09.10 Revelation 4:1 WHEN JESUS OPENS THE DOOR
Revelation 4:1 WHEN JESUS OPENS THE DOOR
Intro: Ill. This verse must be understood, if we are to correctly interpret the divisions in the book of Revelation. There are three divisions. Chapter 1; 2-3; 4-22. This is clearly stated by Revelation 1:19. That verse is the key verse to the book. It unlocks the door of our understanding. If we miss that verse, we have missed the leadership of the Lord! If Revelation 1:19 is the key that opens the door, then 4:1 is the hinge upon which it swings! If we miss the significance of this verse, then we will be as guilty as any of the cults. We will misinterpret the rest of the book if we miss it here! (Ill. Hereafter and after these things!) I. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE VERSE
A. It Is A Transitional Verse - Revelation 1:19 (Ill. The things which are to take place after the rapture. (Ill. Meta-tauta - Ater these things!)(Ill. Revelation 3:1-22 - Last word on the church until Revelation 19:1-21, upon the earth!) B. It Is A Typical Verse - A Type of the rapture! (Ill. John represents the caught up believers!) (Ill. There must be a rapture here! If it isn’t, our entire theology is washed up!) II. THE SYMBOLISM OF THE VERSE (Ill. Revelation 1:1 - Sign-i-fied) A. A Symbol Of Sight - (Ill. open doors - third time!) 1. Revelation 3:8 - Door of Opportunity 2. Revelation 3:20 - Door of Salvation 3. Revelation 4:1 - Door of Deliverance (Standing open) a. Jesus is the only Door - John 10:9; John 14:6 b. The door is open for salvation, but it will close - Matthew 25:1-13 TODAY c. Door is open to receive the saints home!
B. A Symbol Of Sound - Trumpet 1. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 - Rapture2. 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 - Rapture 3. Come up hither - The call of authority - Ill. Jesus calling for Lazarus - John 11:43 III. THE SWEETNESS OF THE VERSE (Ill. A Blessing) A. An Escape - No tribulation for the church! 1 Thessalonians 5:9
1. Ill. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 - Ill. caught up = to snatch away. (Implies haste and rescue) The church will be rescued from impending doom! 2. Judgment Is Coming - (Revelation 2:22; Revelation 3:10) (Ill. Chps. 6-19!!) 3. Escape Is Promised - Revelation 3:11 a. Ill. Types of rapture in the O.T. 1. Enoch - Genesis 5:1-32 2. Noah - Genesis 6:1-22, Genesis 7:1-24, Genesis 8:1-22, Genesis 9:1-29 3. Lot - Genesis 19:1-38 4. The church will be tested, but not in the Great Tribulation - (Ill. Jesus Movement!) 5. Proof Positive - Revelation 2:7; Revelation 2:11; Revelation 2:17; Revelation 2:29; Revelation 3:6; Revelation 3:13; Revelation 3:22 - Contrast - Revelation 13:9 - No Spirit no church!
B. An Entrance - Going to Heaven to be with the Lord!
1. See the Lord - Revelation 22:4 2. Experience Heaven - Revelation 21:4; 1 Corinthians 2:9 3. Live Forever - John 11:25-26