Revelation: Removing the Veil This revelation was given by God to the Apostle John because we needed to know it.
The seals of Revelation
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 show thee things which must be hereafter (Rev. 4:1).
Jan Massys, The Revelation of St. John the Evangelist on the Island of Patmos, 1563
After the Apostle heard the epistles, he saw before him a door opened to Heaven. He heard the same voice, like the sound of a trumpet, that he heard earlier. The voice ordered him to go up to see what was going to happen. You see, the Holy Spirit calls the Apostle and Evangelist John. He shows that what He wants to reveal to the Apostle belongs to Heaven. It’s from God, the events of God, which is why the Apostle says he saw a “door open in Heaven.” The Apostle again heard the voice of Christ, as before. Christ Himself spoke with him and called him to rise up in order to see coming events. At the same time, the words “come up hither” mean that the man who desires to contemplate the mysteries of God must surpass that which is human. Do you remember how Moses ascended Mt. Sinai when God gave him the commandments? In the Transfiguration, the Lord took the disciples up Mt. Thabor to show that man is called to transcend the human in order to contemplate the Divine; to depart from all things human, to liberate oneself from human ties, and most importantly—from the passions and sin. Then it will be possible to receive everything that God shows His people.
And immediately I was in the Spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in Heaven, and One sat on the throne. And He that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald (Rev. 4:2-3).
The Apostle was filled with the Holy Spirit, experiencing a state of rapture. He beheld a magnificent throne where a radiant figure sat, emitting a glow akin to precious stones like jasper and sardius. Surrounding the throne was a shimmering rainbow, gleaming like an emerald.
The Apostle described twenty-four seats encircling the throne, each occupied by an elder adorned in white robes and golden crowns. The identity of these elders remains a mystery, with interpretations ranging from priests to virtuous individuals. These images symbolize the grandeur and glory of God, as well as the exalted status of those in His presence.
Lightning, thunder, and voices emanated from the throne, accompanied by seven burning lamps representing the completeness and perfection of God’s spirits. The atmosphere evoked a sense of reverence and awe, reminiscent of the awe-inspiring events at Mount Sinai.
A sea of glass resembling crystal surrounded the throne, with four creatures full of eyes positioned both in front and behind. The vision painted a picture of a majestic throne, surrounded by elders, adorned with crowns and white garments, and illuminated by seven lamps symbolizing the perfection of God. The crystal-like sea and the four-eyed creatures added to the awe-inspiring scene. The creatures were covered in eyes, both in front and behind, symbolizing wakefulness and vigilant attention. These animals, representing something deeper, were constantly alert, watching, singing, and connecting with God. They were similar to a lion, calf, man, and eagle, which are considered the kings of their respective domains. With eyes all over, they were completely attentive, reminding us to be “all eye” like them. These creatures, symbolizing the four Evangelists, held and upheld the Gospel for the Church.
The four beasts, each with six wings and full of eyes within, sang ceaselessly, proclaiming the holiness of the Lord. They never rest, continuously hymning God and honoring the Holy Trinity.
In the vision, the elders worshiped God, offering glory and thanks to the One on the throne who created all things. The scene portrays God as the eternal creator of everything.
The Apostle John then sees a book sealed with seven seals in the right hand of the One sitting on the throne. No one in Heaven or on earth could open the book, emphasizing its importance and mystery. An angel cries out for someone worthy to open the seals, leading to John’s despair as no one seemed able to do so. The Apostle John wept greatly because no one was found worthy to take the sealed book and open it, due to its radiant glory that made it impossible to even look at. However, one of the elders reassured him that the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, had prevailed to open the book and loosen its seals. John then saw a vision of a Lamb, symbolizing Christ, who took the book from the right hand of God and was deemed worthy to receive it. This book represented the grace, salvation, and deification brought by Christ to the world. The elders and four beasts worshipped the Lamb, just as they worshipped God, with harps and golden bowls of incense symbolizing the prayers of the saints. This scene in Revelation shows the true divinity of Christ and the worship He rightfully receives. They all come together to sing a new song before God, praising the God-Man Christ for offering Himself as a sacrifice for humanity. Through His sacrifice, He redeemed us to God. Christ became man, offered Himself in sacrifice, and now receives worship alongside God the Father. He is worthy of praise for shedding His blood for our redemption, inviting people from all generations, tongues, nations, and tribes to enter the Church. Through baptism, we are made kings and priests of God, reigning over sin and offering ourselves as a sacred act.
In the Book of Revelation, the Apostle John hears the voices of angels, beasts, and elders proclaiming the worthiness of the Lamb that was slain. Every creature in Heaven and on Earth joins in blessing, honor, and glory to God and the Lamb. The four beasts and twenty-four elders fall down and worship the eternal God.
The praise and worship of God and the Lamb continue endlessly, with all creatures acknowledging their power, honor, and glory. The scene ends with the four beasts saying “Amen” and the elders worshipping the eternal God. Stay tuned for the continuation of this divine revelation.
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