The book of Revelation is a book that has caused quite a bit of discussion throughout the past 1900 years. Written by John the Apostle in the latter part of the first century, the book is an apocalyptic writing that peeks into the future of mankind. Many hold that it has already taken place, but the proper method of interpretation for Revelation is futuristic; it is a book of prophecy that reveals what will happen during the seven-year tribulation leading up to the Millennium.

The particular focus of this paper will be on chapters 4 and 5 and the insight they give as to the glory of God and His Son Jesus Christ. These two chapters introduce the things which will take place in the future, and they give tremendous insight as to the glory of God. The theology/Christology of these two chapters will be evaluated, which is to say they will be examined in route to understanding who God and Christ actually are.

In chapter four John is taken into heaven "in the Spirit," which is to say he is still on the island of Patmos but is getting a glimpse into the future while being in the Spirit while in heaven. Already the miraculous, or at the very least, paranormal, is taking place, and the goal here seems to be to give man a glimpse of God’s glory so that it can be written down for all to read. It appears as if God’s glory is the underlying theme of this chapter.

God is pictured as one who is beautiful -- evidenced by the stones used to describe Him. There is a rainbow like an emerald surrounding His throne, and His throne is surrounded by twenty-four elders who are also sitting on thrones. Dressed in white with gold crowns on their heads these elders appear to represent the raptured church. From the throne where God sits there are rumblings like thunder and bolts of lightening. Just before the throne there is the sevenfold Spirit of God representing the Holy Spirit along with a sea of glass which was clear as crystal.

As if this were not enough to top off what must have been a beautiful scene for John there was yet another sight to behold -- the four living creatures which are most likely the attributes or qualities of God presented to John as living entities. Their sole purpose seems to be to give glory to God day and night. Whenever the four living creatures give glory to God, which according to the text is all the time, the twenty-four elders chime in and do the same. The glory given to God here is due to the fact that He created all things, and in Him all things have their being (4:11).

In sum, chapter four pictures God as one who receives glory, honor, and praise. This is a doxological chapter, and it reveals who God is and what He deserves from all who are in heaven and on earth. Furthermore, chapter four reveals that the final goal of all His creation is His glory. He appears to have created all things for His glory, and the praise of Him is what He is due.

In chapter five the theme changes from God’s glory to the slain Lamb who is worthy to open the seven seals. The theology of chapter four was God’s glory, and the Christology of chapter five is Christ’s glory. The scene begins with God holding a scroll with writing on both sides and seven seals. An angel brings forth the question asking, "Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll." After no one on the entire planet comes forth John begins to weep. The scene is set up so as to show that in light of who God is there is no one who does good -- all have sinned and have fallen short of God’s glory. This fact devastates John to the point of tears.

While John is weeping one of the twenty-four elders consoles him and directs his attention to the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, the One who has triumphed -- He is worthy to open the scroll and break the seals. John looks and sees this Lamb, who is Jesus Christ, standing on the center of the throne where God was in chapter four. The Lamb is surrounded by the four creatures and the twenty-four elders, just as God had been in chapter four. This scene pictures Jesus as receiving the same honor, glory, and praise as God, and it shows that He is completely worthy and has full authority open the scrolls, putting Him on the same level as God. The Lamb is represented as one sovereign in His own authority, omnipotent in power, and worthy as the Redeemer who died.

The four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fall down in worship and sing a new song in honor of the Lamb because He was slain and purchased men for God from every tribe and tongue. He made them to serve God, and they will reign on the earth (5:9-10). If that were not enough, the following verses speak of literally millions of angels circling around the throne where the Lamb sits and singing glory to His name. Finally, every creature that is on the earth, in the sea, under the earth, and in heaven begin to sing praises to the Lamb, and John is there to witness it. The four living creatures said, "so be it," and the elders fell down and worshipped.

In sum, chapter five speaks of the glorious praises that are due to Jesus Christ. He is pictured as THE one who is to receive praise due to the fact that only He is worthy. This bodes well with what Paul says in Philippians 2:9-11 -- "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father." Not only is Jesus praised by all but it is to God’s glory that he is praised. This is the goal and the rightful end of all things. Everything that has breath will praise the Lord, and chapter five makes this quite clear. What it also clears up is who the Lord is; He is the Lamb that was slain; He is Jesus Christ.

Chapters four and five of Revelation make it plain that the object of all praise is God and His Son Jesus Christ. They both sit upon the throne, and because of who they are and what they have done they, and they alone, are worthy of praise. It is notable that both are given the same praise and both, though distinct, are taken to be one. As Walvoord has said, "the true occupation of the child of God should be one of praise and worship of the God of glory while awaiting the fulfillment of His prophetic Word."

New International Version Bible

Walvoord, J. 1966. The Revelation of Jesus Christ. Moody Bible Institute: Chicago, page 109.