07.07. The vision in Heaven (4:1-11)

The vision in Heaven (Rev 4:1-11) In Rev 4:1-11, the transition to heaven takes place as John is called to “come up here” in order to be shown “what must take place after these things”. Here he sees a throne with someone sitting on it (God the father). There are 24 thrones around the throne upon which the 24 elders sat. Flashes of lightning and peals of thunder come from the throne. The Holy Spirit is present, as is described by the lamps of fire. There are four living creatures proclaiming praise to God. Jesus is then identified with the Lamb that looked like it had been slain. The Lamb has seven eyes which are said to be the “seven Spirits of God” (a reference to the Holy Spirit). This this shows that, first, Jesus is God and second, that the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son. The Lamb (Jesus) is worshipped by the angelic host. This clearly shows the divinity of Jesus, as only God is worshipped by the angelic host. The angels ascribe to both God the Father on the throne and the Lamb the same worship (Rev 5:11-13). Angels would never allow someone to worship them as is shown in other passages.

Then I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Do not do that! I am a fellow slave with you and your brothers who have the witness of Jesus. Worship God” (Rev 19:10 LSB)