Chapter 4 Angels and Saints Around the Throne

Ministry Archive Registry Entry

===Chapter 4 Angels and Saints Around the Throne=== <ul style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"> <li><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"</font><font size="4" color="#000000">1</font><font size="4" color="#AA0000"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in Heaven: and the first Voice which I heard was as it were of a Trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter."</font></li> </ul> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><font size="4">Again, the divisions of the Book of Revelation follow the Divine Pattern of chapter 1, verse 19, where the Apostle John is commanded to record:</font></p> <blockquote style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"> <p>(1)<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><font size="4">the<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"things which thou hast seen"</font><font size="4">, i.e., the revelation of the LORD of the Candlesticks in chapter 1,<br> <br> </font>(2)<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><font size="4">the<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"things which are"</font><font size="4">, i.e., the complete, future "history" of the Church-- from Pentecost to the Pre-Tribulational Rapture-- as seen in chapters 2 and 3, and<br> <br> </font>(3)<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><font size="4">the<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"things which shall be hereafter"</font><font size="4">, i.e., essentially the events of the Tribulation Week as seen in chapters 4 through 22.</font><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></p> </blockquote> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><font size="4">Just as John earlier saw a vision of the LORD Jesus Christ, i.e., he<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"was in the Spirit on the LORD's day</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>[Sunday]</font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">, and heard behind</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>[him]<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">a Great Voice, as of a Trumpet"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(Revelation 1:10), this chapter of the Revelation begins with a new, Heavenly vision, when he saw that a<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"door was opened in Heaven"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(4:1). This is the Open Door of the Pre-Tribulational Rapture that was shown to the faithful Philadelphians.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"I have set before thee an<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><b>open</b><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><b>door</b>, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My Word, and hast not denied My Name"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(3:8). Interestingly, the LORD Jesus described more than one door in His Olivet Discourse.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><b>doors</b>"<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4">(Matthew 24:33). I believe that this indicates more than one Rapture event will occur.</font><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><font size="4"><br> <br> The<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"Voice which</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>[the Apostle John]<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">heard was as it were of a Trumpet talking with</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>[him]</font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">; which said, Come up hither"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(4:1) reminds us of the Apostle Paul's description of a Rapture event.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the Last Trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(1Corinthians 15:52). Twice, the expression,<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"Come up hither"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>is used-- Revelation 4:1 and 11:12, describing the Pre-Tribulational Rapture and the Pre-Wrath Rapture, respectively. Finally,<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"I will shew thee things which must be hereafter"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(4:1) refers to the events of the Seal Judgments, the Trumpet Judgments, the Seven Thunders, and the Vial Judgments that complete Daniel's 70th Week (Daniel 9:24-27).</font></p> <p align="CENTER" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">----</p> <ul style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"> <li><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"</font><font size="4">2<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">And immediately I was in the Spirit: and, behold, a Throne was set in Heaven, and One sat on the Throne."</font></li> </ul> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><font size="4">Once the Pre-Tribulational Rapture Command--<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"Come up hither"</font><font size="4">-- is given, the obedient Saints' response will cause them to be<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><b>immediately</b><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>translated into the Heavenly presence of the Throne of God.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"Thou wilt shew me the Path of Life: in Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(Psalm 16:11). Only those who are ready, will respond.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of Man cometh at an hour when ye think not"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(Luke 12:40). It appears that the cry,</font><font size="4" color="#AA0000"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>"Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(Matthew 25:6), will precede-- ever so quickly-- the actual<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"Come Up Hither"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>Command. The Watching and Waiting Wise Virgins (Matthew 25) will be ready, while the Foolish Virgins will hear, but not be ready, i.e., be backslidden.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(Proverbs 14:14).</font></p> <p align="CENTER" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">----</p> <ul style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"> <li><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"</font><font size="4">3<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">And He that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the Throne, in sight like unto an emerald."</font></li> </ul> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><font size="4">This exalted picture of the presence of God was seen also by Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel (Exodus 24:1) when the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) were given.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under His feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of Heaven in his</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>[or, "its", i.e., the body of Heaven's]<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">clearness"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(24:10). Also, the<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"breastplate of judgment"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(28:15), the high priestly garment worn by Aaron, had twelve stones-- beginning with the sardius or sardine stone (probably signifying Reuben, the firstborn) and ending with the jasper stone (probably denoting Benjamin, the youngest)-- which corresponded to the Twelve Tribes of Israel.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(28:21). The<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"rainbow round about the Throne"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(Revelation 4:3) may also be the LORD's way to remind us of Noah-- a Gentile-- and that the Gentiles are also a part of His covenant. Thus, both God's covenanted people of Israel and the Gentiles are remembered around God's Throne.</font></p> <p align="CENTER" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">----</p> <ul style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"> <li><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"</font><font size="4" color="#000000">4</font><font size="4" color="#AA0000"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>And round about the Throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold."</font></li> </ul> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><font size="4">Again, these 24 Elders seem to represent the entirety of the Saints of God, both Israel and the Church.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man shall sit in the Throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(Matthew 19:28). There seems to have been an understanding of even the ancient Jews that they would have a part in rulership during the reign of the Messiah.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"I beheld till the thrones were cast down</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>[or, set up]</font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">, and the Ancient of Days did sit, Whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head like the pure wool: His Throne was like the fiery flame, and His wheels as burning fire"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(Daniel 7:9). And so, the Church will also be honored to judge alongside the LORD Jesus during the Millennium.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the Word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(Revelation 20:4).<br> <br> That they are<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"clothed in white raiment"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(Revelation 4:4), indicates that they are Overcomers, i.e., a Promise given to the faithful of the Church at Sardis (3:5).</font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(3:5). The<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"crowns of gold"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(4:4) are the stephanos (Greek), which are the wreaths or garlands which were given as a prize to victors in public games, e.g., the ancient Olympics.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(1John 5:4).</font></p> <p align="CENTER" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">----</p> <ul style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"> <li><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"</font><font size="4" color="#000000">5</font><font size="4" color="#AA0000"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>And out of the Throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the Throne, which are the seven Spirits of God."</font></li> </ul> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><font size="4">The magnificence and awesomeness of God's Throne is illustrated by the<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"lightnings and thunderings and voices"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(4:5).<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"With God is terrible majesty"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(Job 37:22). The<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"seven lamps of fire burning before the Throne, which are the seven Spirits of God"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(Revelation 4:5) are symbolic of the perfection of the Holy Spirit-- the third member of the Trinity.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"</font><font size="4" color="#000000">3</font><font size="4" color="#AA0000"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><b>to lie to the Holy Ghost</b>, and to keep back part of the price of the land?<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#000000">4</font><font size="4" color="#AA0000"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart?<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><b>thou hast not lied unto men</b>,<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><b>but unto God</b>"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(Acts 5:3-4).</font></p> <p align="CENTER" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">----</p> <ul style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"> <li><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"</font><font size="4" color="#000000">6</font><font size="4" color="#AA0000"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>And before the Throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the Throne, and round about the Throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind."</font></li> </ul> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><font size="4">The<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"sea of glass"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(4:6) indicates the tranquility of the presence of God, i.e., as calm water reflects like glass.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"Of the increase of His government and<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><b>peace</b><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>there shall be no end, upon the Throne of David, and upon His Kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever"</font><font size="4">(Isaiah 9:7). The<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"four beasts"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(Revelation 4:6) are properly, four living creatures; and, not to be confused with the Antichrist-- the beast<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"out of the sea"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(<b>13</b>:1)-- or the False Prophet-- the beast<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"out of the Earth"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(<b>13</b>:11). Instead, these<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"four beasts"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(Revelation 4:6) correspond to the seraphim-- a six-winged angelic being (Isaiah 6:2)-- seen by the prophet Ezekiel in Babylon by the river Chebar (Ezekiel 1:1). Though Ezekiel described his vision of<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"four living creatures"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(1:5) as having each<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"four wings"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(1:6), it does not disqualify Ezekiel's living creatures from being the six-winged seraphim of Isaiah 6, i.e., by saying that they had<b><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>only</b>four<b><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></b>wings.</font></p> <p align="CENTER" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">----</p> <ul style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"> <li><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"</font><font size="4" color="#000000">7</font><font size="4" color="#AA0000"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>And the first beast was like a<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><b>lion</b>, and the second beast like a<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><b>calf</b>, and the third beast had a face as a<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><b>man</b>, and the fourth beast was like a flying<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><b>eagle</b>."</font></li> </ul> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><font size="4">That these<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"four beasts"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(Revelation 4:6) are the same as Ezekiel's<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"four living creatures"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(Ezekiel 1:5), is apparent by the similarity of both of their descriptions.</font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><b>man</b>, and the face of a<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><b>lion</b>, on the right side: and they four had the face of an<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><b>ox</b></font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>[which corresponds to the calf]</font><font size="4" color="#AA0000"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>on the left side; they four also had the face of an<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><b>eagle</b>"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(Ezekiel 1:10). These are the seraphim, who are the angels that stand in the presence of God.</font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the Throne of His holiness"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(Psalm 47:8).</font></p> <p align="CENTER" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">----</p> <ul style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"> <li><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"</font><font size="4" color="#000000">8</font><font size="4" color="#AA0000"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, LORD God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come."</font></li> </ul> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><font size="4">The seraphim take great delight in the holiness of God.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"And one</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>[seraphim]<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(Isaiah 6:3). To which we may add,<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"Be ye holy; for I</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>[the LORD]<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">am holy"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(1Peter 1:16). And, we are reminded,<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><b>no man</b><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>shall see the LORD"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(Hebrews 12:14).<br> <br> We must understand that magnifying the Living God is a fit and fulfilling vocation for both seraphim and man for all eternity.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"</font><font size="4" color="#000000">1</font><font size="4" color="#AA0000"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>I will extol thee, my God, O King; and I will bless Thy Name for ever and ever.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#000000">2</font><font size="4" color="#AA0000"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>Every day will I bless Thee; and<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><b>I will praise Thy Name for ever and ever</b>.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#000000">3</font><font size="4" color="#AA0000"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><b>His greatness is unsearchable</b>"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(Psalm 145:1-3).</font></p> <p align="CENTER" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">----</p> <ul style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"> <li><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"</font><font size="4" color="#000000">9</font><font size="4" color="#AA0000"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to Him that sat on the Throne, Who liveth for ever and ever,"</font></li> </ul> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"Glory and honour and thanks"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(4:9) are given to the Eternal God by the angels. How much more should we, who were rescued from the</font><font size="4" color="#AA0000"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>"blackness of darkness for ever"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(Jude 13), praise Him?<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(Psalm 107:2).</font></p> <p align="CENTER" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">----</p> <ul style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"> <li><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"</font><font size="4" color="#000000">10</font><font size="4" color="#AA0000"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>The four and twenty elders fall down before Him that sat on the Throne, and worship Him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the Throne, saying,"</font></li> </ul> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><font size="4">Notice that the Saints, who<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"know their God</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>[and who]<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">shall be strong, and do exploits"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(Daniel 11:32), will fall down before the Throne of God and worship Him; and, not attempt to recall their past deeds and exploits for their own glorification.</font><font size="4" color="#AA0000"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>"Let them praise the Name of the LORD: for<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><b>His Name alone is excellent</b>; His glory is above the Earth and Heaven"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(Psalm 148:13).</font></p> <p align="CENTER" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">----</p> <ul style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"> <li><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"</font><font size="4" color="#000000">11</font><font size="4" color="#AA0000"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>Thou art worthy, O LORD, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created."</font></li> </ul> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><font size="4">God alone is worthy to receive praise, i.e.,<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"to receive glory and honour and power"</font><font size="4">, because God alone is good.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(Revelation 5:12). And,<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"There is none good but One, that is, God"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(Mark 10:18).<br> <br> Our LORD Jesus Christ is<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><b>the</b><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>pre-eminent Creator.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"</font><font size="4" color="#000000">16</font><font size="4" color="#AA0000"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>For by Him were all things created, that are in Heaven, and that are in Earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him:<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#000000">17</font><font size="4" color="#AA0000"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(Colossians 1:16-17).<br> <br> And, what was the LORD Jesus' purpose for our creation? God created us for His pleasure, i.e.,<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"and for Thy pleasure they are and were created"<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4">(Revelation 4:11). For this reason,<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><b>our trusting in God is the fulfillment of the reason for our existence</b>.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4" color="#AA0000">"But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek Him"</font><font size="4"><span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>(Hebrews 11:6).</font></p> <p align="CENTER" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><font size="1" color="#FFFFFF">.</font></p> <p align="CENTER" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><font size="4" color="#000000"> [[Category:The Revelation]]