The Revelation of Jesus Christ - The Herald

The simple meaning in this vision is that it was to St. John, as if such an opening had been
made in the sky, and he was permitted to view a scene in heaven. What he saw was not an
actual occurrence, but a vision representing such. The expression, "in the spirit," denotes
that he was in a state in which all his natural faculties were under Divine control. In this
condition he beheld the visions recorded in the rest of the book of Revelation. The visions
of the book from chapter six to its close may well be likened to a drama which tells the
story of developments in both the true and nominal Church as well as in the world down
to the time of Christ's glorious triumph over sin and death. The careful student will
observe that the vision recorded in chapters four and five is largely synoptical and more in
the nature of an introductory scene to this Divine drama which follows.
In this vision the Apostle saw first a throne set in heaven, and on the throne was seated the
Eternal One. St. John does not attempt to describe the One on the throne, except by the
simple statement that "He that sat thereon was like a jasper and a sardine stone." Perhaps
this expression is intended to be suggestive or descriptive of the glorious qualities of this
Divine One. That the One who is here represented in the symbol is the Heavenly Father,
there can be no question. All the symbolic transactions in the scene demonstrate that the
Great Jehovah the Author of the Divine Plan, is the One represented, and was such as to
impress St. John and the Church with the signal importance of the communications about
to be made.
He next beheld a rainbow, completely encircling the throne. (See Diaglott.) The rainbow in
the vision was not such as is seen from the earth--an incomplete circle. This which the
Apostle saw completely encircled the All-Glorious and Perfect One. Looking at this
symbolical rainbow in the light of the Genesis account (Gen. 9:12-17), will assist us to
understand its significance. There we learn that the rainbow is the token of God's promise
and agreement with the earth and mankind that there should never be another flood. The
waters had just abated, and the sun for the first time was shining out through the last
fragments of the mists and clouds as the storm of judgment was retreating. This it was that
produced the rainbow effect, and seems to teach that the many troublous times portrayed
by the visions throughout the Revelation, culminating at last in a general storm of
judgment, will eventually be for man's good, for his correction, for his everlasting blessing.
It is through these troubles and severe experiences that the followers of Christ are
developed and perfected and will finally be made joint-heirs with Him in His Kingdom for
the blessing of all mankind. The rainbow then seems to announce that earth's storms are to
cease, and speaks of the hope of life, of peace and blessing to come out of the trials
encountered by the true Church, and out of the final storm of judgment experienced by the
world, all of which is in full harmony with the Divine promise of blessed refreshment and
restitution for man and his home, the earth--a "new heavens and a new earth wherein
dwelleth righteousness." --2 Pet. 3:13.
It is then manifest that the rainbow-encircled throne, in this aspect of the vision, describes
Jehovah's sovereignty in its general attitude and conduct towards man in redemptive
grace, in providing deliverance for him from the slavery to sin and death. We have in the
Scriptures several symbolic descriptions of God's throne, but they differ widely in their