7 Things the Book of Revelation Throne Room Experience Teaches Us
Knowing and worshiping God, two experiences most sought after in eternity.
Revelation 4:4 (ESV) says, “Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and sitting on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with crowns of gold on their heads. » The image of 24 elders worshiping before the throne is probably the presbytery of heaven. It represents all of God’s people who worship and serve the Lord. Therefore, the saints with the most authority in heaven desire nothing more than to be around the throne of God. Revelation 4:6-8 shows that the angels, who have been with God from the beginning of their existence, are so in awe of God that they never stop worshiping Him and always desire to be near Him.
This is a far cry from the dispassionate and lukewarm state of many Christians who must be exhorted to attend church and spend time with God daily.
Worship causes people to reflect the image of their Creator.
The saying is true: “You are the one you worship.” » Revelation 4:6-7 says that the four living creatures around the throne had the faces of a lion, an ox, a man and an eagle. Some scholars believe that their four faces represent the majesty, strength, wisdom and transcendence of the Creator whose eyes continually watch over every part of his creation. Therefore, even the angels near the throne are transformed to reflect their Creator. Moses’ face was illuminated from being in the cloud of glory with God for 40 days. How much more should we, who are in Christ and know God, seek His face and reflect His glory?
In reference to this, Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 3:9: “For if there were glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far surpass it in glory. »
Connecting this to the church, he said in 2 Corinthians 3:18: “And we all, with open face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. »
Therefore, the Church is called to be a mature and transformed corporate son that reflects the image of Christ in this world (ROM. 8:29).
Worship should be theocentric, not human-centered
“Immediately I was in the Spirit, and, behold, a throne stood in heaven, and one sat on the throne” (Rev. 4:2).
When John was caught up to heaven, the first thing he saw was “The One” sitting on the throne. Therefore, the main focus of worship should not be us but Him! The major theme of the book of Revelation is the throne of God, which represents His government or rule. It’s all about Jesus, not us. Unfortunately, in many circles, Christianity is more anthropology than Christology. Worship songs should be Christocentric and focused on the character of God. Worship is about attributing value to God, not entertaining the crowd with feel-good songs.
God is still worthy of worship despite our challenges on earth.
In the book of Revelation, the church was in turmoil. Many were persecuted and thrown into prison, and people fell into Baal worship, fornication and other failings away from the Christian faith (Rev. 2-3). Despite this, there was still an endless chorus of worship to God. Psalm 92:1 (NIV) says, “It is therefore always good to do this, no matter our circumstances, because its worth and dignity never change. So, worship and gratitude are always an appropriate response to God.
The transcendent kingdom of God dominates everything that is done on earth.
After the throne room worship experience in Revelation 4, it is no coincidence that the six seals were opened, the seven trumpets sounded, and the seven bowls poured out on the earth (Rev. 5-18) . This chronological sequence shows that everything permitted on earth emanates first from the throne of God. He responds to the worship and prayers of the saints both in heaven and on earth.
The scene in Revelation 8:1-5 dThis closes the connection between the accumulated prayers of the saints ascending like incense before the throne and God making decrees concerning the earth:
“And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, and the smoke incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose up before God from the hand of the angel. Then the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it onto the earth, and there were thunders, and rumblings, and lightning, and an earthquake. (ESV).
This shows us the importance of continually offering prayer, worship, and supplication before the throne so that we can see God’s will and His kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. (Luke 11:2-4).
Worship should be corporate, not just individual.
In heaven we see the 24 elders, the living beings and all the saints who were martyred worshiping God together (Rev. 4, 7).
Too often, contemporary Christianity focuses on individual worship. The emphasis in the Bible is not only on individual worship, as we see in some of the psalms, but also on corporate worship. (Psalms have been used by God’s people throughout the ages to pray.) Ephesians 5:18-19 says, “Be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and prayers. spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart. »
Worship allows us to sense and prepare for the future (Rev. 4:1).
God said to John, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” » Those who worship constantly become sensitive to the Holy Spirit. They get his wisdom and advice to plan and prepare for the future.
Paul equates being filled with the Spirit with understanding the will of the Lord (Eph. 5:17-19). Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches us to always acknowledge God so that He can direct our paths.
In conclusion, no matter what challenges we face, we must never stop standing before the throne of God in prayer and worship because His kingdom rules over all!
About the Author
Dr. Joseph Mattera is an internationally renowned author, consultant, and theologian whose mission is to influence leaders who influence culture. He is the founding pastor of Resurrection Church and leads several organizations, including the American Coalition of Apostolic Leaders. and Alliance of Christ Coalition. Dr. Mattera is the author of 13 best-selling books, including his latest, The Purpose, Power, and Process of Prophetic Ministry, and is renowned for applying Scripture to contemporary culture. To order his books or to join the thousands of subscribers to his newsletter, go to josephmattera.org.
A translation from English to French.