An Open Door to Glory
The book of Revelation, penned by the Apostle John during his exile on the isle of Patmos, grants us a profound glimpse into the spiritual realities of heaven. Far from being a mere apocalyptic treatise on future events, Revelation is fundamentally a unveiling of Jesus Christ, His ultimate triumph, and the eternal worship due to God Almighty. Chapters four and five serve as the foundational vision, transporting us directly into the very heart of the cosmos: the throne room of God. John, invited through an open door, is given a privileged view of divine majesty, order, and the central drama of redemption. This vision is not merely for theological contemplation but for the strengthening of faith, the instilling of awe, and the assurance of God's sovereign control over all things, past, present, and future.
The Majesty of the Throne (Revelation 4)
John’s description of the heavenly throne room begins with the throne itself, central and supreme, radiating an indescribable glory. The One who sat upon it is not depicted in human form, but by the brilliance of precious stones, signifying His unapproachable light and purity.
And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. 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.
The presence of a rainbow, specifically emerald-like, encircling the throne, is a powerful symbol. The rainbow, first given as a sign of God's covenant with Noah (Genesis 9:13), here speaks of God's faithfulness and mercy even in the midst of His overwhelming holiness and power. From the throne proceeded "lightnings and thunderings and voices," indicating His awesome power and righteous judgment. Before the throne burned "seven lamps of fire, which are the seven Spirits of God," signifying the perfect, omniscient, and omnipresent Holy Spirit.
Surrounding the throne were twenty-four elders, seated on their own thrones, clothed in white raiment and wearing crowns of gold. These elders represent the totality of God's redeemed people – possibly twelve patriarchs of Israel and twelve apostles of the Lamb – signifying the completed Church, reigning with Christ and participating in heavenly counsel.
In the midst and round about the throne were "four beasts full of eyes before and behind." These living creatures, distinct from the elders, are celestial beings of immense spiritual power and insight, possibly representing the highest order of angelic beings or the perfection of creation's worship. Each had six wings, full of eyes within and without, and their constant cry was:
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
This unending declaration of God's holiness, omnipotence, and eternality echoes the worship seen by Isaiah (Isaiah 6:3). Whenever these creatures gave glory to God, the twenty-four elders responded by falling down, casting their crowns before the throne, and proclaiming God's worthiness:
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
The worship in Revelation 4 is rooted in God's attribute as the Creator. He is worthy of all glory because He brought all things into existence by His will and for His pleasure.
The Lamb Worthy (Revelation 5)
As the vision transitions to Revelation 5, the focus shifts from the Creator to the Redeemer. John sees a sealed scroll in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne – a scroll "written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals." This scroll represents God's sovereign plan for the ages, particularly concerning the unfolding of His kingdom and the judgment of the world.
A mighty angel then proclaims, "Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?" The silence that follows is deafening. No one in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was found worthy. John weeps profusely, understanding the gravity of the situation: if no one could open the scroll, God's redemptive plan would remain unfulfilled, and humanity's hope would be lost.
But then, one of the elders comforts John, pointing to the only one found worthy:
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.
This title, "the Lion of the tribe of Juda," speaks of Christ's kingly power, His lineage from Judah (Genesis 49:9-10), and His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. "The Root of David" emphasizes His divine origin and His identity as the source and sustainer of David's royal line, ultimately fulfilling the Davidic covenant.
Yet, when John looks, he does not see a fierce lion, but something far more profound:
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.
Here is the paradox and the glory of Christ: the powerful Lion is simultaneously the sacrificial Lamb. The "Lamb as it had been slain" points directly to His crucifixion and atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world. The seven horns represent His perfect power and authority, while the seven eyes symbolize His perfect knowledge and omnipresence, being one with the seven Spirits of God. This Lamb, not by brute force but by sacrificial love, is the only one worthy to take the scroll.
And He does. The Lamb steps forward and takes the book from the right hand of Him that sat on the throne. This act triggers an explosion of worship.
Universal Acclamation and Worship
The moment the Lamb takes the scroll, the entire heavenly host erupts in worship. The four beasts and twenty-four elders fall down before the Lamb, holding harps (symbols of praise) and golden vials full of odours (representing the prayers of the saints, Revelation 8:3-4). They sing a new song, a song of redemption:
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; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
This "new song" is distinct from the worship in Revelation 4. While Revelation 4 focused on God as Creator, Revelation 5 extols the Lamb as Redeemer. His worthiness stems from His atoning sacrifice, by which He purchased a people for God from every corner of the earth, making them kings and priests. This is the heart of the gospel message reverberating through heaven.
The chorus of praise then expands exponentially. John hears the voice of a multitude of angels, numbering "ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands." This countless host joins the elders and living creatures, declaring 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.
The worship reaches its crescendo as every creature, in heaven, on earth, under the earth, and in the sea, joins in the magnificent chorus, acknowledging the supreme sovereignty of both the Father and the Son:
Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
The four beasts respond with "Amen," and the twenty-four elders fall down and worship. This scene presents a unified, universal worship of God the Father and God the Son, distinct yet equally worthy of all adoration. Their worthiness is not only in their being, but in their works – creation and redemption.
Conclusion: Our Hope and Assurance
The vision of the throne room in Revelation 4 and Revelation 5 is not a mere theological curiosity; it is a profound declaration of truth that anchors the believer's hope. It shows us:
In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, the throne room of heaven stands as the ultimate reality. It reminds us that God is on His throne, sovereignly directing all history towards His glorious purposes. The Lamb, who once lay slain, now stands victorious, holding the keys to revelation and redemption. This vision compels us to live lives of worship, trusting in the Creator's power and the Redeemer's love, knowing that our ultimate destiny is to join the countless throng in crying, "Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever."