The Vision of Heaven Part 1

Introduction

This topic is part of the series discussing the Book of Revelation. In the previous topic, we discussed the message to the seven ekklesia (congregations) and why it was given to them. After Yochanan (John) received the messages, the scene changed in chapter 4 and he saw a vision of heaven.

The vision of Heaven has been the subject of curiosity of all humans. We all want to know what is up there. Many attempted to reach the heavens from ancient times with the construction of the tower of Babel "to reach the heaven" (Gen 11:4) to the present times with the joint space explorations of many advanced nations. What is really out there? Is there really a place called heaven? What is it and where is it?

10 Biblical Visions of G-D and Heaven
1. Jacob dreamed of "a ladder set up on earth, and the top of it reached to heaven... And, behold, the L-RD stood above it" (Gen 28:12-13)
2. Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel... saw the G-D of Israel (Ex 24:9-10). (Note: Nadab and Abihu were killed by the L-RD; Lev 10:1-3)
3. Moses saw the back of G-D (Ex 33:23)
4. Micaiah "saw the L-RD sitting upon His throne" (2 Chron. 18:18)
5. Isaiah "saw also the L-RD sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple" (isa 6:1-4)
6. Ezekiel saw "the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of the sapphire stone: and...the likeness as the appearance of a man above it" (Ezekiel 1:26-10:1)
7. Daniel "beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit" (Dan 7:9)
8. Stephen "looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of G-D, and Jesus standing on the right hand of G-D" (Acts 7:55)
9. Paul wrote that he "knew a man" (likely himself), who was "caught up to the third heaven" (2 Cor 12:2)
10. John "was in the spirit; and behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat in the throne" (Rev 4:2)

The message