The Revelation of Jesus - The Heir. (Vision 2. ch. 4 & 5)

[Marilyn C]

In Revelation chapters 4 & 5, I believe we see a further unveiling of Jesus, by God the Father. Jesus` throne is set up, & then as Heir of all things, He is proclaimed worthy to receive the title deeds of the world, with the judgments written there on.


What do you see in the vision of the Heir, who is worthy to receive the 7 sealed scroll?
 
 
Marilyn.


Now my references, the teachers that I learn from –

Dr. Charles J. Rolls. (from the back of his books)

He is renowned on several continents for his encyclopedic knowledge of Scripture & his radiant devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Educated at the university of Cambridge, Dr. Rolls has been a missionary in India, & home director for the Sudan Interior Mission for New Zealand & Australia. He was founder or dean of Bible schools in New Zealand, Australia & the United States. Later relinquishing this ministry to concentrate on writing & preaching, largely in the United States & Canada. Where he now (then) makes his home.

This photograph (on the back of the book), taken on his 96th birthday, shows Dr. Rolls with the Newberry Bible he has used for more than three-quarters of a century, bulging with hundreds of interleaved pages & notes & outlines in his meticulous engraving-like script.

Apostle/pastor Alistair Gardiner. (from the back of his book)

His commitment to the message of this book eventuated in a remarkable manner. During his service in World War 2 as a Pilot, he was involved in a mid-air encounter & a consequent horrific plane crash. Blinded, paralyzed & helpless in the wreckage of his cockpit, God challenged him for future service.

Subsequently he attended Melbourne University, graduating in Commerce (Economics) & Business Administration, followed by a very successful business career. God`s war-time challenge became reality, & he was invited to minister in practically every denomination in numerous countries around the world.

He is currently (1992) the immediate Past President of the Apostolic Church in Australia.

(Marilyn.I have been a member of this denomination all my life.)
 

Edited July 15, 2015 by Marilyn C

[Marilyn C]

`To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame & sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.` (Rev. 3: 21 & 22)


Revelation ch. 4.

After these things I looked & behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking to me, saying,

“Come up here, & I will show you things which must take place after this.”


Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, & one sat on the throne. And He who sat there was like a jasper & a sardius stone in appearance; & there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. Around the throne were 24 thrones, & on the thrones I saw 24 elders, clothed in white robes; & they had crowns of gold on their heads.

And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thundering, & voices. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God. Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, & around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front & 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, & the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. And the four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around 7, within. And they do not rest day or night, saying,

“Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was & is & is to come.”

Whenever the living creatures give glory & honour & thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever & ever, the 24 elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne & worship Him who lives for ever & ever, & cast their crowns before the throne, saying:

“You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory & honour & power; for you created all things, & by your will they exist & were created.”



Revelation ch. 5.

And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside & on the back, sealed with seven seals. Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice,

“Who is worthy to open the scroll & to loose its seals?”

And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or look at it. So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open & read the scroll, or look at it. But one of the elders said to me,

`Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll & to loose its seven seals”

And I looked, & behold, in the midst of the throne & of the four living creatures, & in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns & seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.

Then He came & took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures & the 24 elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, & golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying,

“You are worthy to take the scroll, & to open its seals; for you were slain, & have redeemed us to God by your blood out of every tribe & tongue & people & nation, & have made us kings & priests to our God; & we shall reign over the earth.”

Then I looked, & I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, & the elders; & the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, & thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice:

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power & riches & wisdom, & strength & honour & glory & blessing!”

And every creature which is in heaven & on the earth & under the earth & such as are in the sea, & all that are in them, I heard saying:

“Blessing & honour & glory & power be to Him who sits on the throne, & to the Lamb, forever & ever.!”

Then the four living creatures said “Amen!” And the 24 elders fell down & worshipped Him who lives forever & ever.

 

[Larry 2]

I like this, and will add to its thought I hope. 

 

Rom 8:17  And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; IF SO be that we suffer (or endure) with him, that we may be also glorified together. 

 

Eph 1:21  (Jesus is)  Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 

Eph 1:22  And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 

Eph 1:23  Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. 

[Marilyn C]

Hi Larry2,

 

Nice to meet you & have a chat. Now isn`t it interesting that three of you posts this afternoon are all on or around Rev. 4. And I thank you for you good comments which show that God`s word so dove-tails together to unveil more of Christ, His character & authority & His great purposes.

 

Look forward to any more comments you may post.

 

Marilyn.

[Marilyn C]

The Lord Jesus told the overcomers that He was seated on His Father`s throne & that when He is given His throne, authority, then they will `sit` with Him there. As Larry has said, `joint-heirs` with Him, who is the Heir over all.

So it is we are shown a most awesome & majestic vision, of our Lord being invested with all power & authority & dominion, seated on His throne in the highest heaven. We see the Body of Christ around His throne, the living creatures & the myriads of angelic beings, all worshipping Him.

`Behold, a throne set in heaven, & One sat on the throne, and He who sat there was like a jasper & a sardius stone in appearance;...` (Rev. 4: 2 & 3)

Throne – in Gk. is `thrao` meaning a stately seat, power.


The beauty & richness of these jewels enrich our appreciation of Christ`s glory while their particular meanings reveal Christ`s authority. These gems were on the High Priest`s breastplate and represented the tribes of Israel which pointed to Christ, the heavenly High Priest – Conqueror & King. (Gems -Ex.28: 17 – 21 Tribes -Num.2)


Christ the Conqueror.

`And He who sat there was like a jasper.... stone` (Rev. 4: 3)
Jasper – for the tribe of Naphtali – meaning `I have prevailed.` (Gen. 30: 8)
Prevail – to gain the victory, to conquer. (The Concise English Dictionary)


The Jasper stone was the last on the breastplate of the High Priest. It represented the tribe of Naphtali whose name means, to prevail, to conquer. Christ was the last Adam & He prevailed over the world, the flesh & the devil. He has secured the supreme victory over the greatest foe.

`For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.` (1 John 3: 8)


Jesus fulfilled the Father`s will in all aspects & finally laid down His own life as an offering for the sins of the whole world.

`...nailed ...to the cross. Having disarmed principalities & powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.` (Col. 2: 15)

The `blood-red,` colour of the gem indicates the priceless cost of our redemption – Christ`s precious blood.

`Christ......with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.` (Heb. 9: 12)


Christ the Righteous King.

`And He who sat there was like .....a Sardius stone.` (Rev. 4: 3)
Sardius – for the tribe of Judah – meaning `to use the hand.` (Gen. 29: 35)
Judah – from the Heb. `yadah,` meaning to use the hand, indicating power & dominion, (a sceptre)

This stone was first on the High Priest`s breastplate representing the ruling tribe of Judah, from which Jesus was born. (Gen. 49: 10 Matt.1: 1)


Christ was born King of the Jews & King of Israel.

`Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?` (Matt. 2: 2)
`You are the King of Israel.` (John 1: 49)


However, long before His manifestation, Christ held this high & honourable office. He is called the King of Glory by King David.

`Who is this King of Glory? The Lord of Hosts, He is the King of Glory.` (Ps. 24: 10)

He is called the King of Heaven by the prophet Daniel.

`Now I,....praise & extol & honour the King of heaven, All of whose works are truth, & His ways justice.`(Dan. 4: 37)

Then Christ is also called the King of the Ages, by the Apostle Paul. He is the King at the centre of this great universe, the one who is directing everything toward the achievement of an eternal purpose. `

`Now to the King eternal, ( of ages) immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honour & glory forever & ever.` (1 Tim. 1: 17)
Eternal – Gk. Word `aion,` age, eternal, forever.

And one glorious day, Christ will be King over the nations of the world.

`Lord God Almighty. Just & true are your ways, O King of the nations.` (Rev. 15: 3)

The Lord Jesus Christ has many crowns but this throne that is set up is especially for His Kingship connected to His Priesthood – Kingpriest.

He is called the King of Righteousness & Peace by the writer to the Hebrews.

` Jesus the High Priest `king of righteousness, & then also....... king of peace...` (Heb. 6: 20 & 7: 2)

 

 

Marilyn.

[Marilyn C]

In Revelation Ch. 4 & 5 God the Father is unveiling to us the authority Christ has been given. Larry brought out the wonderful scripture -

Eph 1:21 (Jesus is) ` Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:`

We know this by reading the epistles, however God the Father (in Rev.) is drawing all the details together & giving us an amazing insight to when, how & why it all comes about.

 

The King Priest.

Previously we were shown Christ as the High Priest in the midst of the Body of Christ. Now we are shown that He has a throne, special authority – a priest on a throne, a king priest. This is most unusual as the two offices were never held by one man (in Israel). Yet here we see the Lord Jesus Christ, the King Priest on His throne.

So what is so special about that? What authority does it give Him instead of just being a king. A priest needs to be from mankind to be able to represent man, while a king needs to know God`s will to represent God. Thus the one who rules over all (under God the Father) needs to be able to sympathize with man as well as represent God in his dealings with man.

 

The Pictorial Representation - The Search for a Worthy Man. 

Thus we see the great search for someone who would be able to fulfill this role. For someone who would have the right to receive dominion over the earth, intercede for man (priest) & execute the judgments needed to restore God`s rule (king).

`And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside & on the back, sealed with seven seals. Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice,

“Who is worthy to open the scroll & to loose its seals?”

And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or look at it. So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open & read the scroll, or look at it.` (Rev. 5: 1 – 4)

The Apostle John was rightly very sad. No one was found in all heaven or earth to restore mankind & rule over them. Man had given away his dominion over the earth at the fall & thus sickness, disease, warfare, decay, & death ravaged mankind. If no one was found worthy, then mankind was doomed.

But, praise the Lord, we know that Jesus came to this sin-sick world as the second Adam. He never gave away His right to dominion of the earth,(king) He did the Father`s will & He paid the ultimate sacrifice for the restoring of mankind, (priest).

`Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful & faithful high priest in all things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.` (Heb. 2: 17 & 18)

 

Jesus the Worthy Man receiving authority to rule the world.

 

So now we see this `drama,` being played out for us in this pictorial representation – Jesus receiving the authority to rule the world.

`But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll & to loose its seven seals”

And I looked, & behold, in the midst of the throne & of the four living creatures, & in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns & seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. Then He came & took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.`(Rev. 5: 5 & 6)

Jesus` credentials are now described, showing that He is indeed worthy to receive the authority over mankind & the earth. He is from mankind, a man, from Israel, God`s ruling nation & of the ruling tribe, (right to rule – Kingship). Then we are shown, pictorially that Jesus is a `Lamb as though slain,` (priesthood) with the anointing of the Holy Spirit, (the seven-fold Spirit of God).

God the Father is then shown as the one who gives Jesus the authority to rule over the nations. Jesus `in the midst of the throne,` takes the scroll, the symbol of the executive power to rule.

`The Father...has given Him (Christ) authority to execute judgment..` (John 5: 27)

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power & riches & wisdom, & strength & honour & glory & blessing!” (Rev. 5: 12)

 

 

Marilyn.










 

Edited June 11, 2015 by Marilyn C

[Larry 2]

In Revelation Ch. 4 & 5 God the Father is unveiling to us the authority Christ has been given. Larry brought out the wonderful scripture -

Eph 1:21 (Jesus is) ` Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:`

We know this by reading the epistles, however God the Father (in Rev.) is drawing all the details together & giving us an amazing insight to when, how & why it all comes about.

Previously we were shown Christ as the High Priest in the midst of the Body of Christ. Now we are shown that He has a throne, special authority – a priest on a throne, a king priest. This is most unusual as the two offices were never held by one man (in Israel). Yet here we see the Lord Jesus Christ, the King Priest on His throne.

So what is so special about that? What authority does it give Him instead of just being a king. A priest needs to be from mankind to be able to represent man, while a king needs to know God`s will to represent God. Thus the one who rules over all (under God the Father) needs to be able to sympathize with man as well as represent God in his dealings with man.

Thus we see the great search for someone who would be able to fulfill this role. For someone who would have the right to receive dominion over the earth, intercede for man (priest) & execute the judgments needed to restore God`s rule (king).

`And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside & on the back, sealed with seven seals. Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice,

“Who is worthy to open the scroll & to loose its seals?”

And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or look at it. So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open & read the scroll, or look at it.` (Rev. 5: 1 – 4)

The Apostle John was rightly very sad. No one was found in all heaven or earth to restore mankind & rule over them. Man had given away his dominion over the earth at the fall & thus sickness, disease, warfare, decay, & death ravaged mankind. If no one was found worthy, then mankind was doomed.

But, praise the Lord, we know that Jesus came to this sin-sick world as the second Adam. He never gave away His right to dominion of the earth,(king) He did the Father`s will & He paid the ultimate sacrifice for the restoring of mankind, (priest).

`Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful & faithful high priest in all things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.` (Heb. 2: 17 & 18)

 

So now we see this `drama,` being played out for us in a symbolic pictorial representation – Jesus receiving the authority to rule the world.

`But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll & to loose its seven seals”

And I looked, & behold, in the midst of the throne & of the four living creatures, & in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns & seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. Then He came & took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.`(Rev. 5: 5 & 6)

Jesus` credentials are now described, showing that He is indeed worthy to receive the authority over mankind & the earth. He is from mankind, a man, from Israel, God`s ruling nation & of the ruling tribe, (right to rule – Kingship). Then we are shown, pictorially that Jesus is a `Lamb as though slain,` (priesthood) with the anointing of the Holy Spirit, (the seven-fold Spirit of God).

God the Father is then shown as the one who gives Jesus the authority to rule over the nations. Jesus `in the midst of the throne,` takes the scroll, the symbol of the executive power to rule.

`The Father...has given Him (Christ) authority to execute judgment..` (John 5: 27)

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power & riches & wisdom, & strength & honour & glory & blessing!” (Rev. 5: 12)

 

 

Marilyn.

 

Dear Sister Marilyn, I have the idea we’re thinking alike considering Jesus’ rising to taking the power given Him in Mat 28:18.  All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

 

With the world suffering birth pangs as it were in this present times of the Gentiles, Luk 21:24  . .  Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled, where is Jesus? Sitting in the throne of our Father and according to Heb 7:25  He ever lives to make intercession for us. This is Jesus’ priestly nature.

 

When will Jesus ascend to the position of King of kings, and Lord of lords? 1 Tim 6:15. Which in his times He shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.

Jesus will proclaim in Rev 1:8  I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. He has taken the all power and authority.

 

Please let me know if I seem to take you off topic. Thanks.

[Marilyn C]

Hi Larry 2,

 

Good to hear your comments & they are on topic about our Lord. At the moment we know that the focus is on His High Priestly role,(building & maturing the Body of Christ), however soon He will receive the authority from God the Father to execute the executive orders in His Kingly (& priestly) office.

 

So much comes together in the unveiling (revelation) of Jesus. God has given us such a wonderful insight into His Beloved Son, that no wonder we get blessed when we read it. Our minds have His character & work to meditate on & our spirits rejoice to behold Him more.

 

Marilyn.  

[Serving]

Hi Larry 2,

 

Good to hear your comments & they are on topic about our Lord. At the moment we know that the focus is on His High Priestly role,(building & maturing the Body of Christ), however soon He will receive the authority from God the Father to execute the executive orders in His Kingly (& priestly) office.

 

So much comes together in the unveiling (revelation) of Jesus. God has given us such a wonderful insight into His Beloved Son, that no wonder we get blessed when we read it. Our minds have His character & work to meditate on & our spirits rejoice to behold Him more.

 

Marilyn.  

 

Greetings Marilyn ..

 

 

I find this very telling ..

 

 

Zechariah 2:12 And the LORD shall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again. (obviously, even today Israel is His & by extension the world .. but Israel is allowed to be for now under the subjection of husbandmen .. & by extension so too the world)

 

 

This correlates with your opining of Christ's two distinct ministries .. one as a priest (2000 + years ago up to today) .. the other as a ruling king-priest in a literal future millennial setting of direct hands on rule.

 

 

The heir finally takes His inheritance back to Himself at His 2nd coming of which He has a long time been holding His peace for ..

 

Nice post sister

 

God bless.

Edited June 11, 2015 by Serving

[Marilyn C]

Hi Serving,

 

Thank you for you great comments. Now while we are in Zechariah, just go over to Zech. 6 -

 

`Thus says the Lord of hosts, saying: "Behold, the man whose name is the Branch! From His place He shall branch out! And He shall build the temple of the Lord; Yes, He shall build the temple of the Lord. He shall bear the glory, & shall sit & rule on His throne; so He shall be a priest on His throne, & the counsel of peace shall be between them both." (Zech. 6: 12 & 13)

 

There we have God telling Israel that their king shall also be a priest. Unheard of! But the priest on His throne mentioned here is Christ office as kingpriest of Israel over the nations. However we need to remember that Christ is `far above all.....` (Eph. 1: 21). He is enthroned on high as the kingpriest over the third heaven, the Universe & the earth.

 

Blessings, Marilyn.

 

PS. I would also like to add that there is more that the Lord has to restore than just the earth. Mmmmmmm

 

 

 

 

 

Edited June 11, 2015 by Marilyn C