Bible Heaven/Bible Heaven.iso/alphon_1/7251/revelatn.004

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                 THE BOOK OF REVELATION

CHAPTER.4-5.

CHRIST AND THE TRIBULATION!  - The Things Hereafter.

The Rapture:

Rev.4:1.

The first two words of this verse `after this' are from the
Greek phrase Meta Tauta, which means, `after these things.'
It literally means `after the things which concern the
churches,'  John says he looked and the first voice said,
"Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be
hereafter"; that is, after the churches.

This begins the third and last part of the book of Revelation
and makes up the major portion of it.  From this point on, we
do not hear or read anything about the Church on earth.  When
the Church is mentioned, it is in heaven.

A number of Scriptures relate to the fact of the rapture and
the manner in which it will take place:  Luke 21:34-36,  Jn
14:1-3.  1 Cor 15:23& 51-58,  2 Cor 5:1-8,  Eph 5:27,  Phil
3:11 20 &21,  1 Thes 2:19, 3:13, 4:13-17, 5:9&23,   2 Thes
2:1,7-8,  Col 3:4,  Jas 5:7,  1 Jn 2:28, 3:2,  1 Pet 5:4.
The Word `rapture' is not used in the Scripture as such, but
it is the word that is used for the described event.

There are several scriptural reasons for a believing that the
rapture will precede the Great Tribulation.

1.  Jesus said in Luke 21:34-36 that we could `pray and
receive the promise that we would be saved and counted worthy
to escape these things and to stand before the Son of Man.'
The `things' that we will escape are given in Matt 24, Luke
21, and Rev 6:19.  In 1 Thess 5:1-11 there is another promise
assuring us that the saints will escape the wrath of God.  We
have not been appointed to go through wrath.

2.  In 1 Thess 4:18 we are told to `comfort one another with
these words.'  The great rapture scriptures are found in 1
Thess 4:16-17, "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....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."  The exhortation
is to receive comfort from these words and to comfort others,
but we cannot do that by telling them they're going through a
terrible, horrible wrath first.

3.  After Rev.4 and on down through Chapter 19 there is a
marked change in God's attitude in general.  It goes from
mercy, which has been expressed for thousands of years, to
that of judgment.  The body of Christ is not here and
judgment is going to be poured out upon sin and iniquity.

Absolutely nothing is said about the Church on earth after
Rev 4:1.  The Church is mentioned one time in heaven, but not
on this earth.

John said in Rev 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."
 This has a twofold meaning.  It is speaking of the rapture
of the Church, the body of Christ.  It is also a message to
John.  He was to see the things which would be hereafter,
that is after the rapture.

4.  There are really two Greek words used in most passages of
the Bible that relate to the rapture.  The first one is
parousia, and it means `personal coming or appearance'.  It
is used for the rapture and the revelation of Christ which
could be the Second Coming.  At the rapture Christ appears
personally in the air to meet the saints, while at the Second
Coming He appears personally to mankind on earth with the
saints.  These are two different events altogether.

Now there's another part of the word parousia.  The Greek
word is esposunagoge.  It means a complete collection or
gathering of all the dead in Christ and all the living in
Christ from all parts of the earth out of all denominations
and dispensations to meet Christ in the air.  We are gathered
unto Him at the rapture.  The word literally means a
`separation' and it is a separating of the godly living from
the others.

The second word that refers ot the rapture in the New
Testament is the word phanerous.  Parousia is taken from 1
Cor 15:20-23 and 1 Thess 2:19.  The word phanerous is used in
1 Jhn 2:28, 3:2. 1 Pet 5:4.  The Greek word phanerous means
`to appear' and refers to Christ appearing to the saints at
the rapture.  He will not appear to the world until His
Second Coming.

A.  The rapture will be exclusive - this resurrection is only
of the dead in Christ.  Deceased unbelievers have no part in
the first resurrection, Rev. 20:5.

B.  The rapture will be a surprise.  No one will be able to
predict the time.  It will happen suddenly to those that are
ready.  Matt 24:42,44.  Heb.9:28.

C.  It will be selective.  Matt 24:40-41, 25:10-13.

D.  It is only the first stage of the return of Christ.


THE THRONE:
Rev 4:2-3.

The first thing John saw in heaven was the throne of God.  He
saw the Father, who was to look upon `like a jasper and a
sardine stone.'  The jasper stone is semi-transparent.
Reference is made in Rev 21:11 concerning the light of the
New Jersualem and it is said to appear `like unto a stone
most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.'
The sardine stone is a red colour.  John saw a rainbow
circling the throne which was green like an emerald.  The
throne of God is the centre of activity in the book of
Revelation.  It is seen throughout the book, down to Rev
21:11 and also 22:5, where it is associated with the throne
of the Lamb, which is Jesus Christ.


THE ELDERS:
Rev 4:4

There are twenty-four elders, and they occupy twenty-four
thrones.  The same Greek word translated `throne' in verse 2
is translated `seat' in this verse.  The elders are seated on
thrones and they are literal ones.  Being seated on thrones
suggests status and responsibility.  They are clothed in
white, which indicated purity, and they are crowed with
victors' crowns or wreaths ( from the Greek word staphanous).
The scriptures do not reveal who these twenty-four elders
are.  However, they are ordinary men who have been raptured
and now with God, seated in places of special responsibility,
and officiating in the priestly capacities.  They are around
the throne of God.

The Living Spirits - Sea and Creatures.
Rev 4:5-8

Several references are made to the throne of God and also to
the seven spirits.  See 1:4, 3:1 & 5:6.

Before the throne there was a sea of glass like crystal.  Now
this sea of glass does not represent the seas on this earth
or any other body of water.  It is an actual part of the
heavenly tabernacle, which looks like crystal.  Its position
is before the throne.  That area is not occupied at this
time,, but it will be.  Later, in the fifteenth chapter of
Revelation, it is occupied by a great multitude of people.
This sea must be vast in its dimensions in order to
accommodate `a multitude that no man could number', that is
look on it and tell how many people would be there.

The word translated `beast' in verses 6b through 8 is from
the Greek word zoa.  It is properly translated as `living
ones.'  In chapter 13, it says `two beasts arise' and the
word used there is therion.  These zoa, chapter 4, are not
beasts as those in chapter 13, but are altogether different.
The creatures in Ezekiel's description are almost identical
(Ezek 10:20).  it appears that the living creatures referred
to here are the same as in Ezekiel, Chapter 1.  Ezekiel names
the living ones of his vision `cherubim,' an order of angelic
beings.  There is no creature on earth that remotely
resembles them.  When John saw them, no doubt he was
astonished.  There are many references in the Old Testament
to cherubim.. When Adam and Eve transgressed the laws of God
and were driven out of the Garden of Eden, God put two
cherubim with flaming swords at the entrance to the garden.
When they made the Ark on the Covenant there were two figures
on the lid which were to represent two cherubim.  Their wings
were touching each other in the middle.  The Ark of the
Covenant was in the Holy of Holies and was a constant
reminder that man cannot come into God's presence except
under those most limited circumstance.  The Cherubim were
there.

In describing the four living creatures, John says that the
first was `like a lion' (4:7).  A lion is the "king of the
beasts" and represents majesty and omnipotence.  Thus, this
first beast is representative of Christ as King, even as
Matthew presents Him in his gospel.

The second living creature is said to be ` like a calf' (7).
The word translated `calf' can also means `bullock' or
`heifer'.  This, of course, was an animal frequently used for
sacrifice.  Mark in his gospel presents Christ as the Servant
who was to be sacrificed.  So we see that the calf-like
creature represents Christ as a sacrifice.

The third living creature ` had a face as a man' (7).  Taking
these references to be fourfold view of Christ, this third
creature would represent Christ as a man.  The gospel writer,
Luke, presents Christ as the Perfect Man.  Also, as described
in Philippians 2, Christ left His position of glory with the
Father and became a man so that He might die on the cross for
our sin.

The fourth living creature was `like a flying eagle' (7).
The eagle is the greatest of the birds and is symbolic of
sovereignty and supremacy.  Thus, this living creature
represents Christ in all His deity.  The Apostle John in his
gospel presents Jesus Christ as the Son of God and shows His
relationship to heaven itself.


The Heavenly Worship:
Rev 4:9-11.

Here we have a reference to God on the throne being worshiped
by the living creatures and the elders.  This is a real
throne, in beauty and splendour, that is beyond man's
description.  This throne is surrounded by cherubim, and
together with the twenty-four elders who are redeemed they
bow before the Lord and they worship Him.


The Sealed Book:
Rev 5:1-4

Whenever a chapter in the Bible opens with the word `and', we
know it should be joined to the preceding chapter.  This in
not only true in subject matter but also in chronology.

It is as if after John had seen the throne of God, his
attention focussed on a book which was in the hand of God and
He was ready to give it to anyone who could be found worthy
to open it.  The book was sealed.  Actually, it was a
`scroll' and it had seven seals.  As each seal was opened the
contents beneath it would be obvious.

There are three characteristics of this scroll.  First, it
was in the right hand of God; second, it was written `within'
( on the inside ) and on the `back' ( outside ); and third,
it was closed by seven seals.

Someone has said, "The little seven-sealed book in the hand
of the one on the throne mentioned in Revelation 5 contains
the secret of the chapter which follow and is the key which
opens the entire book of Revelation."  There can be no
question that this is a most significant scroll, as
determined by the events which follow.
The Lamb Who Opens The Book:
Rev 5:5-7.

This gives us the five characteristics of the Lord.

"...the Lion of the tribe of Judah."  The names of our Lord
are never given by accident, but all convey a part of His
nature.  Since the lion is the king of beasts and since Judah
is the ruling tribe of Israel, this indicates that Christ is
to come as King to reign over the affairs of men.

"...the Root of David."  This, of course, refers to Jesus'
incarnation of His first birth with His roots in the family
of David.

"...a Lamb as though it had been slain."  When Christ
completed the work of redemption, He earned the title deed ot
the earth; as by Adam came sin, by Christ came redemption.
It is a beautiful picture that we see here!  Even though the
angel refers to our Lord in His glory as a Lion, indication
His power and might, John sees Him as a sacrificial Lamb, for
John sees Him through eyes of faith.  Men who reject Christ
will see Him as a Lion when He comes ot judge and to reign
over them.  Men who believe in Him will see Him as their
sacrificial Lamb.

"...having seven horns."  This indicates that the Lamb was
not weak.  A horn in scripture indicates power (see Zech 1:18
and the little horn of Dan 7 ).  The Lord Jesus said of
himself, "All authority is given unto me in heaven and in
earth" ( Matt 28:18).  When Christ came the first time, as a
Lamb, though He displayed certain power, He did not manifest
all of His power.  When He comes the next time, as a Lion, at
His glorious appearing, it will be in the manifestation of
His omnipotence, His all-consuming power.

"...having...seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God
sent forth into all the earth."  These eyes speak of the
judgement of our Lord, including the seven characteristics of
the Holy Spirit that rests upon Him without measure ( John
3:34).  When our Lord comes, He will know all what men have
thought or done.  Every deed will be brought into judgement.

John's agony and suspense were relieved at the words of the
elder, and by the appearance of a `Lamb as it had been
slain.'  The elders told John not to weep anymore.  Jesus is
called the `Lion of the tribe of Judah' as the fulfilment of
prophecies (Gen 49:9-10; Num 24:17-19; Mic 5:1-2).  He is
also called the `root of David' according to many
prophecies.  See 2 Sam 7:8-17; Ps 89:35-37; Isa 9:6-7, 11:1-
10; Jer 23:5-6.  Jesus has prevailed and is worthy to  open
the book and to loose the seven seals thereof.  The word
`prevailed' is from the same Greek word translated `overcome'
in the messages to the churches in Chapter 2 and 3.  John is
expecting to see a kingly and ferocious lion.  Instead he
observes a small lamb (from the Greek word arnion) which is
obviously alive, but exhibiting the marks of sacrifice.  He
has been dead but He is alive.  The Lamb has already overcome
and finished His redemptive work and is now worthy to take
the book of future `things shortly to come to pass.' Seals
are loosed and what is written therein will be revealed.
Contents of the book are things which shall transpire after
the rapture, and during the time of the Tribulation.


The Universal Worship of God and the Lamb:
Rev 5:8-14

The four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fall
down before the Lamb.  This is talking about Jesus Christ,
and they sing a new song unto Him.  They declare, "Thou art
worthy."

Verse 10 indicates some privileges and responsibilities that
are ours during the Millennial reign of Jesus on the earth
with His saints.

The living creatures, the elders, and the angels around the
throne are saying with a loud voice "Worthy is the Lamb that
was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and
strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing."  it is said
the angels number ten thousand times ten thousand and
thousands of thousands.  It is hard to visualize or
comprehend the vastness of what the number would be.



THE COMPARISON OF REVELATION 4-5 WITH DANIEL 7

The scenes shown in Daniel 7, and Revelation 4-5 are one.
The two accounts supplement each other and together they
afford a complete explanation of the purpose of the Judgement
throne and the opening of the seven - sealed book.

1.  The Ancient of Days Appears Sitting Upon the Throne:
Rev 4:2, show Deity, or the Ancient of Days sitting upon a
throne.  "And behold a throne was set in heaven, and one sat
upon the throne."

Daniel 7, goes further and gives a description of the Ancient
of Days who is on the throne:

"And I beheld till the thrones were set (literal version),
and the Ancient of Days did sit, whose garment was white as
snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne
was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire."
Dan 7:9.

2.  The Scene About the Throne:

Rev 4:5, describes this throne of Deity.  "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."  The description is of a
judgment throne.  Daniel 7, portrays the scene about the
throne even more vividly:

"His throne was like a fiery flame, and his wheels are
burning fire,  The fiery stream issued and came forth before
him..." Dan 7:9-10.

3.  The Thrones Were Set:

This statement is Daniel 7:9-10 shows that there were other
thrones included in the setting.  Rev 4:4 reveals that these
other thrones are occupied by twenty-four elders.

"And round about the throne were four and twenty (thrones)
and upon the (thrones), I saw four and twenty elders clothed
with white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of
gold."

4.  The Ten Thousand Times Ten Thousand Attending Angels:

Rev 5:11, record the attending angels.  "And I beheld and
heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the
beast and the elders, and the number of them was ten thousand
times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands." Daniel
describes the same picture, and the numbers tally with those
of Rev 5.

"Thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand
times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set and
the books were opened."  Dan 7:10

The description in Dan 7, so parallels that of Revelation 4-
5, that there can be no doubt that the two refer to one and
the same scenes.  The two accounts together supply us with a
complete picture and purpose of the Judgment scene.

5.  The Purpose of the Judgment Throne:

"The judgment was set and the books opened."  The chief
difference between accounts of Daniel and Revelation is this:

  a.  in this one chapter of Daniel, the narrative swiftly
covers the whole apocalyptic revelation down to the
destruction of the Beast and the giving to the saints the
kingdom.

  b.  in contrast, practically the entire Book of Revelation
is an elaboration of the details given in one chapter of
Daniel.   The fourth and fifth chapters of Revelation thus
narrate only the preliminary scenes of the judgment.