Rev. 3:1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
Rev. 3:2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
Rev. 3:3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
Rev. 3:4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
Rev. 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Rev. 3:6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Jesus identifies Himself to the church at Sardis as “he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars.” I think this is significant since the Spirit is the source of life, power and security for the believer, and this church is really a dead church.
Again, Jesus states that He is aware of their works/deeds/actions/behavior. These actions imply to others that they are vibrant and alive; but God knows that they are spiritually dead. This reminds me of a verse in Samuel.
1Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
Works without faith may provide some personal satisfaction to our sense of self-pride, but they have no eternal benefit. They may provide some temporary relief to others through the provision of physical needs, but they do nothing to provide for their spiritual needs or their eternal future if not done in conjunction with sharing the gospel and the love of Jesus. In the end what others think about us is not what is important; it’s what God knows about us that impacts our eternity. The same truth is declared in Matthew.
Matthew 7:21–23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Matthew 23:27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.
Those in the church at Sardis are warned to be watchful/vigilant/alert. Quote from Dixie re being watchful, “It involves being alert to the situation, the enemy, the signs of the time.”
1Thessalonians 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
They are also to work to strengthen (set fast, turn resolutely in specific direction) the “things which remain” (the few purely motivated things they were doing in service to God). Even those were in jeopardy of dying. Their works before the Lord are lacking, they are not being performed in accordance with His will or purpose for them.
He reminds them to remember “how” or in what manner they had received and heard the truth that resulted in their profession of faith—remember, and hold onto that memory. I think He is referring here to the purity of heart of a new believer in his/her desire to serve the Lord. As they remembered, they would recognize their need to repent. Obviously, if they did not see the need to repent, they never possessed the truth to begin with. They had come to the point that they needed to do a 180 with their hearts. They were serving in a way to impress others and serve their own pride rather than serving the Lord with a humble, obedient, loving and thankful heart.
Then comes the warning—If they aren’t vigilant/keeping watch, He will come upon them as a thief—they won’t even recognize the signs of the times to know that He is about to return. It also causes one to pause and think of what we would be doing if He came at a time when our focus was not on Him. Would we be ashamed?
In reading through this section again I was again reminded of Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians.
1 Thessalonians 5:2–4 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
Paul is clear in declaring that believers are not in darkness and should not be caught unprepared for the Lord’s return.
Jesus recognizes the fact that there are still a few true believers in Sardis which are clothed in the garments of righteousness; they will walk with the Lord in white (represents holiness and purity) because they have been found worthy due to their faith in the Savior.
1John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
All those who overcome will be clothed in white raiment. Neither will He have his name blotted out of the book of life. This indicates to me that all names are written in the book of life until they have chosen once and for all to reject Jesus. (See topical study re “Book of Life.”) There are so many verses that speak to God’s desire that ALL should be saved.
2Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Ezekiel 18:23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?
1Timothy 2:3-4 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Those who overcome will find their name in the book of life and be identified by the Son as part of the family to the Father and His angels.
Again, the believers are warned to listen to and heed the message to the churches.
Interesting note: “Being dead, the church in Sardis presented no significant threat to Satan’s domain, so it wasn’t worth attacking.” D. Guzik
Continuing from my thoughts at the end of the previous chapter, it is interesting to note that again the implication is that this church is very active doing “Christian” things that make them appear to be spiritually alive, but that is a false impression. Their works are not “perfect” before God; they are evidently following their own will—not God’s. They are self-motivated, not God-motivated. They cannot, however, claim ignorance as an excuse for their choices. They are encouraged to “remember” the truth they had “received and heard” and repent.
It truly is amazing that most people seem to prefer investing time in their own works rather than investing time in fellowship with and worship of God and resting in the work of His Son. Our works should be an outflow of our fellowship with and worship of the Lord. It is through fellowship and worship that we are attuned to the leading of the Spirit to serve others according to God’s will and not our own. That leading assures us of God’s empowerment and provision through the Holy Spirit and will always glorify the Savior—not the servant.
Rev. 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
Rev. 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
Rev. 3:9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
Rev. 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
Rev. 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
Rev. 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
Rev. 3:13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Jesus identifies Himself to the church at Philadelphia as “He that is holy, He that is true, He that hath the key of David, He that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth.” This is a quote from Isaiah.
Isaiah 22:22--And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.
This is a statement of His righteousness, truth, power and authority.
Again, Jesus knows their works/deeds/actions/behavior. The next statement seems to be in direct connection to His knowledge of their works. He has set before them an open door—a door that no man can shut. Jesus identified Himself as the door.
John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
Jesus acknowledges this church to be weak in strength but declares that it is strong in faith. I think He is assuring this church that there is no power that can deprive them of the protection and provision of their Savior.
2Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Those who are weak in faith due to the prevalence of evil around them need assurance of the truth of God’s word. Sometimes it seems like Satan is winning, but God is assuring His people that they can count on Him.
There are many false teachers today who teach that God wants everyone to be wealthy, healthy and strong. However, throughout scripture we learn that great men and women of faith often faced great trials and suffering and even martyrdom. It is a very powerful witness to the lost world around us when our actions show tenacity of faith and exhibit peace of spirit due to the grace and faithfulness of Almighty God through the ministry of His Holy Spirit during the difficult times of trouble and suffering.
Evidently, these believers had also been persecuted by those pretending to be followers of God, but were really followers of Satan. (See notes on Smyrna, 2:8-11.) Jesus promises that these unbelievers will be made to come and worship “before thy feet.” I think this is making reference to the fact that the believer will be at the feet of Jesus for eternity, and that “at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow” (Romans 14:11) and “unto Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear” (Isaiah 45:23). The believer will get to witness the humbling of those that have persecuted them. They will be presented as loved by the Father before these unbelievers.
Thought from Dixie—“Love should not be hidden, John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. It is an undeniable testimony of our relationship to Jesus. God’s principle is to love and to speak it. Let us go and do likewise.”
Because the believers in Philadelphia have held fast to and guarded the truth of the words of Jesus with steadfastness and cheerful endurance, Jesus will keep them from (“ek”—out of) the hour of temptation (putting to proof) which shall (future tense from John’s perspective) come upon ALL the world, to try (put to the test) them that dwell on earth. Obviously, this time of testing will be appointed for a specific time, of specific duration, to a specific generation.
Many refuse to accept that this affirms the teaching of the rapture on the grounds that there is no reason this generation of believers should escape the coming hard times any more than any other generation. Henry Morris made a good point. “The fact is, however, that Christians in every other generation have escaped the great tribulation, so there is no reason why the last should be singled out for participation in it.”
When Jesus returns, it will be quickly (suddenly). He is encouraging the believers to hold on to their faith and not let any man deprive them of their reward/crown. This is not a reference to losing your salvation—just your reward. (cf 2:10—“ be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”) Those who overcome will be “a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out.” I think this is indicative of the position of security the believer has for eternity in the presence of God.
The overcomer will also be publicly identified as belonging to God by being stamped/marked with “the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem.” He will also be proudly identified with a stamp of the new name of Jesus—probably a name that we will only be able to appreciate in our glorified state.
This church, along with Smyrna, was given no words of rebuke. Again, if they had been deserving of such, they would have been rebuked.
Again, the believers are encouraged to listen to and heed the message to the churches.
Rev. 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
Rev. 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Rev. 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Rev. 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
Rev. 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Rev. 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Rev. 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Rev. 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
Rev. 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Jesus identifies Himself to the church at Laodicea as “the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God.” This church needs to recognize that God’s word is just as sure now as it was when He first created the world. In fact, they needed to realize that they were being spoken to by “the Creator.”
Again, Jesus is aware of their works/deeds/actions/behavior. They serve, but not with zeal; they just seem to be going through the motions. This comparison was perfect for the people of this church since their town was furnished water through a system that caused it to arrive for their use “lukewarm.” It was neither cold and refreshing or hot and beneficial for healing, etc. God is comparing this church to lukewarm water—not really making an impact in any way. Lukewarm water doesn’t taste good. A lukewarm church does not put a good taste in the Lord’s mouth; He’d rather spit it out. In fact, the word for “spue” is “emeo,” which means to vomit; it’s where we get our word emetic.
David Guzik uses a quote from Donald Barnhouse that gives a little different perspective: “So the Lord is saying, ‘If instead of being lukewarm, you were so cold that you should feel that coldness, then the very feeling of your need might drive you to the true warmth, but now in your lukewarmness, you have just enough to protect yourselves against a feeling of need.’”
This church considered itself to be blessed because it was rich in material wealth; they really didn’t have need of anything that they could identify. Jesus, on the other hand, sees them as wretched (distressed, miserable), miserable (pitiable), poor (spiritual paupers), blind (mentally—they don’t recognize their condition) and naked (without clothing—the garments of salvation). This was a church in name only. I liken this church to the wealthy churches today that provide social functions for the community and humanitarian aid for those in need, but they are really serving self and not God in the process.
2 Corinthians 10:18 is applicable here--For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.
Good thought from Dixie—“’I counsel thee.’ Why does He bother? Because He loves them (v19).”
Jesus advises the church to buy from Him “gold tried in the fire” (1Peter 1:7) and submit to His will and testing to earn treasures in heaven; spiritual riches are the true riches of eternity. I think He is using the language of money to get the attention of this church that is so focused on material wealth.
1Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
Another good quote from Dixie: “Good things can come out of fiery trials if we desire the outcome of purity and refinement more than we dislike the circumstances of the trials.”
The white raiment represents the garment of salvation, which only Jesus can provide to those who come to Him in faith believing on His finished work on the cross. Jesus covers the shame caused by our sin; He clothes us in His righteousness.
2 Corinthians 5:21 “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
Isaiah 61:10 “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.”
He advises them to anoint themselves with eyesalve so that they can see; that seems to be referring to accepting Jesus as the Savior and appropriating the power and teaching of the Spirit to open their spiritual eyes. Laodicea was known for its medical school and its production of a special eye salve called collyrium that was used to treat eye diseases.
It would seem that those in this church see themselves as spiritually healthy. The Lord reminds them that He rebukes and chastens those He loves. If you are not feeling His rebuke and chastening in your life, it’s a danger sign.
Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
So take this message as a love letter. Recognize the truth about yourself; turn your apathy into energy and desire—repent (change your heart/mind/direction).
God is so merciful!! This time He pictures Himself standing at the door wanting fellowship with them; He is even calling out to them. He is not going to force His way in though. It is a sad day when God is left standing and knocking at the door seeking fellowship with those in the church. He wants to see them respond to Him with repentance and faith. He wants them to see with spiritual eyes and hear with spiritual ears.
Those who overcome are promised a seat with Him in His throne (the throne of David), just as the Father gave Him/Jesus a seat in His throne for overcoming.
Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
He is always assuring His children that He will be just as good a Father as God is to Him.
Again, the believers are encouraged to listen to and heed the message to the churches.
“he that hath an ear, let him hear” – Another good quote by Joseph Seiss: “Let us see to it, then, that we hear as the text commands, and learn to view the church’s errors, corruptions, mistakes, and sins as Christ views them; to love what He loves, to hate what He hates, and to hope only as He has given us authority to hope.”
Rev. 4:1 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.
After this—denoting a chronological time change--after taking down the letters to the churches regarding things present. John looks up and sees a door open in heaven (an entrance). The first voice He hears coming through the door is the same one he described in chapter one—one of Divine nature (cf Rev 1:10). He is told to come up to where the voice is, and He will show John the things that will happen in the future (without denoting a specific time in the future)—“the things which shall be hereafter” (cf 1:19).
The voice giving the command is compared to a trumpet, and since Paul tells us in Thessalonians that we will be taken home to be with Jesus at the sound of the “trump of God,”…
1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
…many people assume that this means that John is a picture of the rapture of the church at this point. I just don’t think that understanding is a good fit in the prophetic puzzle as you consider the context of the scripture surrounding it. The verses in Thessalonians detail the voice of the archangel and the trump of God. They also detail Jesus coming to get us—not just calling out for us.
It makes more sense within the context to represent a change in perspective—from earthly to heavenly.
This does not preclude belief in the pre-tribulation rapture. I still believe strongly in the pre-tribulation rapture and the following foundational scriptures.
I believe the antichrist will not be revealed until the Holy Spirit (who indwells believers) is taken out of the way. 2Thessalonians 2:7-8 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.
We, believers, aren’t appointed to wrath. 1Thessalonians 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.
In Revelation 3, the church at Philadelphia was told that they would be kept from (out of) the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the world….This letter is not only to Philadelphia, but to all the churches, all believers.
The examples of Noah and Lot in the Old Testament when God exercised judgment on the wicked provides an example of the unchanging heart of God. He delivers the righteous from judgment.
The 70th week is determined upon Israel—not the church. Daniel 9:24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy (Daniel’s) people and upon thy holy city (Jerusalem).
The majority of the Revelation John is yet to receive is still future, but I believe a foundation is being laid at this point from which those events will proceed. The same can be said for the first half of chapter 12.
Rev. 4:2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
Immediately (at once) – makes me think of I Corinthians 15: “but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.”
John was in the spirit—his spiritual, not his physical being. The first thing he sees in heaven is a throne and someone sitting on it. I believe context in chapters 4-5 prove that this is God the Father. This vision of John compares to that of Isaiah and Ezekiel.
Isaiah 6:1 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.
Ezekiel 1:26 And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.
I liked this quote from David Guzik. “The bottom line of atheism or materialism is that there is no throne, there is no seat of authority or power that the entire universe must answer to. The bottom line of humanism is that there is a throne, but man sits upon it. Essentially, man cannot live without the concept of a throne, a supreme ruler. So if man de-thrones God, he will inescapably place himself or some other man upon the throne….”
Rev. 4:3 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.
The appearance of God on His throne was like looking at the beauty of a valuable gemstone. The throne has a beautiful emerald green rainbow encircling it (representing His mercy; similar to the bow in the sky to Noah).
Note from Dixie—“The rainbow is also a reminder that God is a covenant keeper.”
Pastor Bob had an interesting insight regarding the jasper and sardine stone. The high priest wore a breastplate that had four rows of three gemstones each that represented the tribes of Israel. The sardine and jasper stones are the first and last stones respectively. Assuming that the stones were arranged in the order of birth, the sardine would have represented the tribe of Reuben and the jasper the tribe of Benjamin. The meaning of the name Reuben is “behold a son,” and Benjamin means “son of my right hand.” The throne represented the seat of the “first and the last” who is in position to honor “the son of His right hand,” Jesus, the Lamb.
Warren Wiersbe:
Jasper——clear stone—-God’s purity
Sardine—-red stone——wrath and judgment
Emerald—green stone—grace and mercy
Rev. 4:4 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.
Around the throne are 24 elders sitting on 24 “thronos” in the Greek defined as “a stately seat (“throne”)” that are clothed in white raiment and wearing crowns of gold. Because scripture says that we will rule with Christ and that we can earn crowns of reward, many assume that this has to picture the body of believers. The Greek for “crowns” is the word “stephanos,” and is defined as “a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally). I think they are trying to force a puzzle piece to fit that doesn’t.
No one is allowed in heaven without the proper clothing; the white raiment is indicative of purity and righteousness.
I have heard and read many thoughts about the 24 elders. One thought that comes to mind is that if John is representative of the “raptured” church, these elders must all come from a time before the church; they are in position upon his arrival. Also, it couldn’t include the 12 apostles since John is one of the apostles. Another thought is that when you think of an elder, you think of one who is much older and wiser and experienced.
When reading E.W. Bullinger’s The Apocalypse, I was reminded that both Moses and David were given blueprints as to the building of the tabernacle and temple respectively. It makes sense that the 24 men appointed by David to head the divisions of the priesthood to serve at the “house of the LORD” were patterned after this council of 24 angels occupying similar positions in heaven.
1 Chronicles 28:11–13 “Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the porch, and of the houses thereof, and of the treasuries thereof, and of the upper chambers thereof, and of the inner parlours thereof, and of the place of the mercy seat, And the pattern of all that he had by the spirit, of the courts of the house of the LORD, and of all the chambers round about, of the treasuries of the house of God, and of the treasuries of the dedicated things: Also for the courses of the priests and the Levites, and for all the work of the service of the house of the LORD, and for all the vessels of service in the house of the LORD.”
1 Chronicles 24:1–4 “Now these are the divisions of the sons of Aaron. The sons of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. But Nadab and Abihu died before their father, and had no children: therefore Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priest’s office. And David distributed them, both Zadok of the sons of Eleazar, and Ahimelech of the sons of Ithamar, according to their offices in their service. And there were more chief men found of the sons of Eleazar than of the sons of Ithamar; and thus were they divided. Among the sons of Eleazar there were sixteen chief men of the house of their fathers, and eight among the sons of Ithamar according to the house of their fathers.”
(16 + 8 = 24 ---- coincidence? I think not.)
I am also reminded that Daniel records a vision of thrones of authority being positioned in judgment.
Daniel 7:9–10 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, 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. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. [“cast down” - from root meaning set in place, established]
Earlier in Daniel we are told of judgment that is declared against Nebuchadnezzar by decree of the “watchers…the holy ones.”
Daniel 4:13–17 I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven; He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches: Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth: Let his heart be changed from man’s, and let a beast’s heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him. This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.
It makes sense to me that just as with God-ordained authority on earth, there is a hierarchy among the angels in heaven. Evidently, some have been chosen to serve as part of God’s heavenly supreme court. This is supported by the Greek for the word “elders” that includes reference to “member of the celestial council” in its definition.
In light of this scriptural foundation from the Old Testament, I would also like to point out some other facts. Other beings identified by John at this time include “seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God” and four beasts that seem to mirror the cherubim described in Ezekiel 10. As we continuing reading in chapter 5, we learn that there are so many angels around the throne that John can only describe it as “ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands.” The picture is one of a multitude of the heavenly hosts.
Another important observation—Where is Jesus? We are told in scripture that once He returned to heaven, He was seated at the right hand of the Father where He is ever interceding for us.
Romans 8:33–34 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Hebrews 1:1–3 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high….
Hebrews 7:22&25 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament….Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Hebrews 8:1 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens….
1 Peter 3:21–22 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
Rev. 4:5 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.
Out of the throne come lightnings (bright flashing light), thunderings (roaring) and voices (utterances). (Makes me think of the description regarding the events at Mount Sinai when God met with Moses on the mountain—See Exodus 19.) In front of the throne are seven lamps of fire that are the seven Spirits of God; they represent the Holy Spirit in His fullness.
Revelation 1:4 “John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne….”
Isaiah 11:2 “And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD….”
Lightnings, thunderings and voices are also associated with:
The casting to earth of the censer containing the incense of the prayers of the saints after the opening of the seventh seal.
After the blowing of the seventh trumpet when the temple of God in heaven is opened, revealing the ark of His testament.
After the seventh angel pours his vial of judgment into the air.
Rev. 4:6 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.
In front of the throne is a sea of glass (calm, transparent) like unto crystal (icy looking). Surrounding the throne are four beasts (living creatures) full of eyes in front and back (ability to see all things clearly). This matches the description of the cherubim given in Ezekiel.
Ezekiel 10:12 And their whole body, and their backs, and their hands, and their wings, and the wheels, were full of eyes round about, even the wheels that they four had.
John Schultz again had a thought-provoking observation: “Our own two eyes allow us to see our world three-dimensionally. This determines the awareness of the surrounding in which we live and also our inner consciousness and the dimensions of our spirit. An increase in our number of eyes (suppose that our brain could handle such a thing) would then mean an expansion of our consciousness. These living creatures must live in a multi-dimensional state of awareness. This enables them to surround the throne of God and to praise Him. Their condition is a prerequisite for their praise.”
Rev. 4:7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
The first living creature around the throne looked like (this word denotes symbolism) a lion; the second like a calf; the third had a face like a man; and the fourth looked like a flying eagle.
I have always heard these taught as representative of the way Christ was presented in the gospels—in Matthew as the Messiah/King (the lion is the king of beasts); in Mark as a servant (the calf/ox was a work animal); in Luke as the Son of Man (emphasizing the humanity of Jesus); and in John as the divine Son of God (the eagle is used in the Old Testament to represent God’s provision).
Deuteronomy 32:9-12 For the LORD’S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance. He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye. As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: So the LORD alone did lead him….
I think the application is valid.
Rev. 4:8 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.
These creatures have things in common with both the seraphim (six wings) in Isaiah 6 and the cherubim (who each have 4 faces similar to the separate beasts named here in Revelation) in Ezekiel 10. Their purpose is to worship and honor—continually, without rest—the “Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.” It is interesting that the phrase is “holy, holy, holy” in reference to a triune God. The Bible emphasizes over and over again that God occupies eternity (past, present, and future).
Rev. 4:9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
Rev. 4:10 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,
Rev. 4:11 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.
This verse starts off with “when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks,” and we have just been told in the verse before that is continual. Statement is also made that the One on the throne lives for eternity. We are next told that the 24 elders fall down in worship before God—who lives in eternity—and cast their crowns before the throne in conjunction with the worship of the living creatures. Their praise reflects God’s worthiness to receive glory (of good opinion and reputation, praise) and honor (considered of great value, esteemed highly, deserving great respect) and power (strength, miraculous power).
I think the worship of the living creatures and the 24 elders is done in harmony and at appropriate times according to what else is happening at the throne; otherwise, it would be chaos if they continued while other things were happening. I think the term “rest not” means that they continue to offer this praise at all the appropriate times. God designates that we worship Him “decently and in order”; and since He is the same yesterday, today and forever, I believe that is how it is in heaven.
1Corinthians 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
Malachi 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not.
We are next told that the One on the throne is the Creator of all things. Why does/did He create? For His own pleasure (choice, desire, will). Isaiah also supports this truth:
Isaiah 43:7 Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.
This verse in Revelation emphasizes that ALL things were created for His good pleasure. In Isaiah the emphasis is on the fact that those called by His name are created for His glory. Is there a difference in glory and pleasure? In looking at the definitions from the original languages and Webster, I think there is a distinct difference. All things were created according to God’s pleasure (choice, will, desire), but not all things give Him glory. Those who are called by His name have been created with the express purpose of glorifying and honoring God; we are to reflect Him in our lives—by how we act, speak, and think.
Dixie had a thought-provoking question—“I wonder how much pleasure I give Him?” In light of my distinction regarding pleasure and glory, I’m sure Dixie won’t mind if I change her question to “I wonder how much I glorify God?”
The wording in verse 11 emphasizes that He is still creating. (Good note from Mom: “There are no evolutionists in heaven.” At least none who still believe in evolution.)