Revelation

Lesson 3 w/AnswersRevelation 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)
    1. ANSWER: These are things that come "hereafter". From Chapter 4 on, it is clear that the rest of the book is future in orientation. These are the things that we can expect to see as we look ahead to Christ’s Second Coming.
  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?
    1. ANSWER: The differences are between a throne of grace and a throne of judgment (lightning, thunder, etc); and we see another difference: Christ interceding for us versus Christ preparing to unseal the scroll and bring final judgment on the earth. One is a picture of a High Priest, the other a King. We can see that roles change, and the picture we saw in Hebrews — this current age of grace — changes to one of God’s fierce wrath and judgment. In chapter 4, we find ourselves in the midst of the most powerful throne, and one that is almost unimaginable.
  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)
    1. ANSWER: Much speculation exists, but my take would be that 12 represents the nation of Israel and 12 represent the Church (the 12 Apostles). Thus we see both Israel and the Church worshipping God. This, combined with the four creatures who may represent all of creation, show that when Christ steps forward to open the seven seals all of God’s creation, His chosen people and the church surround the throne to praise Him.
  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
      1. ANSWER: The Holy Spirit is with Christ and was sent to be omnipresent across the entire earth. Christ, full of the Holy Spirit is now standing in the presence of God ready to carry out judgment. This means the Holy Spirit is now in the Throne Room; the Rapture must have already occurred.
    2. Isaiah 11:2
      1. ANSWER: Again the Holy Spirit is with Christ, identifying how Christ will judge the earth.
    3. John 8:12
      1. ANSWER: Jesus, with Holy Spirit dwelling in him, is the light of the world, not unlike the light provided by the seven "blazing lamps" described in Revelation 4. The lamps that now light God’s Throne Room will become the light of the world in a time of total darkness. As Christ judges the earth, many will see that light and turn to Christ because of His righteous judgments.
    4. John 14:6,9
      1. ANSWER: Just as Jesus is one with the Holy Spirit, so are Jesus and God the Father one and the same. During this coming time of judgment, the world will come to see and know that Jesus and God are one. Many will hate Him and His followers because they will not want to accept and confess that He is the ONLY way to God.
    5. Exodus 25:37, 27:20-21
      1. ANSWER: In these passages, the design of the seven-lamp lampstand in the Tabernacle is specified, and Aaron and his sons are assigned the task of managing lamp oil and keeping the lamps burning all night long. Note that the light is to never burn out, a lasting remembrance of God’s Holy Spirit. This light in Revelation is now seen in God’s Throne Room burning before God, rather than the Tabernacle or the Temple — and it lives within the Lamb of God, Christ Jesus.
    6. Numbers 8:1-4
      1. ANSWER: Again, specific instructions are provided regarding the design, composition, and physical orientation of the seven-lamp lampstand. Positioned to face forward, facing the Ark of the Covenant, it was to burn forever in God’s presence. Again, in this passage as in the previous ones, these instructions were a foreshadowing of the presence of the Holy Spirit shining before God through His Son Jesus the Christ.
  5. How many seals are used to seal the scroll in Revelation 5:1? What does this symbolize?
    1. ANSWER: 7 Seals = complete judgment and redemption. This scroll represents what is required to redeem God’s people and the judgments that are to be carried out. Only one is able to redeem and carry out these judgments, the one who paid the price of redemption and the one to whom all creation belongs, i.e., The Lamb of God.
  6. Read Isaiah 11:1,10 and Revelation 5:5. Who are these verses talking about?
    1. ANSWER: Jesus, the Christ, the Messiah — the Anointed One
  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?
    1. ANSWER: They symbolize God’s omnipotence — all powerful — and his omnipresence — eyes represent insight, intelligence, etc. Thus, God is all knowing and all powerful.
  8. In Revelation 5:12, how many things does The Lamb receive? List them.
    1. ANSWER: He receives seven things: power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise.

Have a great week everyone!

Yours in Christ

Wes

[2006]

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