Revelation: The Door into Glory

Revelation 4:1-11

The Revelation of Jesus Christ is a message from Jesus about himself. The message was revealed to the apostle John through an angel.  

In Revelation 1, John describes his initial vision of Jesus. His eyes are like fiery flames, his feet are like polished bronze, and his voice sounds like the roar of rushing waters. A sharp two-edged sword emerges from his mouth, and his face shines like the sun. This vision overwhelmed John. The apostle “fell at [Jesus’] feet as though dead (Rev. 1:17). But Jesus said, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades” (Rev. 1:17b-18). 

Upon his impressive entrance, Jesus wrote to the seven churches in the province of Asia (Rev. 2-3). Letters to these churches place the prophecy within its historical context. Now, we turn our attention to the last days (Rev. 4-22). Before describing future events, we are shown a vision of heaven in chapters 4 and 5. This provides a preview of what is to come. Today, let’s examine this scene in Revelation 4 with four striking brush strokes. 

First Brush Stroke: An Open Door and Invitation (Rev. 4:1)
As John begins painting a picture of heaven, the first thing he notices is “a door standing open in heaven!” (Rev. 4:1) The word “standing” is in the Greek tense[1] that indicates God opened the door, and it remains open. God reveals himself to humanity by allowing us to see where he dwells. That place is heaven, a word used more than fifty times in John’s writings. 

Not only does God open the door to heaven so we can see inside, but he also welcomes John to join him, enabling the apostle to give a firsthand account of what he saw. John heard a voice that sounded like a trumpet and said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this” (Rev. 4:1b). 

This initial view of heaven is very instructive because it highlights God’s grace. The door remains open because of Jesus' work, reminding us of God’s kindness in providing a way for us to join him through Jesus. It also reveals God’s desire for us to understand and be prepared for what must happen by sharing this message with John.

Second Brush Stroke: God on His Throne (Rev. 4:2-6)
John said, “At once I was in the Spirit” (Rev. 4:2a). That means he was spiritually taken up into heaven while his body stayed on earth. In his vision, he saw that “a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne” (Rev. 4:2).

The image of God sitting on his throne is essential for understanding the book of Revelation. Events on earth are about to spiral into chaos. A great tribulation will strike the world like never before. Disorder and confusion will dominate as Satan carries out his evil plans. Yet, from the very beginning, God wants us to know that he remains on his throne, the ultimate seat of power and authority. God is completely sovereign from start to finish. And he is glorious beyond words!

To convey the majesty of God effectively through words, John likens it to familiar objects. He states, “And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian…” (Rev. 4:3a). The jasper was a transparent stone, similar to a diamond (cf. Rev. 21:18). The carnelian is also known as a ruby. These two stones are the first and last of the twelve gemstones that decorated the high priest’s breastplate of judgment (Ex. 28:17-21 NIV). Bible scholar, Robert Utley explains that jasper and carnelian are also listed in ancient writings as a summary of all jewels.[2]

The throne of God was magnificent in its beauty, and “around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald” (Rev. 4:3b). This may refer to Genesis 9:12-17, where the rainbow symbolizes God’s covenant—a sign that amid judgment, God protects his people. From the throne “came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder” (Rev. 4:5a). There were also “seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God” (Rev 4:5b). The seven spirits likely represent the sevenfold work of the Holy Spirit (see Isaiah 11:2). In front of the throne, “there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal” that reflected all the surrounding colors (Rev. 4:6). 

While much has been discussed about the importance of gemstones, the rainbow, lightning, and thunder, the main point is this: The throne room of God is brilliant, majestic, and glorious beyond words. 

Third Brush Stroke: The Twenty-four Elders (Rev. 4:4)
John saw that around God’s throne were twenty-four smaller thrones and “seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads” (Rev. 4:4).

Who are these twenty-four elders seated on thrones?

The twenty-four elders are not specifically named in the book of Revelation. Some suggest they are angelic beings, but this is unlikely. I believe the twenty-four elders are chosen believers who represent the church. Some say they symbolize the church that has been raptured and rewarded. Could they represent believers from both the Old and New Testaments? We can’t be certain, but here is what we know: 

• They are reigning with Christ. This is often mentioned as a characteristic of the church.[3]
• They are clothed in white garments symbolizing the righteousness of Christ.[4]
• The golden crowns (Grk: stephanos) were given to victors in the Greek games, indicating here that these elders have been judged and rewarded.

We will continue to learn about the twenty-four elders throughout our study.

Fourth Brush Stroke: Four Living Creatures (Rev. 4:6b-8a)
We encounter four living creatures in Revelation 4 and again in Revelation 5:6-14; 6:1-8; 14:3; 15:7, and 19:4. Although they are described figuratively, they are real beings that, I believe, belong to a special, exalted order of angelic beings. We’ll examine the figurative descriptions next time. These four living creatures mirror the heavenly beings described in Isaiah 6:1-3[5], who surround the throne and continually give glory to God. Here, the four living creatures are forever repeating, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (Rev. 4:8b).

While the four living creatures are praising God for who he is, the twenty-four elders praise God for what he does. They fall before him, cast their crowns before the throne, and cry out, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created” (Rev. 4:11).

So, this is our first glimpse of heaven. God sits on his throne in absolute power and majesty. His reign lasts forever, as he is surrounded by those who worship him with honor and praise.

And we’re just getting started!

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on Revelation 4:1-11. Focus on the beauty and majesty of heaven.

Talking to God: In a world that feels chaotic or uncertain, how does the vision of God’s throne (Revelation 4:2–6) help strengthen your trust in his sovereignty? Acknowledge and thank him for who he is.

Have questions? Please send your questions to our team. We're happy to help as we study God's Word together. Submit your question below, and we'll get back to you soon. Let us know if you'd like to learn more about a relationship with Jesus or if you're seeking spiritual guidance. 

The Living Grounded Ministry is organizing a trip to the Holy Land from November 4 to 15, 2026, as part of our Bible Immersion Experiences. We would love for you to join us. We will keep you updated on additional details.