Revelation Chapter 4, At This Point is the Church Already in Glory?

Part 1, Revelation chapter 4

On this Christmas Eve, I wish y’all a Merry Christmas. Remember, Christ is the reason for the season. Enjoy responsibly and reasonably.

Today I’d like to take up Revelation chapters 4. It marks a dramatic change of scene. Many bible expositors believe that at this point Christ has already taken the church. In other words, rapture has already taken place! I agree with this school of thought because rapture precedes tribulation period that’s covered from chapter 6-18. Why do I believe that at this point rapture has already taken place? Let me show you, the bride i.e. Christ’s church appears in chapter 19:7-8 already with Christ in heaven just before He returns to earth to give judgment and to reign in the millennial kingdom. I also believe rapture precedes great tribulation because Jesus promised the Philadelphian church and all the believers that they’ll be kept from the worldwide hour of trial. Check out the following verses, (Rev. 3:10; 19:7-8; 1 Thessalonians 5:2-10 and finally, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, “…after that we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the lord in the air….” First, let me explain what this rapture is all about. Rapture is derived from a Latin word raptu which means “caught up.” 1 Corinthians 15 describes the catching up of the church from the earth to meet Christ in the air. The rapture delivers the church (believers in Christ) from all distress, persecution, oppression, from the realm of sin and death and the coming wrath according to 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 5:9.

So back to chapter 4, it introduces us to vision of Christ sitting on the Throne. This passage also introduces us to the 24 thrones for the 24 elders dressed in white robes and having crowns of gold on their heads. Before the thrones were also 7 blazing lambs; a sea of glass, clear as crystal and finally 4 living creatures covered with eyes. Let’s ask ourselves a few questions at this point? First we have already ascertained that rapture has already taken place and that it precedes great tribulation. So, who are these 24 elders and who do they represent? Why do they wear crowns of gold? Who are the 4 living creatures? Why do the 24 elders and the 4 creatures occupy a prominent position around the Throne?

Well, I might not be able to explain all the above because my own understanding is limited. However, I’ll try to pick what the scriptures say to answer some of the questions. I also invite you to contribute. Many people believe that the 24 elders are representatives from the 12 tribes of Israel as per the names written on the gates of Jerusalem (Rev.21:12) and the 12 apostles written on the 12 foundations of the city (Rev. 21:14). Others believe that they are angels. Personally I don’t agree on them being angels. Why I don’t agree is because from scriptures, I haven’t come across any scriptures that elect angels occupying thrones or wearing victor’s crowns, also the term elder (presbuteroi-presbyter) in scripture refers to men not angels.

A throne is a place of sovereignty and a place of judgment as well. The Magnificent One sits on the throne as the Sovereign Judge. The 24 elders also sit on “lesser” thrones. Is put lesser thrones to mean that Christ Throne is above the 24 other thrones. Does this suggest they are reigning/judge with Christ (Rev 2:26-27; 20:4; Matthew 19:28 and Luke 22:30?

The thunder, lighting and voices calls us to attention and brings us to a solemn time. The throne is already set in heaven and it’s time for the one who sits on the throne to administer judgment on the wicked. I simply cannot explain the four living creatures with six wings each and covered with eyes. This is metaphorical and my mind cannot comprehend the reality. Could they be the exalted order of angels in charge of worship? I just cannot decode it with human understanding. But it seems that the duty of the four living creatures is primarily that of worship. The Sea of glass clear as crystal remain a mystery to me. However all I can say that with Christ on the throne He is able to see everything crystal clear with glorified eyes. He is such an intelligent God.

In conclusion, the 4 living creatures, day and night they never stop saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty who was, and is, and is to come” (Rev 4:8). This verse emphasizes the holiness as an eternal attribute of God.  The 24 elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever, they lay before Him their crowns and say, “You’re worthy, our Lord and God to receive glory and honor and power.” They pay homage to Him as the Creator King (Rev 4:11).

Tomorrow we take part 2 of the heavenly scene- the Lamb and the seven sealed scroll.

Mingi love,

Kachel Nzaku