Seeking Truth in a Maelstrom of Uncertainty
One of the challenges facing people today is the sifting through the information presented to us in the media in…
We are in the midst of a brief study on the 5 solas of the Reformation. These are a summary of the key doctrinal convictions of the reformers. We started by discussing the principle of sola scriptura- scripture alone. That is what the theologians called the formal principle. It is the basis of all we believe. Grace, Faith, and Christ are a triad which make up the Material Principle of the Reformation. That is, they are the substance of our salvation. Our salvation is completely based upon the work of Christ, Faith is what we exercise to receive that salvation, and grace is what God does, which enables us to have faith. Lastly, today we will be concluding with the final principle- Doli Deo Gloria- To the glory of God alone
Now if you asked a Christian what is the chief end of man? They will probably respond by saying, “to glorify God” or something to that effect. It they are well catechized they might quote the Westminster Shorter Catechism- to glorify God and enjoy him forever. But, if you looked at their lives, and the way the spend their time, money…what would their day to day choices reveal is actually the purpose for their existence. This bring us to our problem.
Problem- We desire to glorify ourselves
At the time of the Reformation, the Catholic church was interested in exalting itself (power and wealth)
During his interrogation, John Huss quoted a friend who had visited Rome…
when mine eyes beheld the capital of the crosier, astonishment filled my foolish heart. Instead of the mild fatherly picture of the superior prince of the Church, I saw four men carry past me a youth swaddled in purple, gold and diamonds, who was supposed to be the vicar of Him, who did not possess enough upon which to lay his head. His face was impertinent, haughty, covered with the traces of passion; upon his head he wore a triple-tiered velvet cap. Heavy, golden crosses dangled from his ear-laps, distorting them in an ugly manner. His fingers, from the thumb to the little one, were covered with glittering gold rings, and the fastening which held his cape at the throat resembled the seven-colored rainbow, sparkling with rubies, jaspers, topazes, sapphires, emeralds, opals and diamonds, recalling the holy of holies at Jerusalem, of which is written in the old testament. Upon his calves he wore azure silk stockings and his slippers were woven from golden thread, covered with golden buckles and points.
In such splendor I also saw him ride to pleasure on the following day upon a white horse and several days later I saw him on the balcony of his palace, standing there in a like splendor, witnessing the decapitation of several heretics, whose nude bodies were then cast before some captured beasts of the desert. They seemed much more merciful than Pope John, the twenty-third of his line, enjoying the blood of those unfortunates, because they did not tear them apart, but lapped up mercifully the cut-off heads and the bleeding torsos. At his side stood a young maiden, more beautiful than any I had ever beheld, with whom the Prince of the Church jested, while the unfortunates were being led to their death.
Again we need to remember that this is describing the leader of the church at this time. But lest we get self-righteous, we need to recognize that this desire for self-glorification in opposition to God-glorification is at the root of all our problems.
21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened (Rom 1:21)
But, even believers continue to struggle with this desire to exalt ourselves- to do what we want rather than what will most glorify God. But greatest problem is not that we do not get what we want, but that we want to get what we want. For the simple desire to get what WE WANT is ultimately self-worship, because the core of this desire is self-gratification, not God exaltation. Our problem is that deep down we want something that is not ours and which we are wholly ill-deserving, namely worship.
Which brings us to the principle…solid Deo Glorua
Principle- God alone is worthy of worship
This is a theme repeated throughout the scriptures…
Is 48:11- For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it, for how should my name be profaned? My glory I will not give to another.
Rom 11:36- 36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
The end for why we were created is wonderfully displayed in the last book of the Bible, where God also manifests his plan for the end of time.
The book starts with Jesus Christ’s exhortations to 7 churches in Asia Minor calling them to be steadfast and faithful as they await his return. Generally speaking, the picture of these churches is dismal. Almost all of the first generation of Christians are dead. All of the apostles, except John have been martyred, he is in a miserable exile on Patmos. In many ways we could conclude that the church is hardly thriving at this point. Persecution is the least of their problems. God is not only being dishonored in the world but in the churches as well. One might conclude that Satan is going to win.
And it is to contrast this assumption that John is then taken up in a vison of the throne room of heaven.
Words often fail to describe our experiences. In an attempt to clarify, we will sometimes use symbolic language.
The book of Revelation is loaded with symbolic imagery- This chapter in particular. To teach this passage I am going to explain all the symbolism which points to magnificence of God- and in particular his just judgment.
Open door- allows one to peak in. It demonstrates limited insight into the purposes of God. Two more times in the book, this phrase/ imagery is used- Acts 7; Rev 19. The voice that calls to him sounds like a trumpet…
Trumpet- Powerful strong sound, meant to draw attention of all who are around in order to declare an important announcement
The next thing he see is God seated on his throne with the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald.
Appearance of God:
Jasper (diamond- Holy, unapproachable light, brilliance, Glory)
Carnelian (dark red- judgment, burning with wrath)
Rainbow- God’s covenantal sign as an end of judgment (halo)
In verses 4-6- John describes what he sees by focusing on the most important aspect of the vision, and then zooming outward.
Godà24 elders seated on thronesà 7 torchesà sea of glass à 4 living creatures
24 elders- redemption
A throne is a symbol of authority, so these elders are presented as those who co-rule with God over creation. It seems most likely that they are representatives of both Old Testament believers (12 tribes of Israel), and New Testament believers (12 apostles). They are depicted as being co-rulers with God, whose sins have been removed (white-garments), and who have successfully finished their spiritual race (golden crowns). So the 24 elders reflect this theme of redemption.
The Thunder and Lightning- From the throne come flashes of lightning, rumbling and peals of thunder. Such meteorological phenomena are commonly associated with the presence of God. In Exodus 19, when God descended upon Mt. Sinai thunder, lightning, and trumpets accompanied his presence.
7 lamps or torches of fire- Torches and lamps serve to shed light on things to reveal things unseen.
Sea of glass- perspicuity and discernment of God. As God sits upon his throne he is able to look down upon all of his creation and see not only all that takes place, but he is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of every soul. Therefore his judgment of his creatures is perfect and the execution of his judgment perfectly just.
So the picture of God on his throne- with the thunder and lighting, the 7 torches, and the sea of glass all point to God’s just judgment that will be brought to pass in the rest of the book.
The criteria for his judgement being based on how well his creatures glorified him. That seems to be the point of the 4 living creatures.
The four living creatures John sees surrounding the throne represent all of God’s creatures and what the conduct of his creatures should be. Just as the 24 elders were representatives of believers, I understand each of the 4 living creatures to be representatives of God’s creation.
Lion- King of beasts
Ox- King of domesticated animals
Man- King intelligent beings
Eagle- King of Birds
Full of eyes in front and behind- The eyes in front and behind demonstrate that they are always able to behold the glory of God.
6 wings- The angels described in Isaiah chapter 6, also possessed 6 wings. In that chapter, two wings were used to hide the angels’ faces so that they would not to be consumed with the glory of God. Two wings hid their feet- acknowledging lowliness and reverence. And two enabled them to be swift to respond to God’s decrees.
The description of the 4 living creatures here represent how God’s creation should always respond to his holiness and authority: Recognize the glory of God (Hallow his name); Respond with humility and reverence; Quickly perform his will without hesitation. This is further reflected in their eternal song of praise unto him.
“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”
And as the 4 living creatures sing, the 24 elders... cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they existed and were created.”
Chapter 4- is a picture of how things should be and will be. The point that is being made is that God alone is to be glorified- because he has created all things. He gave all things their existence, and all things exist to worship Him.
This is also why the 24 elders throw their crowns before him in worship- because by His very nature, He alone is worthy of worship.
Crowns- represent honors attained- by throwing their crowns before God’s throne they are declaring two things
- “The only things done of eternal significance were because of you working in me”- I was merely a tool in your hand.
- “You alone really deserve honor” – the greatest achievements are petty compared to God.
So these 24 elders and living creatures represent the world as it should be- before the throne of God above. This is what we are praying in the Lord’s Prayer when we say “thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” We are saying, “God make it certain that everything I do is for you and your glory!”
The next section brings us more into God’s redemptive glory as we see Jesus Christ on display as both conquering judge and redeemer.
It begins with a picture of revelation again.
The Scroll- revelation
John continues explanation by focusing upon a scroll in the right hand of God. He notes two things about the scroll: It was written on both within and on the back, and it was sealed with seven seals.
In ancient times scrolls were used as both public and private documents. Usually they were only written on the inside. When scrolls did possess double-sided writing it indicated that they were for private purposes only. The fact that the scroll was sealed 7 times gives us insight into understanding the nature of the contents. Roman scrolls were sealed with was that had been impressed by a signet ring. They could not be unfurled until all the seals were broken. Ancient Roman wills or “testaments”, were sealed six times and bore the name of the sealer and could only be opened by him. As we continue reading in the book of Revelation we discover that when the seventh seal is opened God and his purposes are made manifest to all Creation. Therefore, the scroll represents the mysteries of God and his unfolding purpose in history- (His will)
In particular: the judgment of the world, the reward of the saints, and the eternal worship of Christ.
John understood the significance of this scroll which is why he weeps loudly when he discovers that none was present who was worthy to open the scroll.
He is mourning because if no one is able to open the scroll, God’s purposes will never be finalized. If none can open the scroll then that the situations in the 7 churches can never change and Satan will win. The church will fail and injustice rule. This is why John wails- he not simply wetting cheeks with a few tears- he is in anguish for the churches- “Satan can’t win.” God can’t continue to be dishonored.
Imagine having something in your grasp- something that you have longed for your whole life, a dream of yours- something that would bring you peace, and satisfaction, and joy- it was almost in your hands and then somehow it is ripped away from you.
The aim for which John had lived and suffered for- couldn’t be completed.
John’s torment is ameliorated by the comforting words of one of the elders, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”
The Lion- judgement
This is Jesus, depicted as the Lion of Judah. This appellation comes from Jacob’s prophecy about Judah in Genesis 49, 8-12.
9 Judah is a lion's cub;
from the prey, my son, you have gone up.
He stooped down; he crouched as a lion
and as a lioness; who dares rouse him?
10 The scepter shall not depart from Judah,
nor the ruler's staff from between his feet,
until tribute comes to him;
and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.
This prophecy is fulfilled in Christ. Christ alone could bring about this ultimate purpose of God. He is described as the Lion of Judah. This designates him as Judah’s protector. Some people have watch dogs, Judah gets a lion. The Lion is about to be unleashed as he takes the scroll from him who sits on the throne.
For as he breaks the seals- the judgment and wrath of God is poured out.
When John turns to look again though, instead of seeing a lion he beholds a lamb, whose gashed throat is still gaping with the evidence of its sacrificial service. And he stands between the throne and the elders denoting the mediatory role of Christ as our perfect High Priest. The seven horns represent is perfect and unlimited powers, and the seven eyes his perfect and unlimited understanding.
The Lamb- redemption
As the Lamb takes the scroll, he becomes the immediate object of worship. The 24 elders and 4 living creatures praise him for his redemptive work- Purchasing people from every tribe, language and people and nation. The harps represent their worship in music, and the incense their worship in prayer. The Lamb is then worshipped by countless numbers of angels who exalt him for his glorious nature.
Then every living creature also joins in also worshipping him for his glorious nature.
Finally, the 4 living creatures, which represent all creation also fall down and worship alongside the elders, declaring “Amen”, affirming that Christ is truly worthy of worship.
Practice- We don’t live for ourselves but for God’s glory
1 Cor 10:31- 31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
We do this because of what Paul says in Rom 11:36- 36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
The very next verse introduces how such worship should be lived out
Rom 12:1- I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
We worship God by dying to ourselves
2 Cor 5:14- 15- For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.
Understanding what Christ has done for us means that all of our choices are no longer selfish. But we do what we do because we live for him- not ourselves. Any decision that we make that is not for the glory of God- is rebellion. It is to spit at the feet of the one who sits upon the throne. And to declare, “you may be king- but I will do what I want.”
There is a fierce and deadly rivalry that has existed in Africa since the dawn of creation.
Hyenas and Lions are eternal enemies according to the title of one National Geographic documentary. The Lion as we all know is the king; however, his reign is frequently challenged by the multiple packs of hyenas that prowl the African Serengeti. These rival creatures are in constant competition for food and territory. Both mammals are highly territorial. However, after a lion marks its territory a rival hyena would provoke a lion by marking the territory that it just marked out, and do so right in its face. Hyenas as scavengers, will often sneak up the carcass of an animal slain by a lion, and claim the glory as their own, chasing off the lion and devouring the prey enthusiastically.
Likewise, since the dawn of creation, man has been in rivalry with God for his glory, seeking to lay claim to what God alone is deserving of. Truth be told- We are like Hyenas, trying to steal the King’s glory.
What Revelation 4-5 teaches us is that situation will only be temporary. There is coming a time when the Lion will take back his dominion with ferocity. And he will receive the worship he has always deserved, and to this end we cry “Come Lord Jesus."
