The Throne of God in Heaven

Revelation 4:1-11. This throne is the center of activities in Revelation, is mentioned 40 times and means a literal seat.

A throne is a symbol of power.

There were twenty-four elders all sitting on their own thrones. In the center was God on His own throne and round Him were four creatures.

The first creature was like a lion, the second creature was like an ox, the third creature had a face like a man and the fourth creature was like a flying eagle. Where else in the Bible do we find references to creatures that have wings?

Some Bible scholars say believers in Jesus or the Messiah, which includes both Gentiles and Jews, are raptured to heaven at this point. This is called Pre-tribulation Rapture theory. This is one of many theories put forward by scholars. Only God knows how He has planned the end times.

Background Reading:

The Vision of God’s Throne in Heaven

4:1 After these things, I saw a door standing open in heaven. The first voice that I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” 2 Instantly I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven with a person seated on the throne. 3 The person sitting there looked like jasper and carnelian, and there was a rainbow around the throne that looked like an emerald. 4 Around the throne were 24 other thrones, and on these thrones sat 24 elders wearing white robes and gold victor’s crowns on their heads. 5 Flashes of lightning, noises, and peals of thunder came from the throne. Burning in front of the throne were seven flaming torches, which are the seven spirits of God.

6 In front of the throne was something like a sea of glass as clear as crystal. In the center of the throne and on each side of the throne were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. 7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature was like an ox, the third living creature had a face like a human, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. 8 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and were full of eyes inside and out. Without stopping day or night they were saying,

        “Holy, holy, holy
        is the Lord God Almighty,
        who was, who is, and who is coming.”

9 Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to the one who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the 24 elders bow down and worship in front of the one who sits on the throne, the one who lives forever and ever. They throw their victor’s crowns in front of the throne and say,

        11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God,
        to receive glory, honor, and power,
        because you created all things;
        they came into existence
        and were created because of your will.”

Revelation 4:1-11


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