Pastor’s Table Blog

Sermon Summary: Revelation 4-5

10/6/24

Pastor Dave Hentschel

In Revelation 4-5, we are given a glorious vision of the heavenly throne room that reveals the central figure of the universe, the one who reigns, and the one who redeems. This passage transports us from the earthly struggles into the presence of God, where worship and sovereignty are vividly displayed. "Chapters 4–5 are the pivotal chapters of the entire book of Revelation. The primary purpose of these chapters is to underscore God’s sovereignty over history and to show that the Lamb, Jesus Christ, is the one who will carry out God’s purposes in the world. The worship of the Lamb and the One on the throne sets the stage for the rest of the book’s judgment and salvation themes." — G.K. Beale, The Book of Revelation: A Commentary on the Greek Text

Let’s consider three key aspects of this vision.

1. Who Is the One on the Throne? (Revelation 4:1-11)

The scene opens with a description of God seated on His throne. The throne is the central symbol of divine authority, power, and sovereignty. Around the throne, we see awe-inspiring imagery—a rainbow that encircles it, flashing lightning, rumbling thunder, and the seven spirits of God. All creation bows before Him. This picture reminds us that despite earthly chaos, God remains in control, unshaken in His rule. He is holy, transcendent, and worthy of all honor and glory. His majesty is proclaimed by the four living creatures, who declare day and night:
“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (Revelation 4:8, ESV).

There are five songs or chants in Revelation 4-5, here they are laid out in this chart:

2. Who Is the One Who Is Worthy? (Revelation 5:1-9)

In chapter 5, John sees a scroll in the right hand of the one on the throne. This scroll represents God’s plan for the world, involving both judgment and redemption, but no one is found worthy to open it. John weeps until he is comforted with the announcement that the Lion of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered and is worthy to open the scroll. But instead of seeing a lion, John sees a Lamb, “standing, as though it had been slain” (Revelation 5:6, ESV). This paradox reveals Christ—the conquering Lion is also the sacrificial Lamb. Jesus is worthy because of His death and resurrection, by which He ransomed people for God from every tribe and nation. His worthiness to enact God’s redemptive plan is based on His finished work on the cross.

3. Who Are the Ones Who Will Sing? (Revelation 5:10-14)

Finally, the scene crescendos in worship as all of heaven erupts in a new song. The twenty-four elders, representing the redeemed people of God, fall down before the Lamb and sing:
“Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God” (Revelation 5:9, ESV).
They are joined by countless angels and all creatures in heaven and on earth in a chorus of praise. The redeemed—those who have been purchased by the blood of the Lamb—are the ones who will sing. This picture of worship reminds us that God’s plan culminates in global worship, with believers from every nation giving glory to Christ forever.

In this heavenly vision, we are reminded of the majesty of God’s throne, the worthiness of the Lamb, and the joyful future of those redeemed by His blood. Revelation 4-5 lifts our gaze from our present struggles to the eternal reign of God and the ultimate victory of Christ. Let this vision fuel our worship today as we join the chorus of heaven, declaring the worthiness of the One who reigns and redeems.

Grant Osborne says it this way, "The vision of chapters 4 and 5 reveals a majestic picture of heavenly worship where the focus is on the sovereignty of God and the worthiness of the Lamb. The worship of both the Creator and the Redeemer unites all of heaven’s beings, underscoring that salvation and judgment are inseparable aspects of God's reign."
— Grant R. Osborne, Revelation