Christ`s Own Throne.

[Marilyn C]

THE THRONE

In Revelation Ch. 4 we are given the second vision of our Lord Jesus Christ, His wonderful investiture with `power, dominion & authority. Previously we know that when Christ ascended to heaven He sat down at the right hand of the Father.


`When He had made purification of sins
He sat down at the right hand of the majesty on high.`
(Heb. 1: 3)

`I also overcame & sat down with My Father on His throne.` (Rev. 3: 21)



And we know that God the Father has given His Son the highest place in all the heavens & in to eternity.

`Higher than the heavens....
The Son who has been perfected forever.`
(Heb. 7: 26, 28)

Now we are shown this position of power & authority being `set` up in heaven. The picture of the throne is the symbol of this power & authority.


`behold, a throne set in heaven, & One sat on the throne,...`
(Rev. 4: 2)

Throne – in Gk. is `thrao` meaning a stately seat, power.


This whole scene was also shown to Daniel. He saw Jesus, the Son of Man invested with power & authority over all the kingdoms of the world.

` And behold, one like the Son of Man,.....
He came to the Ancient of Days,....
To Him was given dominion & glory & a kingdom,....`
(Dan. 7: 13 & 14)


Then before the throne are the 7 lamps of fire which are the` 7 Spirits of God.`


`And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne,
which are the seven spirits of God.`
(Rev. 4: 5)


In Hebrew, the word seven, means to be complete. Thus this is a picture of the Holy Spirit in His complete, seven fold ministry in relation to Christ.

`The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him,
The Spirit of wisdom & understanding,
The Spirit of counsel & might,
The Spirit of knowledge & of the fear of the Lord.`
(Isa. 11: 2)

 

[Marilyn C]

We are then shown a description of the one who is being given this power & authority. He is as two exquisite gems, the Jasper & Sardius stones.

`And He who sat there was like a jasper & a sardius stone in appearance;...`
(Rev. 4: 3)



The beauty & richness of these jewels enrich our appreciation of Christ`s glory while their particular meanings reveal Christ`s authority. These gems were on the High Priest`s breastplate and represented the tribes of Israel which pointed to Christ, the heavenly High Priest – Conqueror & King. (Gems -Ex.28: 17 – 21 Tribes -Num.2)


Christ the Conqueror. (Rev. 4: 3)


`And He who sat there was like a jasper.... stone` (Rev. 4: 3)

Jasper – for the tribe of Naphtali – meaning `I have prevailed.` (Gen. 30: 8)

Prevail – to gain the victory, to conquer. (The Concise English Dictionary)



The Jasper stone was the last on the breastplate of the High Priest. It represented the tribe of Naphtali whose name means, to prevail, to conquer. Christ was the last Adam & He prevailed over the world, the flesh & the devil. He has secured the supreme victory over the greatest foe.

`For this purpose the Son of God was manifested,
that He might destroy the works of the devil.`
(1 John 3: 8)


Jesus fulfilled the Father`s will in all aspects & finally laid down His own life as an offering for the sins of the whole world.

`...nailed ...to the cross.
Having disarmed principalities & powers,
He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.` (Col. 2: 15)


The `blood-red,` colour of the gem indicates the priceless cost of our redemption – Christ`s precious blood.

`Christ......with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all,
having obtained eternal redemption.`
(Heb. 9: 12)

 

[Marilyn C]

Christ the Righteous King. (Rev. 4: 3)

`And He who sat there was like .....a Sardius stone.` (Rev. 4: 3)

Sardius – for the tribe of Judah – meaning `to use the hand.` (Gen. 29: 35)

Judah – from the Heb. `yadah,` meaning to use the hand, indicating power & dominion, (a sceptre)


This stone was first on the High Priest`s breastplate representing the ruling tribe of Judah, from which Jesus was born. (Gen. 49: 10 Matt.1: 1)


Christ was born King of the Jews & King of Israel.

`Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?` (Matt. 2: 2)
`You are the King of Israel.` (John 1: 49)



However, long before His manifestation, Christ held this high & honourable office.
He is called the King of Glory by King David.

`Who is this King of Glory?
The Lord of Hosts, He is the King of Glory.`
(Ps. 24: 10)

He is called the King of Heaven by the prophet Daniel.


`Now I,....praise & extol & honour the King of heaven,
All of whose works are truth, & His ways justice.`
(Dan. 4: 37)


He is called the King of Righteousness & Peace by the writer to the Hebrews.

Jesus the High Priest `king of righteousness, & then also....... king of peace...`
(Heb. 6: 20 & 7: 2)


Then Christ is also called the King of the Ages, by the Apostle Paul. He is the King at the centre of this great universe, the one who is directing everything toward the achievement of an eternal purpose.


`Now to the King eternal, ( of ages) immortal, invisible,
to God who alone is wise, be honour & glory forever & ever.`
(1 Tim. 1: 17)

Eternal – Gk. Word `aion,` age, eternal, forever.



And one glorious day, Christ will be King over the nations of the world.

`Lord God Almighty. Just & true are your ways, O King of the nations.` (Rev. 15: 3)

 

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The Covenant. (Rev. 4: 3)

`and there was a rainbow around the throne,
in appearance like an emerald.`
(Rev. 4: 3)


God declared that the rainbow would be His visible sign for His Covenant with man.

`I set My rainbow in the cloud,
& it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me & the earth.`
(Gen. 9: 13)


God then describes this `rainbow,` like unto an emerald. The emerald gem was on the breastplate of the High Priest & represented the tribe of Reuben, who was the firstborn son of Israel.

` Leah conceived & bore a son, & she called His name Reuben; ...`
(Gen. 29: 32)
Reuben – Heb. word `Ruwben` meaning See a son.


The Lord Jesus Christ is God`s only Son & He is called the `Firstborn.....` The firstborn is not of birth but of manifestation. Christ is the first, the pre-eminent one.

He is the image of the invisible God,
the first-born over all creation.`
(Col. 1: 15)


`conformed to the image of His Son,
that He might be the first-born among many brethren.`
(Rom. 8: 29)

Christ ....`the first-born from the dead,
that in all things He may have the pre-eminence.`
(Col. 1: 18)


It is through Christ that God`s Covenant, God`s plan, is fulfilled because Christ Himself is
the surety.

`God said,
`I will give .....You (Jesus) as a covenant to the people...`
(Isa. 49: 8)

 

[Marilyn C]

Christ`s 4 Fold Ministry. (Rev. 4: 6 - 8)


`And in the midst of the throne, & around the throne,
were four living creatures.....
like a lion... like a calf....like a man,....like a flying eagle`
(Rev. 4: 6 & 7)


The 4 living creatures are Christ`s Spirit of life, shown separately as 4 but in reality blended majestically into one Royal Divine Person, the Lord Jesus Christ.


Christ the King – (Lion)

Christ the Sacrifice (Heir) – (Calf)

Christ the Mediator – (Man)

Christ the Creator – (Eagle)


For Christ to fulfil God`s plan, His covenant to man, He needs to function in each area.


Christ is given the ultimate authority to rule, (Lion)

Christ humbled Himself to be the ultimate sacrifice, (Calf).

Christ is both God & man to be the Mediator of both, (Man).

Christ has ultimate power to create all things new, (Eagle).



The `living creatures,` each have 6 wings, & are full of eyes, saying `Holy, holy.` `Wings,` represent movement, functioning, & `eyes,` represent spiritual insight.


` Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God Almighty,
Who was & is & is to come!`
(Rev. 4:8)


Thus these `living creatures` are the four ministries of Christ that are functioning continually by the Holy Spirit, with all wisdom & knowledge, displaying God`s holiness.

 

[Marilyn C]

Throne of Mercy & Judgment. (Rev. 4: 5)

Let`s now look at what is proceeding from Christ`s throne, the great conqueror & Righteous
King. The loud noises & sounds are a foreboding of awesome things ahead.

`And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thundering, & voices.`
(Rev. 4: 5)


These great rumblings & lightning & thunderous clashes coming from the throne made those on the earth cower in fear & great trepidation for what was about to come upon the earth.

They cry, `hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne
& from the wrath of the Lamb.`
(Rev. 6: 16)


This is the wrath of the Lamb! The fire of Judgment! This is the throne of the Lord Jesus Christ about to deliver God`s vengeance on a rebellious world & its Satanic world system.

`For the great day of His wrath has come
& who is able to stand?`
(Rev. 6: 17)


The Lamb as if slain on the throne is shown as a Jasper stone which is a vivid blood red colour. This symbolises the precious blood that was shed for the forgiveness of sins & will be required of every man & woman, all kings & great men, slave & free. Who will be able to stand?

`how much worse punishment, do you suppose ...(he)
who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, (&)
counted the blood of the covenant....a common thing...`
(Heb. 10: 29)


Only the One who paid the price for the redemption of mankind, only He can execute
judgment upon those who reject so great salvation.


`The Father...has given Him (Christ) authority to execute judgment....`
(John 5: 27)

The Lord says....`Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,....`
(Heb. 10: 30)


Only the One who paid the price for the redemption of mankind, only He can intercede
for those who cry out to God for mercy & justice amid great persecution.


`The souls of those who had been slain for the word of God
& for the testimony which they held.
They cried,
“How long, O Lord, holy & true,
until You avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?”
(Rev. 6: 9 & 10)

 

[Marilyn C]

The Court. (Rev. 4: 4)

The Prophet Daniel was given a vivid picture of this throne of judgment with fire & flames issuing forth as God`s fiery judgments.

`I watched till thrones were put in place, & the Ancient of Days was seated;....
a fiery stream issued & came forth from before Him...`
(Dan. 7: 9 & 10)


Daniel then saw that these thrones that were set in place became the heavenly court pronouncing judgment.

`The court shall be seated,....
& they shall take away his (anti-Christ`s) dominion
to consume & destroy it forever.`
(Dan. 7: 26)


Who then is this court that sits on thrones? Daniel didn`t know but the Body of Christ has
been told who they are. The 24 elders seated around Christ`s throne are representative of the Body of Christ who will rule & reign with Him.


`Around the throne were 24 thrones,
& on the thrones I saw 24 elders sitting, clothed in white robes;
& they had crowns of gold on their heads.`
(Rev. 4: 4)


The Body of Christ is this court that is seated on the thrones. This is the inheritance that was promised to them. They have been made righteous by the blood of Jesus & will then be given authority, crowns, to rule & reign with Christ.

`(Christ) has made us kings & priests to His God...` (Rev. 1: 4)

`To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne...` (Rev. 3: 21)


As the heavenly court the Body of Christ will pronounce judgment on the world`s system and the demonic angels.

`Do you not know that the saints will judge the world (system)...`
`Do you not know that we shall judge angels?`
(1 Cor. 6: 2 & 3)


All the 24 elders, the Body of Christ then honour & worship the Lord Jesus Christ. They
`cast their crowns,` before Him, showing that all authority is from Him & to Him.


`the 24 elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne
& worship Him who lives forever,
& cast their crowns before the throne,...`
(Rev. 4: 10)

 

[Marilyn C]

Christ The Heir. (Rev. 5)

God now reveals to us this awesome ceremony of the investiture of His Son with the kingdom. The Lord Jesus Christ, God`s Son, heir to all of God`s estates & domains.

`The earth is the Lord`s & all its fullness,
the world & those who dwell therein.`
(Ps. 24: 1 & 2)


Satan had tried to claim the earth for himself & this is shown in the parable of the vineyard. The earthly estate of this great estate is shown as overrun & the Son was sent to claim the inheritance. God is represented by the owner of the vineyard. He had sent His servants to receive some of the produce, but they were killed. So He sent His Son.....


`Therefore still having one son, his beloved, he also sent him to them last, saying,
“They will respect my son.”
But those vinedressers said among themselves,
“This is the heir,
Come, let us kill him, & the inheritance will be ours.”`
(Mark 12: 6 & 7)

Satan did kill Christ, but this did not qualify him to usurp the earth. Christ rose victorious from the dead & in Rev. Ch. 5 we see that He alone is worthy to receive the inheritance of the earth & its people.

`Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
To receive power & riches & wisdom,
& strength & honour & glory & blessing.`
(Rev. 5: 12)


God appoints His Son as heir of all things, & the earth, its lands & its peoples are His inheritance.

`God....has appointed (His Son) heir of all things.`
(Heb. 1: 2)

`Ask of Me, & I will give You the nations for Your inheritance,
& the ends of the earth for Your possession.`
(Ps. 2: 8)

 

[Marilyn C]

Christ`s Legal Credentials. (Rev. 5)

Let us now look in detail at Revelation Ch. 5 where Christ is given the title deeds of the earth as His inheritance. It is presented to us as a pictorial drama. The Apostle John is talking to an angel inquiring about what was happening. This interaction helps us to understand from our human perspective the enormity of the occasion.

Firstly we see the `title deeds` of the earth in the form of a scroll in the right hand of the Father, on the Throne.
`And I saw .... a scroll written inside & on the back,
sealed with 7 seals.`
(Rev. 5: 1)

Then the angel proclaims,

`Who is worthy to open & loose its seals?` (Rev. 5: 2)

But, although all of heaven & earth & under the earth was searched, no one was worthy
to open the scroll – to receive the title deeds of the earth.

`And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth
was able to open the scroll, or to look at it.`
(Rev. 5: 3)


John wept as no one was found worthy.

`I wept much, because no one was found worthy
to open & read the scroll, or to look at it.`
(Rev. 5: 4)


Had no one been found worthy to open the scroll, the title deeds of the earth, all of
humanity & the earth would be forever under the domination of Satan.


But, praise the Lord, there is found One who is worthy. It is the Lord Jesus Christ. He
fulfilled all the legal requirements to receive His inheritance.


He became a man to claim back dominion of the earth. Man had forfeited his right to dominion when he disobeyed God & let Satan rule over him. Therefore Christ needed to become a man, fulfil God`s law & not let Satan rule over Him. (Gen. 1: 28 Matt. 5: 17 & 18)


`flesh & blood, He ... shared in the same,..` (Heb. 2: 14)


He had the right lineage from the nation of Israel, the tribe of Judah & the ruling House of David. God required that the ruler of Israel (& then the other nations) would have to be an Israelite, from Judah & King David`s line. Christ fulfilled these requirements.
(Deut. 17: 15 2 Sam. 7: 13)


`Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah,
the Root of David, has prevailed
to open the scroll...`
(Rev. 5: 5)

 

[Marilyn C]

Christ`s Inheritance. (Rev. 5)


How then did Christ prevail against the enemy? Like the Apostle Peter we may think,
`with arms & force.` Not by letting others kill Him, dying a cruel death. But this is exactly how Christ defeated the foe.

Christ`s sinless, perfect life, lived to do the Father`s will, was priceless. There is none other or will be in the whole universe & heavens beyond, that is like Him. Christ`s death overpaid the terrible debt of mankind & made the way for restoration of God`s purposes, His Covenant, through Jesus Christ.

`through one Man`s righteous act the free gift came to all men,...` (Rom. 5: 18)

The imagery of this sacrificial death is of a Lamb. The `7 horns, indicate complete authority, & the `7 eyes, ` depict the full anointing of the Holy Spirit.

`Behold,...a Lamb as though it had been slain,
having 7 horns & 7 eyes, which are the 7 (fold) Spirits of God...`
(Rev. 5: 6)


The Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ, the heir of creation & of all things, steps forward and receives the scroll, the title deeds of the earth, out of the Father`s hand.

`And He came & took the scroll out of the right hand
of Him who sat on the throne.`
(Rev. 5: 7)

God the Father prophesied of this event saying,

`I will declare the decree;
The Lord said to Me, You are My Son,.....
Ask of Me, & I will give you the nations for Your inheritance,
the ends of the earth for Your possession.`
(Ps. 2: 7 & 8)


Finally there is a great anthem of praise & worship from the Body of Christ & the myriads of angels. The living creatures, the outward manifestation of Christ`s ministries, proving that He is truly worthy to receive the 7 fold blessing, the complete glory.


`Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
to receive power & riches & wisdom, & strength & honour & glory & blessing.`
(Rev. 5: 12)



Summing up, we have looked at the Lord Jesus Christ as Conqueror, Eternal King, & now as Heir. He has all power as King, the highest position as Lord & has possession of all, as Heir. How He will use this power in the fulfilment of God`s great Covenant with man, we will see as we further study this great prophecy of Revelation.