Rev 4 | MHM | STEP | The Vision of Heaven This section describes John’s second vision. After seeing Christ among the golden candlesticks and delivering His messages to the seven churches, John receives another vision. Those who faithfully use the knowledge God gives will receive even more. This vision reveals the glory and order of heaven and God’s rule over all things. v. 1 : John says, “After this I looked, and behold, a door was opened in heaven” (Revelation 4:1 ). This shows that all things that happen on earth are first planned in heaven. We can only know what God chooses to reveal to us. John hears a voice like a trumpet calling him to come up and see what will happen in the future. This reminds us that true access to God’s presence is only possible by His invitation, and we should wait for Him to call us.

‏ Revelation of John 4

The Vision of Heaven

This section describes John’s second vision. After seeing Christ among the golden candlesticks and delivering His messages to the seven churches, John receives another vision. Those who faithfully use the knowledge God gives will receive even more. This vision reveals the glory and order of heaven and God’s rule over all things.

v. 1: John says, “After this I looked, and behold, a door was opened in heaven” (Revelation 4:1 ^a). This shows that all things that happen on earth are first planned in heaven. We can only know what God chooses to reveal to us. John hears a voice like a trumpet calling him to come up and see what will happen in the future. This reminds us that true access to God’s presence is only possible by His invitation, and we should wait for Him to call us.

v. 2: John says, “Immediately I was in the Spirit” (Revelation 4:2 ^b). He is brought into a special state where he can see and understand heavenly things. His body is not important at this moment; his spirit is fully focused on God. The more we separate ourselves from worldly things, the closer we can be to God. John is prepared by the Holy Spirit to receive this vision.

v. 2–3: John sees a throne set in heaven, and one sat on the throne (Revelation 4:2–3 ^c). The throne shows God’s authority and judgment. God is described as shining like jasper and sardine stone, which means He is glorious and pure. The jasper’s many colors show God’s perfect character. The sardine stone’s red color shows His justice. Around the throne is a rainbow that looks like an emerald, reminding us of God’s covenant with Noah and His promises to His people (Genesis 9:13 ^d). The green color of the rainbow shows the refreshing and hopeful nature of God’s promises.

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v. 4: John sees twenty-four elders sitting around the throne, clothed in white and with golden crowns (Revelation 4:4 ^e). These elders represent all believers, both from the Old Testament and the New Testament times. Their white clothes show their righteousness, and their crowns show the honor God has given them. They are close to God, enjoying His presence and rest.

v. 5: From the throne come lightnings, thunderings, and voices (Revelation 4:5 ^f). This shows God’s power and the authority of His words, just like when He gave the law at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16 ^g). There are also seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. These lamps represent the fullness of the Holy Spirit—His gifts and work in the church.

v. 6: In front of the throne is a sea of glass, like crystal (Revelation 4:6 ^h). This sea is like the large basin in the Old Testament temple, which was used for washing. In the church, this points to the cleansing by Jesus’ blood, which makes people pure so they can come to God (1 John 1:7 ⁱ).

v. 6–8: Around the throne are four living creatures. They are full of eyes, showing their wisdom and awareness. Each one is like a different animal: a lion (courage), an ox (hard work), a man (understanding), and an eagle (spiritual vision) (Revelation 4:7 ^j). These living creatures likely symbolize the leaders or ministers of the church, who must be watchful, brave, wise, and spiritually minded. They never stop praising God, day and night. Their many eyes show they must always act with understanding and pay attention to their own spiritual life and the people they lead.

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The Vision of Heaven

This section focuses on the songs and worship that John hears in heaven. Heaven is not only a place of amazing sights, but also of beautiful sounds. The church on earth is like a small taste of heaven, but in the real heaven, worship is perfect and joyful. Both the leaders and the people join together to praise God.

v. 9: John hears the four living creatures, who are like the ministers of the church, begin to praise God. Their song is similar to what the prophet Isaiah heard in his vision (Isaiah 6:1-3 ^k). They worship the one true God, the Lord God Almighty, who never changes and lives forever. They praise the Holy Father, the Holy Son, and the Holy Spirit—three holies in one God, who sits on the throne and is eternal.

v. 10: Next, the twenty-four elders, who represent all God’s people, join in worship. The ministers lead, and the people follow. The elders fall down before the one who sits on the throne, showing deep respect and humility. They take off their crowns and lay them before God’s throne. This means they give all the honor and glory back to God, because everything they have comes from Him. Their greatest joy is to praise and honor God.

v. 11: The elders say, “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power” (Revelation 4:11 ^l). They do not say, “We give you glory,” because no one can really give anything to God. Instead, they say He is worthy to receive it. God is greater than all praise. The reason for their worship is that God is the Creator of everything. He made all things by His will and for His pleasure. Everything depends on Him, and only He deserves worship. This also shows that Jesus Christ is God, because the Bible says all things were created by Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16-17 ^m). God made everything for Himself, to bring Him glory, even though He does not enjoy the death of sinners but wants them to turn and live (Proverbs 16:4 ⁿ).