(This marks the beginning of the third division of the book: "The things which shall be hereafter". 1:19

4:1 The scene is changed from earth to Heaven. This verse signals the rapture of the church.
This corresponds with: 1 Cor. 15:52 1 Thess. 4:16-17

Distinguish between the "Rapture" and the "Revelation"

 

In the Rapture		In the Revelation
1. The church is caught up.		Saints are manifest. Rom. 8:9
2. The bridegroom comes for bride. Matt. 25:1-10, Eph.5:23-32		Christ comes with bride to rule - Rev. 19:11-16
3. Coming for saints. Jo. 14:3		Christ comes with saints Zech. 14:4, 1 Thess. 4:7-10 Jude V. 14
4. Rapture before tribulation		Revelation at end, Tribulation
5. Christ comes in air, secret thief in night		Kingdom established after tribulation. Noah thru flood.
6. Church translated as Enoch before flood. Acts 15:14		Kingdom established after tribulation. Noah thru flood.
7.  May occur at any moment. Matt. 24:42.44.50		Cannot occur until nation Israel carried thru tribulation Rev. 19:11-16 Rev. 3:10

Vs. 2 & 3: THE THRONE; GOD'S JUDGMENT THRONE. Ps. 2:4
(See Ezek. 1:26-28) Isa. 6:1

Jasper: Speaks of God's holiness.

Sardine: Speaks of God's redemption by blood.

The rainbow: Speaks of God's mercy in judgment

Color: Emerald: Speaks of everlasting life.

V. 4  The 24 Elders: A representative group of the redeemed seated with Christ to participate in judgment, and government of world affairs.
They are described in Ch. 5:8-10
The number 12 - The number of government. Here is the government of earth and Heaven. Both to be of Israel cleansed and purified...

The gates of new Jerusalem named for 12 tribes

The 12 foundation for apostles (See Rev. 21:12-14)

Vs. 5 Lightnings, voices, thunderings signify God's judgments,
His almighty power and authority...

Seven lamps of fire: The seven angels who are to administer the tribulation judgments.
They also speak of the seven-fold perfection of the Holy Spirit.

Vs. 6 The sea of glass; Fulfills and corresponds to the laver of the tabernacle. Now solidified. The reason - Rev. 22:11.

Vs. 6-b The four beasts or living creatures:

Vs. 7 & 8 (4) is the number of earth, lion, calf, man, eagle -

Picture Christ as portrayed in the four gospels. Matt. - King; Mark -suffering servant; Luke - Son of Man, perfect humanity, John - Son of God, Deity.

Because He is all four, these living creatures cease not to praise Him...He has prevailed as: sacrifice, substitute, mediator, and king. He shall be crowned and praised forever.

These four living creatures are probably angel beings -
cherubims. (See Gen. 3:24; Ezek. 1:4-20; Exod. 25:18; 26:1)

Vs. 11 The worship is directed to the person of the Lord Jesus
Christ. (Phil 2:9-11; 1 Cor. 15:25-27)

By David E. Hubbard

Used with permission