Be Assured that Christ Is on His Throne

Revelation 4:1-11

In the book The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Lucy Pevensie entered Narnia - a land of perpetual winter. She met Mr Tumnus who described how it once was a land where Fauns had midnight dances with Dryads. They’d hunt for treasure and feast for weeks. The streams flowed with wine. But why was it winter now?! Because of the White Witch. “She’s got all Narnia under her thumb and makes it always winter but never Christmas!” They suffered under her. But they expected Aslan the great lion, Narnia’s rightful ruler, to return and right all wrongs. So Lucy and family joined them to battle the witch. Edmund, her brother was at first tricked by the witch and he betrayed them for her Turkish Delight. She promised he’d be a king. But when he didn’t obey her, he suffered. Eventually, he repented. But Aslan had to give his life as a payment to the witch for his freedom. In the final battle, Aslan resurrected. He defeated the witch and her forces, and ruled Narnia; making these children his co-kings and queens.

In Revelation 2 and 3, the churches on earth were suffering. Caesar was on his throne. They suffered if they didn’t worship him. Unfortunately, some compromised to have a better life. They struggled with lustfulness, lovelessness, lukewarmness, and lifelessness. But after this depressing scene, John saw the joy in heaven. While the church struggled on earth, the church in heaven rejoiced. We must remember that Christ is victorious now. He’s preparing heaven for us, and will bring justice to earth. And three scenes of heaven can assure us. Firstly, the sovereign reigns from his throne; secondly, his servants surround his throne; and thirdly, their singing resounds before his throne.

Firstly, the sovereign reigns from his throne. On earth, Caesar seemed to rule. But in heaven, Christ reigned. John saw this. In chapters 4-5, one word was repeated 19 times - the word “throne.” We see this in verses 1-2 - “After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.” After Christ addressed the churches, John saw a door opened in heaven. He heard the same trumpet voice from chapter 1 - the authoritative voice of the Son of Man - God’s appointed king who commanded John to go to heaven. The door was already open, Christ was expecting John. He wanted to show him what must happen hereafter - not what will happen in the far future - but in the hereafter. The first thing John saw was a throne with someone sitting. It wasn’t Caesar or John’s prison guards. It’s not your boss nor the education system in Singapore. It’s not that scary neighbor who threatens you. Who is it? The trumpet voice and heavenly throne point to Christ. He’s reigning over all. Yes, earthly powers mock him and Satan attacks his church, but he’s actually ruling! So this means that what we see on earth is not the ultimate reality. Heaven is. Christ is ruling. From his throne, planets receive their orders, galaxies lightyears away are controlled, and even the tiniest creatures receive life. All angels worship him there since creation. As Heidelberg 50 says, “Christ ascended into heaven to manifest Himself there as Head of His church, through whom the Father governs all things.” This is reality.

And how was Christ described? Verse 3 says he looked like a jasper and sardine stone; these are gemstones. Now, the word “like” means it’s symbolic. Many scholars have suggested different meanings for the stones and color. Now, to be sure, the ancients didn’t call the stones by the same names we do. Our jasper is a greenish yellow or brown stone. But in Revelation 21:11 God’s glory shines in the New Jerusalem as a jasper. Its light is like a precious stone, “even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.” So the Bible’s jasper was a clear sparkling stone. John also saw a sardine stone - meaning, a sardius. In some translations, it’s ruby or carnelian - it’s a red stone. And some say it symbolizes redemption - like Rahab’s cord or Christ’s blood. Now, John didn’t explain, he only described. I don’t think we can be absolutely dogmatic, but what we do know is this. All these stones are the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem, Revelation 21 - the New Heavens and Earth. So this is simplest explanation - they symbolize how Christ renews all things. And this would’ve been precious to weary people. The Philadelphians were barred entry into the city; the Smyrnans lost property - but Christ would renew all things. They’d have a place in the New Jerusalem. There, his glory shines, in an inaccessible light, as 1 Timothy 6 says, that no man can approach - except his redeemed people.

And there’s redemption in Christ. John saw an emerald rainbow around the throne. Why emerald? I’m not sure. But the rainbow points to a famous redemption event. The flood! When God judged the world, only 8 escaped. God saved them by the ark. And God gave the rainbow as a sign to assure them and remind himself he’d never destroy the world by water again. Be that as it may, he’d judge the world with fire. And those who find refuge in Christ the ark and washed by his blood are safe from that judgement. I’ll leave you to research why emerald; but the big picture is this: the throne assures. Despite the beasts, harlots, and false prophets, Christ reigns. Despite your struggles, he’s preparing a place for you. Believers are spared from certain fiery judgment. But beloved, it’s not a future reality. It’s now. And if you know Christ reigns, that you’re redeemed and renewed, you’d rejoice. But is your vision clouded by what’s happening to you now on earth? Look at the reality of Christ’s throne. That’s the first scene. The next scene gives another assurance.

Not only is Christ on his throne, secondly, God’s servants surround his throne. He’s surrounded by several levels. First by his own glory, then his chief angels, the 24 elders, and finally, trillions of angels and saints. These are Christ’s royal attendants. Verse 4 speaks of the 24 elders. They’re servants. Verse 10 says they bow down. But they’re also rulers. They have golden crowns and sit on thrones. Now, elders were representatives of God’s people. In Israel, they headed various tribes and families. In the New Testament, they governed the church. That’s why 24 shows comprehensiveness. There were 24 courses of priests serving God in the temple. Israel had 12 tribes, the church had 12 apostles. So 24 elders represent all of God’s redeemed people. Yes, as they rule with Christ, so do we. They represent us. In Revelation 5:9-10, they sang - “Thou…hast redeemed us to God…out of every kindred, tongue, people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” So this vision would’ve encouraged the 7 churches. God promised to give crowns to the overcomers in Philadelphia and Smyrna. They’d rule if they pressed on in faithfulness. So to anyone who thought - it’s impossible, it’s too hard to resist Caesar, the vision shouted - “Look! These elders are reigning now!” You can do it!

And they reigned because they were righteous. The elders were clothed in white - not just because they were saved, but because they pursued holiness. Dearly beloved, we’re saved by grace and we live by grace. Those counted holy, pursue holiness. Isaiah 61:10 described salvation as a robe - “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness…” In Revelation 7:13-14, another group of people wore white. “These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” These were Christians who suffered greatly but withstood the beast and false prophet. They rejected the witch and her Turkish Delights. These are the truly saved. Beloved, some of you are enslaved. The harlot demands that you serve her. You may ask how you can escape her! But they did! So can you! But yes, some love sinful delights and have no struggle; not all who say they’re Christians are Christians. Jesus said - “Lord, lord, have we not done many things in your name? Depart from me, I never knew you!” Only those counted holy and pursue holiness are clothed in white. Only overcomers will reign.

But that’s not their greatest reward. To reign isa great thing. But they cast off their crowns! Their right to rule was less important than Christ! He was with them. That’s their reward. Verses 5-6 say in the midst of him were seven Spirits of God. We saw this in chapter 1. It means Christ is the perfect spiritual king. But he’s also among seven lamp stands. Meaning, he’s with his church. You see, being holy rulers is great. They’re overcomers. But greater far is Christ as their reward. And he’s the reward of all who overcome - no matter how wicked they were. He said to Thyatira, he’d give them the morning star - himself - if they repented. And Thyatira was the worst church. But even if they’d given themselves over to Turkish Delight, or whatever sinful delights, if they repented, they’d have him - the greatest delight of all. So even they could stand before the scary throne, filled with lightning, thunder, and a terrible voice - and not fear. Now, everything about the throne said keep out. There was a glass barrier. Like how Mount Sinai was fenced off. Israel was so spooked by the lightning, thunder, and voice, they got Moses to represent them. Even Moses was scared. In Hebrews 12:21, he said, “I exceedingly fear and quake!” So heaven is scary! But these faithful believers surrounded the throne. Christ was their reward. Face to face; no veil covering anyone! He wasn’t scary! But make no mistake. This description of the throne is seen in chapters 8, 11, and 16. After each series of judgment - the broken seal, sounded trumpets, and bowl judgments - there was lightning, thunder, and voice. These are scary to the wicked. But not to believers. Christ is not our judge but saving king.

Dearly beloved, what are your fears and delights? Some serve the White Witch. She takes many forms. A girlfriend or boyfriend you shouldn’t have. An internet addiction. Your career. But these Turkish delights she promises don’t satisfy. If you have Christ, all your disadvantages, sufferings, and tribulations because you pursue clear conscience - are nothing compared to his reward. Yes, the beast, your boss, that enemy are scary. But Christ has overcome them for us. But if you’re not an overcomer, you better fear. Some of you just want your Turkish Delight. But those who love Christ, throw it away. Overcome. Christ keeps you saved; pursue holiness and he rewards you.

And that’s why we can worship. Thirdly, we see how their singing resounds before his throne. This is the climactic scene. Christ wants John and the struggling churches to see the praise around the throne. It’s a spectacular sight. Verse 6 says, “and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.” Closer to Christ in his immediate vicinity, were four living creatures. They were covered front and back with eyes. One was like a lion, another an ox, a man, and an eagle. Each had six wings; also covered with eyes. Who are they? From this description, they’re the chiefest of angels. They were both cherubim and seraphim. The cherubim were described in Ezekiel. They had eyes everywhere - eyes are an apocalyptic symbol to show great intelligence. Seraphim were described in Isaiah 6. Wings to cover their face and body, and fly. And these angels had the character of a lion, ox, man, and eagle. The lion reflects nobility, the ox strength, the human face intelligence, and the eagle speed. So these were the most noble, powerful, intelligent, and fast angels. They were mentioned 14 times in Revelation as carrying out God’s orders. In Revelation 6:1, after Christ opened the first seal, one beast cried with a voice like thunder - “Come!” And then a rider on a white horse rushed forth to judge. Revelation 6:2, after the second seal, another beast said, “Come!” And another rider came. So these 4 angels executed Christ’s judgment. Whatever he wanted done, they did. But they also worshiped. Day and night, when they weren’t carrying out orders, they cried, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come,” verse 8. These were special angels. Now, 185,000 terrifying Assyrian soldiers were killed off by one normal angel. But these were special angels.Why should we fear the beast, the harlot, the false prophet, when these 4 exceptional angels worship Christ and execute judgment?

And they were choirmasters. Verses 9-10 - they started singing first, then all the elders joined. It was a comprehensive chorus. These elders fell down to worship Christ. They cast their crowns down and said in verse 11 - “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power.” Now, this singing shows they were utterly preoccupied with Christ. Twice in chapter 4, they praised the one enthroned. Twice in chapter 5, they glorified the lamb. And once in chapter 5, they praised the Lamb on the throne. And they worshiped this way because of Jesus’ work. They can’t help but worship. Hebrews 1:6 says when the Lord returned to heaven, all the angels worshiped him. If you can imagine, trillions of them were lined up to praise him when he entered the gates. And now, all of God’s people join them. They even returned the crowns he rewarded them. Why? Because even their faithfulness and endurance were energized by him. He was the author and perfecter of their faith. Now, what’s the point this? How does this vision affect John and the churches? How are they assured? By knowing why he’s worshipped this way.

And we see the relevant rationale for their worship. Verse 11 - “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” They praised God for his work of creation. God created for his pleasure a people and place them in an earthly paradise. But despite his goodness, they sinned, seeking to do their pleasure. So God sent his Son, who chose to come to do his Father’s pleasure! He died to redeem a people for himself, to please his Father. And these people found pleasure in him, receiving him, being recreated into his image, to rule together with him in a restored heavenly and earthly paradise. This is why he receives all glory and honor. He alone rules supreme.

Dearly beloved, we’ve seen the 7 churches. We can relate to them. We struggle with lustfulness, lustfulness, lovelessness, lukewarmness, and lifelessness. We struggle with the beast, the harlot, and the false prophet. Perhaps we’re under the thumb of the White Witch. We fear her more than our king. We’ve been so seduced by her and the Turkish Delights she feeds us that we can’t do without them. But we’re suffering. At times, we betray our king and our king’s people. We’re living in a perpetual winter. Why such defeat? Because we aren’t seeing Christ for who he is - the Lion on the throne who is also a slain lamb - a Savior who conquered by dying. That’s why we live in defeat. But today, let us find strength to endure. Let’s fight to be holy. Let’s fight for the kingdom of God here. Dearly beloved, our struggles here aren’t the ultimate reality. Heaven is. And we come to his table today, to remind ourselves of that reality - to be assured that Christ is on his throne - and we shall reign with him.

1. The Sovereign Reigns from the Throne

A. He reigns

B. He renews

C. He redeems

2. The Servants Surround the Throne

A. Their rule

B. Their righteousness

C. Their reward

3. The Singing Resounds Before the Throne

A. The spectacular sight

B. The comprehensive chorus

C. The relevant rationale

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