Table of Contents
This lesson focuses on the throne and structure of God in the spiritual realm that John witnesses after being called up to heaven. Two core points: 1) The throne and structure seen in the spiritual world must be built in the physical world. 2) God and the kingdom of heaven will come to Mount Zion in the new heaven and new earth. After sending the letters in Revelation 2-3, John hears the same voice from Revelation 1 calling him up to heaven. He sees God on the throne appearing like jasper and carnelian with a rainbow, 24 elders, flashes of lightning, 7 lamps (7 spirits), a sea of glass, and 4 living creatures (archangels) covered in eyes who continually worship God as “Holy, holy, holy.” John is shown this structure so he can build an equivalent at Mount Zion – with the overcomer, 24 ministries, 7 inspectors, 4 departments, many saints, and 12 gates/tribes. When God returns, He will come back to this place modeled after the heavenly pattern.
Shincheonji holds distinct theological views that differ from mainstream Christian denominations, yet it also shares some common teachings. This overlap can sometimes blur the lines between their beliefs and those of traditional Christianity. Therefore, it is essential to exercise critical thinking and discernment to differentiate between these shared elements and the unique doctrines they present.
While their interpretations warrant careful examination through a critical and biblical lens, it is equally important to approach these matters with an open yet discerning mindset.
The following notes were documented in person during Shincheonji’s 9-month Bible Study Seminar. They provide insight into the organization’s approach to introducing and explaining its beliefs to potential new members, often referred to as the ‘harvesting and sealing.’ This process is described as being ‘born again’ or ‘born of God’s seed,’ which involves uprooting the old beliefs and replanting new ones. This uprooting and replanting must occur continuously. By examining this process, we can gain a better understanding of the mindset and beliefs held by Shincheonji members.
Today we have a beautiful lesson with much to cover.
This is a lesson many have anticipated since we’ve explored portions of this significant chapter.
Our focus is on Revelation chapter 4, which provides an extraordinary description of heaven – specifically heaven in the spiritual world.
What’s remarkable is that while God had been revealing heaven’s nature to us all along, we couldn’t perceive or recognize it because the word was sealed. However, now is different. Because someone has seen it, recognized it, and is testifying about it, we now have understanding.
I’m excited to begin this lesson, and I hope you share this excitement too.
Rv 4: The Throne and Structure of God in the Spiritual Realm
Order and Unity in Revelation
Today’s lesson focuses on two key concepts that summarize its content. After John sends letters to the seven messengers, he is called up to heaven in the spiritual world. There, he witnesses God’s throne and structure, revealing the divine order that God has established.
God is definitively orderly, not disorderly. As stated in 1 Corinthians 14:33, God is a God of order, not of chaos. Therefore, when we contemplate heaven, we should envision it as an orderly place that adheres to God’s logic and rules. In contrast, our world today appears disorderly.
This disorder reflects the enemy’s way, where everything is done according to people’s own understanding and rules. Our culture has become individualistic, making unity difficult to achieve. Some people even find signs of unity frightening, often saying things like “don’t be a sheep” and “think for yourself.” They become suspicious when they see people unified, doing the same things together.
While they spread fear about unified people, the Bible shows that unity is what God and Jesus have requested from us since the beginning. Ironically, it was disunity – through an angel separating himself from God – that led to our current situation. Therefore, we should seek God’s orderliness and His way of bringing people together.
The words of Revelation are true: all nations will gather at this location. As it is written, these events will take place. This has been told to us before it happens so that when it does occur, we will believe.
We should hold onto this hope. Although we appear disunified now, a time is coming when this disunity will end, and many will unite as one. By being among the first to unite, others will ask us: “How did you do it first? How did you overcome? Teach me what you did.” They will ask about how we studied for these tests and attended class despite difficulties. People will commend us for being the first to gather at this critical time.
Now, as we move to Revelation chapter 4, we’ll examine the throne and structure of God in the spiritual realm, following our previous study of Revelation chapters 2 and 3.
Timeline of Events
The events begin in 1965 when Jesus appears to the 7 stars.
In 1966, these 7 stars establish the Tabernacle Temple (referred to as TT).
In 1967, before receiving the title “New John,” he enters the Tabernacle Temple as a regular member. Though he had already begun his life of faith prior to this, he was unfamiliar with the operations of the temple. Due to corruption (unrelated to Nicholas or the later destruction), New John decides to leave the temple.
In 1975, Nicholas enters the scene, introduced by Mr. Yoo, one of the seven stars. Despite Nicholas teaching different doctrines from what Jesus had originally given them, he receives teaching authority because he was brought in by one of their leaders. Although people initially rejected his established Christian denominational teachings, these teachings gradually gained acceptance over time. The period of destruction begins with Nicholas’s entry.
In 1977, Jesus appears to New John (as recorded in Revelation 1:9-20), appointing him and instructing him to send letters. After observing the situation in 1979, New John sends these letters, but they go unheeded.
1980 marks several significant events:
– The 7 stars resign
– Destruction begins
– The beast with seven heads and ten horns enters
– The events of Revelation chapter 4 unfold
The Tabernacle Temple was established in Gwacheon, South Korea, at the base of Mount Cheonggye, a famous mountain. The leaders identified themselves as the seven stars. While the location was beautiful, the temple building no longer exists today – it was completely destroyed, with not one stone left upon another.
Rev 4 Core Points
1.- Throne and Structure in SW → Build in PW
2. -God and KOH (HCNJ) → Mt. Zion (NHNE)
Two essential points:
1.- The throne and structure of God in the spiritual world must be built in the physical world.
In Revelation chapter 4, everything described has a physical equivalent in Mount Zion:
– The one seated on the throne
– The 24 elders
– The 7 lamps
– The sea of glass
– The 4 living creatures
– The 12 gates
John saw these elements and was tasked to build them, just as others in the past were given the task of building what was seen in heaven on earth.
2.- God and the kingdom of heaven come to Mount Zion in the New Heaven and New Earth.
The kingdom of heaven comes down, and when Revelation speaks of “who was and is and is to come,” we should understand that “is to come” means:
– To return
– To come back
This return has been God’s desire since the fall of man – since Adam’s fall. Through the book of Revelation, we learn how God’s return to his creation takes place.
Revelation 4:1
Revelation 4:1 NIV84 After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.”
There are some key points to understand about these events. The first important point concerns who witnesses these events taking place.
In the Vision Revelation, we see that Apostle John is the one who sees these events. However, an important question arises: Will Apostle John physically return to life to experience these events again? The answer is clearly no. Therefore, when the text uses “I” in this context, we understand that this “I” refers to New John.
This New John is the one who will witness these events occurring again. Looking at Revelation 4:1, the passage opens with two specific words: “After this.”
ONE – “After This”
Understanding the phrase “after this” is critical for comprehending the flow of Revelation. This is important because Revelation is not fully chronological by chapter.
In Revelation, some later chapters describe events that are fulfilled before events in earlier chapters. While this may seem confusing, there is a way to track the sequence of events through the critical words “after this.”
When we see “after this,” it indicates that the events in the previous chapter occurred before the events in the current chapter we are reading.
The phrase “after this” appears exactly 6 times in the book of Revelation:
– Revelation 4:1
– Revelation 7:1
– Revelation 7:9
– Revelation 15:5
– Revelation 18:1
– Revelation 19:1
These 6 occurrences help us understand the chronological order of events.
For example, regarding Revelation 4:1, we can track what happened: John first sends the letters in Revelation chapters 2 to 3. Then, following this (“after this”), the events of Revelation 4 take place. Specifically, John sent the letters in 1979, and in the spring of 1980, he goes up to see heaven in the spiritual world.
TWO – Heaven
“After this, I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven.” This describes what was seen next in the vision.
In this scene, a door is standing open in heaven. This door is similar to a gate, and specifically relates to the Holy City, New Jerusalem, which has 12 gates as described in Revelation 21:10-12. The vision shows entry through one of these gates.
An important aspect to consider is the form in which this heavenly vision was experienced.
To see heaven in the spiritual world, one must be in the spirit form, as physical form cannot enter spiritual places. Just as he was in the spirit when hearing the voice behind him earlier, he is again in the spirit as he ascends to heaven in the spiritual world.
THREE – Voice: Jesus’ voice (Rev 1:10)
Here is the text restructured while preserving the original vocabulary and meaning:
In Revelation 1:10, we learn about a voice – Jesus’s voice. How do we know it was Jesus’s voice that he was hearing? Amen, that’s right.
The scripture describes “someone like the son of man,” and he heard a voice behind him that sounded like a trumpet. The voice was like a trumpet, and he recognized it immediately. “Oh, I know that voice. I’ve heard that voice before.” Indeed, it was Jesus’s voice.
The same voice then spoke again, saying “Come up here and I will show you what must take place after this.” This was the voice that he had heard before – Jesus’s voice.
FOUR – What Must Take Place: Events of Revelation
The events that must take place after this encompass the remainder of Revelation, specifically chapters 4 through 22, beginning with chapter 4.
The rest of Revelation contains what must be shown. John serves as both a witness to Revelation’s fulfillment and an instrument in carrying it out, though Jesus is the one doing the work.
New John functions as a servant, not the master. In his role as counselor in the flesh, he speaks on the master’s behalf, working in unity with the spirit of truth – the counselor in the spirit promised by Jesus. He serves as a messenger carrying the message.
In Revelation 4:1, the phrase “after this” indicates these events follow Revelation chapters 2 and 3, which contain the sending of the letters. This phrase “after this” appears six times throughout Revelation, each occurrence holding significance regarding why John receives these specific visions at those particular moments.
John enters in the spirit through one of the 12 gates, where he hears a loud voice behind him, sounding like a trumpet – the same voice he previously heard in Revelation chapter 1. The purpose of this experience is to witness the events described in the book of Revelation.
Revelation 4:2-3
Revelation 4:2-3 NIV84 At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. [3] And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne.
In Revelation 4:2-3, we read: “At once I was in the spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone seated on it.”
When examining God’s throne and structure in heaven, we observe that heaven has a hierarchy. In this hierarchy, God is significant as the first entity seen. When John enters the spiritual world of heaven, who does he see first? God.
This concept of God being first is interestingly reflected in the Korean language.
The Korean word for God is 하나님 (Ha na nim), where:
– 하나 (Hana) means “one” or “first”
– 님 (nim) is an honorific suffix similar to Mr., Mrs., Lord, or Sir, used to show respect or duty
– When attached to a title or word, 님 (nim) elevates its meaning
Therefore, 하나님 (Hananim), the Korean word for God, literally means “the one” or “the first,” which aligns with how God appears first in the heavenly hierarchy.
God
We see God on the throne, and He has a unique appearance in this vision.
His appearance is described as Jasper and Carmelian. Jasper appears as a beautiful blue color, like the sky blue. Carmelian appears as a red color, similar to the soil. Through this appearance, God is telling us something significant.
The blue and red appearance connects back to the very beginning of the Bible. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth – He is the creator. Through His appearance, He acknowledges Himself as the creator of the heavens and the earth.
God is also surrounded by something – a rainbow. This rainbow has an interesting tone to it. The rainbow appears green, specifically emerald green. This green color represents life and everlasting nature. Through this, God is showing that He is the God of an everlasting covenant, an everlasting rainbow-like covenant, as referenced in Genesis 9:13.
When God makes a promise, He keeps it. He never breaks His promises. What is God’s track record of keeping His promises? 100%. This is who God is – the creator of the heavens and the earth, who establishes everlasting covenants.
Before reading verses 4 and 5 for the next in the hierarchy, it’s important to note that Jesus is also here with God. We will see Jesus’ appearance in the next chapter, Revelation 5. This separate revelation of Jesus’ appearance is done for a specific reason, so don’t be confused.
Revelation 4:4-5
Revelation 4:4-5 NIV84 Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. [5] From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God.
Let us examine some additional important spirits that appear:
ONE – The 24 elders
To identify who these 24 elders are, we must first develop a deeper understanding of heaven. This understanding will help us comprehend the nature and role of these elders.
Isaiah 9:7 NIV84 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
In Isaiah 9:7, we see that the government will be placed on his shoulders. This reveals an important understanding about heaven – that heaven operates like a government.
Just as any government needs officials, heaven has its hierarchy. In this heavenly government, there are 24 elders who serve as administrators.
These 24 officials function like civil servants, aiding in the work of heaven.
One might wonder: Why does God need administrators? The answer lies in God’s nature – He is a God of order, not of chaos.
Therefore, heaven is organized in a very orderly manner with its 24 administrators.
The 24 elders serve as administrators of heaven because heaven is structured as a government. They are part of the hierarchical system that maintains order in heaven.
TWO – Lightning and Thunder
In Revelation chapter 4, John witnesses something remarkable coming from the throne of God. He sees lightning and thunder emanating from God’s throne.
What is the significance of lightning and thunder? These elements represent the rapid movement of spirits. These spirits are carrying out God’s will with immediate response and swift action. When God commands them, they don’t delay or postpone their tasks by saying “I’ll take care of it tomorrow, God.” Instead, they act right away, departing instantly to fulfill God’s will.
This can be understood as the affairs of God being carried out with the speed of lightning. We, too, should aspire to respond to God’s commands with such immediacy. Consider the example of Abraham – when God instructed him to sacrifice his son, he didn’t hesitate or say, “God, let me take some time to think about this big ask you’re giving me.” No – the very next morning, he got up and took his son, responding like lightning to God’s command.
Ezekiel 1:14 NIV84 The creatures sped back and forth like flashes of lightning.
The spirits moved swiftly back and forth like lightning, as they were quickly fulfilling God’s will. After this lightning vision, John witnesses something else.
THREE – The Seven Lamps: Seven Spirits of God
John sees seven lamps or seven torches. These seven lamps represent the seven spirits of God, as mentioned in this chapter. In Revelation 5:6, these same spirits are referred to as eyes, indicating their special duty of inspection. They have a dual purpose: to shine and to inspect.
These spirits function similarly to human eyes, which need light to operate.
They serve two primary purposes:
- They provide light
- They observe and report back to God
As revealed in Revelation 5:6-7, these seven lamps (the seven spirits of God) work in close association with Jesus. These blazing lamps are actively working.
Interestingly, when these spirits work with an individual, that person also receives the designation of a lamp. For example, 2,000 years ago, John the Baptist was called a lamp, as recorded in John 5:35. As a worker for God, John exemplified this connection between lamps, spirits, and workers.
The concept of lamps extends to the Bible itself, as mentioned in Psalm 119:105. All these elements – the spirits, workers, and the Bible – are interconnected through their fundamental purpose of providing light, which represents understanding of the word that gives life.
Revelation 4:6-7
Revelation 4:6-7 NIV84 Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. [7] The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle.
ONE – Sea of Glass (Water = Word)
In this revelation, we observe the sea of glass. This is not a corrupted sea like the sea of the world, but rather a sea so pure that it appears as crystal. Since seas are made of water, we must understand what figurative water represents.
According to Deuteronomy 32:2, water represents the word. This understanding is crucial, as are the parables. The water before the throne symbolizes the words of the open scroll that cleanses one’s inner being.
The word is crystal clear, without blemish – this explains its perfect clarity. This concept parallels Jesus’s actions with His disciples, as recorded in John chapters 13, 14, 15, and 16.
These chapters document one continuous event where Jesus first physically washed His disciples’ feet (John 13), then spiritually cleansed them with His words (John 14-16). Heaven, therefore, contains God’s perfect and clear word, manifested as a sea of glass.
This imagery connects to the water basin described in Exodus 38:8. The basin stood before the temple and tent of meeting, where priests would first offer sacrifices at the altar, then wash their hands in the basin. Cleansing was mandatory before touching the tent – unclean hands were not permitted, and entry was forbidden without purification.
Heaven follows the same principle. We must be washed in the words of life and in the blood of the Lamb to be cleansed and gain entry.
TWO – 4 Living Creatures = 4 Archangels
In John’s vision, he witnesses interesting entities – specifically four living creatures, who are identified as archangels. The term “arch” denotes leader, indicating these are leading angels.
These archangels hold very important duties. One well-known example is Michael. It’s notable that Satan was also originally one of these archangels, which explains why he remains extremely powerful and should not be underestimated.
These 4 Living Creatures are tasked with duties of judgment in various ways.
Each creature has 4 faces, and each face represents specific duties they must carry out:
- The oxen
- The man
- The lion
- The eagle
So what does each of these mean?
Lion
When considering a lion, physically speaking, what domain does the lion rule over?
The lion is the head of the jungle. He’s known as the king of the jungle, or the king of the beasts.
In this context, the 4 Living Creatures carry out judgment on beasts in the same way they would judge people.
Ox
What does an ox do?
An ox tills the ground. Similarly, the 4 Living Creatures prepare people’s hearts. They till the field of people’s hearts.
Eagle
Eagles are among the most powerful birds in existence. They possess the unique ability to fly higher than any other bird species.
Due to their superior position in the sky, eagles never need to look upward, as no other creatures exist above them. Their gaze is consistently directed downward since they have no enemies to fear from above, given their supreme height.
These angels are not above God – this point needs to be clear.
In the physical realm, eagles maintain command over all other birds, acting as their rulers. They possess authority to direct other birds’ actions, essentially serving as the kings of all birds.
In Biblical context, birds are often used as comparisons to spirits. Following this parallel, eagles, like archangels, serve as judges over spirits.
Man
The archangels have a face of a man, and man uses words to judge – words that come from God. This connects to how God wants us to reason together, as stated in Isaiah 1:18. The 4 archangels carry out their important duty using the Word of God.
These archangels are surrounded by eyes, but what do these eyes represent? They represent Spirit. This brings up an important point about interpretation – these descriptions are not meant to be taken literally, as if eyes physically cover their bodies.
Some people, especially on social media, depict angels as monstrous creatures with multiple eyes covering them. However, this is not an accurate representation. Why do people portray biblical angels this way? It’s because they interpret the words according to their own thoughts, without proper understanding.
When people read these descriptions, they might imagine frightening creatures because they don’t understand the parables. They make the mistake of interpreting literally what should be understood spiritually and figuratively. This same error in interpretation was made during the first coming, and people continue to make this mistake today.
This literal interpretation of spiritual matters is what leads people into misunderstanding.
Joshua 5:13-15 NIV84 Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” [14] “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?” [15] The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.
What an incredible experience Joshua had! When he encountered the commander of God’s army, he fell to his feet declaring “I am not worthy” – just as many others did when they witnessed miraculous things from heaven.
Revelation 4:8-11
Revelation 4:8-11 NIV84 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.” [9] Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, [10] the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: [11] “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”
ONE – Holy Lord God
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty – this is of utmost importance to everyone.
He is the “I AM” – the one who has always been. He is not merely a fairy tale we share, but the living and active God who works even today.
As written in Matthew 6:10, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” He is the Holy Lord God who was, who is, and who will always be – living, active, and fulfilling His words today. He is the one who is to come.
He deserves all glory. Have you considered why we conclude our class by giving God the glory? It’s because He truly deserves it.
We don’t end class by saying, “All right everyone, tell me thank you.”
Or “Tell me what a great job I’m doing. Come on guys, let me hear it. Right?”
That’s not how we conclude. Who am I? I’m just a kid.
I’m a servant, only doing my duty.
I don’t deserve any glory. You aren’t here for me. In fact, if someone else were speaking these words, it shouldn’t make any difference to you.
You’re here for God, who deserves all the glory forever and ever. This is why we always end by glorifying Him, thanking Him for giving us eyes to see and ears to hear, for preparing our hearts to receive this word, and for guiding our steps so that we met the right person at the right time – what appeared random at first was actually not random at all.
Not an accident
It wasn’t an accident that you chose to stay in that specific apartment complex. It wasn’t an accident when someone approached you in the cafeteria one day and simply said “Hello.” And it certainly wasn’t an accident when your family member suddenly underwent a significant change.
When you asked them “What’s going on with you?”, they responded, “I’m studying the Bible,” and added, “I want to study Bible too.”
These events are not mere accidents. What has God been doing? He has been working.
Remember these things – God has been working. Your presence here is not by accident.
The Kingdom of Heaven what John saw
We’re going to draw the kingdom of heaven in the spiritual world that John saw in detail.
Today, we’ll review what we learned from Revelation 4, which is a notably short but impactful chapter containing only 11 verses.
John’s Vision in the Spirit
John experiences this vision while in the spirit, observing heaven in the spiritual world. (soon you will be able to see a Revelation movie in clips depiction of what John saw – it’s happening this week and it’s going to be fun and cool!)
What John Saw – Throne and Structure in the Spiritual World:
- God (and Jesus, as mentioned in Rev 5:6)
- 24 Elders
- 7 spirits
- 4 Living Creatures
- Many spirits
- 12 Gates (Rev 21)
The first thing John witnesses is God seated on the throne. As referenced in Revelation 5:6, Jesus is also present in this heavenly scene.
Revelation 5:6 NIV84 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.
In John’s vision, he saw the lamb in the center, surrounded by the elders and four living creatures. The sequence of what John witnessed in heaven was:
- The 24 elders
- The lightning
- Seven lamps (which are called seven spirits)
- The sea of glass
- Four living creatures with many spirits, having eyes all around (noting that eyes represent spirit)
In Revelation 21, John describes the Holy City, New Jerusalem, which is surrounded by 12 gates.
After seeing these things in heaven, John’s task was to build what he saw in heaven on earth.
Everything John witnessed in heaven has an equivalent at Mount Zion.
At Mount Zion, there is one upon whom God, Jesus, and heaven put their names – this is the one who overcomes, known as New John. At Mount Zion, there are also 24 ministries. Revelation 3:12
Throne and Structure in the Physical World
- Overcomer
- 24 Ministries
- 7 Inspectors
- 4 Departments
- Many spirits
- 12 Gates Rev 21
Mount Zion has 24 ministries, which correspond to the 24 elders. We have the overcomer, and these 24 ministries serve as administrators helping Mount Zion to flourish and function.
The center class you are currently attending is led by the ministry of theology. Other ministries include education, internal affairs, and domestic missions, among others.
You will learn about all 24 ministries as we proceed.
At Mount Zion, there are 7 inspectors who travel throughout the world, similar to the seven spirits before God’s throne, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Recently, some inspectors visited the [……..] church or center.
The structure of Mount Zion includes 4 departments, each with its own groups of people. The heads of these departments are comparable to the 4 living creatures.
These departments are:
- Elderly department
- Men’s department
- Women’s department
- Young adults department
This ensures everyone has representation at Mount Zion. Many saints gather here, and by God’s grace, more continue to join, like the eyes of heaven. There are 12 tribes, corresponding to the 12 gates.
The open word taught here is as clear as crystal. Through God’s grace, we truly reflect heaven in the spiritual world.
When God returns, He comes back to a place that feels like home. This should be our gathering place as well. This explains Revelation chapter 4.
Study tip for the first Revelation test: Focus on five questions at a time. Don’t overwhelm yourself – master five questions before moving to the next set. This approach will help you learn the entire test effectively.
Memorization
Revelation 4:1 NIV84 After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” Revelation 4:8 NIV84 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.”
Let’s Us Discern
Discernment is still a work in progress …. Proverbs 14:15 (ESV)
“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”
Analysis
Questions to Self-Reflect
Outline
Understanding the Structure and Significance of Revelation 4
I. Introduction: Order, Unity, and the Purpose of Revelation
This section establishes the importance of order and unity in God’s plan, contrasting it with the disorder of the world influenced by the enemy. It emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecies in Revelation and highlights the importance of unity as God’s will.
II. Review: Timeline and Core Points of Revelation
This section provides a historical context for the events in Revelation, outlining key events from 1965 to 1980 related to the Tabernacle Temple and the rise of Nicholas. It then introduces two core concepts: the mirroring of heaven’s structure on earth and God’s return to Mount Zion in the New Heaven and New Earth.
III. Revelation 4:1: The Call to Witness “What Must Take Place”
This section analyzes Revelation 4:1, focusing on:
- “After This”: Highlighting the chronological significance of this phrase, indicating events following the sending of letters in chapters 2 and 3.
- Heaven: Describing the vision of an open door in heaven, signifying entry through one of the 12 gates of New Jerusalem.
- Voice: Identifying the voice as Jesus’, based on its description in Revelation 1:10.
- What Must Take Place: Defining the scope of events to be witnessed, encompassing chapters 4-22 of Revelation.
IV. Revelation 4:2-3: God’s Throne and Appearance
This section describes God’s appearance on His throne, emphasizing:
- God: Highlighting the significance of seeing God first, connecting it to the Korean word “Hananim” meaning “the One” or “the First.”
- Jasper and Carnelian: Interpreting God’s appearance as symbolic of His creation of heaven (blue Jasper) and earth (red Carnelian).
- Rainbow: Understanding the emerald green rainbow as a representation of God’s everlasting covenant.
V. Revelation 4:4-5: The Heavenly Hierarchy and the Seven Spirits
This section introduces other key elements in the vision:
- The 24 Elders: Identifying them as administrators in heaven’s government, maintaining order and assisting God.
- Lightning and Thunder: Interpreting these as symbols of the rapid movement of spirits swiftly carrying out God’s will.
- The Seven Lamps: Defining them as the seven spirits of God, acting as both light sources and inspectors, observing and reporting to God.
VI. Revelation 4:6-7: The Sea of Glass and the Four Living Creatures
This section focuses on symbolic imagery:
- Sea of Glass: Interpreting the sea of glass as a representation of God’s pure and cleansing word, similar to the water basin used for purification before entering the temple.
- 4 Living Creatures: Identifying them as archangels, each with four faces representing their roles:
- Lion: Judging beast-like people.
- Ox: Preparing the hearts of believers.
- Eagle: Judging spirits.
- Man: Using God’s word for judgment.
VII. Understanding “Wheels” and the Commander of God’s Army
This section clarifies the meaning of “wheels” in Ezekiel as the spirits accompanying archangels, using Joshua’s encounter with the commander of God’s army as an example of their power and authority.
VIII. Revelation 4:8-11: The Holiness of God and the Importance of Giving Glory
This section emphasizes God’s holiness and the importance of giving Him glory:
- Holy Lord God: Declaring the holiness of God and His continuous work in fulfilling His word.
- Not an Accident: Reassuring listeners that their presence and experiences are guided by God’s plan.
IX. Visual Representation and Building Heaven on Earth
This section uses visual diagrams to illustrate the structure of heaven as seen by John and its corresponding elements on Mount Zion. It emphasizes the importance of replicating heaven’s structure on earth, with the overcomer, 24 ministries, 7 inspectors, 4 departments, many saints, and the 12 tribes.
X. Summary and Review: Key Elements and the Task of Building Mount Zion
This section summarizes the key elements of John’s vision in Revelation 4, including the throne, elders, living creatures, seven spirits, and the sea of glass. It reinforces the importance of building Mount Zion on earth, mirroring the structure revealed in heaven.
A Study Guide
Revelation Chapter 4: A Study Guide
Quiz
Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.
- What is the significance of the phrase “after this” in Revelation 4:1?
- How does the Korean word for God, “Hananim,” reflect God’s position in the heavenly hierarchy?
- What do the jasper and carnelian appearance of God symbolize?
- Describe the role of the 24 elders in heaven.
- What do the lightning and thunder emanating from God’s throne represent?
- Explain the dual purpose of the seven lamps (seven spirits of God).
- What does the sea of glass symbolize and how does it connect to cleansing?
- Identify the four living creatures and explain their connection to archangels.
- What is the meaning of the “eyes” covering the four living creatures?
- What two key points are emphasized in Revelation chapter 4 regarding the relationship between heaven and earth?
Quiz Answer Key
- “After this” signifies that the events in Revelation 4 occur chronologically after the events of the previous chapters, in this case, the sending of the letters to the seven churches in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. This phrase helps establish the order of events within the book of Revelation.
- “Hananim” literally translates to “the one” or “the first,” highlighting God’s position as the supreme being and the first in the heavenly hierarchy. This aligns with John’s vision in Revelation 4 where God is the first entity he sees upon entering heaven.
- The jasper (blue) and carnelian (red) appearance of God symbolizes His role as the creator of the heavens and the earth. These colors represent the sky and the soil, reminding us of God’s creation of the physical world.
- The 24 elders serve as administrators in the heavenly government. They assist God in maintaining order and carrying out His will, reflecting the organized structure of heaven.
- The lightning and thunder represent the swift action and immediate response of the spirits carrying out God’s will. They symbolize the speed and efficiency with which God’s commands are executed.
- The seven lamps, representing the seven spirits of God, serve to provide light (understanding) and to inspect the earth. They illuminate God’s truth and observe events, reporting their findings back to God.
- The sea of glass symbolizes the pure and perfect word of God. It represents the cleansing power of God’s word, similar to how Jesus washed his disciples’ feet and then cleansed them spiritually with his words.
- The four living creatures are the four archangels, leading angels with specific duties. The lion represents judgment over those who refuse to believe, the ox symbolizes the preparation of hearts for belief, the eagle represents judgment over spirits, and the man symbolizes judgment through God’s word and logic.
- The “eyes” covering the four living creatures represent the many spirits that surround and follow each archangel. These spirits act as an army, carrying out the commands and will of the archangels.
- Revelation chapter 4 emphasizes that the structure of heaven in the spiritual world must be reflected in the physical world, and that the kingdom of heaven in the spiritual world will ultimately descend to the physical world.
Essay Questions
- Analyze the symbolism of the rainbow surrounding God’s throne in Revelation 4:3. How does this imagery connect to God’s character and promises?
- Discuss the connection between the seven lamps, the seven spirits of God, and the concept of light in Revelation 4:5. How does this relate to John the Baptist and the Bible itself?
- Explain the symbolic meaning of water in the Bible and relate it to the sea of glass in Revelation 4:6. How does this concept connect to cleansing and entry into heaven?
- Compare and contrast the four faces of the four living creatures in Revelation 4:7. Analyze the specific responsibilities associated with each face and how they contribute to the overall function of the archangels.
- Discuss the importance of accurately interpreting the symbolic language of Revelation. How can misinterpretations lead to misunderstanding and distortion of biblical truths?
Glossary of Key Terms
- Hananim: The Korean word for God, meaning “the one” or “the first.”
- Jasper: A precious stone often appearing blue, symbolizing the heavens.
- Carnelian: A reddish-brown gemstone, symbolizing the earth.
- Rainbow: A symbol of God’s everlasting covenant and faithfulness to his promises.
- 24 Elders: Administrators in the heavenly government, assisting God in maintaining order.
- Lightning and Thunder: Representations of the swift action and immediate response of spirits carrying out God’s will.
- Seven Lamps (Seven Spirits of God): Entities that provide light (understanding) and inspect the earth, reporting their findings to God.
- Sea of Glass: Symbol of the pure and perfect word of God, representing cleansing and spiritual purification.
- Four Living Creatures: The four archangels, leading angels with specific responsibilities and duties.
- Lion: Represents judgment over those who refuse to believe.
- Ox: Symbolizes the preparation of hearts for belief.
- Eagle: Represents judgment over spirits.
- Man: Symbolizes judgment through God’s word and logic.
- Eyes: Represent the many spirits that surround and follow the archangels.
- Mount Zion: The physical location where the heavenly structure is to be built, representing the New Heaven and New Earth.
- Overcomer: The individual chosen by God to lead and establish the heavenly structure on earth.
Breakdown
Timeline of Events
1965: Jesus appears to the 7 stars.
1966: The 7 stars establish the Tabernacle Temple (TT) in Gwacheon, South Korea, at the base of Mount Cheonggye.
1967: New John joins the Tabernacle Temple. Later, he leaves due to corruption within the Temple.
1975: Nicholas is introduced to the Tabernacle Temple by Mr. Yoo, one of the seven stars. He begins teaching doctrines that differ from the original teachings of Jesus. The period of destruction begins.
1977: Jesus appears to New John and instructs him to send letters to the churches.
1979: New John sends the letters, but they are ignored.
Spring 1980:
- The 7 stars resign.
- Destruction of the Tabernacle Temple begins.
- The beast with seven heads and ten horns enters.
- New John is taken up to heaven in a vision and sees the throne and structure of God in the spiritual realm.
Future: The events of Revelation chapters 4-22 will unfold. All nations will gather at Mount Zion in the New Heaven and New Earth.
Cast of Characters
Jesus: The Son of God, who appears to the 7 stars and New John. He instructs New John to send letters to the churches and shows him a vision of heaven.
The 7 Stars: The leaders of the Tabernacle Temple, identified as messengers of the churches in Revelation chapters 2-3. They resign in 1980.
Mr. Yoo: One of the 7 stars who introduces Nicholas to the Tabernacle Temple.
New John: The protagonist and narrator of the source material. He joins the Tabernacle Temple, leaves due to corruption, and is chosen by Jesus to receive the Revelation visions. He is tasked with building the structure of heaven on earth at Mount Zion.
Nicholas: A figure who enters the Tabernacle Temple and teaches different doctrines from what Jesus originally gave. His arrival marks the beginning of a period of destruction.
The 24 Elders: Administrators in the heavenly government, serving God. They are represented by the 24 ministries at Mount Zion.
The 7 Spirits of God: Blazing lamps that inspect and report back to God. They are represented by the 7 inspectors at Mount Zion.
The 4 Living Creatures (Archangels): Powerful angelic beings tasked with judgment and carrying out God’s will. They are represented by the 4 departments at Mount Zion.
- Lion: Judges beast-like people.
- Ox: Prepares people’s hearts.
- Eagle: Judges spirits.
- Man: Judges using God’s word and logic.
Commander of the Lord’s Army: A powerful spirit encountered by Joshua, potentially an archangel like those seen in John’s vision.
Many Spirits: The “eyes” surrounding the 4 Living Creatures. They represent the numerous spirits that assist the archangels in carrying out their duties. At Mount Zion, they represent the many saints who gather there.
The Beast with Seven Heads and Ten Horns: A figure of evil that enters the scene in 1980.
Overview
Overview: Revelation 4 – The Throne and Structure of God in the Spiritual Realm
Main Themes:
- God’s Orderly Structure: Heaven is presented as a highly structured place, reflecting God’s nature as a God of order. This order is contrasted with the perceived disorder and individualism of the current world.
- Building Heaven on Earth: The vision of heaven in Revelation 4 serves as a blueprint for building a physical representation of God’s kingdom on earth, specifically at Mount Zion.
- God’s Return to Creation: Revelation reveals how God, who “was, and is, and is to come,” will return to His creation and establish His kingdom. This return has been God’s desire since the fall of man.
Important Ideas & Facts:
- Chronology: Revelation 4 takes place “after this,” meaning after the events of chapters 2 and 3, where John sends letters to the seven churches. This phrase “after this” is crucial for understanding the non-linear timeline of Revelation.
- John’s Vision: John, in the spirit, sees God on His throne, surrounded by the 24 elders, 7 spirits, 4 living creatures, and a sea of glass. He hears thunder and the voice of Jesus.
- Symbolism:Jasper and Carnelian: Represent God’s role as creator of heaven and earth.
- Rainbow: Symbolizes God’s everlasting covenant.
- 24 Elders: Represent the administrators of heaven, reflecting its governmental structure.
- Lightning and Thunder: Symbolize the rapid movement of spirits carrying out God’s will.
- Seven Lamps: Represent the seven spirits of God, who shine light and inspect the world.
- Sea of Glass: Represents God’s pure and clear word.
- Four Living Creatures: Represent the four archangels, each with specific duties of judgment and preparation.
- Many Eyes: Represent the multitude of spirits surrounding the archangels.
- Physical Counterparts: Everything John sees in heaven has a corresponding element in the physical world, specifically at Mount Zion:
- God -> The Overcomer (New John)
- 24 Elders -> 24 Ministries
- 7 Spirits -> 7 Inspectors
- 4 Living Creatures -> 4 Departments (Elderly, Men, Women, Young Adults)
- Sea of Glass -> Open Word taught at Mount Zion
- Call to Action: Believers are called to recognize God’s order, actively participate in building His kingdom on earth, and give Him all the glory.
Key Quotes:
- Revelation 4:1: “After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, ‘Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.’”
- Revelation 4:8: “Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.'”
- Matthew 6:10: “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Questions for Further Discussion:
- How can we better reflect God’s order in our own lives and communities?
- What are the specific roles and responsibilities of the 24 ministries and 4 departments at Mount Zion?
- How can we ensure that our understanding of Revelation is not based on literal interpretations of symbolic language?
Q&A
Q&A
1. What is the main focus of Revelation Chapter 4?
Revelation Chapter 4 focuses on the throne and structure of God in the spiritual realm, emphasizing God’s orderliness and hierarchy. This structure serves as a blueprint for how God’s kingdom should be established on earth.
2. What is the significance of the phrase “after this” in Revelation 4:1?
“After this” signifies a chronological sequence in the book of Revelation. In this case, it indicates that the events of Revelation 4 occur after the events described in chapters 2 and 3, which involve sending letters to the seven churches. This phrase appears six times in Revelation, helping readers understand the order of events.
3. What does John see when he is taken up to heaven?
John witnesses a grand vision of God seated on His throne, surrounded by various elements:
- God: Appearing with the colors of jasper and carnelian, signifying His role as the creator of heaven and earth. An emerald rainbow around Him represents His everlasting covenant.
- 24 Elders: Representing administrators in the heavenly government, dressed in white and wearing golden crowns.
- 7 Spirits of God: Depicted as seven blazing lamps symbolizing inspection and light, constantly active in carrying out God’s will.
- 4 Living Creatures: Identified as archangels, each with four faces (lion, ox, eagle, man) representing their various duties in judgment and preparing hearts.
- Sea of Glass: Representing the pure and clear word of God, similar to the basin used for cleansing in the Old Testament tabernacle.
4. What is the meaning of the lightning and thunder coming from God’s throne?
The lightning and thunder symbolize the rapid movement of spirits who swiftly carry out God’s will. They represent immediate action and obedience to God’s commands, reflecting the urgency and power of God’s work.
5. What is the symbolic meaning of the four living creatures and their multiple faces?
The four living creatures represent archangels, each with four faces symbolizing their diverse roles:
- Lion: Judgment over beast-like people who reject faith.
- Ox: Preparing the hearts of potential believers.
- Eagle: Judging spirits who have not believed.
- Man: Using the word of God and logic to judge.
6. Why is John shown this vision of heaven?
John is shown this vision because he is tasked with building a physical representation of the spiritual heaven on earth. This place, Mount Zion, should mirror the structure and order of heaven, serving as a dwelling place for God and His people.
7. What is the significance of the many eyes surrounding the archangels?
The eyes represent the numerous spirits who assist the archangels in their duties. They highlight the vast number of spiritual beings involved in God’s work and the interconnectedness of the spiritual realm.
8. What key message about God is emphasized in Revelation 4?
Revelation 4 underscores that God is a God of order, not chaos. The structured hierarchy of heaven reflects His organized nature and the importance of establishing order in His kingdom on earth. The chapter also highlights God’s holiness and His continuous activity in fulfilling His plans.