The Throne of God and the 24 Elders Revelation 4:2-11; 5:5,8-10

1. The Throne of God and the 24 Elders Revelation 4:2-11; 5:5,8-10

2. These are real things in Heaven but each of them represent God’s attributes in tangible ways for us to relate to. • Both God the Father and God the Son are properly seen on the Throne in this passage. Rev. 3:21 The throne of God is a literal throne and it gives a true picture of the universe as being subject to the domination of omnipotent God who sits far above earth’s petty kings and governments. • This is God as Sovereign! • 2. The color Jasper is like our diamond and the Sardius stone is like our ruby. • The Jasper color represents God’s purity • The Sardius stone represents God’s redemptive purpose

3. 3. The Jasper stone represents the tribe of Reuben and the Sardius stone represents the tribe of Benjamin on the breastplate of the high priest. • These stones are the first (Reuben-first born) and last (Benjamin-last born) of the 12 stones that represented the 12 tribes of Israel. Therefore, they represent all of Israel. • Reuben means “behold a son.” Christ is the first begotten Son. • Benjamin mean “son of my right hand” Christ is also the Son of My right hand” in relation to god the Father. • This then refers to God having a Son. Jesus the Messiah, the Second person of the Trinity. • Therefore, the colors have a double meaning in that: • Christ is the representative of Israel • Christ is the Son of God. • This is God in relation to the Nation of Israel • This is God as Redeemer!

4. 4. The emerald color • Draws attention that God is the creator as much of His planet earth is covered by vegetation which contains this color. • This is God as creator! • 5. The rainbow • Refers back to the sign of the Noahic Covenant that God made to all flesh. God promised to never send a world wide flood to destroy man and the rainbow was the token sign for this promise. • Therefore, it refers two principles: • A remnant will always be present in the midst of an ungodly culture ready to be judged! • God is merciful towards mankind even in the midst of judgment. • The Twenty Four Elders • They sit on thrones

5. The Twenty Four Elders • They sit on thrones and so they are rulers (ref. Rev. 2:27, 3:21) • They are glorified humans since they are called elders. • They cannot be angels since all angels are the same age and the term elder is never used of angels. • They term elder is always used of men who are chosen representatives and leaders of people both in Israel and the Church. Therefore, they represent a group of saints. • The use of the number 24 recalls the 24 courses of priests David set up to minister in the Temple in 1 Chronicles 24:7-19. But these priest were not the elders in Israel so it is describing this group as priestly but leaders as well. (ref. Rev. 1:6, Rev. 3:12) • They wear white robes which is promised to those who believe in Jesus Christ. (ref. Rev. 3:5)

6. They wear victors crown (stephanos) but not diadem like Jesus wears. Angels never wear victor’s crowns. This indicates that they have been judged and rewarded since the book of Revelation is chronological. This group is not Israel either since Israel judgment and rewards comes after the Tribulation. • The Bible speaks of at least 5 crowns promised to members of the church. There could be more but only five are listed. • 1. The incorruptible crown in I Corinthians 9:24- 25. This crown is given to those who exercise self-control and gain the mastery and victory over the sin-nature. These individuals lived a Spirit-controlled life. • 2. The crown of rejoicing in I Thessalonians 2:19. This crown is given to those who win souls for Yeshua the Messiah. The fruit of their labors is seen in people coming to the Lord through them.

7. 3. The crown of righteousness in II Timothy 4:7 -8. This is a crown for those who have kept the faith both doctrinally and morally in spite of adverse circumstances. Looking for His return is the result of sound doctrine and keeping the faith. • 4. The crown of life, is mentioned in two passages. • First, it is a crown for those who endure trials in James 1:12. • Secondly, it is given to those who suffer martyrdom for their faith Revelation 2:10. • 5. The crown of glory, mentioned in I Peter 5:2-4. This crown is for faithfully feeding the flock of God. It is available to those pastors, elders, and others who feed the sheep with the “milk” and “meat” of the Word of God.

8. The 24 Elders • They praise God as creator v.11. Before one accepts Him as Redeemer, they must accept Him as Creator. Rom 1:18-32 • The song they sing speaks of God redeeming them by His blood from every tribe, tongue, people and nation. He has also made them kings and priest and they will rule on the earth, according to the song. Rev. 5:9-10 • Therefore, only the Church Saints who are Raptured before the Tribulation, judged and rewarded, along with the promises to the church saints sprinkled in Revelation 1-3 fits the description for the 24 elders. The Church Saints from Pentecost to the Rapture are the 24 Elders!

9. Application • This is our future! We are kings and priests that serve the one true God so we need to act like it. • Although things might seem chaotic on earth or in our personal lives, God is in complete control and on the throne. • One must accept God as creator before they can accept Him as Sovereign and Redeemer. This is why the Genesis account of creation is first and foundational to everything • A remnant will always be present in the midst of an ungodly culture ready to be judged! • God is merciful towards mankind even in the midst of judgment.