What is around, from, and in front of God's throne in heaven?

See Revelation 4:4-6

John was invited to "come up here" in Rev 4:1, after having been shown a door that was open in heaven.

Immediately, "I was in the Spirit" as he says, and saw the throne of God and One that sat upon that throne. What John saw there was color, color, color. It's beautiful to read about, and imagine what it looks like, and then a blessing to know that we will see it also one day.

But, now in 4:4, he begins to tell us what was around the throne, and then what was coming from it, and then what was in front of this colorful throne, and in the midst of it, and again what was around it.

Around the throne, there were 24 thrones, with 24 elders sitting clothed in white robes, and, they had crowns of gold on their heads. See Rev 4:4

From the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. And, there were also 7 lamps of fire burning from before the throne which are the 7 Spirit's of God.

Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal.

And in the midst of the throne and around the throne were 4 living creatures full of eyes in front and in back.

Some things to reflect upon, and for application.

1. God is gracious and has brought others to be with Him in heaven and for all eternity.
This is clear from the 24 elders who are there around the throne of God. I'm not sure who these elders are, but, they are not angels, they appear to be men who were at one time here on the earth. At least that's my understanding. But, we know God brings people to heaven to enjoy His grace forever and ever.

2. God has clothed these 24 elders in white robes and placed crowns of gold on their heads. The Lord gives us the white robes of His righteousness to wear. We will have ( and do now in a real sense ) these robes of righteousness as well. The elders have crowns, and so will all of God's people to one degree or another. We will be given in heaven, rewards, i.e crowns for various aspects of our service here on earth. We will also reign and rule with Christ during the 1000 year reign of Jesus on the earth.

3. What John heard and saw from the throne, i.e the lightnings, and the thunderings and voices, we will also see and hear one day. This is reminiscent of what Moses and the children of Israel saw and heard from the mountain where the 10 commandments were given. It speaks of God's great power, and one can only try to imagine who these voices are, and what were they saying. We will learn a little bit of what's being said later in this fourth chapter. But, here in these verses today, it's not explained in any great detail to us. But, lighting and thunderings in our world remind us of how small we are, and how big and powerful what we call nature is. The skies and heavens roar sometimes and it almost shakes the earth below. The sound of powerful cracking in the skies makes us feel our smallness in any real storm above. What great eternal, infinite power there is in our God.

4. What is the sea of glass? I do not know, except to say that the word "sea" is used in Revelation, to describe vast multitudes of people. This sea in front of the throne is a sea of glass, like crystal.
Again, the use of the word "like" is seen here. This sea was "like" crystal, that's the best way that John could describe it. One thing that comes to my mind is, that this could in some way represent the multitudes of saved people, who are clear of all sin as it were. Crystal is clear. You can see right through it. We are cleared of all sin, no remembrance of them, all of them gone forever and ever, never to be mentioned again. All sin paid for.

5. These 4 living creatures that are around the throne will be explained in some detail in the next few verses. They also speak to and about God. See 4:8. We will see these creatures when we arrive in heaven. We also know that the 24 elders are affected and act when these 4 creatures give glory to God. And, then the elders speak out as well. All of the speech is really praise and adoration to the One who sits on the throne.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

What did John see through the door into heaven?

Revelation 4:2-3 and following answer that question. This is a look into heaven itself.

First of all, John was in the Spirit, that is, John is expressing that he was in some way  ( that is beyond our normal experience with the Holy Spirit ) being affected by the Holy Spirit. That same Holy Spirit by the way lives in all who have come to Jesus Christ for salvation. We are in fact, the temple of the Holy Spirit, we are indeed in Him also, and He is in us.

Secondly, we are told of the first thing John saw. It was a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. John was seeing for the first time in his life, what he had been taught about by Jesus, he was seeing God sitting upon His throne in heaven.
How comforting for us to know that God is in control. That's what a throne represents. It means there is a place of power and authority. That place is God's throne in heaven.

Thirdly, John begins to describe the One he saw sitting on the throne in heaven. You will notice that John uses the word "like" many times. He was trying to explain what he was seeing, and the best thing he could do in many cases was to say, "it was like" Not that it was that, but rather it was "like that" and so on.

Fourthly, what John saw was like a jasper and sardius stone in appearance. Jasper can be of various colors such as purple, blue, green, and others the color of brass. A sardius can be flesh colored. And, there was a rainbow around the throne of God, like an emerald.

A few thoughts for reflection and application.

1. One day we will see exactly what John describes for us here in Rev 4. Because we are on our way to heaven.

2. The Holy Spirit gives us in this life, little bits and pieces of what we are reading about in Rev 4. We read about it in the Bible, and within ourselves we enjoy from God, thoughts and blessings about heaven.

3. We live in a world with many thrones now. Nations, kings, presidents etc, etc. All of them have some degree of power and authority. But, above them all is this one singularly, powerful authority, our God and Father, and His Son Jesus Christ. And the Holy Spirit of God.

4. While here on the earth, looking at Jesus, keeping Him central in our lives, and the main focus of our lives is His will for us.

5. Colors are beautiful to behold. And, seeing the Lord in heaven is going to be colorful to say the least. And anytime we see a rainbow, it's a blessing, we all say to others, "hey can you see that rainbow over there" God created rainbows, and they are so wonderful to look at, and there is one around His throne at this moment.

6. God Himself was to John like colors. Many different types of colors. That's what John said in Rev 4:3. So, one of the things we will notice in heaven right away is it's color. And that color starts with seeing God if you will.


Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"A look into heaven itself"

See Revelation chapter 4:1

Today, I'd like to simply look at the first verse of chapter 4.

After these things I looked and behold 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"

The "after these things" is no doubt a reference to the things of chapters 2-3, which comprise 7 letters from Jesus to 7 actual churches that existed in John's day. These letters are also believed by many to comprise the entire age of the church, from the early church to the last days church.

So, the after these things may indeed be referencing the church age, and what is recorded for us in chapter 4, would be the things that will happen after the church age, or at the end of the church age. This is a very commonly held view by many very respected Bible commentators and scholars.

John tells us that "I looked and behold a door standing open in heaven" This is what he saw. A door that was open in heaven. He could see in past the door, looking into heaven itself.

Then, he says, "And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me" Later he will tell us what else he heard, but right off the bat, he heard this first voice. We don't know whose voice it was, only that it was a voice, and that it sounded like a trumpet speaking to him.

"Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this" So, John was being invited as it were to come up into heaven itself, to be shown the things which would take place after the church age.

Some things to consider........

1. After is a word meaning, hereafter, or with, that is, with this comes something later, or afterwards. And, we know from the Bible of course that there is something after this life, and the Bible calls it the "hereafter" It's the the after part, it's what comes after this life.
See Proverbs 23:18 for an encouraging promise about the next life.

2. We are blessed to have the Bible to tell us what is coming after the things of this life.
That is essentially what the Book of Revelation is about. God unveils for us, through Jesus Christ, His plans for the next life, and more specifically, the plans He has for the very end of the worlds existence as we know it.

3. John was enabled to see this door that was open and that was in heaven. An open door in heaven. Not only is heaven a real place, but there is a door now to heaven. That door is Jesus Christ Himself.  John 10:9 "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture"

4. John heard a voice speaking to him,  it was like a trumpet, very distinct and easily heard.
The Word of God the Bible is the voice of God as it were. It is very clear, very easy to be heard, and there is God's message to us in the Bible.

5. The invitation to John, was to "Come up here ......." How glorious, how wonderful to have this invitation. It's an invitation that has been extended to many of you who are reading this devotional today. You may have accepted the invitation already, that is, you have come to Christ the door, and are now saved, and you are on your way to heaven someday. Or you may be considering what you have heard. I pray you will accept Jesus Christ

6. There are things which must take place after this. God does have a plan, and He will see to it, that His plan does take place. You can count on it. God has promised it to you. What a blessing to know that God does have a plan for us for the future.

Blessings to you.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"Jesus opens and closes doors"

In Revelation 3, the Lord Jesus Christ is unveiled for us, and we see not only Him as revealed in chapter 1, and then the churches are addressed, and then we see the things that will happen in the world.

But, in looking at the churches, let's just take another look at one of the things that Jesus said to the church in Philadelphia. See Rev 3:7-13 for the entire message to this church.

First of all, the Lord identifies Himself ( among other things ) as "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens"

So, the Lord has what is called the Key of David. This phrase if found in Isaiah 22:22.
In this portion of Isaiah, the Lord through the prophet was speaking to Judah, and was denouncing those nations that had at some time or another persecuted Judah, and also teaches that God is universally sovereign.

The particular section in Isa 22, is speaking of the death of a man named Shebna, and his replacement by God of a man named Eliakim, who would be given a position of responsibility over the house of Judah.

The key of David, is speaking of being in that position, and having the power to make decisions. Isaiah went on to speak of Eliakim, saying, " I will fasten him as a peg in a secure place, and he will become a glorious throne to his father's house.

So, Jesus in Rev 3, uses a portion of Isa 22, to speak of Himself as being in the position of power and responsibility and sovereignty.

Jesus is encouraging the church of Philadelphia to know that He is in the position to lead, to guide, and that no one can counter what He may want to do. For example, if He wants to open a door, there is no one who can counter that open door by shutting it. And, on the other hand, if He wants to close a door, there is no one who can counter it by opening it.

Jesus went on to say that He had set before this church "an open door"

Paul used similar language in his speaking to the Corinthian church . See 1 Cor 16:9 "For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries."

Paul was using this language to speak about the possibility of expanding ministry, and of moving ministry into a new area. And, Paul recognized that this door that had opened, had been opened by someone other then himself. He implies that. He also mentions that on the other side, or around that door are many adversaries Doors and adversaries went together in this instance, as it seems they generally do in our service to Christ.

But, the thought here for our own consideration, is from my own mind, the thought of what doors are open to any of us in our service to Christ? What might the Lord be opening up for you at this time in your life and ministry? Where is the Lord leading you, and how would you describe the opportunities for ministry that are in front of you?

And, a companion thought would be, what doors are closing?

It's encouraging to me to recognize that the door is not just there by itself, but the Lord is in charge of doors. He holds the key. Doors need keys, and He is the holder of the key.
He opens and no one can close.

Try to imagine for a moment, someone, or a group of people who may be doing all they can to close a door that Jesus has opened. They might all push together, but to no avail. Because if the Lord has opened that door, they, those people do not have a greater power then Jesus does. They cannot close what He has opened.

I find great comfort in Christ's Leadership and power. I trust you do as well.


Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"I could wish you were cold or hot" Rev 3:15b

This final of 7 letters, is addressed to the angel, or the pastor of the church in the city called Laodicea. These are the things that Jesus said to him, the pastor, and then to the church there.

Jesus introduced Himself as......

1. The Amen.
2. The Faithful and True Witness.
3. The Beginning of the creation of God.

Jesus explained what He knew about them....

1. I know your works.
2. You are neither cold nor hot.

Jesus wished something for them..

1. I could wish you were cold or hot.

Jesus explained what would happen to them. 

1. Because you are lukewarm...
2. And neither cold nor hot.
3. I will vomit you out of My mouth.

Jesus gave them the following counsel.

1. Because you say "I am rich, and have need of nothing"
2. And do not know that you are wretched, miserable and poor,
3. And, you are blind, and naked.
4. I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire.
5. That you may be clothed.
6. That the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed.
7. And anoint your eyes with eye salve that you may see.

Jesus said the following about Himself and what He does.

1. As many as I love.
2. I rebuke and chasten.
3. Therefore be zealous and repent.
4. Behold I stand at the door and knock.
5. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and he with Me.
6. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne.
7. As I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
8. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.


Personal reflection and some applicational thoughts.

1. Jesus is revealed to us in great detail in 3:14
2. This church, though filled with problems, did have some works in it.
3. This church was the "lukewarm" church
4. Jesus wanted them to either be hot, or cold, but not lukewarm.
5. Their lukewarmness meant they would be vomited out of Christ's mouth.
6. Jesus had the true perspective about them.
7. He gave them counsel, because He loved them.
8. Jesus loves His church, and He will rebuke and chasten His church.
9. Jesus was seeking to have fellowship with this church.
10. The church was being invited to open their hearts to Jesus.
11. Jesus gave them a promise about the future.
12. Jesus would let "him who overscomes" sit with Him on His throne.
13. Jesus overcame, and has sat down with His Father on His throne.
14. There is hope even for the lukewarm church and it's members.



Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"To know that I have loved you" Rev 3:9

In His letter to the angel, or messenger of the church of Philadelphia, which means, brotherly love, here's what's said about Christ, about the church, and about some other people.

The Lord introduces Himself, and describes Himself. 


1. He who is Holy.
2. He who is True.
3. He who has the key of David.
4. He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens.



The Lord describes them, and what He has and is doing in them as a church. 

1. I know your works.
2. See I have set before you an open door.
3. And no one can shut it.
4. For you have a little strength.
5. You have kept My Word.
6. You have not denied My Name.

The Lord explains what He is going to do those of the Synagogue of Satan. 

1. He describes these people as of the synagogue of Satan.
2. He assures the church He is going to act towards them.
3. He explains that they say they are Jews, but are not, but are liars.
4. He will make them come and worship before the church of Philadelphia's feet.
5. He will make them know that He has loved the church of Philadelphia.

The Lord further describes the church of Philadelphia. 

1. They had kept Jesus's command to persevere.
2. Jesus promises to keep them from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world.
3. The hour of trial or tribulation will test those who dwell on the earth.


The Lord tells them what He is going to do. 

1. Behold, I come quickly.


The last few things Jesus said to this church.

1. Hold fast what you have that no one may take your crown.
2. He who overcomes, I make him a pillar in the temple of My God.
3. And, he shall go our no more.
4. I will write on him the name of my God.
5. I will write on him the name of the city of My God the new Jerusalem.
6. The new Jerusalem comes down out of heaven from My God.
7. And I will write on him my new name.
8. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.


Some final thoughts in reflection and in application. 

1. One day, we will meet the pastor of this church, and it's members in heaven.
2. They are an example of grace, and interestingly, Jesus had no correction for them.
3. Christ was emphasizing to them His nature,  position, and  authority.
4. The main message to them seems to be about the open door He gave them.
5. He assured them, that no one could close what He opens and keeps open.
6. They did not have a large amount of strength.
7. Their little strength did not mean they were somehow deficient.
8. They also were keepers of His Word. Jesus commends them for this.
9. He also commended them for not denying His name.
10. They had trouble come upon them from liars.
11. One day the tables would be turned against their enemies.
12. This church also was faithful to simply "persevere", or hang in there.
13. The Lord promised this church they would not go through the "hour of trial"
14. Many people, including myself, believe this is the last days church.
15. I also believe the next church is part of the last days church. The lukewarm church.
16. The last days churches have a open door, little strength, and lot's of opposition.
17. The last days church includes many who are not hot or cold.
18. There are many promises made to the church of Philadelphia. ( 3:9-13 )


I do pray that you are blessed by your own reading, meditation, and study in this book of Revelation. We have the promise of blessing in it, from the Lord Himself. See Rev 1:3

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"You are alive, but you are dead"

That's part of what the Lord said to the church of Sardis, in Rev 3:2, for the entire message, please see Rev 3:1-6.

This is the 5th of seven letters sent by Jesus to actual churches that existed during John's day. These churches are also believed to represent what could be any church at any time, that is, a church could find itself in the very condition that is described in these letters.

It's also believed that the churches in these two chapters may represent the condition a christian might find themselves in.

And, finally, it's believed that these 7 churches represent the entire span of church history, from the early church right on down to the last days church.

So, let's take a quick look at the letter sent to the church of Sardis.


Here's how the Lord described them. 

1. They had works, as did the previous 4 churches. Thus they were a working church, they were working in Christ, and for Christ.

2. They had a name that they were alive, but you are dead says the Lord. This may very well mean they were devoid of, or without spiritual life and power. That is, they were a church in name only.


Here's what the Lord prescribed for them. 

1. Be watchful and strengthen the things which remain and are ready to die. ( for I have not found your works perfect before God )

2. Remember therefore how you have received and heard:

3.  Hold fast and repent.


Here's the warning the Lord gave them. 

1. Therefore if you will not watch , I will come upon you as a thief.

2. And you will not know what hour I will come upon you.


Here's encouragement from the Lord to Sardis.

1. You have a few names even in Sardis that have not defiled their garments.

2. And they shall walk with Me in white for they are worthy.

3. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments.

4. And I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life;

5. But I will confess his name before My father and before His angels.

6. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.


A few thoughts in reflection and some application.

First of all, they did have works, but, to some degree their were people there who were Christians in name only.

Secondly, the church even though it had it's problems could take the instruction from the Lord and move forward in fruitfulness.

Thirdly, the Lord prescribed the Word for them. To remember the Word they had received and heard. To get themselves, back to the Word of God that had been given to them at one time.

Fourthly, the were to hold fast, ( to the Lord, to His Word, ) and they were to repent, ( that is to change their thinking, and their actions and activities )

Fifthly, there would be consequences if they did not heed the Lord's instruction to them. This is of course is consistent with the patience of God throughout the entire Bible. He is always so patient, and yet if anyone does not take His instruction, they will reap the consequences of that decision. And, so with this particular church as well.

Sixthly, there is much by way of encouragement to be found in 3:4-6. And, there is always much encouragement to be found by the Lord. He details it out in these verses.

Blessings to you.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia