In Revelation 4, John describes his vision of heaven, starting with a call to experience a divine revelation. He witnesses God's throne, surrounded by twenty-four elders and living creatures, all engaged in continuous worship of the Creator. The imagery emphasizes God's sovereignty and eternal presence, highlighting themes of judgment and divine authority.

1. SECTION OUTLINE FOUR (REVELATION 4)
John describes his vision.
I. THE SUMMONS TO HEAVEN (4:1)
A. The vision (4:1a): John sees a door standing open in
heaven.
This door is opened so John can see into heaven.
Heaven is not a material place and cannot normally be
seen or seen into. Remember that what John is shown is
in signs, figures, images used that John can understand,
also those the letters were sent to and we are familiar
with.
Heaven is where God is and from where all revelation
comes from – Eccl 5:2 ..God is in heaven and rules
Dan 4:26 …the heavens rule
John 3:27 ..except given him from heaven
Mat 16:17 ..revealed ..but Father which is in heaven
Ps 119:89 …forever thy word is settled in heaven
B. The voice (4:1b): A voice says, "Come up here. I will show
you things that must take place after this"
Remember “in spirit” from Rev 1:10, Not “in the spirit”.
Matt 22:43..David in spirit
Rev 17:3..carried me away in spirit
Rev 21:10 ..carried me away in spirit
The voice is as a trumpet – See Rev 1:10 again
II. THE SIGHTS IN HEAVEN (4:2-8)
A. John sees someone seated on a throne (4:2-3a): He has
the appearance of a jasper and cornelian stone.
Jasper - sparkling like a diamond
Sardius – brilliant, flesh red
The throne – the sign of royalty, sovereignty, etc.
There are 50 references in the NT to the throne in
heaven from Matthew to Revelation. There are 39
references just in Revelation.

2. Matt 19:28..the throne of His glory
Acts 2:30 & 34…throne of David
B. John sees a rainbow like an emerald above the throne
(4:3b).
The rainbow is the original covenant from God not to
destroy the earth with a flood. A reminder here of God’s
faithfulness in doing what He promised. Gen 9:13-17
Emerald is transparent, light green.
Ex 28:18 in the second row of the priests breastplate.
Rev 21:19 one of the foundations of heavenly Jerusalem
C. John sees different ones surrounding the throne and
activity out the throne (4:4, 5a & b, 6b-8).
1. Twenty-four elders (4:4): They are dressed in white and
wear golden crowns.
Representative of the patriarchs and apostles – 12 each.
The 12 tribes and the 12 apostles signify the
completeness of the Lord’s assembly, the Old and the
New, the patriarchs of the Old and the apostles of the
New.
2. Activity (4:5a): Lightning, thunders, and voices proceed
out of the throne
Representative of the judgments soon to be executed
that emanate from the throne. Note similar scene in
Ex 19:16 on Mt Sinai before the Law given to Moses.
3. Seven spirits of God (4:5b)
Note Ezek 1:13 like the appearance of lamps
Note per 7 Spirits
Rev 1:4 before the throne
Rev 3:1 hath the 7 spirits of God
Rev 5:6 which are the 7 Spirits sent throughout
Representative of universal presence with eyes to
search the whole world to bring all to judgment
4. Four living creatures (4:6b-8)
There is a sea of glass before the throne, like crystal
Rev 15:2 here the sea of glass mingled with fire

3. a. Their description (4:6b-8a)
(1) They are covered with eyes (4:6b).
The eyes are front and back. His providence
over everything. Nothing escapes His notice
(2) The first has the appearance of a lion; the
second, an ox; the third, a man; and the fourth, a
flying eagle (4:7).
See Ezek 1:10
The lion – strength
The ox – endurance under yoke
The face of a man – intelligence, reason,
wisdom
Flying eagle – vision and swift to the
target/judgment
(3) Each has six wings (4:8a).
Each wing was full of eyes seeing universally,
Omniscience
Ezek 1:6 similar had 4 wings
b. Their duties (4:8b): Day and night they proclaim the
holiness of God.
They don’t rest praising God, referring to Him as
was, is and is to come. He’s eternal and the
providence and praise is continuous.
C. John sees a crystal sea of glass in front of the throne
(4:6a).
A great broad space of grandeur. The glass is transparent
as crystal.
III. THE NOTICES GIVEN (4:9-11)
A. The worshippers (4:9-10): The creatures and the elders.
Compare Is 6:2 and 3
B. The worship (4:11): They worship the Lord for his great
work in creating all things.
The worship is in unison and they give honor to the one
on the throne who is eternal. The 24 elders fall down
before Him, worship Him and cast their crowns before
him.
See Rev 5:13-14 and Rev 7:11-12 worshipped him
Col 1:16-17 – all created by Him and for Him