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Bible passages: Read Revelation 4:1-11
There are three ‘open doors’ mentioned in the book of Revelation:
The open door for evangelism (as told to the church at Philadelphia)
The door of the human heart (as told to the church at Laodicea)
And now the door of revelation: Once a person has opened the door of their heart to
Christ, Christ starts to reveal the glorious things of himself, of heaven, of future events.
What is your instant concept of ‘heaven’? What’s your first thought of what it will be like
and what would happen?
Perhaps it is a sign of where we are in our relationship with God, if our first thoughts of
heaven centre upon ourselves / our loved ones / our experiences?
(Read Rev 4:1-2)
What is the central reality that John first sees
in heaven? Why is this most significant?
Why is it important that the throne is not empty?
(Read Rev 4:3)
Why could John not recognise the identity of
the one sitting on the throne? Why is the Lord described, not in physical terms, but in
terms of light and colours? (See Psalm 104:1-2 & 1 Tim 6:16)
Jasper is a transparent stone, which reflects light so purely, it intensifies the light shining
through it, thus signifying the holiness of God?
Carnelian is a fiery red stone, representing the justice of God?
All of this is terrifying, perhaps, but what encircles the throne? How does this reminder of
God’s covenant mercy bring comfort to sinners looking at the throne of heaven? (Genesis 9:12-16)
(Read Rev 4:4-11)
1t is thought that the 24 Elders, represent the Church of God in heaven. How do the 24
Elders respond to God’s glory? How does their reaction help us define and practice worship?
Apart from the throne, what other symbols are there in these verses of the power of God?
Perhaps we are meant to be reminded of the power of the presence of God as when he
gave the 10 commandments to Moses (Exodus 20:16-19)
This reminds us of the awesome holiness and purity of God, a theme which pervades the
whole vision of the throne room,
If ‘holy’ can most simply be defined as ‘pure, perfect, set apart’ for God, is it a state of
existence that appeals to you? Is being ‘holy’ important? (Hebrews 12:14)
Why do people tend to think of ‘holiness’ as a condition that we can attain by our own
moral lifestyle? Is this so? (see Hebrews 10:10;14)
Finally, consider the vision of the four living creatures in the throne room probably
represents creation praising the Creator. This is a theme you find in the Psalms (Psalms 150:6). How much do you find yourself, as God’s creation,
ascribing worship to your creator in your daily life?
‘All of creation praises the Lord, while sinful man praises himself and
ignores his Creator’ (Wiersbe)
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