JOHN THE REVELATOR SAW THE RAPTURE LIKE A DRAMA

Any view of Revelation chapter four that does not allow for the triumphant Rapture of the saints is woefully inadequate and an embarrassment to the truth. It is the grandest picture of the true church and the overcoming saints who were brought up from the Lion’s mouth unto the King’s throne. The blood-washed saints that were hated by the world had faced their persecutors for the last time. Giving up the world, they had gained the grandest seats around the throne of the Father.

This chapter is the beginning of the glory that has been promised to the saints since the opening of the Holy Bible. From seats around the throne to the city of the throne, the saints will never suffer shame again. They are His saints; they will take up positions as His elders until they march forth as His army, reign as Kings, and possess the city of the Bride.

Revelation chapter four moves us past the Church Age, where His saints are pilgrims and strangers on this earth. After the opening of chapter four, everything revealed in this book is future prophecy. The pilgrim saints become serving elders that sit on lesser thrones and participate with the Father and the Son in the redemption of this earth. Redemption in the Bible is always a judicial business incorporating cleansing, judgment, and the renewing and perfecting of that which sin has corrupted. The authorized elders, Cherubim, and angels will serve the Lamb of God during this process.

This chapter is the opening volley, and ultimately the universe will be perfectly redeemed. From the rebellion in heaven, where Satan and his angels were cast to the earth, until Satan presents his false Christ and false spirit, every act of evil must be presented and judged at the bar of justice. It will be seven years of perfect redemption until the earth is fit for the King of Kings to rule and reign.

The great Jehovah God is seated on His throne in the celestial heavens and is fully prepared for the heavenly court. Over six thousand years have passed since a serpent possessed by Lucifer walked into the garden and deceived God’s perfect couple, Adam and Eve. From the venom of lies in the garden, sin has touched every offspring of Adam. The upheaval of the earth by the Noahic flood left its scars on a sin-cursed earth. There is not one element of the created world unspoiled by the flood of evil, and it’s now time for redemption.

The celestial city of Jerusalem, now in heaven, and its inhabitants are the only untouched geography in the cosmos, and the court will be held in its temple. David must have had a slight view of this seven-year session. “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King. God is known in her palaces for a refuge.” (Psalms 48:1-3).

The court proceeding that must be held in this city demands a Pre-Tribulation Rapture to transfer the saints from their graves or from their living on earth to fulfill their appointed place in the judgments. This earth is the Lord’s and He has appointed it to His saints to posess for eternity. It has been clearly stated that we shall judge this earth, and our removal to this grand event is unquestionably guaranteed. The fight against the Rapture is a last-ditch battle from the devil to prevent us from our heavenly task. The proceeding cannot begin until we arrive at our appointed seats before the throne.

Come Up Hither! After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter (Revelation 4:1). Please look carefully at this truth. The scene in heaven was visible to John. It was a drama for him. He did not hear it described, he saw it in action. The Lord said, “I will shew thee things which must be hereafter”,. speaking of the Church to which John had just delivered seven letters.

There is no event on God’s calendar that demands a door opened into heaven from the earth’s advantage except the Rapture. This great vision by John incorporates all the fine details that Scripture associates with the saints being caught up to meet the Lord in the air. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord”. (I Thessalonians 4:16-17.

Before John sees the throne in heaven, he hears the voice of Jesus Christ “as it were of a trumpet” saying, “Come up hither.” The trumpet voice gave details to John to make sure the church would understand this further information as “hereafter”or following the letters to the seven churches. Nothing from this point in Revelation can be a historical event. This was clearly stated in the introduction of chapter one. “Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter” (Revelation 1:19). All through chapter one, two, and three the whole vision and scene is the High Priestly appearance of Jesus Christ and His letters to His churches.

John is clearly caught up into the heavens to view further proceedings that demand his presence. He is going to witness the glorified saints seated in positions of honor and dressed in attire that would be impossible on earth. Everything he sees and writes from this verse has no connection to the Church Age and its kingdom business, which the Scripture identifies as the spiritual kingdom “that cometh not with observation. Then Jesus told them that the Kingdom was still future. “And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:20-21).

“And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald (Revelation 4:2-3). What John was about to witness demanded that a spiritual dimension temporarily overshadow him. This again proves that his vision was beyond the physically observable age of the church and was a prophetic view of future events. No one can stand before God’s throne or even view God’s throne until our bodies are glorified. “For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven” (2 Corinthians 5:2). This vision given to John was for our future hope and demands the Rapture to fulfill its glory.

In the Spirit, John looks on the majestic throne of Almighty Jehovah, where our Heavenly Father is seated in His glory. The description given to us is limited by human language inadequate to reach to such heights of splendor. The glory was such that the writer could only compare it with the grandeur of rare jewels. There was a gleam of glory and overwhelming splendor making Him incomparable to earthly beauty. The dazzling colors of a rainbow were seen overshadowing the throne and its occupant. The throne itself was in sight like unto an emerald. No earthly wonder has ever been so described.

How can we question that something is about to transpire that the ages of human pain has longed to behold? Ten thousand gods have imitated God the Father and have tried to possess His kingdom. They all have faded into defeat. The last of those gods are soon to disappear. His presence settles the God-questions of the rebellious multitudes. The proceedings that will issue from His throne will not leave any questions or doubts. His glorious presence became the backdrop of the rest of this great masterpiece of literature called REVELATION” Every scene from this point forward must be understood as the acts and transactions of Him, His Son, His Holy Spirit, and His appointed elders and angels. He is sovereign God, and all glory and honor must flow from His throne.

And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind (Revelation 4:4-6). All three of these verses begin with references to the throne of God and He that is seated in His majesty, Notice the progression, “And round about the throne”, “And out of the throne”, “And before the throne.” That is breathtaking language. and John both heard it and saw it.

First, “round about the throne” are the saints of God that have been promoted to elders. No more pilgrims and strangers traveling through a weary land, but exalted, glorified, and seated “round about the throne.” The judgment seat of Christ has occurred, and His saints have been promoted to their lofty positions. They are seated after a lifetime of pilgrimage and sorrows. They are clothed in sparkling-white raiment, which is the righteousness of the glorified elders. They are crowned with crowns of gold, and this is just the first day of eternity for all of them. I can hardly wait because He has paid our debt of sin and redeemed his chosen so we can be there. The Rapture is at the door and Satan is fighting with a fury.

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22 thoughts on “JOHN THE REVELATOR SAW THE RAPTURE LIKE A DRAMA”

  2. peter romer

    There we go again, the unscriptual word Shekinah being flippanty used despite much evidence to the contrary. No real fear of God, especially in our Pastors at all!
    We truly are all deceived by this cunning devil in one way or another

  3. melvin

    Why do you show us you can’t read. The Gog and Magog war is after satan has been release for the 1000 years bottomless pit. Rev.20;1-9. In verse 9 you can see the saints and the new Jerusalem is on the earth being compassed. Your a greek thinker when hebrew is a circle thinker. Greek thinker think passover finished. But Hebrew thinker know their 3 passover. That why God said to celebrate passover forever. First one was out of Egypt. Next one end of Satan 3 1/2 years and put in the Bottomless pit.. Next passover at the end of the 1000 years of the Messaih rule. Heaven and earth will pass away. Just as the Messiah in one in God the Father we who keep His commandment will also be. Many aborted babies never had the chance to be believers. Many religious people never were told the truth to keep God commandment. But in Christ 1000 year kingdom they will have that choose. That why satan gather an army number as the sand of the sea. People refusing to give up pagan days as easter and christmas and changed the 7th day Sabbath will hate the Messiah and go with satan when he free from the bottomless pit. The bottomless pit can relate to satan head wound. For he is the head of the tree of good and evil and has been put away for a 1000 years.

  5. Dave

    Brother Joseph, I have just read your presentation, there is no way I am worthy of such an eternal future, I am less than nothing, there is nothing in me that is of any value. If it wasen’t for the precious Blood of Our Lord and Saviour The Lord Jesus Christ, we would not even have the rights to read such wonderous writings, let alone, actually being there.

  6. Lea

    Revelation Chapter Four is describing the Throne Room of our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. Nowhere does Brother Chambers mention a temple in New Jerusalem. Please take the time to read this commentary and then be like the Bereans did and go read God’s Word. Ask that the Holy Spirit give you wisdom to understand these things.

    Thank you Brother Chambers for telling it like it is.

  7. Nicolicoiu Damianic

    Hey there! You have done a wonderful job! I have added a link to your homepage on my website’s friends page. Hope this will help you to get more traffic.

  8. James Lishman

    Amen Brother, Amazing blessing comes from one who handles and divides the Word correctly, as stated in Rev 1:3 – a blessing to all who read the Book in its simplicity – a blessing on all the true Children of the Living GOD Jesus Christ – Maranatha HE is at the DOOR.
    Give your allegiance and all hope of the fiuture into HIS hand, He who knows the beginning from the end – I cannot wait to be around the Throne with the world and all its corruption a forgotten past where we were only pilgrims on our way to our Eternal Home prepared by HIM who has no equal – JESUS CHRIST MASCHIAGH NAGID – Maranatha

  9. Ed Wood

    Revelation chapter 4 could very well be an indicator of the Rapture. I know some may either agree or disagree with this interpretation.

    What is not in question is that the first three chapters of Revelation are focused on the church and likely gives an overview as it exists on Earth throughout its historical evolution.

    After chapter 3, it is no longer seen again until chapter 19 and the marriage supper of the Lamb – in heaven.

    So, by all means Revelation 4 is certainly marks a transition point for the church, doesn’t it? Notice, too, how the church is not here for the Tribulation, which is totally in character with God removing his own from his judgments, just as he did for Noah and Lot and their families.

    The Raptue is therefore totally consistent with these prior acts of Divine rescue.

  10. Ed Wood

    Note to Melvin:

    First, there is only one work that saves a person – believing in Jesus (John 3:16-18, John 6:28-29). To insist that Jesus’ atoning sacrifice for our sins requires anything else on our part to complete our salvation such as celebrating a certain holiday or not, or being water baptized or taking Communion, is, in my view, a very great error.

    Paul made the excellent point that if the Law (works) could save us, Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins would have been unnecessary. Here is the quote from Galatians 3:21-25 that puts the law into perspective with faith Jesus:

    “Is the law against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been given by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should be afterwards revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.”

    The Law showed us what God’s standards are and demonstrate the impossibility of our achieving them on our own, hence the need for Jesus who never sinned to take on himself the penalty we all deserve. We couldn’t save ourselves before he came, and we cannot save ourselves now.

    Now being water baptized (Matthew 28:19) and taking Communion (Luke 22:19-20) are things every Christian should do, because Jesus said we should, but only belief in Jesus’ sacrifce of himself for our sins really saves us. We don’t do these things to “get saved,” we do them because we ARE saved. That is a big difference.

    Second I encourage you to read Ezekiel 38 and Revelation 20 with the view that there are two completely different events in time. Ezekiel’s account precedes the Millennium, John’s account in Revelation at the very end of it (Revelation 19:7-10), right before the Great White Throne Judgment.

    Note that conflicts have often happened repeatedly between people from the same countries. This is particularly true in the Middle East today. Israel essentially has the same enemies now as it did from its inception in 1948.

  11. jaimie

    Dear Pastor

    The Lord Shouts COME UP here, just as he compassionately shouted COME IN here to those outside the Ark and COME OUT as he shouted to those in Sodom and Gomorrah. The last two times he shouted so few listened. Little now wonder that there are those of a contentious nature who deny his call again.

    Who will know his voice?

    As the Pastor has so well presented that Jesus shouts from heaven; come up here, we should not forget to watch, as many things in these days have fulfilled prophecy. In particular Israel has become a nation again. We are also instructed to look up for our redemption draws near.

    Dear Peter I checked out Mikes take on Shekinah and he was referring to a female goddess. In the Hebrew language Shekinah is synonymous with Parousia in the Greek language. DIVINE PRESENCE.

    Beside Pastor Mike missed the start of goddess’s Semiramis and end goddess’s apparitions of Mary aka the Queen of Heaven in both cases. Perhaps you and Pastor Mike could watch more Sci-fi movies
    like the matrix, which is very demonic in nature, he says he’s watched it and quotes from and about it. Pastor Mike Hoggard likes to talk about Sci-fi because its really humanism and that’s an anti-Christ source. Wake up Peter!

    Gee Melvin you bad english is getting worser. Put a little better effort into man.

    God Bless
    jaimie

  14. doug belot

    When do you think is the time of the 6th seal , Rev 6:12-17 calls it the wrath of God , so too Rev 15:1 , Rev 16:1 , here the word wrath seems to be a noun , naming a period of time.

    Could this “wrath of God” be the period which John the Bap warned us of , Math 3:7 “Who warned you to flee from the wrath” ,also Luke 3:7 .

    And could this wrath period be what Paul was referring to in 1 Thes 1:10 and 1 Thes 5:9 “We did not get saved to go through the wrath”.

    Could that be the period we get saved from , rather than calling it tribulation , for which there is no promise that we do not go through.

  15. Jessica

    I wish more people would write blogs like this that are really fun to read. With all the fluff floating around on the net, it is rare to read a blog like this instead.

  16. Mark A. Steiner

    For those who have difficulty with a pre-Trib rapture make I ask this: what do yo do with Enoch? Here is a man who walked with God for 300 years and at an appropriate time, was taken to be with God in heaven without experiencing death or judgment. The Church may not be perfect (still have sin nature to deal with) but there are those walking with God now who will be taken then – and in Resurrection power be translated AND transformed on the way by the Lord Himself.

    The war of Gog and Magog will occur very soon, most likely before the mid-point of the 70th Week of Daniel. The God and Magog in Revelation 20 is not the same conflict. It is a label for the final rebellion against God at the end of the millennium, and will be dealth with in like manner to the conflict in Ezekiel 38-39. Good day.

  18. John

    Enoch was taken 669 years prior to the flood. That’s hardly a case for an imminent pretrib rapture. That would be akin to saying that the church is raptured in 1300 A.D. so as to protect it from a tribulation which begins in 2,000.

    Lot wasn’t raptured either. He was told to flee on his own two feet, and he did:

    Genesis 19:17- “And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.”

  19. John

    As for Revelation 4:1 being “evidence” of a pretrib rapture, Revelation 22:18 expressly forbids us from adding to the prophecy of Revelation. Despite John being clear that only he was called “up hither”, many still insist on defying Revelation 22:18. Not only that, but there is no “glorious appearing” in Revelation 4:1. John hears a voice, and then an open door. That’s in stark contest to the scene in Matthew 24:29-31 and 1 Thess 4:17, when the Lord unambiguously descends out of Heaven FIRST.

  20. John

    As for the word “church” not being mentioned on Earth between Revelation 4 and 22, neither is it mentioned in Heaven. For that matter, after the church supposedly returns from Heaven in Revelation 19, neither is it mentioned here again. Some epistles only mention church once, or not at all. So what’s the point of that argument? Revelation is addressed to the church at both beginning (Revelation 1:4) and end (Revelation 22:16), just like the epistles do. So the argument is a non sequitur. “Saints” are clearly here on Earth.

  21. John

    As for the “elders”, they can’t be “church saints”. Why not? Because both the 24 elders AND the 4 beasts are singing the “new song”. The 4 beasts are either cherubim (Ezekiel 1) or Seraphim (Isaiah 6:2). Therefore, they are not redeemable beings. Once angels fall, they stay fallen (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6), so if the 4 beasts can’t be singing the new song about themselves, then neither can the 24 elders, because all 28 are singing the new song TOGETHER. It’s an all-or-none effect. That’s why the Alexandrian manuscripts (the earliest manuscripts) have the 28 of them singing about the redeemed in 3rd person plural (“them”; “they shall reign”) rather than 1st person plural in Revelation 5:9,10. Not only the Alexandrian manuscripts, but the Byzantine Majority also has them singing about the redeemed in 3rd person plural in verse 10. The elders are angelic beings.