Revelation

Lesson 3 w/answersRevelation 4:1 – 5:14

This week as we continue our study we’ll be taken to heaven with John and shown God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, God’s Throne, and those around His Throne. Before revealing to John the judgments to come (the sealed scroll being opened) Christ takes him – and us, to heaven to see something we almost cannot comprehend – God in His glory, the Lamb stepping forth to judge and redeem the earth, and the presence of the Holy Spirit around God’s throne.

Bible

For this week’s lesson read Chapters 4 and 5. To underscore the importance of these two chapters, and the vision they give us of God, the Holy Spirit, and Christ, focus on the number of times seven (the symbol of completeness) occurs in these two chapters.

May God give you a special blessing you as you study His Holy Word with us this week.

Questions for this week:

  1. Beginning with Chapter 4 and following when will the things John is shown from here on occur? (Verse 1)
    1. ANSWER: These are things that come “hereafter”. From Chapter 4 on we clearly understand that the rest of the book is future in orientation – these are things we can expect to see as we look ahead to Christ’s Second Coming.
  2. Read Hebrews 4:14-16, 8:1-2. Contrast these passages with Chapter 4 and 5. Can you see differences between the activities around the Throne and the role Christ plays between these passages and the chapters in Revelation 4 and 5? What are they?
    1. ANSWER: The differences are between a throne of grace and a throne of judgment (lightning, thunder, etc) and we see another difference – Christ interceding for us versus Christ preparing to unseal the scroll and bring final judgment on the earth. One is a picture of a High Priest, the other a King. Clearly we can see that roles change and the picture we saw in Hebrews – this current age of Grace – changes to one of God’s fierce wrath and judgment. In chapter 4 we are in the midst of the most powerful throne – one that is almost unimaginable.
  3. As we learned from our study of prophecy the number 12 symbolizes God’s way of administration. Can you determine from this what the twenty-four elders might represent? (verse 4)
    1. ANSWER: Many speculations exist, but my take would be that 12 represent the nation of Israel and 12 represent the Church (the 12 Apostles). Thus we see both Israel and the Church worshipping God. This combined with the four creatures who may represent all of creation show that when Christ steps forward to open the seven seals all of God’s creation, His chosen people and the church surround the throne to praise Him.
  4. Once again we see the phrase “the seven spirits of God” (we saw this earlier in Rev 1:4). We notice that the lamps are burning indicating they have oil – oil representing the presence of the Holy Spirit, like the parable of the virgins who had lamps some with oil some without. As we discussed earlier in class there is only ONE Holy Spirit, and the “seven spirits of God” symbolizes the completeness of the Holy Spirit. Is there some way we could determine what the “seven” indicates that would make the picture complete – let’s look at the following verses and list the things we can determine about “the seven spirits of God”. Read the following then list the things you learn from them as they relate to the Holy Spirit – Revelation 5:6, Isaiah 11:2, John 8:12, 14:6, 9, Exodus 25:37, and Numbers 8:1-4.
  5. How many seals are used to seal the scroll in Verse 1? What does this symbolize?
    1. ANSWER: 7 Seals = complete judgment and redemption. This scroll represents what is required to redeem God’s people and the judgments to be carried out. Only one is able to redeem and carry out these judgments, the one who paid the price of redemption and the one to whom all creation belongs…The Lamb of God.
  6. Read Isaiah 11:1, 11:10 and Revelation 5:5. Who are these verses talking about?
    1. ANSWER: Jesus, the Christ, the Messiah – the Anointed One
  7. Read Revelation 5:6 – we learned earlier that horns symbolize power and that the number seven represents completeness – based on this can you describe what the seven horns and seven eyes symbolize about the Lamb of God?
    1. ANSWER: God’s omnipotence – all powerful, and his omnipresence – eyes represent insight, intelligence, etc., thus God is all knowing and all powerful.
  8. In verse 12 list the things the Lamb receives – how many things does He receive?
    1. ANSWER: He receives 7 things

Have a great week everyone!

Yours in Christ

Wes