In Revelation 4, a shift occurs from John’s first vision to his second. This book has four separate visions: on Patmos, in heaven, in the desert, and on a mountain. As the narrative in Revelation moves from the first vision to the second, there is also a geographic shift—from
earth to heaven. Jesus calls John from Patmos to the throne room.
Take a moment and read this week’s text: Revelation 4:1-11.
What does worship in heaven look like? Did you notice some of the descriptions in the chapter?
1. It’s loud. There are trumpets and thunder.
2. It’s bright. There are lots of lights and burning flames.
3. Twenty-four elders fall down in worship.
4. And there are these strange four creatures.
Let’s address the obvious. This text is spectacular, if not strange. Who are the twenty-four elders? What are these four living beings? We’ll take a deep dive on Sunday. For now, consider the point of Revelation 4 and Revelation 5.
-Revelation 4 reveals how God the Father is sovereign over creation.
-Revelation 5 demonstrates how God the Son redeems creation.
The point of worship in heaven is to ascribe God all worth. God the Father is ascribed worth because He is sovereign and Creator over all things. The Son is worthy because He is how creation is redeemed back to God.
God created you. He is worthy of your praise. Jesus saves you. He is worthy of your praise.
In Revelation 4:1, a door to heaven opens. Here we combine two apocalyptic symbols: a door and heaven opened. The door represents a transition. In this case, it’s John’s movement from Patmos to heaven. When heaven is opened, people are allowed to enter.
How do you get into heaven? Your sin shuts you out. But Jesus is how the door opens. What did Jesus say about Himself in John’s gospel?
“I am the door.” (John 10:9, NASB)
There is only one way into heaven. Jesus is the door. Walk through the door now before it shuts forever.