When John was invited into the Throne Room of Heaven - chapters 4 & 5 of Revelation - he saw God and His heavenly government depicted in symbolism - define the symbolism and we understand the message that was conveyed to him - to us. In blog #4 God was sitting on His throne and His character was symbolized by precious stones - which we defined...Rev. 4:3.
And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and back...the first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle...Rev. 4:6-7.
These four living creatures are truly the expressed image of God, reflecting His character - His nature. These magnificent angelic beings exemplify the virtuous integrity and diverse nature of God - the Creator of all things.
The 1st living creature resembles a lion. This symbolizes the authority, royalty, and strength of God. The 2nd living creature resembles a calf. This symbolizes the sacrifice of God, which generated the praise and thanksgiving of men and angels. The 3rd living creature resembles a face like a man. This symbolizes a type and image of the likeness of God - intelligence. The 4th living creature resembles a flying eagle. This symbolizes transcendence, sagacity (acumen) and the exaltation of God - He is superior and above all created things, because He created them.
The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within...and they do not rest day or night, saying...Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come...Rev. 4:8. We defined full of eyes around and within in blog #6. To understand more clearly who these 6-winged creatures are, we must turn to the Old Testament.
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple...above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew...Isaiah 6:1-2.
The Prophet Isaiah had a glimpse of the Throne Room of Heaven, where like John, he saw the same four, 6-winged, living creatures which he described as seraphim - a category of angelic beings. The definition of seraphim is burning ones. Their fiery appearance - burning ones - is the glory of God - radiating sparkling rays of light - eternal purity. What is their purpose?
Seraphim are the highest order of angels, because they always minister at the throne of God, yet, they have multiple purposes in their service to Him. Both Isaiah and John heard them praising and exalting Almighty God - Creator of Heaven and Earth - the whole universe.
The most vital purpose of these four living creatures is perpetually giving glory, honor, and praise to God, the Creator for all things that He has created in His Throne Room, because He is deserving of this veneration. But, they also appear on the earth as the four winds in many prophecies, depicting empires, which I have defined in past blogs.
As we move to Revelation chapter 5 of our tour of the Throne Room of Heaven, we will find Jesus Christ returning from His victorious mission on the earth, receiving the exaltation He deserved from the redeemed human beings that He brought to Heaven with Him - firstfruits of salvation - as well as from all the angels.
When John was asked to come to God's throne room he was told...I will show you things which must take place after this...Rev. 4:1. The question is, "After what?" The answer is - after Jesus paid the price of His blood, and rose from the grave, after He brought the firstfruits of His salvation to Heaven - subsequent prophecies will be fulfilled in a timely manner. Understanding the symbolism - plus historical documentation - reveals how chapter 5 has been fulfilled.
The modern end-time doctrine describes Revelation chapter 4 as a secret rapture of the church, which hasn't taken place as yet, so all subsequent chapters will be fulfilled at some future date. Once we understand the true meaning of Revelation chapters 4 & 5, we find a completely different message presented to us.
And I saw in the right hand of Him who sits on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals...Rev. 5:1. John was well aware he was observing the return of Jesus Christ to Heaven, receiving well deserved exaltation. Then John turned his gaze toward God, who still appeared like brilliant jewels, but now was holding a scroll in His right hand with writing on both sides - sealed with seven seals. What does all of this symbolize? Stay tuned...
God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question~~~
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