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Revelation 4:1-11 – A Door Opened in Heaven

A door is opened in heaven and John is caught up into the very presence of God. He sees the throne and Him Who sat upon it with a brilliant rainbow around about the throne and the majesty on high. What a beautiful sight it must have been. The awe that must have struck him. It should be noted that before things are displayed on earth it first begins in heaven. It’s first designed and settled in heaven before it is transacted on the earth. “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).

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A Door Opened in Heaven

Revelation 4:1 – “After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.”

A Voice Like a Trumpet

“The first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me.” John heard a voice speaking with him that was loud and clear like that of a trumpet. This was similar to what he heard at the beginning of his vision. “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches” (Revelation 1:10-11). This was once again, without a doubt, the voice of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Would to God all His followers heard His voice so clearly and should. “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27).

The Hereafter

“After this… I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.” We now embark on a long journey to the future. Beginning with chapter four things to come are unfolded. Chapters four and five are the introduction and background to the broad scope of prophetic events in the rest of the book. They provide a table of contents for the chapters which follow. From this point onward Revelation deals with futuristic events. “Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter” (Revelation 1:19).

“Hereafter” is the Greek “meta tauta” – “After this” and identifies Revelation four and beyond as subsequent to that of chapters two and three.” Many or most believe this to means the things after the church signifying that the rapture of the church has now taken place. Some have gone so far to say that John heard the voice say, “come up hither” is Him saying this to the church and therefore depicts the rapture. I personally think that’s a real stretch.

This, however, was said to John. He is, therefore, caught up into heaven to view the future. As we study the rest of Revelation, where there are differences of opinion (not of fundamental essence), we will attempt to present those opinions so that the readers or viewers of this commentary can decide for themselves what they believe. We will deal briefly with the various views of the rapture. For a thorough explanation we refer you to our teaching on “When Will the Rapture Happen.” It’s important we understand the return of the Lord is an essential and fundamental doctrine to the Christians faith not when Jesus will return. Our view of when the rapture will take place is peripheral theology and not of a fundamental essence. We can agree to disagree on our differences of opinions and still have unity (John 17:21).

1. Pre-tribulation Rapture. One of the reasons many believe in a pre-tribulation rapture view is that word for church “ekklesia” isn’t mentioned again until Revelation 22:16 and that there appears to be an obvious transition from chapters two and three and chapter four and that God has not appointed His people to wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:9). I concur that the focus has shifted from the church to Israel but that doesn’t mean exclusively that the church is gone. I’m convinced there are at least indications of the existence of the church hereafter. For instance, blood bought believers overcome the devil “by the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 12:11).
2. Mid-tribulation Rapture. There’s an element of truth and indication for each of these views. Likewise with the mid-tribulation view. There appears to be a rapture which takes place somewhere near the midway point. We read, “And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 7:13-14). This is a group that the elder says came up out of great tribulation, which signified a rapture of some sort. Most other translations have a definite article saying, they came up out of “the great tribulation.” Signifying this probably took place somewhere near the midway point.

   There’s also the fact that Paul says clearly that the rapture and our gathering together unto Him can’t take place until sometime after the abomination of desolation (the anti-christ) sits in the temple and demands worship. “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto Him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God” (2 Thessalonians 2:1-4). He makes it clear, “Let no man deceive you” that day (our gathering together unto Him) cannot take place until there’s a falling away or apostasy and “that man of sin be revealed… so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” This takes place somewhere near or beyond the midway point.

3. Post-Tribulation Rapture. Dr. Walter Martin, who wrote the Kingdom of the Cults, believed in this view. He said, “if I’m was wrong so were nineteen hundred years of theologians wrong too.” Most of the reformers believed in a post-tribulation rapture. They thought the pope was the anti-christ and they were therefore in the tribulation period. Throughout history the church believed in a post-tribulation rapture. It wasn’t until 1830 when a 15 year old Scottish girl had a dream that the church would be raptured prior to the tribulation that the pre-tribulation rapture view was thought of or even considered. It was at this time that J. M. Darby, founder the Plymouth Brethren, grabbed onto the pre-tribulation view and ran with it. As a result, many Christians believe this today.

   In Matthew 24:15, Jesus refers to one of the signs prior to His return as “The abomination of desolation which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (Daniel 9:24-27 and 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4). Matthew 24:29-31 says, “Immediately after the tribulation of those days… shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”

   The key here is, “After the tribulation of those days.” Compare this passage with 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, which most use to describe the pre-tribulation rapture. Both of these passages are nearly identical. The only difference is Matthew 24:29-31 specifies, “After the tribulation of those days.” The only argument used to differentiate between the two is that Matthew 24:29-31 refers to Israel and 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 refers to the church. If that was true, Paul or one of the other writers would have clarified the difference, but nowhere in the Word do they differentiate between the two. The only logical conclusion is that they are speaking of the same event. Therefore, the rapture would be at the end of the tribulation period.

   Paul talking of believers who were going through a time of trouble and/or affliction. God promises to bring relief/rest to them while simultaneously judging those who are causing the trouble. This happens in one simultaneous event “Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power; When He shall come to be glorified in His saints, and to be admired in all them that believe” (2 Thessalonians 1:6-9).

4. Pre-Wrath (or the last trump) Rapture. Most prophetic scholars believe the primary “pivotal event of all human history to which the Feast of Trumpets points is the Return of Christ.” This feast has its fulfillment with the blowing of the trumpet and Christ followers everywhere will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air.

   Let’s look at these passages:

   1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 – “For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

   Matthew 24:29-31 – “Immediately after the tribulation of those days… shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”

   1 Corinthians 15:51-52 – “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”

   “The last Trump!” What does this refer to? What does the last trump mean and refer to? As stated above concerning the first two references, they give every appearance of being the same event. However, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 sheds new light on this event.

   In Revelation we have three sets, segments, or divisions of judgments: 1. Seven Seals, 2. Seven Trumpets, and 3. Seven Vials or Bowls of God’s wrath. The seventh one of each opens the next segment or division of judgments. The “Last Trumpet” opens up the vials of God’s wrath. These are the final and most severe of the judgments.

   Revelation 11:15 – “And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever.”

   This “Last Trumpet” opens up the vials or bowls of God’s wrath in Revelation 17. Just prior to God’s wrath Jesus returns for us “at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:52). Thus, “God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him” (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10).

5. The faithful verses the lukewarm. Is it possible that elements of all these theories may be partially true? In verse four “round about the throne were four and twenty seats (thrones) and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold” (Revelation 4:4). It’s interesting that they all sat on thrones, clothed in white raiment, which is always represents blood washed saints, and they all wore crowns. Then in Revelation seven we see a group that’s caught up out the great tribulation who are wearing white robes and they have palm branches in their hand, which signifies service (Revelation 7:9-13). Both wore white robes signifying the righteousness of the saints. If at the end of chapter three and beginning of four is a rapture there appears to be more than one that takes place. Is it possible that only those who are faithful enough to earn a crown will make the pre-tribulation rapture and the rest will be raptured out of this world and the tribulation period in segments at His choosing.

   It was said of some of those in the church in Thyatira, “Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds” (Revelation 2:22). It was said of the church in Philadelphia, that had no rebuke, “Because thou hast kept the word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth” (Revelation 3:10). It was said of the church of the Laodiceans, the last days, lukewarm church, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16). These three instances and churches seem to give indication that though part of the church and the bride of Christ, some will be spared the tribulation and some will not. All, however, will be saved yet so as by fire (1 Corinthians 3:9-15).

A Throne Set in Heaven

Revelation 4:2 – “And immediately I was in the Spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.”

In heaven everything surrounds the throne of the Majesty on high. It’s the center of all the activity. The throne is a reminder of the sovereignty of God. All the universe is subject to the dominion of the omnipotent one. It’s also a reminder of the judgment of God. We see near the end of Revelation the White Throne Judgment. “And I saw a great white throne, and Him that sat on it, from Whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works” (Revelation 20:11-12). The throne isn’t symbolic but the judgment scene in heaven. God’s judgment is about to be released on the earth.

John was taken in the Spirit into the presence of God and the first thing he saw was the throne and the one who sat upon it. What a sight this must have been. One day soon all who have placed their faith in Jesus will be caught up into this same heavenly scene and will behold this very same sight. This is only possible after that we have been glorified (1 Corinthians 15:51-56) or die and go to be with Him. “No man hath seen God at any time” (John 1:18). We cannot see Him in His full essence.

Moses caught a glimpse of God in all His glory but one day we’ll behold Him in His full essence. “And Moses went into the midst of the cloud” (Exodus 24:18) and was there in His presence forty days. “And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. And He said, I will make all My goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. And He said, Thou canst not see My face: for there shall no man see Me, and live. And the Lord said, Behold, there is a place by Me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: And it shall come to pass, while My glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with My hand while I pass by: And I will take away Mine hand, and thou shalt see My back parts: but My face shall not be seen” (Exodus 33:19-23).

I recall when my father was sick and knew he didn’t have much longer to live and when I heard I went to visit him. He was undoubtedly troubled. I sat down with him outside and talked with him. I felt the need to comfort and encourage him the best I could. I rehearsed this passage with him and asked him, “can you imagine what it must have been like for Moses? He entered into the midst of the cloud and caught a glimpse of the presence of God. He saw Him in all His glory.” Then I said, “think about it Dad, unlike Moses, you will be entering the presence of God and see Him in His full essence, in all His glory, face to face.” It encouraged Dad and gave him much needed hope.

The One Who Sat on the Throne

Revelation 4:3a – “And He that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone.”

What a sight this must have been to look on, God’s beauty and majesty. Jasper is a crystal clear transparent stone representing the purity and glory of God. It was probably similar to a diamond but much more brilliant. The sardine stone was a ruby red signifying the justice and redemptive work of God. It pictures God’s redemptive nature and was displayed at the cross where the blood of Christ was shed for our sins.

John 1:29 – “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”

1 Peter 1:18-19 – “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”

Ephesians 1:7 – “In Whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”

Romans 3:25-26 – “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.”

Romans 5:9-11 – “Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom we have now received the reconciliation.”

Around About the Throne

Revelation 43b-6 – “And there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats (thrones) I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts.”

1. There was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. The rainbow was a sign, seal, and token of the covenant God made with Noah (Genesis 9:12-17). It’s a fit emblem of the covenant of promise God has made with and through Jesus as the head of the church. As with Noah, it is an everlasting covenant and is sure. Emerald is the prevailing color and was a pleasant green. Heaven is a very colorful place. Phillips translates this, “all around the throne shone a halo like an emerald rainbow.”
2. Twenty-four seats or thrones and twenty-four elders. Some have suggested these as angelic beings. While others have think they are elders ruling in heaven and that they may be perhaps a rotating group of elders in a place of leadership in heaven. These being angels must be dismissed because they are arrayed in white rainment which is always symbolic of the righteousness of the saints, who have washed their robes in the blood of the lamb (Revelation 7:14).

   Twelve is the number of government in scripture. In the Old Testament there were twelve tribes and in the New Testament the twelve apostles. Therefore, these are probably representative of Old and New Testament saints. They are sitting on thrones and wearing crowns signifying they are in positions of ruling and authority. Not everyone will have the same position in heaven. The parable of the talents makes this abundantly clear (Matthew 25:14-30). Luke 19:11-27 makes it clear that there will be those who are placed in positions of leadership and ruling according to our faithfulness with what has been entrusted us here on earth.

   There are five crowns mentioned in scripture that are given as reward at the Judgment Seat Of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10-11, Romans 14:10-12, 1 Corinthians 3:10-15). 1) There’s the incorruptible crown given for a life that’s disciplined and exercises self-control (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). 2) There’s the crown of rejoicing given those who are soul winners (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20). 3)There’s the crown of life given to those who have endured trials and trouble in this life and remained faithful (James 1:12). 4) There’s the crown of righteousness given those who love and long for His appearing (2 Timothy 4:6-8). 5) Then there’s the crown of glory given to elders who faithfully discharge their duties of leadership (1 Peter 5:1-4). These are those of both the Old and New Testaments who are ruling and reigning with Him.

3. Out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices. Here we see a contrasting picture of God. Lightnings and thunderings depict God’s judgment that’s about to be unleashed. It is prophetic of the righteous judgment of God marked at the giving of the law but mingled with His mercy represented by the rainbow. “There were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled” (Exodus 19:16).
4. Seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. As we showed in chapter one this is not seven Spirits but represents the complete working of the Holy Spirit in the life of Christ and what God desires for us as well. “John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before His throne” (Revelation 1:4).

   Isaiah 11:2 – “The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.”

5. Before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal. John sees a sea of glass before the throne like unto a crystal. This verse refers to a sea of glass as clear as crystal in front of God’s throne. We must be cleansed before approaching a holy God. In Old Testament worship, Israel’s priests had to wash their hands and feet at a bronze basin before approaching God (Exodus 30:18–21). The washing symbolically represented cleansing of the sins of specific deeds and general conduct. The blood of Jesus washes away the sins of all who believe on Jesus as Savior (1 Corinthians 6:10–11; Hebrews 9:13–14; 1 Peter 1:18–19). The blood of Christ cleanses us so we can approach the throne. “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19).

   Water in scripture often represents God’s Word (Psalms 1:2-3). James wrote, “But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the Word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 1:22-25). The Word acts as both a mirror and a cleaning agent. Jesus said, “Now you are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you” (John 15:3). Paul said, Jesus loved the church and gave Himself for it “That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word” (Ephesians 5:26). Both the blood and the Word cleanses us enabling us to approach a holy God.

6. In the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts. What are the four beasts or living creatures of Revelation? They are mentioned in Revelation 4:6-9, 5:6-14, 6:1-8, 7:11, 14:3, 15:7, and 19:14. Are they the same as the cherubims or seraphims in Isaiah six and Ezekiel chapters one and ten? Or are they an entirely different species?

   Differentiating Between Cherubim and Seraphim

   The main difference between the types of heavenly beings known as cherubim and seraphim is their appearance. Cherubim have four faces and four wings, while seraphim have six wings. Both the cherubim’s and seraphim’s main role seems to be to sit before the throne, protecting the presence of God and worshiping Him.

   Cherubims appear in several books of the Bible, including Genesis, Ezekiel, and Kings. Their four faces are ox, lion, man and eagle, although Ezekiel exchanges the ox for the face of a cherub. They move fast, using a wheel within a wheel, and their wings cover their body. Seraphim only appear in the book of Isaiah. Their name means “burning ones.” Seraphim use two of their wings for flight. As the cherubim, they are among the highest order of angelic beings. Cherubims are a type of angelic being of the highest order, like what is seen in Ezekiel one and ten. Though both cherubims and seraphims are very similar in function and purpose, the four beasts or living creatures best fit the description of cherubims.

Their Description and What They Represent

Revelation 4:6-8 – “And in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within.”

1. The attributes of God. They symbolize and represent the attributes of God. They are full of eyes within and without representing the omniscience and omnipresence of God. They are likened to a lion, ox, man and eagle. Each representing different aspects of God’s attributes.
   1. Lion: King of Beasts, majesty and omnipotence.
   2. Ox: Patience and continuous labor.
   3. Man: Intelligence and rational power.
   4. Eagle: Sovereignty and supremacy, the greatest of birds.
2. Four Aspects of Jesus in the Gospels:
   1. Lion: Lion of the tribe of Judah. The gospel of Matthew was written to the Jews concerning Jesus, the king of the Jews.
   2. Ox (calf): The servant of Mark. The gospel of Mark was written or directed to the Romans concerning Jesus as the conquering servant.
   3. Man: The humanity of Jesus. The gospel of Luke was written concerning and emphasizing Jesus’ humanity.
   4. Eagle: The Son of God in John. The gospel of John was written near the end of the first century when heresies were beginning to arise denying the deity of Christ. He wrote about the Son of God, emphasizing Jesus’ divinity.
3. Israel. In the wilderness the tribes of Israel pitched their tents in the same order, on four sides.
   1. Lion: Represents the tribe of Judah.
   2. Ox (calf): Represents the tribe of Ephraim.
   3. Man: Represents the tribe of Reuben.
   4. Eagle: Represents the tribe of Dan.

The Worship of the Almighty

Revelation 4:8-11 – “And they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to Him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, The four and twenty elders fall down before Him that sat on the throne, and worship Him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”

Worship the Lord! The one thing God needs from us is worship. We were created to worship and to bring Him pleasure (Revelation 4:10-11). The Father seeks such to worship Him (John 4:23). He inhabits the praises of His people (Psalms 22:3). Spend time worshiping Him daily. You will be blessed and so will He (Psalms 103:1-2). We are in on the job training for eternity. One of the primary activities in heaven is that of worship.

They begin worship with holy, holy, holy. God is to be and must be worshiped for His holiness. There’s a lot of worship today but far to little for and because of His holiness. Matthew Henry suggests saying it three time is for the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Nonetheless, worship was directed to the one sitting on the throne. The Cherubims led in worship and the twenty-four elders followed suit. The angelic host appear to be somewhat of worship leaders in heaven.

Their acts of adoration is that they “fall down before Him that sat on the throne, and worship Him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne.” They did this signifying He made it all possible. The very reward given by God is now laid before Him. This reveals we’ll know that even what is given us as reward for faithful service was a work of God’s grace. Nothing we do in this life is achieved of ourselves but is God working in and through us. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). What will be our response when we see Him?

I Can Only Imagine

I can only imagine what it will be like
When I walk by Your side
I can only imagine what my eyes will see
When Your face is before me
I can only imagine, yeah

Surrounded by Your glory
What will my heart feel?
Will I dance for You, Jesus
Or in awe of You be still?

Will I stand in Your presence
Or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah?
Will I be able to speak at all?

I can only imagine
I can only imagine

I can only imagine when that day comes
And I find myself standing in the sun/son
I can only imagine when all I will do
Is forever—forever worship You

I can only imagine, yeah
I can only imagine

Surrounded by Your glory
What will my heart feel?
Will I dance for You, Jesus
Or in awe of You be still?

Will I stand in Your presence
Or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah?
Will I be able to speak at all?

I can only imagine, yeah
I can only imagine

Surrounded by Your glory
What will my heart feel?
Will I dance for You, Jesus
Or in awe of You be still?

Will I stand in Your presence
Or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah?
Will I be able to speak at all?

I can only imagine, yeah
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever—forever worship You

I can only imagine

MercyMe

We worship Him as creator for He is worthy to “receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” Most newer translations say, “for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created” (NASB). Or “for You created all things, and by Your will they were created and have their being” (NIV). I recall reading Newell’s commentary on Hebrews in which he said, “The Father willed creation, the Son spoke it, and the Holy Spirit executed it.” I favor the the old King James Version saying, “for thy pleasure they are and were created.” He willed creation for His pleasure. People often ask, “what is my purpose in life?” It’s to bring Him pleasure. That is where true purpose in life is found.

All creatures were worshiping. We will either worship Him now of free will or then by force when “Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He (Jesus) is Lord to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:5-11). All believers worship Jesus as Lord of their lives of their own volition. One day all unbelievers, demons, and the devil himself will bow their knees and confess Jesus as Lord before being cast into the lake of fire (Philippians 2:5-11, Revelation 20:10-15, Revelation 21:8).

All who reject Christ and His gospel of grace will be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of Lord, and from the glory of His power (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9, Romans 1:18, Matthew 25:41). “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). If you have not turned your life over to Jesus, I invite you to do so now. He will prepare a place for you in heaven (John 14:1-6) and your sins will be forgiven, cleansed, and washed away (Psalms 103:12, Romans 10:8-13, 1 John 1: 7 and 9).

Prayer: Jesus, I accept you as my Lord and Savior. I ask You to come into my heart and forgive me of my sins. I choose to make you Lord of my life from now on and forever.

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