Revelations 4 and 5

Revelations 4
Chapter 4 begins John's vision of the history of the earth. Chapters 4 and 5 are the introduction. It is in these chapters that symbolism becomes difficult and strange. It reminds me of how the temple ordinances seem different and strange the first times we go. But gradually, we learn and understand something each time we go and the symbols become more meaningful and sacred. These chapters show that in creating the earth, God knew the end from the beginning He created all things and organized the earth's existence placing everything and everyone upon it at appropriate times. While he knew what each person would do, he did not interfere with their agency. In this chapter, 24 elders are mentioned and these are leaders of the seven churches. The earth is seen as a sanctified sea of glass and celestial animals surround the throne of the Savior.

Revelations 5
John sees that the earth will receive salvation, not by a lion but by a lamb. Only John referred to the Savior as the lamb of God. John sees the Savior symbolically as a lamb with 12 horns and 12 eyes. The horns are symbolic of his omnipotence and the eyes are symbolic of his omniscience and he learns that only Christ could make an infinite atonement. Incense is symbolically seen as the prayers of the saints rising to heaven and he sees that kings and priests will rule on a celestialized earth. A book is shown to John that is sealed with seven seals, each seal representing a thousand years of the earth's history. John weeps because no one is found worthy to open the book to initiate the Lord's plan to open earth life and then redeem the people who will populate it. There is rejoicing in heaven when the Savior is shown to be the one worthy to do that. John also sees millions of saved beasts from millions of earths.