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Revelation 4 – 5
HEAVEN AND THE THRONE
Q talkabout P 1.
What do you imagine when you think of heaven?
S investigate Revelation was originally written by the apostle John to seven churches (see Revelation 1 v 4), many of which were facing persecution. In chapters 4 and 5 John shares with them, and us, the first glimpse of heaven that God has given him in a vision. It’s rather surprising and perhaps a little difficult to get our heads around. John is attempting to describe the indescribable! We should aim to enjoy the whole picture rather than pore over DICTIONARY every detail.
f Read Revelation 4 2.
Who is the main focus of this chapter and how do we know?
3.
How many times is God’s throne mentioned?
Jasper (v 3): type of gemstone. Twenty-four elders (v 4): powerful angelic beings representing all God’s people. “Twentyfour” recalls the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles of the church. Seven (spirits) (v 5): seven symbolises completeness. The spirits might be angelic beings or the Holy Spirit. Sea (v 6): for the Jews this was a place associated with chaos and fear.
The Good Book Guide to Heaven
GBG gheaven internals.indd 7
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08/05/2015 12:43