The Gathering

The Revelation of Jesus Christ

Revelation 4

The Lord is coming back for His Church, we will be gathered together before the throne of God. This is commonly known as the rapture of the Church, a mystery revealed to the Apostle Paul and explained in the book of 1 & 2 Thessalonians.

Now, brothers, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and concerning our gathering together unto Him.—2 Thessalonians 2:1 MEV

The Apostle John has a vision of this ”gathering together unto Him.” After receiving instructions for the seven churches, the Apostle John has an experience of being caught up to heaven and brought before the throne of God. There he witnesses the Church worshipping before the throne of God in Revelation 4 and 5. The vision is filled symbols that requires interpretations. The key to their interpretation is allowing scripture to interpret scripture. The context provides the explanation.

  1. The rainbow above the throne of God represents grace, remember God’s promise to Noah in the form of a rainbow signifying grace.—4:3
  2. The 24 elders represent the church of Jesus Christ who have been redeemed and rewarded. They have white robes which represents the gift of righteousness and gold crowns which represents the believers’ authority in Christ.—4:4.
  3. The seven lamps represent the Holy Spirit who always brings illumination, the number seven in scripture always speaks of fullness and completion.—4:5
  4. The 4 living creatures represents a special class of angels who are directing worship.—4:6,7
  5. The Lamb represents the Lord Jesus Christ, the central focus of the chapter.—5:1-7
  6. The 24 elders again are clearly identified as believers because only believers can sing the song of the redeemed.—5:8-14
The number 24

The number 24 is associated with the priesthood, is also connected with the worship of God, especially at the temple. It was King David who divided those responsible for the music in temple services, those who served as priests, and the Levites who aided the priests, into 24 courses (1Chronicles 23 – 24).

The order which the 24 courses of priests served in the temple are: 1) Jehoiarib; 2) Jedaiah; 3) Harim; 4) Seorim; 5) Malchijah; 6) Mijamin; 7) Hakkoz; 8) Abijah; 9) Jeshua; 10) Shecaniah; 11) Eliashib; 12) Jakim; 13) Huppah; 14) Jeshebeab; 15) Bilgah; 16) Immer; 17) Hezir; 18) Happizzez; 19) Pethahiah; 20) Jehezkel; 21) Jachin; 22) Gamul; 23) Delaiah; 24) Maaziah (1Chronicles 24).—Biblestudy.org