An Open Door, Revelation 4. Part 1.
Revelation 4:1, John wrote, I looked, and behold, a door was open 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 show thee things which must be hereafter.”
Several questions pop up after reading this verse. Was seeing the door open, an invitation for John to enter? Who is speaking to John? And who was it that was going to reveal the future to John?
Nowhere else in the Scriptures does it speak of an open door in heaven, except here. Other verses speak of the heavens being opened, but never an open door.
Ezekiel 1:1, “The heavens were opened.”
Matthew 3:16, “The heavens were opened”
Acts 7:56, “I saw the heavens opened.”
Acts 10:11, “And saw the heavens opened.”
In the above four mentioned visions; what was seen; was disclosed to those on earth from heaven.
But here, the door had already been opened. Metaphorically it means an access, an opportunity, as, “To set open a door,” as in to give access, to present opportunity.
John 10:7-9, Jesus said, “I am the door.” Other examples of how the word is used.
Acts 14:27, “How He (God) had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.”
2 Corinthians 2:12, When I (Paul) came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord.”
Colossians 4:3, “Praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ.”
So, Revelation 3:8, “An open door.” An open invitation is extended to John to enter into the throne room of God in heaven.
John 10:9, “Jesus said, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pastor.”
John was invited, he entered, he saw, he left.
“The first voice which I (John) heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me.” So who does this voice belong to? Let’s compare with,
Revelation 1:10, John writes, “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet.” That voice was that of the Alpha and Omega, Jesus Christ. It was Jesus Christ had invited John to come through the open.
“Come up hither.” “Immediately I (John) was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.”
Johns entrance into heaven was a preview for all believers. Compare John’s experience with the future rapture of the church, and its admittance into the Father’s house.
First the dead must be raised from their sleep.
1 Corinthians 15:51, “The trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible and we shall be changed. For this corruptible (body) must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. — Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.”
Then those raised, will be caught up first, to be with the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 3:16, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, and with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first (to be raised from sleep, and given an incorruptible body.) 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.” And finally,
And He said, “Come up hither.”
Revelation 7:9, “And after this I (John) beheld, and lo, a great multitude which no man could number, of all nations and kindreds, and people, and tongues stood before the throne before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands.”
Part 2:
Revelation 4:3, thru 11, John sees the throne of God in all its glory. He describes the seven Spirits of God and the four beasts that were before the throne. John also sees 24 seats, and upon the seats, he sees 24 elders, clothed in white, and having crowns of gold upon their heads.
Let’s discuss the 24 elders. What is the definition of an elder? It’s a title of dignity, a person of age, and experience who is to rule, who gives direction, and a manager of affairs.
What’s unique about these men? Well each was dressed in white. Is there any significance about this white dress? The brightness of the white clothing is not that of a white from the outside, but the glory of light coming from within. This white is the color of celestial glory, of the righteousness of Jesus Christ, a blaze of glory, of purity coming from their inner most being.
Each had crowns of gold upon their heads, crowns given to the saints, emblems of royal dignity; of kings; a reward from God. These were victors over death and hell, co-heirs with Jesus Christ, incorruptible crowns signifying the honor, and authority given them by God.
Revelation 4:10, The 24 elders, “Cast their crowns before the throne saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord to receive glory and honor and power: for thou has created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”
Unlike those in Lamentations 4:16, “The crown is fallen from our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned!”
They cast their crowns before the throne of God. Here the 24 have acknowledged the infinite supremacy of God; and that these 24 elders have derived their being and their blessings from Him alone through His beloved Son Jesus Christ.
My friend had recently asked Christian Issues about these elders.
These elders that John saw were in heaven. My question is, when were they raised, and given new bodies? Were these O.T. elders, or do they represent both the old and new?
It’s obvious they were there before the Lamb took the scroll from the Fathers hand, and before any of the seals were opened. So they are present in heaven before the beginning of the tribulation begins.
There are several possibilities that stand out. These were O.T. elders. Possibility men like Seth, Joseph, Job, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, etc. These may have come from the many that were raised in Matthew 27:52-53, just after the Lord was raised from the grave.
The point here is, these 24 Elders were in heaven before the tribulation began. Let chalk this one point up for pre-tribulation rapture.
My friend, I am in full agreement with you concerning this subject of post tribulation rapture. Those 144,000 in Revelation 14 were gathered together on Mt. Zion, not caught up in the air. But this is not relevant to this subject. What is important when the 144,000 were gathered to the Lord on Mt. Zion, it was after the 7 years of tribulation.
Mt. Zion often means the city of Jerusalem rather than the hill itself. Mt. Zion is the place where Yahweh the God of Israel dwells,
Isaiah 8:18, “The Lord of hosts, which dwelleth in Mt. Zion.” Also Psalms 74:2. And as we know Jesus is the Captain, the Lord of hosts. So it makes sense that the 144,000 will be gather with him in that very place.
The Lord taught in parables as you know. He compared most everything to plowing, planting, growing, harvesting, and offerings of crops unto God, or the tending of sheep, the shepherd, and the sacrifices and offering of those lambs without spot, or blemish.
The crop harvest came at different times. I believe the rapture comes also in different segment, as you quoted in 1 Corinthians 15.23. Jews had to be a first offering of the harvest, Matthew 27:52-53. When our High Priest, Jesus went before the Father, he brought with Him, a first fruits of the rapture, 24 Elders and each was given a crown, these coming from the raised of Matthew 27.
In the feast that occurred on Pentecost, the first-fruits of all the harvest were carried to the temple, and waved before the Lord. See Leviticus 23:11. These first-fruits belong to the Lord. I believe this is what our High Priest did.
Jesus said in John 4:35, “Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields: for they are white already to harvest.” Jesus spoke, four months before the harvest of barley and wheat was ready. It is estimated the month was January, on or about the 13th. It has been calculated that the pass-over would fall on March 28, and Pentecost May 17th.
Part 3.
Revelation 5:1, “I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.”
This scroll was shut up and sealed, its contents know only to the Father. It’s unusual to have a scroll written on both sides. The parts written within are dark and grave; the outside indicating fullness and completeness; the superscription on the outside pointing to its contents. The book appears from the context to be, “The title-deed of man’s inheritance.” It concerns our redemption by Jesus Christ.
The scroll contains the steps by which Jesus shall recover the title-deed to the earth from its wrongful possessor. Now will the Lamb of God obtain actual possession of the kingdom that He had already purchased with His blood, a kingdom for himself, and His elect, we being co-inheritors with him.
The scroll is held in the right hand of the Father, declaring the authority of the sealed book. The book of divine counsels, profound secrets, sealed with seven seals, seven being the number of perfection. Each part seems to have its particular seal. Each sealed, and opened successively. When opened, access will have been gained to a perfect whole which shall not come to pass until all the events symbolized within have come to pass.
Ephesians 3:9-10, “God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in the heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God.”
The scroll when opened, its contents being neither counterfeit, or ever know. A revealed mystery being unfolded, kept secret from eternity past. So profound, so obscure, and enigmatical, the work so prohibited, and the facts declared, they being both difficult and amazing. They could neither be known or performed by any other wisdom but that of the Father.
Each seal will point to the successive steps by which the Father in Christ clears the way for the final opening and reading of the book, with the visible setting up of the kingdom.
Seven seal representing all the power has been given to the Christ; seven trumpets by which the worlds-kingdoms are shaken and overthrown, and the Lord’s kingdom being ushered in. Lastly the seven vials by which the kingdoms of the beasts are destroyed.
“Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals?” Who can reveal its secrets? No man was found worthy to loose the seals. John weeps that no man is found. But one is found: He is deserving, and cherished of the Father to receive the scroll from His right hand?
One Elder, and I believe him to be one that rose from the grave in Matthew 27:52-53. He tells John, “Weep not, look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah,” a Lion according to Jesus human nature, in allusion to Gen.49:9, “Judah is a lion’s whelp,” the Lion representing the emblem to the tribe of Judah.
“The Root of David,” this according to Jesus Divine nature;
Isaiah 11:1, “There shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.”
The Lamb hath prevailed to open the book, and to lose the seven seals. He is man, and the only Mediator between the Father and man.
“In the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain.” The Lamb (Greek arnion;) found exclusively in Revelation except for John 21:15. We find Him not on the throne, but in the midst of those who were around the throne, He being nearer to the Father than any creature.
He appears first to John as a Lamb slain, this to satisfy the justice of God, then as a Lion to go forward to destroy Satan forever.
Part 4.
The Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
He bore the marks of His crucification on earth, and yet bares them in heaven. He stood in the midst of the Father’s throne, as if yet offering himself a sacrifice in the sight of His Father. 2000 years have past, yet the Lamb stands before the Father as the ultimate, and final sacrifice. Here is evidence that his life has been poured out for us; in this does our faith lie.
Seven horns, and emblem of power. He can now defeat and destroy his enemies. His is the perfect might to execute the will of the Father, and perfect wisdom to understand that will. Seven Lamps of fire burning before the throne, Seven Spirits of God, He now received the Holy Spirit without measure.
Revelation 5:7, “And He (Jesus) came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.” Compare with,
John 1:18, “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”
With the Lamb alone are all the counsels and mysteries of the Father. Having received the scroll out of the Father’s hand, applauses, praise, and adoration are His.
“He hast made us (saved Jews) unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” Compare with,
Exodus 19:6, “Ye (the Jews) shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. These are the words which thou (Moses) shalt speak unto the children of Israel.”
1 Peter 2:5-9, “I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect (chosen) precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded (put to shame.) Ver.9, “Ye (saved Jews) are a chosen generation a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people: that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
Proclaimed unto Him are the song of angels and men. “Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.”
The words convay his suffering: “Thou wast slain.” The fruit of His suffering is our redemption to the Father, and lofty exaltation. “He is worthy to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.”
Worthy is the Lamb of God. Every creature cries out, “Blessing and honor, and glory, and power be unto Him (the Father) that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.” And they fell down and worshiped him.
Part 5.
I understand that this is a very controversial subject. There are many opinions out there, some convincing, some not so much. I have attempted to interpret the rider on the white horse reading through the Greek that was used specifically in his descriptions.
“I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, come and see.”
I saw and behold, a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.”
There are given us three choices of interpretation concerning this matter of the rider on the white horse. It is Jesus Christ, the anti-christ, or a mighty angel from God. Let’s examine this verse using the words contained in it.
A crown is circlet, chaplet, or a crown, encircling the head.
It’s the emblem of royal dignity, Revelation 6:2, “A crown was given Him.” Note the indefinite article “a.” It appears that this is one of many other crowns that will be given to the rider on the white horse. Following are other verses that relate to the use of the Greek “crown.”
Psalms 21:3, “Thou (the Father) settest a crown of pure Gold on His head.”
Revelation 14:14, “Upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man (Jesus,) having on His head a golden crown.”
After an examination of the word crown it appears to point to Christ’s victory at the cross, His resurrection, and His position at the right hand of the Father, and not to antichrist.
He is said to be a Conquer, one who is victorious. Used as an Intransitive verb, that expresses action, limited to the agent. He is the victor, He prevailed.
Revelation 5:5, “Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, he hath prevailed to open the book.”
This Greek word for “Bow,” is used once in N.T. It’s a bow, for shooting arrows, Revelation 6:2, “He that sat on him had a bow.”
Psalms 7:13, “He (the LORD) hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors.” Against sinners has God ordained His fiery shaft’s.
Psalms 119:157, “Many are my (God’s) persecutors and mine enemies.”
Psalms 45:4-5, “And in thy majesty ride prosperously, because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible = (awesome) things. Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the King’s enemies; whereby the people fall under thee.”
Hebrews 10:29-30, “Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith He was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite (insulted) unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense (repay,) saith the Lord. And again, the LORD shall judge his people.”
This Epistle was written to the Jews. This is God’s promise of a payback for their sins, of rejection, and murder.
We see many of the titles and offices of Jesus in Scripture indicating His offices as a crowned, victorious King, having an army of warrior. Following are some of the offices and titles of Jesus Christ; some having been reserved for the tribulation period. Anyone that chooses to fight against Him will pay in both this world and the world to come. He is,
Joshua 5:14, “The Captain of the Host of the Lord.”
Psalms 24:8, “The LORD = (Jehovah) Strong and Mighty.”
Psalms 24:8, “The LORD = (Jehovah,) mighty in battle.”
Zechariah 14:16, “The King.”
Revelation 19:16, “The King of Kings.”
Numbers 24:17, “A Scepter shall rise out of Israel.”
Hebrews 2:9, “Crowned with Glory and Honor.”
Psalms 45:3, “Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O Most Mighty, with thy Glory and thy Majesty.” *
Hebrews 2:10, “The Captain of their Salvation.”
Isaiah 55:4, “A Leader.”
Isaiah 55:4, “Commander to the people.”
Romans 11:26, “The Deliverer.”
Revelation 5:5, “The Lion of the Tribe of Judah.”
Isaiah 11:10, “An ensign of the People.”
Song of Solomon 5:10, “The Chiefest among then thousand (as in an army.)”
Isaiah 49:2, “A Polished Shaft.”
These are my thoughts. The tribulation period will bring God’s wrath upon this people, the Jews, and the unbelieving Gentile world.
Phil Laspino www.see.firstwisdom.com