Revelation 4 & 5: A Beginning Look at the Things to Come

The first thing that we have had to accept about what we read beginning in chapter 4 is that these things are things that are yet to come. If we go back to chapter 1 verse 19 we see a three part division of The Revelation.

Revelation 1:19
1. Write the things which thou hast seen (past tense), (Chapter 1)
2. and the things which are (present tense), (Chapters 2 & 3) Letters to seven churches of the time of the writing.
3. and the things which shall be hereafter(future tense); (Chapters 4 -22)
a. A description of the future.
b. Future relative to John and to us.
c. The end of this age
d. The return of God’s King
e. The establishment of God’s Kingdom on the earth

God gives John first a vision of a moment of worship in the throne-room of God. Why does God choose to start with this amazing picture of worship and God’s greatness? In Chapter 6 we will begin to read of God’s judgment coming down upon the people of this world. All kinds of evil are going to be released upon the world as part of this judgment, and this is not a pretty picture. It brings to mind the question that people ask. What gives God the right to do these things to the people of this earth? This question is asked by God of Himself in Rev. 5:2 and the answer is given in 5:9-10? God, through John, asked in Rev. 2: “Who is worthy?” In Rev. 5:9-10 the answer is simply given as “Thou art worthy.”

Revelation 5:2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to lose the seals thereof?

Revelation 5:9-10 9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
Why is He worthy is given in the remainder of these two chapters. Looking through chapters 4 & 5 why don’t we come up with those things that makes Him worthy. You find them and post them. See who can come up with the most.