As we continue our tour of the Throne Room of Heaven in Revelation chapter 4, we find that God is spirit, yet has a visible form depicted symbolically, so that John would impart to the saints the character of God, His nature and integrity, because this is the image from which every human being is designed...Gen. 1:26.
And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald...Rev. 4:3. We defined the symbolism of the stones in blog #4, today we will define the symbolism of the rainbow. Remember, the throne room is where all creation was designed and we are getting a brief tour of this majestic place.
The rainbow around the throne is symbolic of God's covenant with mankind. When He set the rainbow in the sky, it symbolized His promise to never again destroy mankind with a flood. While the rainbow around the throne is a complete circle, on the earth it appears as a half circle. This symbolizes that covenants are never broken by God...they are always broken by men.
The dominant color of the rainbow is green - emerald stone - symbolizing mercy and peace. The dominate characteristic of God is mercy, demonstrated by the humility of His longsuffering during centuries of false accusations from His beloved human beings. All of these colorful symbols reveal to John that God is merciful, holy, pure and virtuous, forgives, yet holy avenger - peace personified - where His brightness radiates throughout the heavenly realm - providing tranquility and protection for all.
Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads...Rev. 4:4. Who are these elders and what do they symbolize?
Twelve of the elders around the throne of God represent the twelve tribes of Israel - old covenant government. The other twelve elders represent the twelve apostles - new covenant government. These glorified human beings (elders) are wearing white robes - symbolizing that their hearts have been purified by the blood of Jesus Christ. The crowns of gold on their heads symbolize kings & priests, an honor bestowed upon them by Jesus Christ, when they began to reign with Him on the earth.
Next we see...the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying...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...Rev. 4:10-11. These glorified human beings are recognizing that all creation was accomplished by God in His throne room - by His Will they exist and were created.
And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices...seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God...Rev. 4:5. Fire symbolizes the glory of God. Seven lamps of fire symbolizes the perpetual glory of God - never ending. Since the number seven symbolizes perfect and complete - the seven spirits of God symbolize the completed works and diverse nature of the Holy Spirit of God.
Thunderings, and voices symbolize the thunderous non-stop praises from redeemed human beings harmonizing with the angels of God, to the King of Kings for His victory on the earth - conquering sin. Lightnings are flashing brilliant hues of color throughout the heavenly realm - majestic and glorious..
There is so much exciting symbolism in this chapter and the next verse will require some Old Testament confirmation....Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal...Rev. 4:6a. The sea of glass symbolizes the purity of the living God in the Holy of Holies, where no impurity can enter - ever!
Before Jesus Christ paid the price of His blood to purify the heart of a human being forever - sins blotted out - mankind cleansed his heart from sin by sacrificing the blood of unblemished animals through ceremonies and rituals. This process allowed for temporary atonement - sins were only covered, not removed. Before the priests could minister to the Lord in the temple, they had to go through a cleansing ritual called the Sea. How is this symbolic of the sea of glass? Stay tuned...
God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question~~~
We are beginning our tour of the Throne Room of Heaven after laying the foundation in the past 3 blogs. John heard a voice say...Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this...Rev. 4:1. The question should be, "After what?"
For over two years this blog has been providing historical documentation that proves the majority of the visions of John have been fulfilled, by providing names, dates and places for their fulfillment. While the modern end-time doctrine of your denomination believes this verse describes the rapture of the church, and every succeeding chapter is fulfilled after they leave the earth, I ask you to take another look at chapters 4 & 5 of Revelation. If we define the metaphorical language and the esoteric imagery, another riddle could be solved, unlocking the message hidden in the symbolism.
As we peruse these two chapters with "new eyes" I believe we will find they describe a spiritual behind-the-scenes look at what and who governs the happenings on the earth. Without this revelation that Jesus gave to John, we could never fully understand the participation of Jesus Christ in the government of the universe - the physical realm and the spiritual realm.
John was given the mission to write what he sees and hears, and share these things with all believers in Jesus Christ - who else would be interested? This is a sneak preview of eternity graciously provided by our Creator to whet our spiritual appetite enough to pursue the righteousness of Jesus Christ who paid our passage - His blood sacrifice - into this glorious kingdom of Heaven.
John was allowed to see with his own eyes, the royal reception of Jesus Christ, as He returns to His Father in Heaven after His death and resurrection, where He will make continual intercession for His kids on the earth, until they all arrive safely home from their earthly suffering - their witness for Him...Rom. 8:34-35.
God's throne room - His seat of power in Heaven - is clearly depicted in Revelation chapter 4, by a symbolic description of God and His heavenly government. The glorified Jesus Christ is revealed after His resurrection in chapter 5 - where John was shown things which must take place after this - after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. John was invited to take a brief personal tour of God's dwelling place - His heavenly temple - the dwelling place for all born again believers in Jesus Christ. So let's begin our tour with John.
And He who sat there was like jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald...and from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God...Rev. 4:3 & 5. What is the meaning of this symbolism?
It was difficult for John to describe the supernatural power and presence of God with mere words, but he tried to do so by describing the scene metaphorically - precious stones, displays of lightning, thunder, earthquakes, and voices. John could easily see that the reverberating thunderous sound was a massive heavenly choir - heard throughout the whole realm - voices of redeemed human beings praising God for their salvation, and the praises of a myriad of angelic beings...Rev. 14:2-3.
The Throne Room itself looked like a spectacular fireworks display with immense sprays of colorful lightning flashing hues of awesome color and majestic wonder, spewing sparkling brilliance throughout the heavenly city of God.
After being overwhelmed by such unimaginable grandeur, John was finally able to focus on the throne where God was sitting, whose character was metaphorically portrayed by the brilliant jewels of jasper and sardius, which have symbolic meaning.
Jasper is as clear as crystal - like a diamond. This transparency symbolizes the flawless purity and holiness of God. The sardius is a precious stone that was one of the twelve stones set in the breastplate of the Jewish high priest, which had mystical/supernatural power. Its deep ruby-red color symbolizes the blood of Jesus Christ. The jewel depicts the all-powerful supernatural Creator of all things, who will avenge the death of His martyred saints on the earth.
What does the rainbow symbolize? Stay tuned...
God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question~~~
In the last blog I described the miraculous events that occurred on the day Jesus died, and the day He rose from the dead, as seen by the Roman soldiers. I left you with the question, "Is there Old Testament prophecy that confirms what I shared? What did the saints who came out of the graves say, when they appeared in Jerusalem?"
Before we study the answers to those questions, let's stretch our imagination a bit. If there had been a local newspaper in Jerusalem at this time, the headlines may have boldly declared: JESUS CRUCIFIED...WALKING DEAD MEN SIGHTED BY ROMAN CENTURION. Wouldn't this have sent shock waves throughout the country?
The text may have explained: After Jesus died, a Roman centurion and his soldiers saw ancient graves open, ejecting all of the dead. But wait...they also saw these dead men come to life, because they saw them trot off to Jerusalem, looking very human, where they appeared (witnessed) to all the people in the city.
I'm sure the story would have supplied the sensational conclusion: Three days later the soldiers personally saw a dazzling supernatural angel with otherworldly strength, remove the enormous boulder that closed the grave of Jesus, revealing His empty tomb - but where did Jesus go?
What Old Testament scripture confirms this event? Your dead shall live; together with My dead body they shall arise. Awake and sing, you who dwell in dust; for your dew is like the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead...Isaiah 26:19. These are the firstfruits of salvation that Jesus Christ presented to His Father in Heaven - described in Rev. 14:1-5.
Sheol is the place of the dead which Jesus referred to as Abraham's Bosom...Luke 16:22. It is these saints that were seen that day, resurrected from the dead, to be the first to enter Heaven after sin had separated mankind from his Creator.
And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised...and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many...Luke 27:52-53. After the graves were opened, the saints of old appeared in Jerusalem to many people.
The word appeared in the original Greek language is emphanzio meaning: exhibit in person or disclose by words - signify. Saints coming out of the ancient graves was a sign - a witness - to the believer and the unbeliever that a 700 year-old prophecy had just been fulfilled. Prophecy of scripture is understood when it is fulfilled.
While scripture doesn't record the words of these saints, it is obvious that this event was not only historical, but spiritually pivotal. Imagine the citizens of Jerusalem going about their daily affairs, when suddenly a horde of 'walking dead people' appear on the scene - alive and well. I can imagine the look on their terrified faces as they watched. Could these saints have shouted loudly through the streets of the holy city, "He has risen - repent and be saved from the judgment to come?"
Their living presence in the city of Jerusalem must have attested to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, because our reference in Isaiah says...together with My dead body they shall arise. After these dead saints witnessed to the people of Jerusalem - puff - they were whisked away by Jesus to Paradise, leaving a stunned populous to wonder what just happened!
This foundation of understanding of what Jesus did on the earth, explains the happenings in Revelation chapters 4 & 5 more clearly, as we begin our tour of the Throne Room of Heaven.
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 men, saying, "Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this"...Rev. 4:1.
The first question I have after reading the first verse of this scripture is, "After what? What event just happened that causes everything else John is shown to follow - take place after? Stay tuned...
God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question~~~
Before we take the tour of the Throne Room of Heaven, where Jesus returned after His resurrection, depicted in Revelation chapter 5, we must understand what He accomplished to make Him worthy to open the seals on the scroll, that He took from the right hand of His Father.
The religious leaders of Jesus' day stalked Him, trying to trip Him up, because they were chagrined at His impudence - healing the sick on the Sabbath and equating Himself to God. During one of their pesky pursuits, Jesus turned toward them with a steady gaze, speaking prophetically...most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life...most assuredly, I say unto you, the hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live...John 5:24-25.
Jesus clearly prophesied to those stalking religious leaders that the hour is coming when the dead will hear His voice and live. But...the emphasis is - and now is. This meant - the dead will hear His voice and live. When will they live? The day that He is resurrected He will deliver the dead from Sheol and take them with Him to Heaven - captives will be set free. The saints of God, who died in previous generations looking forward to His redemptive appearance, will arise from their graves and go with Him to Paradise. How do I know?
A lot happened the day Jesus died that must be pondered and understood, because these events are so profound. And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised...and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many...Matt. 27:52-53.
The Roman centurion and those guarding Jesus at the moment He died on the cross, felt the ground quake beneath them, accompanied by the deafening sound of rocks splitting. Great fear must have gripped their hearts as they observed graves suddenly bursting open all around them. Out of these tombs walked the saints of God from past generations, who had been waiting for their redemption, appearing very human. They had been dead - asleep - but now were alive!
What a miraculous sign this must have been to the reality of the invisible spiritual realm of God, and the fulfillment of His prophesies! This incredible supernatural event prompted the pagan Roman centurion to say...truly this was the Son of God!...Matt. 27:54.
Three days later, while His tomb was still sealed, there was a mighty earthquake. The Roman military were guarding His tomb 24/7 at the insistence of the Sanhedrin. They wanted to make sure no one stole His body and proclaimed that He had risen from the dead.
Suddenly the ground beneath them began to shake, while once again they heard the sound of crushing granite -- the same deafening sound they heard the day Jesus died and the graves opened. Once again terror gripped the Roman guards' hearts at the sound and shaking of another earthquake. This time they saw the hands of a supernatural being - brilliant as the sun flashing beams of light - roll open the giant boulder that had securely closed the opening to Jesus' tomb...Matt. 28:2. How do I know this?
There was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from Heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it...his countenance was like lighting, and his clothing as white as snow...Matt. 28:2-3. The soldiers were terrified at this supernatural event. How do I know?
And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men...Matt. 28:4. What does this mean? These men had the duty to guard this tomb uneventfully for a long time. Then suddenly, out of nowhere, a luminescent angel of God, splashing dazzling rays of light (like lightning), reached out with great ease to push open the giant boulder door, revealing the empty tomb. Not surprisingly, the soldiers shook with paralyzing terror. Apparently they lost all color from their countenance since the scripture describes them like dead men.
Once the soldiers were finally allowed to return home, can you imagine how difficult it must have been, as they attempted to describe to their families the sensational supernatural events of the past three days? What better witnesses than pagan Roman soldiers, the sinners for whom Jesus died - and had no ax to grind - to be the first witnesses to His resurrection! But eventually, the Sanhedrin bought the silence of these soldiers...Matt. 27:11-15. Money "talks" in modern times too, enabling the truth of the Bible to be distorted.
Is there Old Testament prophecy that confirms what I just shared? What did the saints who came out of the graves say, when they appeared in Jerusalem? For the answers, stay tuned...
God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question~~~
As we begin this new series - #103 of Riddles, Enigmas & Esoteric Imagery of Revelation - let me summarize for new readers, past blogs, where we have carefully defined the symbolism - enigmas, idioms, metaphors, esoteric imagery - while solving riddles that have previously not been understood.
Part 7-16 Seven-headed Beast symbolism
Part 17-22 Mark of the Beast symbolism
Part 23-26 Man of Sin symbolism
Part 27-33 False Prophet & Locust Army symbolism
Part 34-44 Wedding Garment/Wedding Hall in Heaven symbolism
Part 45 Predicting the Future
Part 46-52 144,000 symbolism
Part 53-65 Two Witnesses symbolism
Part 66-68 Author of Revelation - what does church history reveal
Part 69-76 Four Horsemen symbolism
Part 77-102 Daniel's 70-Week Vision symbolism
The Throne Room of Heaven is a fascinating study about God's heavenly home. In this series we will study chapters 4 & 5 of Revelation, which are rife with symbolism, providing a different viewpoint than you have been taught. What have you been taught?
The modern end-time doctrine teaches that chapter 4 describes the "rapture" of the church - a secret removal of all believers from the earth, which ushers in a seven-year tribulation period. All subsequent visions in the book of Revelation will be fulfilled after this event takes place. But is this viewpoint confirmed by the definition of the symbolism and metaphorical language - and church history?
With new eyes, let's take another look at these two chapters to see if we can unravel the message that is ensconced in the esoteric imagery and metaphorical language of these visions. I believe we will find the integrity, character, and holiness of God and Jesus Christ profoundly revealed to us.
Jesus said to John...come up here and I will show you things which must take place after this...immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne...Rev. 4:1-2. Come with me as we take an awesome walk through the Throne Room of Heaven.
John was personally invited by God to leave the natural realm and enter into the private and sacred home of God - seat of power of the sovereign Creator of the universe. He was given the mission to write what he sees and hears to share with all believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. Who else would be interested?
This sneak preview of eternity is graciously provided by our Creator to whet our spiritual appetite enough to pursue the righteousness of Jesus Christ, who paid our passage into this glorious kingdom. Jesus has made a reservation in your name and He has the tickets. All you have to do is ask Him for your tickets - repentance - which are stamped PAID IN FULL.
Chapter 4 clearly depicts the seat of power in Heaven, while giving us a symbolic description of God and His heavenly government. Chapter 5 reveals the glorified Jesus Christ, receiving the 'red carpet" treatment in Heaven - after His resurrection - after His successful assignment on the earth.
But before we take this tour of the Throne Room of Heaven, let's leave Heaven, and go back to the earth to see what Jesus accomplished. This will help our understanding of these chapters. What did Jesus accomplish on the earth to make Him worthy to open the seals on the scroll, that He took from the right hand of His Father in chapter 5? Stay tuned...
God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question~~~
When we were last together I asked, "Why did Commander Titus understand his divine appointment from God, while God's chosen people had no clue why this was happening to them?"
God's chosen people were filled with religious pride and arrogance, which is idolatry. They refused to believe the ancient prophets, like Daniel, or even Flavius Josephus, that the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple had been foretold long ago - as well as recently in the visions of John (55-60 A.D.) Commander Titus had Josephus who revealed God's desires.
As he perused the city of Jerusalem, Titus was aware that many people were still confined inside the rooms of the temple, so he called out to them. Some of those fearing for their lives ran out of the temple begging for mercy. With indifference in his voice, Titus dismissively said to these hapless individuals, "The time for pardon is over," ordering his men to put them to death.
Titus knew there were still many people hiding and he wanted to bring an end to this horrific war. Now was his time to fulfill the 4th objective in Daniel 9:27...and at the end of the time an end shall be put to the desolation. Remember, end of the time means end of the destruction of Jerusalem and Israel as a nation. It does not mean 'end of the ages or end of the world.'
Then Titus saw the temple set ablaze by the stubborn citizens still sequestered in the holy temple. Josephus records how this defiant act by the religious leaders of Jerusalem invoked one last passionate lamentation from Commander Titus who never wanted to see the destruction of the holy temple or Jerusalem.
Titus cried aloud to them, "After every victory, I persuaded you to peace, as though I had been myself conquered. When I came near your temple, I again departed from the laws of war and exhorted you to spare your own sanctuary, and to preserve your holy house to yourselves. I allowed you a quiet exit out of it with security for your protection: nay, if you had a mind, I gave you leave to fight in another place. Yet, you have still despised every one of my proposals, and set fire to your holy house with your own hands. However, I will not imitate your madness. If you throw down your arms and deliver up your bodies to me, I will grant you, your lives." But they refused.
We have now reached the conclusion of events predicted in the 70th week of Daniel's vision which began in 63 A.D. Daniel was shown in 9:25...and thou shalt know and understand that from the going forth of the command for the answer and for the building of Jerusalem until Christ the prince shall be seven weeks, and sixty-two weeks: and then the time shall return and the street shall be built, and the wall. All of this portion of the prophecy has been fulfilled.
The last verse of this prophecy says...and the times shall be exhausted. This portion is now being fulfilled by Commander Titus - one week - the 70th week of Daniel's prophecy. The times - 70 weeks - have reached fulfillment.
Jesus prophesied about this war when He asked His apostles...do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another, that shall not be thrown down...Mark 13:2. It is obvious He was talking about buildings on the surface of the earth, not anything built underground. This was accomplished when the soldiers hacked away at the giant boulders, looking for the precious temple metals - gold/silver - that had melted in the great fire.
Nobody was left except the Roman army and those to whom Titus gave refuge. Titus surveyed the demolished city, fondly remembering its exceptional architecture, the enormity and symmetry of the beautiful natural stones held securely by joints of precision - strong and thought to be impenetrable by invaders. He had always been awed by the palatial grandeur of the temple. Shaking his head and with amazement in his voice, Titus attested to his men:
"We certainly had God for our assistant in this war, and it was no other than God that ejected the Jews out of these fortifications; for what could the hands of men, or any machines do towards overthrowing these strong towers?"
Once the perpetual sacrifice was removed, there would be a thousand two hundred and ninety days until the end of the war...Daniel 12:11. Verse 12 says...blessed is he that waits, and comes to the thousand three hundred and thirty-five days. What does this mean?
It took 45 days for Titus and the Roman army to sort things out after the war concluded. He had many captives and all their possessions, so it took a few days to give these people back their lives, to begin again, like he had promised when they took his offer of refuge.
The birth of the nation of Israel began with their deliverance from the pagan nation of Egypt in 1533 B.C. Due to idolatry, they experienced a forty-year probation period called The Wilderness, before they were humbled enough to enter into the land God promised to give them for their own nation.
In 70 A.D., after another forty-year probation period was completed, God ejected them from that same land for rejecting His Son, as their Messiah. The nation of Israel ceased to exist - no longer a blip on the radar.
Something for us to ponder. Is it a coincidence or providence that Daniel's vision reached the final completion of all 70 weeks during the numerical year of 70 A.D? Could it possibly be a sign to future generations, that Daniel's 70-week vision has been fulfilled, especially since the number 7 means completion - perfection? You be the judge.
God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question~~~
Readers of this blog know that we have presented volumes of historical documentation that proves the 70th week of Daniel's vision has been fulfilled. Those who are new to the blog can go back and read the carefully defined evidence - but there is still more.
So far Commander Titus has fulfilled the first three objectives in Daniel 9:27...and one week shall establish the covenant with many: and in the midst of the week my sacrifice and drink-offering shall be taken away: and on the temple shall be the abomination of desolations. How does he fulfill the 4th objective...and at the end of the time an end shall be put to the desolation? Septuagint Bible.
Abomination means: disgusting; filthy - an idol. After Commander Titus and his men offered sacrifices to their heathen gods on the burned out temple he fulfilled the abomination of desolations. This means: the idol that stuns or idol that devastates. Once this was accomplished Titus and his men put an end to the war.
Remember - in the beginning of this series, I produced evidence that proved Commander Titus did not want to destroy Jerusalem or the temple - he revered their religious practices - feasts and celebrations. But the religious leaders refused the covenant of protection that he offered them. Now the war is drawing to a close.
Titus is thinking back when those behind the wall attempted to escape. The Romans knew of the Jewish propensity to swallow their precious metals, so when they dropped on the outside of the wall, his soldiers killed them. Afterward, the soldiers climbed onto the piles of dead bodies in a frenzied treasure hunt for the gold and silver hidden in the bowels of the dead Jews.
With their spears and sharp swords, one by one, each body was gored and ravished to retrieve the precious commodity. It was so gruesome and gory that the ground outside the city was no longer visible, because of the enormous quantity of blood flowing from the massacred bodies. This was a cruel and bloody war.
Many others that tried to escape were caught. If an escapee was old, infirm or a member of the sedition he was killed. Only the tallest and most physically attractive of the youthful captives were allowed to live - they were sent as slaves to the Egyptian mines. Others were sent to the provinces as a gift from Commander Titus, although many died on the long rigorous journey from wild beast attacks, or by the sword while trying to escape.
Only a few weeks past, Titus remembered hearing the voices behind the wall begging for their misery to cease. The once elegant and stately city was filled with the dead - bloated and stinking because there was no means to dispose of this grisly sight. Tens of thousands of people with swelled bodies due to starvation, could be seen mindlessly trudging through the streets strewn with mounds of decomposing bodies.
As the war was concluding, Commander Titus Vespasian was making his rounds along the valleys outside the city, where he saw thousands of dead decomposing bodies oozing discharge, after their dissection. History records the anguish and frustration that caused his spirit to grieve at this grisly sight. Victory was bittersweet, because he never wanted this war to take place.
Thrusting his hands toward Heaven, Titus called God to witness, yelling out, "This was not of my doing! The Jews refused to accept my covenant to preserve and protect them!" Did anyone in your denomination ever tell you about this recorded fact? Of course not - it wouldn't fit into their modern end-time doctrine.
Here we have Titus, a pagan, and the commander of the greatest army on the face of the earth at that time, who understood his divine assignment from God. His own words were recorded for posterity by Josephus, an eyewitness, who heard Titus loudly reminding God that he desperately tried to make a covenant with Israel to preserve and protect them, as he was divinely directed - Israel refused his covenant.
Why did Commander Titus understand his divine appointment from God, while God's chosen people had no clue why this was happening to them? Stay tuned...
God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question~~~
