THE BOOK OF REVELATION CHAPTER 4 Come Up Here

THE BOOK OF REVELATION CHAPTER 4 Come Up Here The Book of Revelation is a look into the future of those things that are going to take place in our lifetime. John 14:2-3 Jesus Said: 2 In My Father s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also The next event that we are looking for in Bible Prophecy, is this event that Jesus was talking about, The coming of Jesus for His church. Now, this is not The Second Coming of Jesus to the earth Physically. When Jesus does return physically to the earth, it will be at the end of 7 year Tribulation period, and all those who belong to Him, will be returning with Him. This event where Jesus says that He is going to Come Again and Receive You, in John chapter 14, is what Paul described as A Mystery. 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all (Die), but we shall all be changed 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed This Mystery that Paul is describing, is the Rapture of the Church. Anytime that Paul uses the Word Mystery, from the Greek word Musterion, he is talking about something that had never been revealed any other place in all of the Bible, Old Testament or New Testament. The term Rapture is not used in the Bible, that is a term that we gave the event that we see described in many places throughout the Bible. 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words. Page 1 of 11 Pages

The timing of this event is seen right here in chapter 4 of the Book of Revelation, where John is told Come up Here As chapter 4 begins, we are seeing the place in the timing of all of the events of the last days, where we are taken up to heaven, before the Wrath of Jesus is poured out on the earth and it s inhabitants during the 7 year Tribulation and Great Tribulation Period. :1-11 1 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 me, saying, "Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this." After these things Meta-Tauta After what things? What were we just talking about? The church, in chapters 2 and 3, so john says, after the things of the church Here is what is going to happen Come Up Here, Raptured You will not see the church mentioned one single time, from Chapters 6 through chapter 19, when the 7 year Tribulation is going on. The reason the church is not mentioned in chapters 6-19, is because WE ARE OUTA HERE! The 7 year Tribulation is the time when God pours out His wrath on the earth and if you have given your life to Jesus and you are living for Him and waiting for Him to return for you You are not appointed to ever experience the WRATH of God 1 Thessalonians 5:9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ The Wrath of God for your sins, was poured out already at the Cross, when Jesus died for you The purpose of the 7 year Tribulation, is for God to pour out his anger on all those who have Trampled underfoot Jesus sacrifice, and counted the Blood of his atonement as Nothing Hebrews 10:29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? If you have given your life to Jesus, Remember, in chapter 3, verse 10 of the Book of Revelation, Jesus already promised that you would not be here for the Tribulation period. Page 2 of 11 Pages

Revelation 3:10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth John is told that he will be shown things that will happen after the church is taken out of this world. Thessalonians 5:1-11 Paul Described this to the church at Thessalonica: 1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. 11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. Matthew 24:21-22 Jesus Described the Tribulation Period: 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect s sake those days will be shortened. 2 Immediately (John Says) I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. Gr. Spirit is Pneuma (pnyoo -mah) A spirit, the Holy Spirit, or a Spirit being. It appears that john was transported as a spirit being, right into the very Presence of God. Notice the first thing John sees when he is Raptured is the throne of God. I believe that this is an indication that the moment that you are in Heaven, either at your death, or at the Rapture, if you belong to Jesus, this is the first thing that you are going to see, the Throne of God 3 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. Jasper and a sardine-stone; he is not described by any human features, so as to be represented by an image, but only by his incomparable brightness. The jasper stone is a transparent stone, which when seen, offers to the eye a variety of the most vivid colors, signifying the glorious perfections of God; The sardine-stone is red, signifying the justice of God, that essential attribute of which he never strips himself of. This rainbow looked like the emerald; the most prevailing color was a pleasant green, to show the reviving and refreshing nature of the new covenant. Page 3 of 11 Pages

4 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. There were 24 thrones By the way that these that sit on the 24 thrones are described, we know that they are Redeemed Human Beings, from our of the Old and New Testament days, that are now seen here in heaven. The only people in Heaven that wear White Robes with Crowns of Gold on their heads, are Jesus Church, all those who belong to Him. What this means is that this is YOU represented here in heaven, because your leadership is there, the ones on the 24 thrones are there already in heaven. Matthew 19:282 so Jesus said to them, "assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the son of man sits on the throne of his glory, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Luke 22:30 "that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel." The 12 tribes of Israel representing the Old Testament, and the 12 Apostles representing the new testament, make up those on these 24 thrones 24 ELDERS: Revelation 11:16 And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God, White robes: Are always seen as representing those whom the Lord has Redeemed Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. Revelation 3:4 "You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. Revelation 6:11 Page 4 of 11 Pages

Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed. Revelation 7:9 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, Even in Chapter 7 of Revelation, after the Great Tribulation has already began, God still pours out His Grace on those who haven t heard about Jesus, and all those who give their life to Jesus during the Great Tribulation are killed, and at the moment they arrive in Heaven, because they represent The Redeemed, they are given a White Robe: Revelation 7:13-14 Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, "Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?" And I said to him, "Sir, you know." So he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. At the end of the Great Tribulation, when we return with Jesus from Heaven to the Earth, we are seen wearing these White Robes Revelation 19:14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. It appears that only the church, those redeemed in the blood of the lamb can wear these white robes. This is representative of the church. The ones with the White Robes, also have Crowns of Gold on their heads: These are The Rewards that Jesus gives to everyone who lived for Him and Served Him, after they were saved. A principle in obtaining crowns: 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. Page 5 of 11 Pages

15 If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. In the Bible, we see 5 of these Crowns: 5 different Rewards that you can earn 1. The Incorruptible Crown: Given To Those Who overcome Their Old Nature. 1 Corinthians 9:25 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. 2. The Crown Of Rejoicing: The Soul Winners Crown 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy. 3. The Crown Of Life: Given To Those Who Endure Temptation James 1:2- My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, Revelation 2:10 4 "Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. 4. The Crown Of Righteousness: Given To Those Who Are Looking For The Rapture 2 Timothy 4:8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing 5. The Crown Of Glory: Given To The Faithful Pastor/Teacher. 1 Peter 5:2-4 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. Page 6 of 11 Pages

5 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. Lightning, thunder, seem to represent the presence of the Lord: Exodus 19:16 Then it came to pass on the third day, in the morning, that there were thunderings and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain; and the sound of the trumpet was very loud, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled. Exodus 20:18 Now all the people witnessed the thunderings, the lightning flashes, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off. Revelation 11:19 Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail. Seven spirits of God: We studied this previously in chapter 1 Isaiah 11:2 1. The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of 2. wisdom and 3. understanding, the Spirit of 4. counsel and 5.might, the Spirit of 6. knowledge and of the 7. fear of the LORD. 6 Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. The Sea Of Glass and the Four Living Creatures that are before Gods Throne Ezekiel saw these same 4 creatures that John is describing here in, but from a different view than John: Ezekiel 1:4-28 4 Then I looked, and behold, a whirlwind was coming out of the north, a great cloud with raging fire engulfing itself; and brightness was all around it and radiating out of its midst like the color of amber, out of the midst of the fire. 5 Also from within it came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: they had the likeness of a man. 6 Each one had four faces, and each one had four wings. 10 As for the likeness of their faces, each had the face of a man, each of the four had the face of a lion on the right side, each of the four had the face of an ox on the left side, and each of the four had the face of an eagle. Page 7 of 11 Pages

The 4 faces that ezekiel saw of the cherubim in heaven: Ezekiel was apparently standing facing the Man face of the Creature EAGLE--GOD OX--SERVANT LION--KING MAN--MAN Ezekiel is standing here 7 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. They are listed in the same order here in Revelation chapter 4, as in Ezekiel chapter 1, but John is apparently standing facing the Lion, not the Man, as Ezekiel was OX--SERVANT MAN--MAN EAGLE--GOD What is amazing about all of this, is that each one of these 4 Creatures that both Ezekiel saw in heaven around the throne of God, and the same Creatures that John saw in heaven in, represent one of the views of who Jesus is and why He came to earth. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John each wrote about Jesus from their own unique perspective. The Holy Spirit used each of these 4 views to reveal to us the 4 natures or purposes of Jesus to us as he came to earth. The 4 Gospels: LION--KING Page 8 of 11 Pages

1. Matthew portrays Jesus as The King the Lion of the tribe of Judah Matthew was writing specifically to the Jews to prove that Jesus was their king Matthew uses the phrase that it might be fulfilled when he wrote his gospel to show the Jewish readers how Jesus fulfilled their prophecies in the old testament about the messiah. 2. Mark portrays Jesus as a The Servant the Ox as isaiah reveals Jesus as the servant in the old testament mark is believed to be the first gospel written mark also reveals Jesus as a servant who like isaiah writes that Jesus purpose in coming this first of two times was to lay down his life for mankind to die for us pay the penalty we deserved for our sin to come as a servant and by giving his life Jesus was able to minister to our physical and spiritual needs. 3. Luke portrays Jesus as The Man written to the gentiles to show that Jesus can identify with all of because he was a man luke shows Jesus compassion and love for us his ability to understand your life your trials luke emphasizes the work of the holy spirit in Jesus life. 4. John portrays Jesus as God the Eagle the main purpose of johns gospel was to prove that Jesus was in fact God john focuses on the spiritual meaning behind everything that Jesus did rather than on the action itself john describes Jesus as Life and light he uses words like Believe and witness because he wants for us to know for certain that Jesus is the eternal God the creator of everything that exists and how he stepped out of eternity into time to rescue us john records Jesus 7 miraculous signs for the sole purpose of establishing the evidence that Jesus is God by the proof of these 7 miraculous signs that Jesus did. 8 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!" This is the he same description as Ezekiel 1:4-28 Notice 3 Hollies one for each of the Father, Son And Holy Spirit. 9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, The living creatures are between the leaders of the church and the throne of God. Every time the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to god, the church leaders responds in worship also. 10 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: Page 9 of 11 Pages

They cast the crowns they have been given by Jesus, back to Jesus because only he is worth of glory, honor, and power. Theses are the crowns we just discussed in verse 4:4, they were given at the Bema seat or Judgment seat of Christ right after the rapture. These Crowns will apparently be given to us, right after the Rapture, at what is called The Bema seat: 2 Corinthians 5:10 10 For we must all appear before the judgment (GR. BEMA ) seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. This is not a Judgment for sin, remember that was already judged and settled for you at Jesus Cross. The Bema Seat, is the Judges Stand where Rewards are given to those who finish the race. The concept of the Bema Seat comes from the ancient Olympics, where a judge would sit on the Bema Seat at the finish line. The judge's purpose was to determine what position the runners came in-first, second, and so on-and then to give out the appropriate rewards. Paul spoke of the pursuit of these rewards as like running in a race: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate (Restrained in Behavior)in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified Another event that will happen right after the Rapture, is The Marriage Supper Of The Lamb Revelation 19:7-9 7 7 "Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready." 8 And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. 9 Then he said to me, "Write: `Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!'" And he said to me, "These are the true sayings of God." (NKJ) Then, as John sees all of these awesome things that are going to happen as soon as the Rapture happens listen to the cry that goes out from heaven: Page 10 of 11 Pages

11 "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." (NKJ) Page 11 of 11 Pages