Description
The Eternal Throne and Five Timely Questions: Revelation 4:1-8:1
The Vision of Almighty God seated upon His Throne is the Theophany that dominates Revelation 4:1-8:1. This Throne Theophany is described in detail and is the second of Seven Theophanies distributed throughout the Book of Revelation. Five timely questions direct the development of John’s second vision in this Book of Blessing.
A Strong Angel proclaims the first question in a loud voice: Who is worthy to open the Scroll by breaking its seals? (Rev. 5:2). The first answer comes from one of the 24 Elders seated on thrones surrounding The Throne. The Elder proclaims Jesus is worthy, first with descriptive titles (The Lion of the Tribe of Judah, The Root of David, The Lamb) and then with His proper names (the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Rev. 5:5)).
Righteous men, women and children ask the second question in unison. O Master, holy and true, how long [will it be] before we are vindicated? (Rev. 6:10). They were killed because of their confessions of faith in Jesus. The Master answers their question twice: In just a little time (Rev. 6:11)- About one half hour (Rev. 8:1).
Kings and courtiers and generals, the rich and the powerful, freemen and slaves in unison, but outside of Christ ask the third question: Who can stand in this Day of His Coming? (Rev. 6:15-17). They hide themselves within the caves and beneath the rocks, but to no avail. The Day has come and there is no place that will conceal them. Who then will stand in the Day of His Coming? The righteous will stand!
One of the 24 Elders asks John questions four and five and gives him their timely answers. Who are these that are standing? From where have they come? John cannot answer these questions. They are the Redeemed in Christ (Rev. 7:15). They are saved by grace and have passed from death into life (John 5:24). Their number is exactly 144,000. Not one person ordained to life is missing. They are a multitude more numerous than the stars. No man can count these redeemed children of Abraham.
The Second Heptad closes with silence in heaven that continues for about one-half hour. It is the silence before the finale, but the finale is delayed for yet a little while longer. Before the Consummation, a number of issues need to be settled. Revelation, Chapters 8:2-22:21 (Vol. 3-7) consider these remaining issues.
