Revelation 2-3 are about the past. In our last study, we saw that since the rapture will occur before the Tribulation, it must occur between Revelation 3 and 4. Revelation 4 takes us to the start of the Tribulation, and we are able to see into this future event through the apostle’s vision. What we are about to see are the events which will occur in heaven before the Tribulation starts.       Throne Room. In the vision, the apostle saw the One sitting on the throne, twenty-four elders, and four creatures sitting around the throne.     And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance. And around the throne were twenty-four thrones; and upon the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and golden crowns on their heads. (NASB) Rev. 4:3-4   The One sitting on the throne is God the Father. He is the first person of the Trinity. The apostle does not describe Him as simply light. Yes, God is light; but He is more than that. He is like a jasper and sardius stone with an emerald bow surrounding Him.       Revelation 21:11 says that a jasper stone was a crystal-clear stone. We are not sure, but it sounds like a diamond. The sardius stone was named after the city of Sardius and was ruby red in color. A diamond and red ruby make a wonderful color combination on a bracelet or necklace. Just imagine how God must look with the emerald bow. Why did we say emerald bow and not rainbow? The answer is found in the Greek word translated as “rainbow.” The Greek word actually means “bow.” So, God is surrounded by an emerald bow and flashes of lightening and sounds of thunder.     And from the throne proceed flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder. . . . (NASB) Rev. 4:5   What an amazing vision of God!         < Back   Next >
	Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992. Click here to visit her “Revelation Illustrated” site.     Copyright © Like The Master Ministries. All Rights Reserved.   Study In Revelation