them first to stay connected to the flow of the study.
The Structure of Revelation:
While this course is open to differing millennial views, we will emphasize an Amillennial perspective in our discussions. This is not to push one view over another, but because it is often less familiar. Many evangelicals know the premillennial perspective primarily through popular books and movies like the Left Behind series. What is less known is that this view, while widespread in certain circles, is actually a minority position within the broader Christian community and is not the only perspective within Protestant Evangelicalism. Our goal is to help everyone become at least familiar with the view that holds the widest appeal among Christians historically and today.
Amillennial interpreters generally see the visions of Revelation as unfolding in seven great cycles, each covering the same time period—the age between Christ’s first coming and His return—but viewed from different angles. We will refer to these cycles as “units.” Following William Hendriksen’s approach, we divide Revelation into two major sections, with the seven units distributed within them:
- The struggle on earth. The Church persecuted by the world. The Church is avenged, protected, and victorious (Rev 1-11).
- Unit 1: Christ in the midst of the seven golden lampstands (Rev 1-3)
- Unit 2: The book with seven seals (Rev 4-7).
- Unit 3: The seven trumpets of judgment (Rev 8-11).
- The deeper spiritual background. Christ (and the Church) persecuted by the dragon (Satan) and his helpers. Christ and His Church are victorious (Rev 12-22).
- Unit 4: The woman and the Man-child persecuted by the dragon and his helpers (the beasts and the harlot) (Rev 12-14).
- Unit 5: The seven bowls of wrath (Rev 15, 16).
- Unit 6: The fall of the great harlot and of the beasts (Rev 17-19).
- Unit 7: The judgment upon the dragon (Satan) followed by the new heaven and earth, new Jerusalem (Rev 20-22). 1
In our previous session, we completed the first unit, Christ in the midst of the seven golden lampstands (Rev 1-3), where Christ reveals His presence, correction, and encouragement throughout this present age. This session begins with the next unit, the seven seals (Rev 4-7), which portrays the unfolding of history during the present age under God’s sovereign hand. Here, the Church experiences tribulation, martyrdom, and divine protection, culminating in a vision of final judgment and heavenly comfort.
Overview:
After the messages to the seven churches, John is invited to see the heavenly perspective behind all earthly events. A door opens in heaven, and the same voice that spoke like a trumpet calls, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” Immediately, John is “in the Spirit” and sees a throne set in heaven, with Someone seated upon it.
The One on the throne is described in radiant imagery—like jasper and carnelian—symbols of purity, glory, and holiness. Around the throne is a rainbow resembling an emerald, signifying God’s mercy and faithfulness even amid His majesty. Twenty-four thrones surround the central throne, and on them sit twenty-four elders clothed in white garments and wearing golden crowns. Lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder proceed from the throne, echoing the power and awe of God’s presence as revealed on Mount Sinai. Before the throne burn seven torches of fire, representing the seven spirits of God, and before it lies “a sea of glass, like crystal,” symbolizing holiness, purity, and separation between Creator and creation.
Exploring the Passage:
Take a moment to read through the whole passage for yourself. If you can, glance at the section before and after it as well—seeing the bigger picture will make the insights ahead even more meaningful. And if time allows, reading the entire book a few times will help you hear its flow and themes with even greater clarity.
Revelation 4:1-6
It is unfortunate that this is the point where many readers begin to get excited. This is what they have been waiting for. They have been impatiently anticipating our finishing the early vision of Jesus and the letters to the seven churches so we can finally get to the “good stuff”—the end times. How sad! After all the majesty we have seen about Jesus, and after considering the striking differences among the churches—with so many lessons to learn, both examples to follow and examples to avoid—many still rush past them, eager to reach the things that stir curiosity.
If this describes you, stop. Go back and review Sessions 1 through 9. There are important truths there that we all need in order to grow. As we move forward in the Book of Revelation to John’s second vision, we do not leave the beginning behind. It is to John and to these seven churches that Christ is revealing Himself. He shares that revelation with us as well—but only within the context of what He first gave to them.
Revelation 4:1
A door standing open in heaven: After taking dictation of the letters to the seven churches, John sees the heavenly open door and hears the same trumpet-like voice he heard earlier. John is called to go up through the door. This shows that access to heavenly truth is granted by divine invitation, not human curiosity.
I will show you: What follows are not random future speculations but things that “must take place,” governed by God’s sovereign plan. The lesson here is that understanding Revelation begins not with excitement about the future but with a response to Christ’s call to see from His perspective. John is to be “shown,” that is, he is not just going to hear a report of future events but will experience more visions with all the included elements of apocalyptic visions.
Revelation 4:2
In the Spirit: As in Revelation 1:10, John is in such a deep meditative state that by the Spirit he enters a trance-like state that enables Christ to communicate to him within a vision. We are not given any sense of a timeline. We do not know if this is the same day or week that he received the message to the church or how much later.
A throne stood in heaven: This is the normal mode of operation for a vision. We go from talking about a door, and then immediately John is before a throne. No mention of how he got there without any sense of it taking time to happen. John is just there moving on with the elements of the vision.
With one seated on it: While we use the breakdown of the verses to organize our study and to facilitate you keeping your place in the text, it is best not to let the movement of the passages be broken down by this artificial division. Let the passage flow organically with its themes.
In this section the throne dominates the vision, standing as the central symbol of heaven and of divine authority. God is not distant or inactive—He is seated, reigning. The lesson is clear: heaven’s reality revolves around God’s throne, not humanity’s concerns. When the Spirit opens our eyes, we see that true reality begins and ends with God’s rule.
Revelation 4:3
Up to this point no description has been given of the one on the throne. We naturally sense it is God the Father, but we are not explicitly told. This is like when John hears the voice but keeps us in suspense about the owner of the voice.
Had the appearance: Clearly this is all metaphor. John did not say the one on the throne was the precious stone or made of them. John is doing his best to describe what he is seeing and the feeling of the experience.
The One on the throne is described as in the brilliance of jasper and carnelian, encircled by a rainbow-like emerald. The actual identification of the Greek words used for these precious gems is difficult, explaining why we find different gems named in various translations. These images convey indescribable glory—purity, holiness, and judgment tempered with mercy. The rainbow recalls God’s covenant faithfulness from Genesis, reminding us that even His judgments are framed by grace. The lesson is that God’s character is both awe-inspiring and trustworthy; His rule is radiant with beauty and steadfast love.
Revelation 4:4
Twenty-four elders: Surrounding the throne are twenty-four thrones with twenty-four elders clothed in white and crowned with gold. Who are these elders? This represents a key element of apocalyptic literature in general and Revelation in particular. Many more times than we care for, symbols are not explained. Oh, that everything would be like the stars and the lampstands, where we are given definitive explanations. But, that is not how these things will be unveiled to us. We must be very cautious in how we proceed beyond the information given directly in the text. This does not mean that we do not work to understand the symbols but that we must be humble in dealing with our conclusions.
This heavenly council may represent the redeemed people of God from both covenants—the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles. Their purity and crowns signify victory and participation in divine rule. Here we learn that God’s redeemed people are not spectators but share in His reign. The Church’s destiny is fellowship and partnership with the King of heaven. One clue to this is the number twenty-four. It leads nicely to the combination of the twelve. The term “elder” lends itself to these being humans, not angels, as that would be an odd use of the term for angelic beings.
Revelation 4:5
From the throne: Flashes of lightning, rumblings, and thunder proceed from the throne—manifestations of God’s power and holiness reminiscent of Mount Sinai. The point here is not that these elements are actually in heaven but that they give a sense of the feel and power that would not be portrayed in just saying, “There was a throne.”
Seven spirits of God: Before the throne burn seven blazing torches, representing the fullness of the Holy Spirit. We have seen these spirits previously in Revelation 1:4. The Holy Spirit is actively involved in this revelation. He is included as part of the Godhead. Many times the Holy Spirit is not included in discussions within the New Testament, but not here. The Son is not included either but will show up shortly.
The scene reveals that God’s presence is active, powerful, and holy. The lesson is that the God we worship is not weak or timid; He inspires reverent awe. From His throne proceed both judgment and illumination—the same Spirit who burns with fire is the Spirit who enlightens the Church.
Revelation 4:6a
A sea of glass, θάλασσα, thalassa: a body of water, sea. This sea of glass is like crystal. It is not clear if this is an actual sea or a flooring so clear that it appears to be like water. Also, it either circles the throne or is in the front of it. Either way, it is a separator between God, the Creator, and His creation.
In ancient imagery, the sea symbolized chaos and separation, yet here it is perfectly calm and transparent. This signifies the absolute peace and order of God’s presence. Before His throne, all turmoil is stilled; all confusion becomes clear. The lesson is that God’s reign brings stability to what seems chaotic. From this serene and sovereign center, the rest of Revelation will unfold—reminding us that all events are governed from the calm authority of the One seated on the throne.
Bringing It Together:
In this session we are pulled out of the world’s chaos and invited to see reality from God’s throne. From this heavenly perspective, we witness His absolute authority over all creation and history. The throne radiates brilliance—jasper and carnelian reflecting divine beauty and holiness—while lightning, thunder, and fire remind us of His awesome power and active presence.
Around the throne, a rainbow arches as a vivid sign of God’s covenant faithfulness, and the twenty-four elders stand as a picture of God’s redeemed people, fully devoted in worship. This vision reminds us that God is in control, glorious, and faithful, and that all creation—including our lives—exists under His sovereign hand. It challenges us to lift our eyes from earthly struggles and join the eternal chorus of praise before the One who reigns supreme.
Consider Your Part:
How might regular awe and worship of the Almighty God change the way you view everyday challenges?
Takeaway:
These verses draw us into the heavenly throne room, showing us God’s glory, power, and peace. This vision isn’t meant to overwhelm us—it’s meant to remind us who is truly in control. Before we understand what happens on earth, we must see and respond to the One who reigns in heaven.
At Cultivating Faith, our desire is to help you grow deeper in God’s Word. You are free to use, adapt, and reproduce this study for personal or group study. May God bless your time in His Word and cultivate faith, hope, and love in your life.
Until the next time we see you here at CultivatingFaith.org, God Bless!
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