Today’s selected reading continues in the New Testament prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ as it was written and recorded by the apostle John. More specifically today’s passage is found in the sixth and seventh chapters of this New Testament book. “And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer” (Revelation 6;1-2).

 

            “And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword” (Revelation 6:3-4).

 

            “And when he had opened the third sea, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat  on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine” (Revelation 6:5-6).

 

            “And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with the sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth” (Revelation 6:7-8).

 

            “And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled” (Revelation 6:9-11).

 

            “And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; and the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their place. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; and said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: for the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” (Revelation 6:12-17).

 

            “And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. And I saw another angel ascending form the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. OF the tribe of Asher were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nephthalim were sealed from twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand” (Revelation 7:1-8).

 

            “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? And whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living foundations of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes” (Revelation 7:9-17).

 

            When you come to the sixth and seventh chapters of the New Testament prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ you will find the beginning of the opening of the seven seals which were upon the scroll and was in the hand of the Father who sat upon the throne. In order to understand the words which are found in this particular passage of Scripture I am convinced there is a great need to begin in the fifth chapter. If you turn and direct your attention to the words which are found in the fifth chapter you will find the vision and revelation in heaven continuing before the apostle John. It would be in the fourth chapter of this prophetic book you find the apostle John seeing a door open in the heavens. With the door being opened in the heavens the apostle John heard the voice of the same one who had previously spoken to him at first—the one whose voice was like the sound of a trumpet. The apostle John would be given the invitation to come up into heaven and it would be in the midst of heaven he would see a throne room with One who was seated upon it. This is absolutely astonishing to think about for if you study Scripture you will find that the apostle John was one of four distinct individuals who saw the throne which stood in heaven. In the Old Testament the prophet Isaiah saw a vision of the throne room in heaven and saw One seated upon the throne with the cherubim crying out declaring and proclaiming, “Holy, holy, holy, LORD God Almighty.” What’s more is the ancient Hebrew prophet would see the heavens opened unto him in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar. It would be there by the river Chebar he would not only see a vision of the throne in heaven but also One who was seated upon the throne. Not only this but the ancient Hebrew prophet and seer Daniel also saw a vision of the throne in heaven and the Ancient of Days seated upon the throne.

 

            I am absolutely convinced that in order to truly understand the words which are found in the sixth and seventh chapter there is a great need to consider these visions of the throne which stood in heaven. Within the Old Testament there were three different prophets who each saw a vision of the throne room in heaven—and not only the throne room in heaven but also one seated upon the throne. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it calls and draws our attention to the fact that when we come to the prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ we find another seeing a vision of the throne which stood in heaven. There is a great need for us to recognize and pay close attention to the words presented in these passages of Scripture for if there is one thing we must recognize and understand it’s that for all eternity there has been a throne in heaven and One seated upon that throne. What’s more is not only has there always been and will there always be a throne in heaven but there has always and will always be One seated upon the throne. As if this weren’t enough we must understand that the throne which stands in heaven has never been vacated or occupied by another. You can search all of Scripture and you can never nor will ever find anyone else occupying the throne of God in heaven. What you will find, however, is one who attempted to exalt their own throne above the throne of God which was in heaven. Although there was no one who was ever successful in occupying the throne which the eternal God is seated upon we know for a fact there was one who thought to exalt their throne above it. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the prophetic book of Ezekiel, the prophetic book of Isaiah, the prophetic book of Daniel, the second epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the Thessalonian saints and the twelfth and thirteenth chapters of the prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ:

 

            “How are you fallen from heaven, O Lucifer son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: I will as end into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High. Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit. Those who see you will gaze at you, and consider you, saying: Is this the man who made the earth trembled, who shook kingdoms, who made the world as a wilderness and destroyed its cities, who did not open the house of his prisoners? All the kings of the nations, all of them, sleep in glory, everyone in his own house; but you are cast out of your grave like an abominable branch, like the garment of those who are slain, thrust through with a sword, who go down to the stones of the pit, like a corpse trodden underfoot. You will not be joined with them in burial, because you have destroyed your land and slain your people. The brood of evildoers shall never be named. Prepare slaughter for his children because of the iniquity of their fathers, lest they rise up and possess the land, and fill the face of the world with cities” (Isaiah 14:12-21).

 

            “Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Son of man, take up lamentation for the king of Tyre, and say to him, Thus says the Lord God: You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering: the sardius, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created. You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; you were on the holy mountain of God; you walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones. You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you. By the abundance of your trading you became filled with violence within, and you sinned; therefore I cast you as a profane thing out of the mountain of God; and I destroyed you, O covering cherub, from the midst of the fiery stones. Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor; I cast you to the ground, I laid you before kings, that they might gaze at you. You defiled your sanctuaries by the multitude of your iniquities, by the iniquity of your trading; therefore I brought fire from your midst; it devoured you, and I turned you to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all who saw you. All who knew you among the peoples are astonished at you; you have become a horror, and shall be no more forever” (Ezekiel 28:11-19).

 

            “I watched till thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, its wheels a burning fire; a fiery stream issued and came forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to Him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, and the books were opened. I watched then because of the sound of the pompous words which the horn was speaking; I watched till the beast was slain, and its body destroyed and given to the burning flame. As for the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away, yet their lives were prolonged for a season. I was watching in the night visions, and behold, One like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him. Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed” (Daniel 7:9-14).

 

            “I, Daniel, was grieved in my spirit within my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. I came near to one of those who stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of these things: Those great beasts, which are four, are four kings which arise out of the earth. But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever. Then I wished to know the truth about the fourth beats, which was different from all the others, exceedingly dreadful, with its teeth of iron and its nails of bronze, which devoured, broke in pieces, and trampled the residue with its feet; and the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn which came up, before which three fell, namely, that horn which had eyes and a mouth which spoke pompous words, whose appearance was greater than his fellows. I was watching; and the same horn was making war against the saints, and prevailing against them, until the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom. Thus he said: The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all other kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, trample it and break it in pieces. The ten horns are ten kings who shall arise from this kingdom. And another shall rise after them; He shall be different from the first ones, and shall subdue three kings. He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, shall persecute the saints of the Most High, and shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time. But the court shall be seated, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and destroy it forever. Then the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him” (Daniel 7:15-27).

 

            “Then it happened, when I, Daniel, had seen the visions and was seeking the meaning, that suddenly there stood before me one having the appearance of a man. And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of the Ulai, who called, and said, Gabriel, make this man understand the vision. So he came near where I stood, and when he came I was afraid and fell on my face; but he said to me, Understand, son of man, that the vision refers to the time of the end. Now, as he was speaking with me, I was deep with my face to the ground; but he touched me, and stood me upright. And he said, Look, I am making known to you what shall happen in the latter time of the indignation; for at the appointed time the end shall be. The ram which you saw, having the two horns—they are the kings of Media and Persia. And the male goat is the kingdom of Greece. The large horn that is between its eyes is the first king. As for the broken horn and the four that stood up in its place, four kingdoms shall arise out of that nation, but not with its power. And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors have reached their fullness, a king shall arise, having fierce features, who understands sinister schemes. His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; he shall destroy fearfully, and shall prosper and thrive; he shall destroy the mighty, and also the holy people. Through his cunning he shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule; and he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. He shall even rise against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without human means. And the vision of the evenings and mornings which was told is true; therefore seal up the vision, for it refers to many days in the future” (Daniel 8:15-26).

 

“Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. Let no one deceive you by any means; for that day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshipped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12).

 

            “Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars. Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth. And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born. She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne. Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days. And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time. Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child. But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished from the presence of the serpent. So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 12:1-17).

 

            “Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. Now the beast which I saw was like a leap and, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the worlds marveled and followed the beast. So they worshipped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him? And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue forty-two months. Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue and nation. All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. If anyone has an ear, let him hear. He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints” (Revelation 13:1-10),

 

            “Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it it worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth—by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and salve, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark of the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666” (Revelation 13:11-18).

 

            It is absolutely necessary for us to recognize and understand the words which are found in these passages of Scripture for they help us to understand how from the beginning there has been an attempt to overthrow the throne which stands in heaven. From the beginning there has been one who has sought to establish their own throne—and not only establish their own throne but also exalt that throne above the throne of God which is in heaven. This is something we dare not and must not miss nor lose sight of for it calls and draws our attention to the tremendous pride and arrogance that was found in the heart of Lucifer who thought that he could establish and exalt his throne above the throne of God which is present in heaven. What we must recognize from Scripture is that Lucifer’s attempt to overthrow the throne of the living God and to exalt his own throne above it not only resulted in his being cast down to the earth but also his being banished from heaven. With this being said it must be understood that ever since his failed coup and insurrection in heaven Lucifer has sought to establish his own throne in the midst of the earth and has sought to elevate and exalt it above the throne of God which exists in heaven. For thousands of years Lucifer who is also known as Satan and the Devil has been seeking to unseat and dethrone the One who is seated upon the throne in heaven. This is something we must needs understand when reading the detailed accounts of those who saw visions of the throne in heaven for from Isaiah to Daniel and from Ezekiel to the apostle John the throne has never been vacated nor has the throne ever been occupied by another. There has never been a time in all of eternity where anyone other than the Ancient of Days has indeed been seated upon the throne which stands in heaven. The eternal and living God has always and will always forevermore sit upon the throne in heaven.

            Before I get into the words which are found in the prophetic books of Isaiah, Daniel, and Ezekiel as well as the prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ concerning the visions of the throne which stands in heaven I am absolutely convinced there is a great need for us to journey to the Old Testament book of the Psalms. Within this Old Testament poetic book you will find countless references concerning the throne of God which is established in heaven. This is something we dare not and must not miss nor lose sight of for when speaking about the throne of the living God which stands in heaven we must recognize that it is a throne of holiness, it is a throne of glory, it is a throne of power, it is a throne of authority, it is a throne of dominion, it is a throne of honor. Any attempt to speak about the throne which stands in heaven must needs be recognized and understood in light of the foundation of the throne itself which is holiness, righteousness and truth. There is a great need for us to recognize the holiness, the righteousness and the glory that exists within and upon the throne of God in heaven for it helps us to understand and appreciate all the more the visions which the prophets Ezekiel, Isaiah and Daniel saw concerning the throne which stands in heaven. What’s more is that if you want to understand the breaking of the seven seals which were upon the scroll which the Lamb removed from the right hand of the One who sat upon the throne you must understand the righteousness and holiness that was the foundation of the throne of God which stands in heaven. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the Old Testament poetic book of the Psalms concerning the throne of the living God which stands in the midst of heaven:

 

            “I will praise you, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will tell of all your marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. When my enemies turn back, they shall fall and perish at your presence. For you have maintained my right and my cause; you sat on the throne judging in righteousness. You have rebuked the nations, you have destroyed the wicked; you have blotted out their name forever and ever. O enemy, destructions are finished forever! And you have destroyed cities; even their memory has perished. But the LORD shall endure forever; He has prepared his throne for judgment. He shall judge the world in righteousness, and He shall administer judgment for the peoples in uprightness” (Psalm 9:1-8).

 

            “The LORD is in His holy temple, the LORD’s throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids behold, His eyelids test the sons of men. The LORD tests the righteous, but the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates. Upon the wicked He will rain coals; fire and brimstone and a burning wind shall be the portion of their cup. For the LORD is righteous. He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright” (Psalm 11:4-7).

 

            “You are fairer than the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever. Gird your sword upon your thigh, O mighty One, with your glory and your majesty. And in your majesty ride prosperously because of truth, humility, and righteousness; and your right hand shall teach you awesome things. Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the King’s enemies; the peoples fall under you. Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom. You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness more than your companions. All your garments are scented with myrrh and aloes and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, by which they have made you glad. Kings’ daughters are among your honorable women; at your right hand stands the queen in gold from Ophir” (Psalm 45:2-9).

 

            “God has gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet. Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with understanding. God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne. The princes of the people have gathered together, the people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God; He is greatly exalted” (Psalm 47:5-9).

 

            “And the heavens will praise your wonders, O LORD; your faithfulness also in the assembly of the aunts. For who in the heavens can be compared to the LORD? Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened to the LORD? God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be held in reverence by all those around Him. O LORD of hosts, Who is mighty like you, O LORD? Your faithfulness also surrounds you. You rule the raging of the sea/ when its waves rise, you still them. You have broken Rahab in pieces, as one who is slain; you have scattered your enemies with your mighty arm. The heavens are yours, the earth also is yours; the world and all its fullness, you have founded them. The north and the south, You have created them; Tabor and Hermon rejoice in your name. You have a mighty arm; strong is your hand, and high is your right hand. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; mercy and truth go before your face. Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O LORD, in the light of your countenance. IN your name they rejoice all day long, and in your righteousness they are exalted. For you are the glory of their strength, and in your favor our horn is exaltedFor our shield belongs to the LORD, and our king to the Holy One of Israel. Then you spoke in a vision to your holy one, and said: I have given help to one who is mighty; I have exalted one chosen from the people. I have found my servant David; with my holy oil I have anointed him, with whom my hand shall be established; also my arm shall strengthen him. The enemy shall not outwit him, nor the son of wickedness afflict him. I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague those who hate him” (Psalm 89:5-23).

 

            “The LORD reigns, He is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed, He has girded Himself with strength. Surely the world is established, so that it cannot be moved. Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting. The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, than the mighty waves of the sea. Your testimonies are very sure; holiness adorns your house O LORD, forever” (Psalm 93:1-5).

 

            “The LORD reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad! Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. A fire goes before Him, and burns up His enemies round about. His lightnings light the world; the earth sees and trembles. The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the LORD of the whole earth. The heaven declare His righteousness, and all the peoples see His glory. Let all be put to shame who serve carved images, who boast of idols. Worship Him, all you gods. Zion hears and is glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoice because of your judgments, O LORD. For you, LORD, are more high above all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods” (Psalm 97:1-9).

 

            “The LORD executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel. The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the est, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children, to such as keep His covenant and to those who remember his commandments to do them. The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all” (Psalm 103:6-19).

 

            Please pay close attention to the words which are found in these passages of Scripture for they highlight and underscore the tremendous truth surrounding the splendor, the majesty, the honor, the glory and the power that is not only found in the One who sits upon the throne but also which are at the very heart and foundation of the throne itself. There is a great need for us to recognize and pay attention to the words and language which is found in these passages of Scripture as they call and draw our attention to the incredible beauty of the holiness, the wonder, the awesome might, the power and the glory of the living God. We must not ignore nor lose sight of that which is contained in these passages as they invite us to come before the throne of God in all humility, in all surrender, in all worship, in all adoration and in all praise and worship. There is only one throne in heaven, or on the earth or under the earth whereby we must needs come before and worship with our whole being—that is the throne of the living God which exists in heaven. This is something we dare not most lose sight of and miss for it brings us face to face with the beauty of the throne of the living God as well as the beauty of worshipping the living and eternal God in all His holiness and splendor. Oh tell me dear brother, tell me dear sister—when was the last time you came before the throne of God and simply basked in His holiness? When was the last time you truly worshiped the LORD in the beauty of His holiness and worshipped Him in Spirit and in truth? This is what is incredibly beautiful about the words which are found in the fourth and fifth chapters of this prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ as what we find here within these chapters call and draw our attention to the throne in heaven—and not only the throne in heaven but also the worship which takes place before and around the throne. With this in mind I invite you to consider the words and language contained in these chapters as well as the words which are found in the prophetic books of Isaiah, Ezekiel and Daniel:

 

            “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the LORD sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one cried to another and said: Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory! And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke. So I said: Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. Then one the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth with it, and said: Behold, this has touched your lips; your iniquity is taken away, and your sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the LORD, saying: Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then I said, Here am I! Send me” (Isaiah 6:1-8).

 

            “And above the firmament over their heads was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like a sapphire stone; on the likeness of the throne was a likeness with the appearance of a man high above it. Also from the appearance of His waist and upward I saw, as it were, the color of amber with the appearance of fire all around within it; and from the appearance of His waist and downward I saw, as it were, the appearance of fire with brightness all around. Like the appearance of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the brightness all around it. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD” (Ezekiel 1:26-28).

 

            “I watched till thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, its wheels a burning fire; a fiery stream issued and came forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to Him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, and the books were opened. I watched then because of the sound of the pompous words which the horn was speaking; I watched till the beast was slain, and its body destroyed and given to the burning flame. As for the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away, yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time. I was watching in the nigh visions, and behold, One like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him. Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed” (Daniel 7:9-14).

 

            Each of these passages describes the visions which these ancient Hebrew prophets saw of the throne of God which stands in heaven. Each of these ancient Hebrew prophets saw a vision of the throne in heaven and each one of them saw One seated upon the throne. This is something which warrants strong consideration for when we come to the fourth and fifth chapters of the prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ we find the apostle John not only seeing a door standing open in heaven but also being invited to come up that he might see those things which were to take place. The apostle John would immediately be in the Spirit and would see the throne which stood in heaven and one who was seated upon the throne. What’s more is that not only would the apostle John see the door, the throne, and the One seated upon the throne but He would also see those who were round about the throne. The vision which the apostle John would see concerning the throne of God in heaven is absolutely remarkable when you take the time to think about it for within these visions we find the vision of the throne, the vision of the One seated upon the throne, the vision of the ones round about the throne and even in that One who has the authority and dominion to approach and come near the throne. In the fourth chapter of this prophetic book we encounter the tremendous truth surrounding the throne, the One seated upon the throne as well as those who worship round about and before the throne, however, in the fifth chapter we read of the scroll which was in the right hand of the One seated upon the throne and the One who was worthy to take the scroll from the hand of the One seated upon the throne, worthy to break the seals upon the scroll and worthy to look upon the contents which were contained therein. Consider the following words which are found in the fourth and fifth chapters of this prophetic book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ beginning with the opening verse of the fourth chapter:

 

            “After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this. Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in haven, and One say open the throne. And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance like an emerald. Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads. And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come! Whenever the living creatures give and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for you created all things, and by your will they exist and were created” (Revelation 4:1-11).

 

            “And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals. Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the droll and to loose its seals? And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it. So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it. But one of the elders said to me, Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals. And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying: You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for you were slain, and have redeemed us to God by your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth. Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice: Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing! And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever! Then the four living creatures said, Amen! And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshipped Him who lives forever and ever” (Revelation 5:1-14).

 

            If you continue to read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture you will find that after Jesus took the scroll from the hand of the one who sat upon the throne He would immediately begin breaking each of the seven seals which were upon it. Chapters six and seven of the prophetic book of the Revelation describe the process of the breaking of these seven seals and how each corresponding breaking of a seal would result in events taking place on the earth. What makes this truly astonishing when you take the time to think about it is when you consider the fact that what took place in heaven would have direct ramifications and impact upon what happened upon the earth. As you read the words found in these chapters you will find that what took place with the breaking of the seven seals which were upon the scroll would directly impact the inhabitants of the earth and would induce certain events which would take place upon the earth. IN verses one and two we find the first seal being broken and the first of the four horses of the apocalypse together with its rider going forth. When the first seal was broken there would appear a white horse and the one who sat upon it had a bow and a crown was given to him that he might go out conquering and to conquer. When the second seal was broken there would appear another horse—a fiery red horse—which would go out and unto the one who sat upon was given power to take peace from the earth and that people should kill one another. Unto the rider on this horse was given a great sword with which to divide the inhabitants of the earth and to cause them to rise up against each other. Upon the third seal being broken we find a black horse appearing and the one who sat upon it having a pair of scales in his hand. The apostle John would continue looking upon this and would hear a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” Finally the fourth of the four horsemen of the apocalypse would appear—a pale horse in color. The name of the one who sat upon this horse was Death, and Hades followed with him. The apostle John saw as power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with the sword, with hunger, with death and by the beasts of the earth.

 

As I bring this writing to a close I find it necessary to call and draw your attention to the words which are found in the final verses of the sixth chapter as within them we see both the fifth and sixth seals being broken. It would be when the fifth seal was broken that we find the apostle John seeing under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. The question I can’t help but ask when reading these words is whether or not we as the saints of God and we as the disciples of Christ are indeed and are in fact holding to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ. The apostle John was exiled to the isle of Patmos for the word of God and for the sake of the testimony of Jesus Christ. Antipas was the faithful martyr of the Lord Jesus Christ who was also slain for the sake of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. There were certain letters written unto the seven churches written unto the seven churches which referenced the Devil throwing some into prison and others who would be kept from the hour of trial and tribulation which would come upon the whole world. I am absolutely convinced we as the saints of God must needs be those who have patience and endurance that we might indeed be those who are faithful to endure unto the end. It was Jesus Himself who declared that those who endure to the end will be saved. We as the saints of God must needs be those who have patience and endurance in the midst trials, tribulation and trouble in the coming days. We are indeed and are in fact going to be experiencing dark and dangerous days and we must be those who are ready and able to stand in the midst of those days and remain completely and utterly faithful in the sight and presence of the living God.