Sermon Tone Analysis

Intro

TS: In this passage, it John is either taken directly into heaven, or has a vision of heaven while “in the Spirit” on the isle of Patmos.

The word used in the Greek seems to indicate he was transported into heaven to see the events unfold.

Either way, we are given an awesome privilege of sharing in a glimpse of heaven and what was to come.

RS:

RS:

Called to Heaven

EX: Here we see John called to heaven and the window is opened for us to behold God Throne room.

John is called by God to heaven

Did he bodily enter heaven?

Did his flesh remain on earth and his spirit go?

One can never know.

Paul could relate to the experience and that it was hard to discern the mechanics:

Some evangelicals believe the command ”come up here” is a foreshadowing of the rapture.

Some evangelicals believe the command ”come up here” is a foreshadowing of the rapture.

It is reasoned that the timing of this indicates that the events which unfold in the rest of the book of Revelation all refer to the Great Tribulation, and that it immediately follows the pre-tribulational rapture of the church.

After the rapture, the last 7 years of earth unfold before the return of Christ to reign on earth.

God ‘s plan was to show John what would take place in the future.

God inspired John to record these things to remind the churches which were going through difficult times, that ultimately, He was in control and working out His ultimate plan.

No matter how dark things might seem on earth, God was still on His throne and sovereign over all kings and nations.

The Glory of God

The view of God

John attempts to describe the indescribable

any human words fall far short of the reality of God

God is pictured sitting upon the throne and looks similar to Jasper and Carnelian

The Greek words used are hard to identify with a modern gemstone.

These are used to bring to mind brilliance and splendor.

think flashing white light of a diamond and burning glowing red of the carnelian.

majesty and judgment joined in magnificent display

Throne surrounded by a glowing rainbow which appeared like emerald.

Emerald green glow, aura, around God

The jewels remind us of the divine attributes of God

This whole glimpse of God present to us His holy, glorious majesty and the righteousness and judgment over the universe.

a. Green bow

The Elders

24 elders sit around the throne.

It has been suggested that these are the 12 leaders of Israel (1/tribe) and 12 apostles

Elders is a term used for both leaders of Israel and leaders in the churches

The Bible doesn’t officially name the 24 elders, but the verses shared and others seems to indicate some are from Israel and some from the church.

The Bible doesn’t officially name the 24 elders.

,

The Bible doesn’t officially name the 24 elders.

These “presbyters”, elders, are clothed in white garments and wear crowns of gold.

white is used often to symbolize holiness

gold crowns indicate shared authority

The authority is God’s, but He has shared it with the elders and have them act as His representatives.

Out of the throne:

Rev 4:

Tremendous manifestations flow from the throne.

Once again the focus is on God’s omnipotence

Lightnings, sounds, and thunder over the earth.

Note

7 spirits- torches

A depiction of the Holy Spirit and His work in the world.

John saw God’s power on full display and though God’s inspiration, we too see it this very evening.

John saw God’s power on full display and though God’s inspiration, we too see it this very evening.

The Elders

The Worship of God

Rev. 4:

EX: There is but one response to the glory of God: WORSHIP!

The 4 living ones represent all living things.

They are special creatures to stand before GOD and praise Him.

This vision is primarily a display of God’s glory and power.

These creatures show how all creation declare His praise and worship Him.

The order is significant: lion—young bull—face of a human being—flying eagle.

The lion represents the wild places of earth; the young bull the cultivated parts; the human countenance the cities, towns, etc.; the flying eagle the whole expanse of air and sky.

Lange’s idea of the four forms of the divine government is one of the best of the many offered although it is too abstract.

These agents of God’s rule declare His holiness continuously

“Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God the Almighty!”

The elders join these magnificent living creatures:

The Worship

Bow before the throne and cast down their crowns.

They give Him the glory, honor and thanksgiving which is right and of which He alone is worthy.