Revelation. Vision 2. Christ the Heir. The Throne.

Marilyn C

Marilyn C

Christ on the Father`s Throne.

When the Lord ascended to glory after His resurrection, He went to the Father`s throne. This is above the created order.

`when he (Christ) had purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,...` (Heb. 1: 3)


There He sat at the Father`s right hand building His Body of believers till it was time to move to His own throne. He has promised that these overcomers will be with Him on His own Throne.

`To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with me on my throne, as I also overcame and sat down with my Father on His throne.` (Rev. 3: 21)



Christ comes for the Overcomers.

In the Father`s timing, the Lord Jesus Christ will leave the Father`s throne and come for the Overcomers, His Body. He will descend from heaven to the air and draw His people to Himself.

`For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and the trumpet of God. The dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.`(1 Thess. 4: 16 & 17)


Those `caught up` will be changed: corruption will put on incorruption and mortal will put on immortality. Then together the Lord and the Overcomers go through the atmospheric heaven, (1) and then the universal heavens, (2) till finally they come to the angelic realm, (the third heaven).

`After these things I looked, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.”(Rev. 4: 1)



(Note: John is representative of the Body of Christ there.)

What an invitation!

What do we see?
 
A Throne Set in Heaven.

Now we know that the Godhead rules over all, and that no one can approach them, as they dwell in unapproachable light. They are Spirit.

`who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see,...` (1 Tim. 6: 16)


So this is not the Godhead`s throne, which is beyond the created order, but another throne will be set up, and this will be in the third heaven. Note, this throne will be visible to those who will be in that realm - the angels and the overcomers.

` Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, A throne set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.` (Rev. 4: 2)


Then we will see that the `one` on this throne is described to be like glorious gem stones, the `Jasper and Sardius` stones. They were the first and last on the High Priest`s breastplate. So now we realise that this throne, this rulership is for a High Priest.


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


A royal High Priest, a King and a Priest. These two offices were never put together on earth, but kept separate, however in this supreme position of rulership, on this throne there will be a High Priest. The Prophet Zechariah prophesied this -


`He....shall sit and rule on His throne; so He shall be a Priest on His throne.. and the counsel of peace shall be between them.`(Zech. 6:13)


Lucifer was a kingpriest and had his throne in this realm. However he was found unworthy and cast out. There has never been another visible ruler on a throne here till this throne is set up.


This throne in the third heaven will mark the beginning of the restoration of all things. From here all other rule will be dealt with, whether demonic or of man.
 
Christ on His Own Throne.

Let us now look closer at the One on this throne -the High Priest and King. The gem stones are given to reveal more understanding to us.


The Gem Stones.

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


The Jasper gem stone was the last on the High Priest`s breastplate. It stood for the tribe of Naphtali whose name means to prevail, to conquer - `I have prevailed.` (Gen. 30: 8)

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

Christ was the last Adam and He prevailed over the world, the flesh and the devil. He has secured the supreme victory over the greatest foe.

The Sardius gem stone was the first on the High Priest`s breastplate. It stood for the tribe of Judah. The prophetic word reveals that He would be the ruler over the other tribes. (Gen. 49: 8 - 12) The Hebrew `yadah,` (Judah) means to use the hand, indicating power and dominion.


The Emerald gem stone is also on the High Priest`s breastplate, and was for the tribe of Reuben. He was the first born of Jacob, and his heir. To the heir would be given three portions - the birthright, (double blessing), the priesthood and the kingdom.

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

The `One` on the throne then is the High Priest of Heaven, the conqueror, the Sovereign Ruler and Heir of all the Father`s estates.


The Covenant.

`and there was a rainbow around the throne,...` (Rev. 4: 3)

The `rainbow` is God`s sign for His covenant with man. A covenant is usually an agreement between parties which bind them to some specific course of action.

Why was there needed a `covenant?` Mankind had forfeited his right of dominion over the earth when he disobeyed God and let Satan rule. God however, planned before time began to send His Son to redeem man and bring about the restoration of all things. This is the covenant God made with man.

God knew that man could do nothing to bring this about, and thus the whole restoration will be by God. 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)
 
The Body of Christ will be involved in this restoration of all things for they will be with the Lord on His own throne. (Rev. 3: 21)

The 24 Elders.

These 24 Elders are representative of the whole Body of Christ, the Overcomers. The number 24 indicates 12 for rulership, (king) and 12 for the Priesthood. A double office.

`Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, And on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, Clothed in white robes; And they had crowns of gold on their heads.`(Rev. 4: 4)

They are kingpriests that will be seated on thrones. This is the inheritance that was promised to them. They have been made righteous by the blood of Jesus and will then be given authority, crowns, to rule and 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)


Judgments.

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

We then hear loud noises and voices which give a sense of foreboding of awesome things ahead. This throne is a throne of judgment, and the `One` on the throne has the power of life and death. He is Heaven`s High court judge and before Him there is no other court of appeal. The prophet Daniel saw a vision of the One on this judgment throne.

`I watched till thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of days was seated; His garment was white as snow, and the hair on His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, its wheels a burning fire; a fiery stream issued and came forth from before Him, a thousand thousands ministered to Him; ten thousand time ten thousand stood before Him. `(Dan. 7: 9 & 10)

The Court.

`the court was seated...` (Dan. 7: 10)

The Body of Christ has been told that they would `judge the world system and fallen angels.` (1 Cor. 6: 2 & 3) So when they are enthroned with the Lord then they will be heaven`s court and take part in the judgments to come.

 
Next we are shown the power and authority to bring about these judgments as part of the covenant of the restoration of all things.


The 7 fold Spirit.

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

Immediately we see that the 7 fold Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit is involved. 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.

This is the Spirit of wisdom & understanding, of counsel & might, of knowledge & fear (respect) of Lord God, and of righteous judgment. (Isa. 11: 2 - 4)


The 4 Living Creatures.

Then before the throne, in the midst, we are shown what seem to be `living creatures.` These are representations of the Lord`s ministries as to how He will bring restoration.

`Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and behind. The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was 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).
 
Worship.

The `living creatures,` representing the Lord`s work bring honour to His Holy name. They are the four ministries of Christ (King, sacrifice, man and God) that are functioning continually by the Holy Spirit, with all wisdom & knowledge, displaying God`s holiness


`And the four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying:“Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!” (Rev. 4: 8)


The Body of Christ (represented by the 24 Elders) worship the Lord giving Him Honour for all His work through them, showing that all authority, crowns, are from Him and to Him.

`Whenever the living creatures give glory and honour and thanks to him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, `(Rev. 4: 9 - 1O)


The Body of Christ declare that the Lord is the One worthy to receive the adoration and praise. He is the Creator and it is by Him that the worlds are upheld.

“You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honour and power; For you created all things and by your will they exist and were created.`(Rev. 4: 9 - 11)


Summary.

The `One` on the throne set up in heaven, is the High Priest of Heaven, the sovereign Ruler over all, and the Father`s heir to all His Kingdom. He is the creator of all things, He is the Son of God.

`God (the Father) ...has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed Heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;....` (Heb. 1: 2)


It is through Him that the restoration of all things will be brought about.

Let`s see how this will come about.





 
Christ Receiving the Judgment Scroll.

Before us now is a pictorial drama to help us understand this awesome event. God the Father is a Spirit, and has `set up` this visible throne for His Son. The throne is on the Father`s authority and He is shown giving the Judgment orders to His Son to execute.

So let`s look in detail as this `drama` unfolds.


Firstly we see the judgment scroll in the right hand of the Father. These judgments have been sealed since Daniel was told to seal up the scroll until the time of the end. (Dan. 12: 4) The seven seals indicate that these judgments are complete. (7 = complete)

`And I saw .... a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with 7 seals.` (Rev. 5: 1)

Then an angel proclaims,

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

But, although all of heaven and earth and under the earth were searched, no one was found worthy to open the scroll, to execute the judgments.

`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 and read the scroll, or to look at it.` (Rev. 5: 4)


Had no one been found worthy to open the scroll, the judgments of the earth, all of humanity and the earth would be forever under the domination of Satan. Demonic rule and man`s rule must be brought under God.

But, praise the Lord, there is found One who is worthy. He became a man to claim back dominion of the earth. Man had forfeited his right to dominion when he disobeyed God and let Satan rule over him. Therefore Christ needed to become a man, then fulfil God`s law and not let Satan rule over Him.

`Christ Jesus,....took upon Himself the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men.` (Phil. 2: 7)

It is the Lord Jesus Christ who receives the authority to execute the judgments written on the scroll.


`The Father ....has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man.` (John 5: 27)
 
Christ Fulfills the Legal Credentials.

We know that the Father gave Christ the authority to execute the judgments. However to do this Christ needed to fulfil the legal requirements to be ruler over the kings of the earth. Israel was promised that they would be the ruling nation over the other nations of the world.

Thus Christ had to come from Israel and from the ruling house of David. Christ fulfilled these requirements and then prevailed against the enemy. He is worthy to open the judgment scroll.

`Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll...` (Rev. 5: 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 and heavens beyond, that is like Him. Christ`s death overpaid the terrible debt of mankind and made the way for restoration of God`s purposes, His Covenant, through Jesus Christ.

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

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

The Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ, the heir of creation and of all things, steps forward and receives the scroll, the judgment scroll, (symbolically) out of the Father`s hand.

`And He came and 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, and I will give you the nations for Your inheritance, the ends of the earth for Your possession.` (Ps. 2: 7 & 8)

 
Worship.

Finally there is a great anthem of praise and worship for what the Lord has done through His ministries, (King, sacrifice, man and deity, represented by the `living creatures.) The Body of Christ prostrate in honour and worship before the Lord.

`Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the 24 Elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.` (Rev. 5: 8)

The `new song,` the song of the redeemed proclaim that the Lord is worthy for through His sacrifice they have been made kings and priests.

`And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for you were slain, and have redeemed us to God by your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, `and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign over the earth.` (Rev. 5: 10)

What an immense choir of praise and worship giving Christ the 7 fold blessing.

`Then I looked and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, the Elders, and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice: `Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power & riches & wisdom, & strength & honour & glory & blessing.`(Rev. 5: 12)

One day, in eternity every creature will not only acknowledge Christ but worship the Father and the Son.

`And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying:
“Blessing and honour and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb, forever and ever!” (Rev. 5: 13)

Christ`s living ministries, which is His work as King, sacrifice, man and deity, bring Him honour. The Body of Christ, (24 Elders) who are in glory because of all Christ had done, are overcome and fall down at His feet and worship Him.

`Then the four living creatures said “Amen!” And the 24 Elders fell down and worshipped Him who lives forever and ever.`(Rev. 5: 14)






Summing up, we have looked at the Lord Jesus Christ as , Eternal King, and now as Heir.

He has all power as King, the highest position as Lord and has possession of all, as Heir.

How He will use this power in the fulfillment of God`s great Covenant with man, we will see as we further study this great prophecy of Revelation.
 
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