Revelation 4: The Throne of God

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Revelation 4 unveils a breathtaking vision of the Throne of God, where heaven’s worship centers on His unmatched sovereignty, holiness, and glory. John’s revelation transports believers beyond earthly struggles into the eternal reality of God’s dominion, surrounded by angelic worship and divine majesty. This chapter reminds us that the Throne of God is the source of all power, justice, and praise—calling every Christian to live in awe of His supremacy. As we study the Throne of God, we are invited to join heaven’s unending worship and align our lives with His eternal kingdom.

Revelation 4 Overview

The Heavenly Throne Room (Revelation 4:1-4)
The Twenty-Four Elders (Revelation 4:4-6)
The Four Living Creatures (Revelation 4:7-11)

The Heavenly Throne Room

1 After these things I looked and saw a door opened in heaven, and the first voice that I heard, like a trumpet speaking with me, was one saying, “Come up here, and I will show you the things which must happen after this.”

2 Immediately I was in the Spirit. Behold, there was a throne set in heaven, and one sitting on the throne 3 that looked like a jasper stone and a sardius. There was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald to look at.

The Twenty-Four Elders

4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones. On the thrones were twenty-four elders sitting, dressed in white garments, with crowns of gold on their heads.

5 Out of the throne proceed lightnings, sounds, and thunders. There were seven lamps of fire burning before his throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

6 Before the throne was something like a sea of glass, similar to crystal. In the middle of the throne, and around the throne were four living creatures full of eyes before and behind.

The Four Living Creatures

7 The first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face like a man, and the fourth was like a flying eagle.

8 The four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within. They have no rest day and night, saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come!”

9 When the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to him who sits on the throne, to him who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives forever and ever, and throw their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, the Holy One, to receive the glory, the honor, and the power, for you created all things, and because of your desire they existed, and were created!”

Bible Commentary

▷ Matthew Henry Concise Commentary on the Bible, taken from e-Sword app.

Revelation 4:1-8

After the Lord Jesus had instructed the apostle to write to the churches “the things that are,” there was another vision. The apostle saw a throne set in heaven, an emblem of the universal dominion of Jehovah. He saw a glorious One upon the throne, not described by human features, so as to be represented by a likeness or image, but only by his surpassing brightness.

These seem emblems of the excellence of the Divine nature, and of God’s awful justice. The rainbow is a fit emblem of that covenant of promise which God has made with Christ, as the Head of the church, and with all his people in him.

The prevailing colour was a pleasant green, showing the reviving and refreshing nature of the new covenant. Four-and-twenty seats around the throne, were filled with four-and-twenty elders, representing, probably, the whole church of God. Their sitting denotes honour, rest, and satisfaction; their sitting about the throne signifies nearness to God, the sight and enjoyment they have of him.

They were clothed in white raiment; the imputed righteousness of the saints and their holiness: they had on their heads crowns of gold, signifying the glory they have with him. Lightnings and voices came from the throne; the awful declarations God makes to his church, of his sovereign will and pleasure.

Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne; the gifts, graces, and operations of the Spirit of God in the churches of Christ, dispensed according to the will and pleasure of Him who sits upon the throne. In the gospel church, the laver for purification is the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, which cleanses from all sin.

In this all must be washed, to be admitted into the gracious presence of God on earth, and his glorious presence in heaven. The apostle saw four living creatures, between the throne and the circle of the elders, standing between God and the people.

These seem to signify the true ministers of the gospel, because of their place between God and the people. This also is shown by the description given, denoting wisdom, courage, diligence, and discretion, and the affections by which they mount up toward heaven.

Revelation 4:9-11

All true believers wholly ascribe their redemption and conversion, their present privileges and future hopes, to the eternal and most holy God. Thus rise the for-ever harmonious, thankful songs of the redeemed in heaven.

Would we on earth do like them, let our praises be constant, not interrupted; united, not divided; thankful, not cold and formal; humble, not self-confident.

Sermon Themes

Revelation 4 calls us to live with an eternal perspective, worshiping God as the rightful King over all. How does the vision of the Throne of God reshape your priorities today? Explore the following themes and topics to shape your sermon on this chapter of Revelation. Let them inspire you to share God’s truth with clarity and impact.

The Open Door to Divine Perspective: The vision begins with an invitation to see beyond earthly realities and into God’s eternal realm (Revelation 4:1 WEB).
God’s Unshakeable Sovereignty: The central image of the throne emphasizes God’s ultimate authority, power, and control over all creation (Revelation 4:2 WEB).
The Ineffable Glory of God: The description of God’s appearance with radiant precious stones and the emerald rainbow points to His indescribable brilliance and perfect harmony (Revelation 4:3 WEB).
The Dynamic Power and Presence of God: The lightnings, sounds, and thunders emanating from the throne, along with the seven lamps of fire representing the Holy Spirit, illustrate God’s active power and the Spirit’s work (Revelation 4:5 WEB).
The Diverse Service of God’s Creatures: The four living creatures with unique characteristics represent the varied attributes and functions of those who serve God (Revelation 4:6-7 WEB).
Unending Praise to the Holy Trinity: The ceaseless cry of “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come!” emphasizes God’s absolute holiness, eternal existence, and omnipotence (Revelation 4:8 WEB).
The Continuous Cycle of Heavenly Adoration: The living creatures initiating worship and the elders responding with prostration and casting their crowns illustrates a constant giving of glory, honor, and thanks to God (Revelation 4:9-10 WEB).
God’s Intrinsic Worthiness as Creator: The elders’ declaration of God’s worthiness to receive glory, honor, and power because He created all things (Revelation 4:11 WEB).
Trust in God’s Unwavering Rule: In times of chaos, remember that God is still on His throne, sovereign and in control of all things (Revelation 4:2 WEB). Explanation: Offers comfort and stability through acknowledging God’s ultimate authority.
Be Open to the Spirit’s Power: Recognize and rely on the Holy Spirit’s active presence and power in your daily life (Revelation 4:5 WEB).
Make Worship a Priority: Dedicate time and energy to the reverent and heartfelt worship of God (Revelation 4:8 WEB).
Live with a Heart of Gratitude: Regularly express thanks and praise to God for His countless blessings (Revelation 4:9-10 WEB).
Acknowledge God as the Source of Everything: Recognize God’s creative power and live in humble dependence on Him for all things (Revelation 4:11 WEB).

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▷ Scripture quotations taken from the World English Bible (WEB), which is in the public domain.