Worship in Heaven

1At this point I had another vision and saw an open door in heaven. And the voice that sounded like a trumpet, which I had heard speaking to me before, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” 24.2–3: Ezek 1.26–28; 10.1At once the Spirit took control of me. There in heaven was a throne with someone sitting on it. 3His face gleamed like such precious stones as jasper and carnelian, and all round the throne there was a rainbow the colour of an emerald. 4In a circle round the throne were 24 other thrones, on which were seated 24 elders dressed in white and wearing crowns of gold. 54.5: Ex 19.16; Rev 8.5; 11.19; 16.18; Ezek 1.13; Rev 1.4; Zech 4.2From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder. In front of the throne seven lighted torches were burning, which are the seven spirits of God. 64.6–7: Ezek 1.22; 1.5–10; 10.14Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.

Surrounding the throne on each of its sides, were four living creatures covered with eyes in front and behind. 7The first one looked like a lion; the second looked like a bull; the third had a face like a human face; and the fourth looked like an eagle in flight. 84.8: Ezek 1.18; 10.12; Is 6.2–3Each one of the four living creatures had six wings, and they were covered with eyes, inside and out. Day and night they never stop singing:

“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty,

who was, who is, and who is to come.”

9The four living creatures sing songs of glory and honour and thanks to the one who sits on the throne, who lives for ever and ever. When they do so, 10the 24 elders fall down before the one who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They throw their crowns down in front of the throne and say:

11“Our Lord and God! You are worthy

to receive glory, honour, and power.

For you created all things,

and by your will they were given existence and life.”