THROUGH AN OPEN DOOR. Imagine looking through an open door and having the privilege of seeing the actual throne room of God. In Revelation 4, through the eyes of John, we are given a glimpse of heaven.
In this series of videos, we are looking at God’s Judgement. We have viewed it as good news in the context of the times in which we are living. As we consider His judgment, we must remember that our orders for the present day are centered in the three angels’ messages of Revelation chapter 14.
These messages make up the core of the gospel of Jesus Christ and are the present truth for our time. Therefore, in this series, we are studying the messages surrounding the three angels of Revelations 14 and their relevance to the gospel (the Good News) for the times in which we are living.
If you want to review any of our previous videos, you can find them at SabbathSchoolDaily.com. Additionally, you can obtain the study guide for these lessons at Sabbath.School or ssnet.org.
Seeking the God’s Presence
Heavenly Father, we are grateful for the invitation to witness the scenes in the great controversy between good and evil. Help us to understand the issues at stake and make the decision to stand on your side, the side of good. In Jesus Name Amen
Revelation 4 tells us that John sees an open door in heaven. In verse 1, he describes what happens next.
1 After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.” (Revelations 4:1)
Jesus invites John to enter the open door and look inside. In this room, John is given the privilege of viewing the sanctuary in heaven. There, God shows John what will happen in the future in the battle between good and evil. Therefore, through the eyes of John, we are offered the same privilege. Through his eyes, we become witnesses to what is being decided in the court of heaven.
From John’s view, we observe the issues in the cosmic battle between good and evil developing before our eyes.
Interestingly John in Revelation 4:2–4 describes a scene similar to the one Daniel described in Daniel 7. You can review this scene that Daniel describes in our day 4 video titled “A Magnificent Scene” at SabbathSchoolDaily.com. Both this scene and the scene in Daniel 7 describe the judgment.
In this scene, John sees God the Father seated on His throne, surrounded by heavenly angelic beings. There he hears what sounds like thunder, and he sees what looks like lightning flashing. The thunder and lightning are word pictures; they are used as symbols to describe the work of God as Judge. Also, through the eyes of John, we see 24 elders seated around God’s throne.
Who are these 24 elders? The Bible does not say. However, In the Old Testament, the Levitical priesthood was divided into 24 divisions. This group of elders was spiritual leaders that took turns representing the people before God. Therefore, it is believed that in God’s temple, these 24 priests could be representatives for the people of God.
On the other hand, it is believed, according to 1 Peter 2:9, in which the Apostle Peter says to the New Testament believers:
9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; (I Peter 2:9)
In Peter’s declaration that God’s New Testament believers are “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood,” it is believed that these 24 elders may, perhaps, represent all the redeemed that one day will worship God around His throne. (Split)
It is believed further believe that they could perhaps represent the people resurrected when Jesus rose from the grave and ascended to heaven with Him. As expressed in Mathew 27:52 and Ephesians 4:7-8.
Matthew 27:52
52 and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; (Matthew 27:52)
Ephesians 4:7-8
7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.8 Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.” (Ephesians 4:7-8)
The point is: Who these 24 elders are, is unknown. But whoever they are, they are good news to us because they are some of the redeemed from the earth, and they are around God’s throne.
Like us, Satan tried to get these people to sin, they faced the same temptations that we face, but by the power of the Holy Spirit and the Grace of God, they overcame. Because of God’s mercy and through the power of the Holy Spirit, they won the battle against sin. Therefore, these 24 elders wear white robes. The fact that they are clothes in white shows us that Jesus’ righteousness covers them, and God has forgiven their sins.
These 24 elders wear golden crowns on their heads. Their crowns signify that they are victorious in the battle against evil. They are now, therefore, members of Heaven’s royal family of faith-filled believers.
Through the eyes of John, we get a glimpse of heaven. We see God sitting on His throne. Angels, heavenly beings, and some of the redeemed from this earth surround the throne. Soon, everyone in heaven begins to sing a song of praise. John in Revelation 4:11 tells us that they sing:
11 “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.” (Revelation 4:11).
You would think that this was the end of the scene. But we are allowed through the eyes of John again to get another glimpse of heaven. What did John see? Find out in our next Video, Day 6: Jesus is Worthy
Hebron Seventh-day Adventist Church
7902 Wheatly Street
Houston, TX 77088
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