Revelation 4 The Heavenly Scene

Revelation 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

Back in revelation 1:19 John was instructed by Jesus to write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the  things which shall be hereafter; 

He saw the glory and the power and the majesty of Christ. The things which are or the things of the church seen in chapters 2 and 3. Now, the things which shall be hereafter. Hereafter what? After the things of the church. The time of the church is passed. The church is forcefully removed from the earth. 

Paul said in 1 Thess 4:13-17, "I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. Verse 14.. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. Verse 15.. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. Verse 16.. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Verse 17.. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

We also know that this event will happen at the same time the Antichrist is revealed. 2 Thess 2:7.. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. Verse 8.. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: So the Holy Spirit who is keeping that Wicked from appearing will be taken out of the way and the church will taken with Him. 

We are now introduced to the heavenly scene. Revelation 4:2.. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. Verse 3.. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.

Verse 4.. And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. Verse 5.. And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

Some commentators believe that these elders refer to angels or heavenly beings. I believe they are representatives of the church. There is no instance in the bible where the word elder refers to an angel. It is always a person and a representative of the people. The seven lamps being the fullness of the Holy Spirit there before the throne.

Verse 6.. And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. Verse 7.. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.  In Ezekiel 28 we see a parallel description of the creatures. He names them cherubim.

Verse 8.. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. Verse 9.. And when those beasts give glory and honor and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, Verse 10.. The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Verse 11.. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Now it is interesting that these elders cast their crowns before the throne. When we look at the use of the word crowns in the bible we find. Phil 4:1.. Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, 1 Thess 2:19.. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 2 Tim 4:8..  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. James 1:12.. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 1 Peter 5:4.. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. Rev 2:10.. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Rev 3:11.. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.  

How fitting that these elders should cast their crowns before the Lord! It is because of him that the crowns are made possible!  

Revelation 5 The Book Sealed with Seven Seals

Revelation 5:1.. And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. Verse 2.. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? Verse 3.. And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. Verse 4.. And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.

So, the title deed to the earth. Sealed with seven seals. God created the earth. When God created man he gave him the earth. Adam turned the earth over to Satan when he disobeyed God and obeyed the suggestion of Satan. Jesus came to redeem the world back to God. The thought of the earth continuing in it's current state was just too much for John to bear. But wait!

Verse 5.. And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

Verse 6.. And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. Verse 7.. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. Verse 8.. And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which re the prayers of saints.

Verse 9.. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 

Who are they that are singing this song? They are the ones who are the subject of the verse. Those redeemed to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; These are not angels singing. This is not their song. This is the church singing. We are there with the Lord in heaven before the first seal of the scroll is even opened. The Lord has snatched us away to be with himself before the tribulation period begins. The tribulation period begins with the opening of the first seal of the scroll.

Verse 10.. And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. Verse 11.. And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times then thousand, and thousands of thousands; 

Now in verse 12, everyone joins in the chorus for all can sing this part. Verse 12.. Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. 

Verse 13..  And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lame for ever and ever. Verse 14.. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshiped him that liveth for ever and ever.

"And every creature" see Romans 8:19-25
Verse 19.. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. Verse 20.. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected [the same] in hope, Verse 21.. Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. Verse 22.. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. Verse 23.. And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, [to wit], the redemption of our body. Verse 24.. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? Verse 25.. But if we hope for that we see not, [then] do we with patience wait for [it].

See also Romans 1:18.. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Verse 19.. Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed [it] unto them. Verse 20.. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Revelation 6 Horses of the Apocalypse

Verse 1.. And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four living creatures saying, Come and see. Verse 2.. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

When the first seal is opened, it begins... The White Horse of Revelation is revealed and events are set into motion. Chapters 4 and 5 revealed the throne room scene. In Revelation 5:9 we see those gathered before the throne of God singing a new song. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals of it: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and language, and people, and nation; This is the song of the Church. This could very well be the raptured church of 1Th 4:16.. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 1Th 4:17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

This "new song" is sung by those redeemed to God by the blood of the Lamb (Jesus Christ). This singing and rejoicing pictures a pre-tribulation rapture because it starts before the first seal is opened. The opening of the first seal sets in motion the missing 70th week of Daniel's 70 week prophecy.

The stage is set. The Church has been lifted off of the earth along with the Holy Spirit. Now the Antichrist is revealed. 2Th 2:3.. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 2Th 2:7.. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. Once the Holy Spirit and the Church are "taken out of the way", the "man of sin" will be revealed.

Now in Revelation 6:2, he appears. Riding a white horse, the cheap imitator or counterfeit. Going forth to conquer. It is his time. The Great Tribulation has begun! Wherein the white horse is a person, the following red, black, and pale horses are conditions that come upon the earth and will follow the appearance of the white horse.

The Bible has a lot to say about Antichrist. In Revelation 6 we see him riding a white horse. He's the imitator, or counterfeit of the Lord Himself who also comes riding a white horse in chapter 19. We see Antichrist in chapter 13. He is one of the heads of the beast which comes out of the sea. "And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast." The beast is a world system of government empowered by the people or "the sea" We learn about Antichrist in 1st John. "And every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of Antichrist, of which you have heard that it should come; and even now already is in the world." 2nd Thessalonians this "man of sin" will be revealed in his time.

He is a liar and a deceiver. 1 John 2:22 "Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son." 2 John 1:7 "For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

So we have a picture of Antichrist. Antichrist is a spirit that is upon the earth. Antichrist is also an individual who appears during the end days. He is the head of a world governmental system. He is a deceiver and a liar. He promises one thing but delivers another. We see him going forth gloriously to conquer and dominate. He will be hard to resist. Even the religious community will endorse his personage. Rev 13:11-16. So, as he goes forth, so does unparalleled war, famine, and death which are pictured in the red, black and pale horses.

Verse 3.. And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, Come and see. Verse 4.. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
Verse 5.. And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on it had a pair of balances in his hand. 

Verse 6.. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see you hurt not the oil and the wine. A measure of wheat is about a quart of wheat and a penny is a day's wage for a laboring man. And what are laborers getting today? About 100 dollars? So 100 dollars for a quart of wheat. Oil and wine will have much value. More so than money. 

Verse 7.. And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, Come and see. Verse 8.. And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and by the beasts of the earth.

Daniel 2 and Ezekiel 38 refer to the final Beast Empire. . The total land mass of this empire is equal to about a fourth part of the earth. Just exactly how these countries will align to form the final beast empire is hard to tell. The middle east and Russia would certainly cover a fourth part of the earth. Beasts of the earth in verse 8 are better translated "beast."

To better understand Antichrist's method and plan, we need to compare with Christ's method and plan.

Antichrist's method is compulsion... Christ's is voluntary conversion.
Antichrist practices force... Jesus preached faith.
Antichrist says to the masses "Convert of die!... Jesus said "Believe and live!"
Antichrist is swift to shed blood... Jesus shed His own blood for the salvation of many.
Antichrist is the taker of life... Jesus is the giver of life.
Antichrist's goal is to conquer the world... Christ's goal was to conquer sin's penalty and power by substitutionary atonement!

By mid-tribulation, the Beast will make war with the saints and overcome them. His authority during that time will encompass the entire earth. Revelation 13:7. 

These four horses give us a pre-mid picture of conditions on the earth as the Antichrist strives for dominance and control. 

Verse 9.. And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: Verse 10.. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? 

Verse 11.. And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they [were], should be fulfilled. These are tribulation saints martyred for their faith.

These could also picture the thousands of Christians being slaughtered even at this hour. 2015 was the worst year for Christian persecution on record. A new horrifying report details the unimaginable extent of Christian persecution. It confirms that at least 7,000 Christians were slaughtered in 2015 alone.

Even worse, in the last several years between 1 and 1.8 million Christians have been forced to flee or die in Iraq and Syria. In Iraq, less than 20% of its Christian population remains. ISIS - the Islamic State - is waging a genocide against our brothers and sisters in Christ like the world has never seen.

The persecuted ones are petitioning the Lord. How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? Those that are currently dwelling on the earth are the ones who perpetrated the evil. This group of martyrs could be created during the tribulation period or just before the tribulation period.

Verse 12.. And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; Verse 13.. And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casts its unripe figs, when it is shaken by a mighty wind. Verse 14.. And the heavens departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places 

Verse 15.. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the generals, and the mighty men, and every slave, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; Verse 16.. And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: Verse 17.. For the great day of his wrath has come; and who shall be able to stand?

With the opening of the sixth seal, Rev. 6:12, cataclysmic events come into view. There is an earthquake so great and worldwide that mountains and islands are moved out of their places. This event is possibly the same as described in Ezekiel 38:19 & 20. We know that it is possible for an earthquake to shake the whole world because the 2004 Indian ocean earth quake had the longest duration of faulting ever observed. It caused the entire planet to vibrate and triggered other earthquakes as far away as Alaska. 

The sun is darkened and as a result, the moon also fails to give it's light. The stars fall to the earth (vs. 13) and the heavens depart as a scroll when it is rolled together. (vs 14) It's almost as if some gigantic object passes between the earth and the sun creating unprecedented cosmic disturbances. Pieces of debris would rain down on the earth giving the illusion of the entire heaven of stars falling.

In verses 15-16 all those that are upon the earth attempt to flee and hide from the wrath of God and the Lamb. They know that the great day of His wrath has come (vs 17). Perhaps the very throne of God becomes visible from the earth and their is no mistaking who is in charge.

We find out in the next chapter that the earth is not hurt until Israel is sealed and the tribulation saints appear before the throne.

Revelation 7 Israel is Sealed

Verse 7:1.. And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. This could explain the reason for the lack of resources which accompanies the four horses of the previous chapter. The black horse represents a shortage of basic necessities that are required to support life. Death follows; represented by the pale horse. No wind blowing around the earth would kill the natural watering cycle. There would be evaporation but no distribution mechanism to move the moisture onto land. The two prophets of chapter 11 could also have a hand in this.

Verse 2.. And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Verse 3.. Saying, hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads. These servants of God are Jews from all the tribes of Israel. There are different groups that would like to believe that they are the 144,000 but the text is very clear. They can be no other group of people. These are from the tribes of Israel. These are also called the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb. "First fruits" would indicate that there are many more to come. Rev. 14:4.

Notice also that the earth is not hurt until the servants of God are sealed on their foreheads. We've seen some damage in chapter 6 but nothing compares to what is to come!

Verse 4.. And I heard the number of them who were sealed: and there were sealed a hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. 

Verse 5.. Of the tribe of Judah were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. Verse 6.. Of the tribe of Asher were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Naphtali were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasseh were sealed twelve thousand. Verse 7.. Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. Verse 8.. Of the tribe of Zebulun were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.

The tribe of Joseph probably refers to Ephraim. Joseph's two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, were claimed by his father Jacob. So there are actually thirteen tribes. Dan is omitted. Dan was the first of the tribes to go into idolatry. God has not sealed them from things that will happen during the great tribulation period.

So the wrath of God which comes into view in verse 12 of chapter six is stayed until these 144,000 are sealed on their foreheads. God will provide and care for them for 3 1/2 years. Rev. 12:6, while He visits death and destruction upon the earth, the beast, Antichrist and all those who receive his mark. Rev. 14:9, 10.

Verse 9.. And after this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and tribes, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; Verse 10.. And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God who sits upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. Verse 11.. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four living creatures, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshiped God, Verse 12.. Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God forever and ever. Amen.

Verse 13.. And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, Who are these who are arrayed in white robes? and from where did they come? Verse 14.. And I said unto him, Sir, you know. And he said to me, these are they who come out of the great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

So a multitude which no man could number. That's a lot of people. This is a picture of all those who come to trust in Jesus during the great tribulation . Tribulation saints, a different group from the church. Where the promise to the church is to rule and reign, Rev. 5:10, these folks are blessed with the task of service. (See verse 15.) Revelation 20:4 reveals that they will also have a part in ruling and reigning.

Some would say that this group of people is the Church. Forcefully taken (raptured) from the earth just before the first trumpet sounds. This would indicate that rapture happens during the tribulation period. If this is the case then the Church will witness the establishing of the 7 year peace agreement. (Dan. 9:27) The Church will also witness the rebuilding of the temple and the ministry of the 2 prophets (Rev. 11:1-6). It will see the rise and reign of Antichrist. All those that dwell on the earth will know that the hour of rapture has arrived.

But what did Jesus say? Matthew 24:36-44. Verse 44.. "Therefore be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect!" And Luke 21:35 "For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth." They won't be expecting it!

In 2 Thess 2:7 Paul says "For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. This verse indicates that the Holy Spirit and the Church are "taken out of the way or raptured" before the man of sin (Antichrist) is revealed and before the 7 year peace agreement is established.

Jesus said that at the time of rapture things on the earth will be somewhat normal. People will not be aware of any impending danger. (Matt. 24:36-44) People are well aware that the great day of God's wrath has come prior to these tribulation saints appearing at the throne and before the Lamb. Rev. 6:17.

If the rapture happens just before the first trumpet sounds and verse 9 is a picture of the raptured church, then we know exactly when it will happen. Jesus said that know one knows the day or the hour. It will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. They won't be expecting it. It's a big secret. 

In Rev. 10:4 John was about to write what the seven thunders had uttered but was commanded to "Seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered, and do not write them." Some things we just don't know and that's the way God wants it.

Scripture doesn't point to a mid-tribulation rapture. Scripture does instruct us to live like it could happen at any second. Matt. 24:44.

Verse 15.. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sits on the throne shall dwell among them. Verse 16.. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun strike them, nor any heat. Verse 17.. For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. 

So coming out of the great tribulation and suffering the plagues of scorching heat, lack of fresh water, scarcity of food and resources, persecution of the Antichrist and the beast, these tribulation saints are now comforted by the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne.