The Trumpets Blow

Revelation 8:7-13

The first angel blew his trumpet, and there followed hail and fire, mixed with blood, and these were thrown upon the earth. And a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.

The second angel blew his trumpet, and something like a great mountain, burning with fire, was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood.  A third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.

The third angel blew his trumpet, and a great star fell from heaven, blazing like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water.  The name of the star is Wormwood.  A third of the waters became wormwood, and many people died from the water, because it had been made bitter. 

The fourth angel blew his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, and a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of their light might be darkened, and a third of the day might be kept from shining, and likewise a third of the night.

Then I looked, and I heard an eagle crying with a loud voice as it flew directly overhead, “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, at the blasts of the other trumpets that the three angels are about to blow!

We have seen the seven seals broken by the Lamb of God, and with each seal, a further revelation of God’s plan for the end of days.  With the seventh seal, we are introduced to the seven angels and seven trumpets.  At the sound of each trumpet, we see further details of God’s plan for wrath on the Earth in the days of tribulation.  We do not have a full understanding of these revelations, but simply a knowledge that God is fully omnipotent and aware of the devastation these events will cause to the inhabitants at that time.

With the first trumpet’s sound, hail and fire fall from heaven and destroy the vegetation.  Trees and grass are referenced, but it is easy to presume that all vegetation would be impacted but such an event.  God also used fire and brimstone to rain upon Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19:24-28 and destroyed the cities.  He has done it once before and can do it again, but recognize His restriction to 1/3rd of the vegetation.  Why?  Why would God hold back and not just burn it all at once?  His patience for those who would yet still come to believe because of His wrath.  Yet, there will still be many who will deny Him and blame these events on natural causes.  Woe to them.

At the second trumpets sound, a large mountain “like” burning with fire was cast into the sea, killing 1/3 of the living creatures in the sea, and 1/3 of the ships on the sea were destroyed.  Sea’s will turn to blood, could be poetic in that the color appears read, or it could be literal as the blood of those that are killed.  One can assume this is something like a large meteor because John was careful to refer to it as “like a mountain”, not specifically a mountain.  Here again we see death and destruction caused by the wrath of God, but only to 1/3rd of the living creatures and ships.  God’s mercies are still being played out as He demonstrates His sovereignty and authority over all things.  Some in the sciences, politics, and media will play this off as a cosmic event, and not an example of God’s wrath, as they continue to deny His existence.  But there will be some who see this as the fulfillment of God’s promise and prophesy.  It is those that God seeks to connect with during this time of tribulation.  

As the third trumpet sounds, a star falls from the sky, striking the Earth, landing in fresh water rivers and springs, and turning the water to “wormwood”, a very bitter substance.  We can presume this to be a meteor or comet as well.  In this case though, it impacts the ecological system of the Earth, and begins killing off people as a result.  With 1/3rd of the Earth’s fresh water being poisoned, many will die around the globe.  There is no direct correlation to assume 1/3rd of all mankind, but this proportion is consistent across all of these events of wrath.  This will impact the food industry, the beverage industry, the farming industry, the entire ecological system we know today will be devastated.  Much like the wrath called out in the breaking of the 3rd seal, the economic impact will also be enormous.  We rely heavily on water in today’s world, and without it, many will suffer and die.

The 4th trumpet is blown, and the skies and cosmos as we know them are forevermore impacted.  1/3rd of the sun, the moon, and the stars are darkened forever.  Similar to what we saw with the breaking of the 6th seal, men will look to the skies with wonder and fear.  God created the sun, the moon, and the stars on the fourth day to provide light and separate day from night, as well as years and seasons (Genesis 1:14-19).  Here He is once again demonstrating His control over everything, including the skies.  He can take away everything He has created, and by removing the 1/3rd of the light from the skies, mankind will know that there is a Creator, and many will turn back to Him.

Chapter 8 concludes with an angelic warning, “an eagle flying overhead” to all mankind – Woe to the people on earth for the coming wrath of the Lord when the final 3 trumpets sound.  Evidence that God truly wants man to turn to Him and not be destroyed.  But, alas, there are those who are hard-hearted and determined to live for themselves, despite His warnings and the opportunities He has given them.  For those people, the final days will be unbearable.  Woe to them indeed.

Seventh Seal is Opened

Revelation 7:1-5

When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.  Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them.  And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne,  and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel.  Then the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it on the earth, and there were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.

John’s vision entails the final seal of God’s scroll being opened, and the completeness of the apocryphal plan is revealed.  Recall that with each seal, an additional part of the scroll was revealed as a part of God’s plan for the end days.  The significance of silence in heaven for 30 minutes is a matter of fear, respect, honor, and awe of God’s majesty.  Following the great multitude and angels bowing low and worshipping God in Chapter 7, this silence is in preparation for what is now to come.  

There are seven angels standing before the throne, which means all others are kneeling or bowing in reverence still.  These angels are given seven trumpets.   Again, seven is a significant number in the bible.  A number of completeness, of finality, and closure.  We will read that each of these seven trumpets will unleash wrath in the skies and elements upon the earth. This is all in part due to the great tribulation for those who remain.

John sees an additional angel approaching the throne of God.  Upon the golden altar before the throne, this angel burns incense with prayers for the saints who had gone before.  These prayers of the saints are also referenced in Revelation 5:8 as the prayers for justice for the martyrs.  God will be just in His timing.  Once again, these prayers are lifted before God as a cry from the saints for justice.  

The angel then takes the fire from the altar and throws it down upon the earth.  This act from God is one of cleansing and refining.  God is the all-consuming fire of redemption, and by throwing the fire down to the Earth, He has begun his refining process of purification and righteousness.  The Earth is impacted by earthquakes, lightning, and rumblings from within.  Recognition that God is in control of all things and all elements upon and in the earth.  

God is above all things and over all things.  The earth is but a part of His domain.  We talk of global warming, of mankind destroying the Earth.  These are nothing more than scare tactics played out in politics by individuals using them to prosper themselves and those they are controlled by.  God created the Earth, and all that is within; He alone will determine when it is complete.  Over the next few days, we will read on in Chapters 8 and 9 about the Seven Trumpets, and then the Seven Bowls of judgment.  God has revealed His end plan for the Earth.  It has nothing to do with melting ice caps and greenhouse gases.  Believe me, His plan is much worse than anything man could comprehend.  Put your faith and hope in His plan, for He wrote the ending.  In His time and only in His time will the Earth come to an end. Until then, be faithful and strong in spreading His love and message to everyone you meet.  That is why we are here, and that is why He is being patient with us.

Surviving Tribulation

Revelation 7:9-12

After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”  All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying:

“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom,
Thanksgiving and honor and power and might,
Be to our God forever and ever.
Amen.”

Will people still be able to receive salvation through Jesus Christ during the Great Tribulation?  Many have asked the question, and many have different answers.  I read in Revelation 7 that there is a “great multitude” that will make it through.  The large group from all nations, tribes, people and tongues tells us that even through the tribulation, the 144,000 (discussed previously) having been marked with God’s seal, will be actively spreading the good news to all people during the tribulation.  

This great multitude, referred to as gentiles, are dressed in white garments and standing before the Lamb, crying out that salvation comes from the Lord and the Lamb.  They are claiming salvation in Jesus Christ alone.  Later in Chapter 7 and elder tells John just who these people are.  (v14)“These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”  Around these people are ALL the angels (thousands upon thousands), elders, and the creatures near the throne fall to their faces before the throne and lift up their worship to the Lord.

Can you imagine the scene?  An uncountable multitude, all of the angels and elders before the Throne of God, worshipping Him.  This is heaven.  If you envision heaven as sitting around on puffy clouds, relaxing, chilling, while playing your harp, you’ve watched too many cartoons.  Heaven in God’s presence is endless worship, praise, and recognition of His glory.  No pain, no suffering, no anxiety, no greed, no anger, no war, no sin, no evil will exist in His heavenly realm.  You will be there to glorify Him in all that you do.  

I believe that those who have given their life to Jesus Christ prior to the tribulation will be removed before the wrath of God comes upon the earth.  Just as God removed Noah from the great flood, and just as God removed Abraham and Lot from Sodom and Gomorrah before the great destruction from fire, I believe He will remove His children as well.  But this chapter in Revelation gives hope to those left behind during the tribulation.  Hope for salvation still exists for a great multitude of people.  This may include Muslims, Buddhists, Jews, Atheists, and yes, even some pseudo-Christians who were acting the part, but not really saved.  

God tells us in several verses that He wants none shall perish, and through His 144,000 sealed, He will make one final attempt to soften the hearts of the angry, confused, and misinformed.  They will suffer through tribulation, though, and many will be martyred as a result.  But His plan of salvation does not end just because His wrath is poured out.  Continue praying for those whom you know do not have a relationship with Christ.  Pray for their salvation to come before the days of wrath are poured out.

144,000 Sealed by God

Revelation 7:1-8

After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, that no wind might blow on earth or sea or against any tree.  Then I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, with the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm earth and sea,  saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.”  And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel: (v.5-8) 12,000 from each of the tribes of Israel (except Dan) – Judah, Reuben, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin are sealed

John remains in the Throne Room of God, and his vision continues.  Four angels are called to hold back the winds from every direction (N, S, E, & W) and are sent to four corners of the earth to do so.  Not corners as in a square, but rather the farthest reaches of the planet.  This represents God’s fullness in authority over the entire earth and everything therein.  Some claim that these four angels could also represent the four horsemen referred to in Revelation 6, but we aren’t fully sure of this.

A fifth angel appears that has been sealed by God.  He calls out the 144,000 to be likewise sealed by God on their foreheads.  Israel, as you recall, was born to Isaac, Abraham’s son, as Jacob.  He was the second of twin boys, Esau being his brother.  Jacob had deceived their father into giving him the family blessing, rather than Esau.  He was known as “the deceiver”, but was still chosen by God.  Later in life, Jacob wrestled with a Diving being on the night before meeting with Esau.  He could not be overpowered by this being and was therefore renamed Israel, meaning “He who struggles with God.” (Genesis 35:9-10).  Israel had switched from being the deceiver to being the Patriarch of God’s children, and was blessed with 13 sons.  Twelve of these sons (excluding Levi) were granted territories in Canon, which made up the nation of Israel.  Levi’s tribe became the priests for God, and therefore were not given dedicated land in Canaan, but rather authority across all the territories.

God’s seal is prophesied to be placed on the forehead of 12,000 from each of these tribes, securing their eternal fate with God the Father.  This will ensure their secure path through the coming tribulation and wrath.  We do not know if the 144,000 is literal to the Jewish community today or symbolic of saints that have come and gone, but it is without question referencing those who have come from the Hebrew nation.  So, there is a continual uncertainty as to why Dan was excluded from this list.  There are several theories on why he was not included in the list.  The most widely accepted theory is that the Antichrist will come from his tribe.  Genesis 49:17 tells us “Dan shall be a serpent by the way, A viper by the path, That bites the horse’s heels So that its rider shall fall backward.”  Dan was also found guilty by God of pushing idolatry (Judges 18:14-31) onto the Israel nation. Later in Revelation, we will see the mark of the beast placed on idolaters, but only God can judge them accordingly.  God will deal with the tribe of Dan in due time.

There are some religions that would claim the 144,000 sealed are the only ones granted eternal favor. This is completely contradictory to several scriptures referencing that belief in Christ will seal one to eternity with God as well.  John 6:27, Ephesians 1:13, 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, 2 Timothy 2:19, Ephesians 4:30 – all make reference to believers as “God’s sealed as His”.  So, when someone in black dress pants, a white pressed shirt, black tie, and carrying a stack of Watchtower pamphlets shows up on your doorstep claiming that their church alone represent the 144,000 sealed individuals, you can rest assured, they are mistaken.  Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life; no one can come to the Father unless they accept Him as Savior and Lord (John 14:6).  As a believer, you are sealed with the Holy Spirit living in your life.

Third and Fourth Horseman

Revelation 6:5-8

When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand.  And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!” When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!”  And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth.

We see the remaining two horsemen revealed in John’s vision through Revelation 6:5-8.  The creature near God’s throne announces to John the third horseman, riding upon a black horse, with scales in his hand.  This horseman brings famine and economic collapse upon the world.

For context, a denarius was a day’s wage in those times, equivalent to approximately $200 by today’s standards.  A quart of wheat is about the size of a loaf of bread, and the estimated requirement to sustain one person for one day.  The implication here is that a person can earn only enough in one day to sustain their life.  No extras, no savings, nothing outside of the bare necessities.  

We can see their society is being split into the haves (oil and wine) and have-nots (wheat and barley) as represented by the third horseman’s instructions.  By limiting the wheat and barley supply, he creates hardships for the lower class, leading to famine and death, while the upper class is unhindered and still able to enjoy finer things like olive oil and wine, at least for this time.

The fact that our economy today is so unbelievably fragile is another example of the nearness to the end times.  Since COVID in 2020 & 2021, we have seen a continual escalation of the price of necessities – bread, milk, gas, water, meat, eggs, and other goods.  On average, the cost of living has increased by 24.3% in the last 4 years.  Unheard of in modern-day history.  At the same time, the average income has increased only 6% - 10%, while unemployment has surged as a result of company restructuring during the pandemic, and they have never been called back.  The economy is so fragile that many farmers and factories have closed permanently, forcing families into bankruptcy and foreclosures.  We are seeing the fingerprints of Revelation 6:6 in our world today if you pay attention.

The fourth horseman is then let loose upon a Pale horse.  The fourth horseman is called Death, and is followed closely by Hades (Hell).  He carries a sickle in his hand and is instructed to bring death upon the earth.  A quarter of the earth’s population will be slain by one of four means: Sword, Hunger, Death (pestilence, plagues), and Beasts.  This represents over 2 billion people (by today’s numbers).  The sword would be wars, violence, murder, and conflict.  Hunger by famine and starvation.  Death will come upon them in plagues (think Black Death, Smallpox, and Bubonic Plague) and pestilence or deadly disease.  (I do not include COVID, because frankly, more people die of influenza each year than COVID in 2020 & 2021) Finally, the beasts of the earth (wild animals) will turn on mankind as well.

Following the economic collapse brought on by the third horseman, this horseman will bring death for those impacted above.  We have seen wars over and over in the 20th and 21st centuries, taking millions of lives.  We have seen bubonic plague take 100’s of millions of lives in Europe, and smallpox take millions as well.  This only scratches the surface of what ¼ of the earth’s population would represent, though.  Think about the scale of 2.2 billion people dying at once.  One in every 4 people you know would be gone.  It’s going to happen to those who are here when God’s plan is put into action.  Will we still be here?  Who knows.  Many say believers will not be here during that time.  Others say we will go through these trials and tribulations only to be raptured afterwards.  God’s wrath, as seen in John’s vision, will come to be.  It may be soon, or it may be 100 years away.  The reality is to have faith and trust in Jesus Christ and realize that the hardships in this life will result in eternal joy in God’s presence.  Do not fear these last days, but prepare accordingly by being in the Word and in prayer every day.

First and Second Horsemen

 Revelation 6:1-4

Now I watched when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, “Come!”  And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer.  When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!”   And out came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword.

Jesus begins to break the seals on the scroll from God’s hand.  There are seven seals, each allowing for a portion of the scroll to be revealed and paint a more complete picture of God’s plan for the end.  Jesus, with full authority and knowledge, sets upon the task of unveiling the plan for wrath that is set to come upon the earth in those days.  With sadness and anguish, these things must take place to eliminate the evil in the world, and those who have denied God will feel the fullness of God’s wrath, not to His joy, but to His pain and requirement for Holiness in His presence.  His desire is that none shall perish (2 Peter 3:9), but by their own hearts’ decision, they have refused His love and grace.

Here we begin the introduction to the four horsemen of the apocalypse.  The first horseman is upon  “the White Horse”.  He carries a bow and is given a crown.  This gives him authority over the earth in the end days as a conqueror, an overcomer.  The bow is significant because, in battle, the archers are sent out first to soften the opposing forces by shooting arrows from a long distance before the artillery advances upon a weakened force.  We cannot draw a conclusion as to this horseman’s identity, but we can see that it is not Jesus, as many might think, because of the “white horse”.  Jesus already had authority in heaven and on earth.  In John’s vision, the entrance of this horseman and white horse is in addition to “the Lamb” opening the seals, so we know that Jesus is not the rider in this context.

The second seal was broken by the Lamb, which then released the second horseman upon a “Red Horse”.  One of the four creatures near God’s throne called forth this horse and John’s vision is brought to life within God’s throne room.  The horseman is given authority to “take peace from the earth” and cause man to slay man.  This authority is given from the Lamb, who was given all authority on heaven and earth.  He is also known as “the prince of peace” (Isaiah 9:6) and ironically puts the plan into motion to remove this peace.

God had once before released wrath upon the earth in Genesis 6, with the flood, because of the corrupt and evil ways of mankind at that time.  Here again we begin to see His plan to once again wipe out the evil in this world.  In Jesus’ own words from Luke 17:26, “As in the days of Noah, so shall it be in the days of the Son of Man”, He prescribed the coming wrath in the end times.  We now see the 2nd horseman on the Red Horse given the authority to carry out these plans.  

We are called to be ready at any moment.  Are you?  Do you have a relationship with Jesus Christ?  Have you accepted Him as your Savior and Lord?  You can look at the news on any given day and see the evil, wickedness, debauchery, and corruption from God’s righteousness and holiness.  We are nearing the end days, and I’m not just saying that.  The proof is all around you, for we are living as unrighteously and wickedly as those of Noah’s day.  My ask of you today is to repent, turn from your sin, and accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord.  We will discover in the coming days, much worse wrath that will be poured out upon the earth.  Trusting in Jesus is the only path through these times.

Who is Worthy?

 Revelation 5

Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals.  And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?”  And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it.  And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”

 And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne.  And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.  And they sang a new song, saying, 

“Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”

John is in God’s throne room once again.  This time God on His throne holds the scroll with seven seals, the will of God, the plan for the earth from that point forward.  As those present, angels, elders, the 4 creatures on each side of the throne, and other heavenly beings, see the scroll, there is the realization that no one in heaven, on earth, or even under the earth (Satan and his demons) is worthy of opening the seals and scroll to reveal God’s plan.  John, having witnessed this in a vision, is brought to tears and weeps.

In his vision, he is comforted by an elder in the throne room, with the words that there is one, the Lion of Judah, the Lamb of God.  For He was slain for all mankind and has the authority from the Father.  Jesus is described as the slain lamb, with seven horns and seven eyes.  We’ve discussed in the past that seven is a number of perfection and completeness.  The seven horns represent Jesus’ authority and power, while the seven eyes represent his wisdom, omniscience, and all-seeing characteristics.  Here again, we see reference to God as the Father, the Spirit, and the Son; the trinity (3 in 1) with all wisdom, knowledge, and authority in the heavens and earth.

Jesus, with this authority and triune with God, the Father, enters as the slain Lamb, representing His sacrifice and resurrection. He walks right up and takes the scroll from God’s right hand because He is worthy.  I cannot help but visualize this scene unfolding in fear, worry, and confusion until Jesus enters the room.  Then, as we are told in Revelation 5, the room falls into reverence and falls prostrate at His feet.  Elders remove their crowns, the four creatures near the throne bow low, and the heavens ring out with worship and praise for the King, for the Lamb of God has come forth.

Jesus is our King, and only He has the authority of God in this world and the next.  By His sacrificial death and resurrection, we are redeemed and made whole in our iniquity and transgression.  He alone is worthy of praise.  Not those in sports, not those in Hollywood, or politics, or business.  We place honor and glory on so many people in this world, and not one of them deserves it.  Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has final authority and will stand before the Lord one day on your behalf.  Who else can give you this peace, this comfort in knowing your eternal fate?

Many walk the earth today putting themselves on that throne.  Through their education, worldly views, they believe they have the answers, and they do not necessarily include God.  One day, they too will bow before the King of Kings and account for their intentional denial of Christ or God.  They have set their eternal fate; unfortunately, though, it is a choice to spend eternity outside of God’s presence.  

As the seals are broken and the scroll is opened, God’s plan for you, me, and all of mankind will be revealed.  For there is only one worthy to open the scroll, and He holds the keys to Heaven and Hades.  If you believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, you can find comfort in knowing He is standing for you before God, the Father, and will see you through the coming judgment and tribulations.

Come Up Here

 Revelation 4:1-3..7

After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.”  At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne.  And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald.  

(John describes 4 living creatures within the Throne room ) …(7) and day and night they never cease to say,

“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, 
who was and is and is to come!”

When Jesus tells you to come here, you come.  It isn’t a question, it isn’t a maybe, it’s a command from the Sovereign Lord over all things.  

John is transformed into spirit form to enter into the Holy of Holies, the great Throne Room of God Almighty.  The human brain cannot comprehend the magnificence, the beauty, the indescribable opulence, and majesty of the King of Kings upon His throne.  John uses the best words he had to describe the beauty – “jasper stone and sardius” for the throne, a rainbow around the throne to describe the effervescent light emanating from His holiness, and later in the chapter, he describes the floor as if it were “a sea of glass, like crystal.”

We walk amongst beauty on this earth – architecture, historical monuments, lights, nature, mountains, rivers, and seas; but there is nothing in our world that will compare to the unbelievable glory of heaven, and especially God’s throne room.  From this throne room, much of the remaining verses of Revelation will be unveiled to John through Jesus Christ.  For Christ to bring John to the throne room, to see God, the Father seated upon His throne, with all authority of good and evil, right and wrong, eternal salvation or not.

Around the throne room were also 24 elders, dressed in white garments, and seated upon their thrones (v.4).  We don’t know who these elders are, but they possess some authority to be seated upon thrones alongside of God, the Father.  The white garments tell us that they are pure and holy, having met the standards to be elevated and seated with God.  Later in chapter 4, these elders are seen by John, lying their crowns at the feet of God’s throne, and crying out  - “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (v. 11). 

If these 24 elders are unworthy to be in the presence of God, the Father, who are we to believe we are “good enough”?  You see, even in your most perfect minute of life, you are still well short of God’s glory.  We strive each day to earn God’s love, His approval, His acceptance, when in reality, we can’t.  John was called up to the throne room as a guest of Jesus Christ.  He (John) was not worthy, but Jesus is.  Jesus is the intercessor for our transgressions and our iniquities.  He alone is worthy to stand before God the Father, because He is One with God.  

You and I will one day fall before God and tremble in awe of His great majesty and presence.  We will have no ability to hold onto our “crowns” of self-celebration and achievement, but be humbled to lay them down at the foot of God’s throne.  In heaven, we have no ego, no self-righteousness or grandiose celebrations; no, we will all fall before His glory and magnificence.  We pat ourselves on the back for our achievements in this world, for the good things we have done, for the kindness and sacrifice we have made.  We lift ourselves up as righteous, above others, and in doing so, we create a persona that we are worthy of God’s love.  

In reality, God provided Jesus Christ, through His life, death, and resurrection, as our only means to heaven.  If we count our good works as payment for entry into heaven, we can never accomplish enough.  But, only through Jesus’ covenant and promise, we are given eternal life; and thus, good works follow in line with His desires and not ours.  Realize that you cannot work your way to heaven, and accept Jesus as your Savior and Lord, and one day you too will be able to come up to God’s throne room, fall before Him, and call out “Worthy are You, our Lord and God”.  That will be a glorious day indeed.