Revelation

Lesson 3Revelation 4:1 — 5:14

As we continue our study, in this lesson we will be taken to heaven with John and shown God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, God’s Throne, and those around His Throne. Before revealing to John the judgments to come (the sealed scroll being opened), Christ takes him — and us — to heaven to see something we almost cannot comprehend: God in His glory, the Lamb stepping forth to judge and redeem the earth, and the presence of the Holy Spirit around God’s throne.

Bible

Read Revelation Chapters 4 and 5. To underscore the importance of these two chapters, and the vision they give us of God, the Holy Spirit, and Christ, focus on the number of times that "seven" (the symbol of completeness) occurs in these two chapters.

May God give you a special blessing you as we study together His Holy Word

Questions for this lesson:

  1. Beginning with Chapter 4 and following, when will the things John is shown from here on occur? (See Revelation 4: 1)
  2. Read Hebrews 4:14-16, 8:1-2. Contrast these passages with Revelation Chapters 4 and 5. Can you see differences between the activities around the Throne and the role that Christ plays between these passages and the chapters in Revelation 4 and 5? What are they?
  3. As we previously learned from our study of prophecy, the number 12 symbolizes God’s way of administration. Can you determine from this what the twenty-four elders might represent? (See Revelation 4:4)
  4. In Revelation 4:5, we again see the phrase "the seven spirits of God" (we saw this earlier in Revelation 1:4). This verse also describes burning (or "blazing") lamps, indicating that they have oil — oil representing the presence of the Holy Spirit (like the parable of the virgins, some of whose lamps had oil, and some of whose lamps did not). Since we know that here is only ONE Holy Spirit, the "seven spirits of God" can be interpreted to symbolize the completeness of the Holy Spirit. Are we somehow able to determine the significance of the "seven" in terms of making the picture complete? Let’s examine the verses below and list the things that we can infer regarding "the seven spirits of God" as they relate to the Holy Spirit.
    1. Revelation 5:6
    2. Isaiah 11:2
    3. John 8:12
    4. John 14:6,9
    5. Exodus 25:37, 27:20-21
    6. Numbers 8:1-4
  5. How many seals are used to seal the scroll in Revelation 5:1? What does this symbolize?
  6. Read Isaiah 11:1,10 and Revelation 5:5. Who are these verses talking about?
  7. Read Revelation 5:6. We learned earlier that horns symbolize power and that the number seven represents completeness. Based on this, can you describe what the seven horns and seven eyes symbolize regarding the Lamb of God?
  8. In Revelation 5:12, how many things does The Lamb receive? List them.

Have a great week everyone!

Yours in Christ

Wes

[2006]

[PDF Version]

Answers