Thematic Bible: Heavenly


Thematic Bible




Then suddenly there appeared with the angel a large number of the heavenly "army" [i.e., of angels], who were praising God and saying, "May there be glory to God in the highest [heavens], and may there be peace on earth among men who are pleasing to God."


And they [i.e., the 144,000] were singing a new song in front of God's throne, and in front of the four living beings and the [twenty-four] elders. No one could learn [to sing] this song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand [See 7:4,9] who had been purchased from the earth. Verse ConceptsCreatureselders, in the churchMarketsSongsThroneAbundance, SpiritualHeaven, Worshiping GodBeastsFour CreaturesOne Hundred Thousand And MoreCosmic CreaturesA New SongFruitless LearningElders In Heaven144,000elders

saying, "We thank you, O Lord God Almighty, who exists [in the present] and who existed [in the past], because you have taken your great power and have begun to rule. Verse ConceptsGod, Power OfGod, The EternalThanksgivingThanksgiving, OfferedThe AlmightyThe Existence Of GodGod Showed His PowerWe Thank GodThank YouBeing Grateful

And each of the four living beings had six wings [and] were covered with eyes all around them and [even] within them. And day and night they never stop saying, [Note: Some translations have "singing" here and at other places below], "Holy, holy, holy [is] the Lord God Almighty, who was [in the past] and who is [in the present] and who will come [in the future]." Verse ConceptsGod, Holiness OfdoxologyNightSeraphimWingsWorship, Reasons ForGod, TrinityPraise, Should Be Offered ByThe AlmightyUnceasing PraiseThe Existence Of GodFour CreaturesSix ThingsUnceasingAlways PraisingInside And OutEyes In ProphecyFeet Of CreaturesThe Fact Of His ComingEyesCherubimPurgatoryrejuvenationAngelic Beings Praising God

Then I looked, and heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living beings and elders. They numbered in the tens of thousands, and thousands and thousands [more]. [Note: The Greek says "myriads of myriads"]. They were saying in a loud voice [See Note at 4:8], "The Lamb, who was killed, deserves to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and splendor and praise."

And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the [twenty-four] elders and the four living beings. And they fell down on their faces in front of the throne and worshiped God, saying [See Note at 4:8], "May it be so; May there be praise and splendor and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength to our God forever and ever. May it be so."

Then a voice came from the throne, saying, "Give praise to our God, all of you [who are] His servants, you who are the least significant and [also] the most important ones, who revere Him." Verse ConceptsBabylonPraise, Reasons ForSmallnessReverence To GodGod's VoiceGreat And SmallPraise The Lord!Slaves Of GodGay Marriage







For now [i.e., during the church's infant state] we see in a mirror [Note: God's word is elsewhere likened to a mirror. See James 1:22-25] indistinctly [i.e., because of having only partial knowledge and prophecy], but then [i.e., when the church matures and has the completed Scriptures], we will see face to face [i.e., clearly]. Now I have [only] partial knowledge, but then I will have full knowledge, just as [God has] full knowledge of me. Verse ConceptsFulnessFulness Of KnowledgeFace Of GodMirrorsRevelation, Responses ToRiddlesSeeing GodUnderstandingVisionClarityCleaningWithheld KnowledgeIncompletenessBeing Face To Face With GodLooking Through WindowsDefective VisionAcquiring KnowledgeDrawbacks To KnowledgeNothing MissingGod Knowing His PeopleBlissful Vision In HeavenadhdSelf Image








And do not call any man on earth 'father,' [i.e., in a religious sense], for the [only] one who is your Father is in heaven. Verse ConceptsGod, Fatherhood OfThe PopeSpiritual FathersOur Father In HeavenCallingFathersDadsBeing A Good FatherParents Being Wrongculturefatherhood

Or is God the God of the Jews only? Is He not the God of the Gentiles also? Yes, [indeed], of the Gentiles also, Verse ConceptsGentiles, In NtBlessings For Jew And GentileGentilesJews


For you did not receive the Holy Spirit, to enslave you again to fear, [Note: Some translators take "Holy Spirit" here to be "spirit," making the verse say "you did not receive the spirit of slavery"], but you received the Holy Spirit [who produces] sonship, so we can call out, "Abba", [which means] "Father." Verse ConceptsAdoption, Results OfAdoption, Assurance OfAdoption, descriptions ofAbbaBeing A KidBeing AfraidIntimacyLanguagesOrigins Of Spiritual LifePrayer, As A Relationship With GodSlavery, SpiritualTimidityIndwelling Of The Holy SpiritNames And Titles For The Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit, And PrayerThe Holy Spirit In The ChurchAdoptionFreed From FearSubject To EvilConvictionslaveryFreedomAdoption Is By God's GracesonshipOvercoming Fear With Faith








After seeing [all] these things, I looked and there [I saw] a huge crowd, which no one could count, from every nation, and tribe, and race, and language group standing in front of the throne [of God] and in front of the Lamb. They were dressed in white robes and had palm tree branches in their hands. Verse ConceptsMultitudesGentiles, In NtCrowdsAn Innumerable NumberBranches, Types OfAudiencesLanguagesNationalismRobesStandingWhiteGlorified SaintsMany In The ChurchWhite And Bright ClothesWhite ClothsAll LanguagesThe Gospel To The NationsEvangelism During The TribulationGreat White Throne JudgmentLanguageColorRaceculture

Then I heard what sounded like the voices of a huge crowd, and the sound of much rushing water, and great rolling thunder. They shouted, "Hallelujah! For the Lord, our God Almighty rules. Verse ConceptsBabylonGod, Power OfGod, Sovereignty OfKingsPraise, Manner And Methods OfShoutingThunderGod's OmnipotenceThe AlmightyGod, InfiniteMultitudesMany In The ChurchThings Like WaterLike WaterPraise The Lord!Gay MarriagewaterfallsThunder Showing God's Presence

Then I looked, and heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living beings and elders. They numbered in the tens of thousands, and thousands and thousands [more]. [Note: The Greek says "myriads of myriads"]. Verse ConceptsAngels RejoicingMany Spiritual BeingsA Million And MoreAngels SingingVoice Of The Archangeladoration

But you [Christians] have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. [Note: These terms describe people who have entered a spiritual relationship with God as part of the church]. [You have come] to a praise gathering of innumerable angels [Note: Christians are here pictured as assembled in worship of God, along with angels], Verse ConceptsGod, Living And Self sustainingAn Innumerable NumberCityNames And Titles For The ChurchAngels, DescriptionChurch, Titles OfBelonging To HeavenzionThousands Of Angels Worship God



And I looked, and there in front of me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him were one hundred and forty-four thousand persons, with the Lamb's name and His Father's name written on their foreheads. Verse ConceptsForeheadsGuaranteeZion, As A SymbolWhat Heaven Will Be LikeGlorified SaintsThe Sealing Of The Holy SpiritOne Hundred Thousand And MoreWriting On PeopleFather And Son AlikeRelationship Of Father And SonCalled By God's Name144,000

The first man [i.e., Adam] came from the dust of the ground [See Gen. 2:7]; the second man [i.e., Christ] came from heaven. Verse ConceptsAdam and Jesus ChristDust, Literal UseThanksgiving, OfferedCreatures From DustFirst OnesSecond BeingChrist And HeavenThe EarthGoing To HeavenGodly Mandustman

The One who comes from above [i.e., Jesus] ranks over all [others]; but the one who is out of the earth [i.e., of human origin] is [merely] an earthly [being] and he speaks in earthly [ways]. [But] the One who comes from heaven [i.e., Jesus] ranks over all [others]. Verse ConceptsPreeminence Of ChristChrist And HeavenAll Authority Has Been Given To JesusHeaven Better Than EarthSchoolThe EarthGoing To HeavenThe WorldPerspective


Jesus replied, "If God were [truly] your Father you would love me, because I came from God to be here. For I did not come on my own authority, but God sent me. Verse ConceptsMission, Of Jesus ChristLove Towards Christ, Shown ByChrist's Relationship To GodLove For GodDivine MessengerPeople BeginningNot AloneGod Sending OthersNot Loving GodLove And RelationshipsFathers Love

Now we realize that you know everything and do not need anyone to ask you [questions]. This makes us believe that you came from God." Verse ConceptsKnowing God, Nature OfJesus Christ, Omniscience OfNot Asking OthersChrist Knowing All ThingsChrist's OriginThose Who Believed In Christ

Jesus replied, "You people are from below [i.e., from the earthly realm]; I am from above [i.e., from the heavenly realm]. You belong to this world; I do not belong to this world. Verse ConceptsWorldlinessThe I Am's Of ChristThings UnderChrist And HeavenPerspective

This was done so that now God's many-sided wisdom could be made known through the church, to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms [Note: "Heavenly realms" here refers to the world around us, where these angelic beings (good or bad) view the unfolding of God's wonderful plan], Verse ConceptsChurchDemons, Christ's AuthorityGod, Wisdom OfWisdom, Source Of HumanPrincipalities And PowersThe Church UniversalRanks Of AngelsRebellion of Satan and AngelsorganizationprincipalitiesVarieties

which He exerted when raising Christ from the dead and seating Him at His right side in the heavenly realms [i.e., heaven itself]. Verse ConceptsSittingChurch AgeExaltation Of ChristRight SidesGod Raising ChristChrist And HeavenAll Authority Has Been Given To JesusThe power of Christ

May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be praised, for He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in [fellowship with] Christ. [Note: The term "heavenly realms" is used somewhat differently throughout this book. Here it refers to Christians as part of the church on earth]. Verse ConceptsAbility, Of God To SaveGod, Fatherhood OfAffluenceBlessedGenerosity, God'sPraiseParticipation, In ChristPraise, Reasons ForPresent, TheSeeking Things AboveThat Which Is SpiritualBelonging To HeavenBlessed By ChristRelationship Of Father And SonBless The Lord!Church Distinct From IsraelMillionaire MentalitySpiritualSpiritual crownsTrinityBeing Thankful For BlessingsUnconditional LoveBlessings From GodBlessing Others




For he was looking forward to [living in] a city with [lasting] foundations, designed and built by God. [Note: This undoubtedly refers to heaven]. Verse ConceptsFoundationsBeing A PilgrimArchitectureArchitectsCitySociety, Positive Aspects OfSaints, As PilgrimsCity Of GodBuildersMoving To A New PlaceCharacteristics Of PilgrimsEarth Being Fixed And Immovable

Therefore, I tell you, make friends for yourselves by using worldly wealth, so that when it fails [i.e., when you run out of money] they [i.e., the friends you made with its wise and benevolent use] may welcome you into the eternal [i.e., heavenly] dwelling places. [Note: The idea here seems to be that by your shrewd use of material possessions for the benefit of others, you are actually storing up treasures for yourself in heaven]. Verse ConceptsHomeMoney, Stewardship OfRiches, Nature OfEternal PossessionEternal WorldWelcoming BelieversRight Use Of WealthNetworkingRichesDishonestyFriendsBest FriendsFinancesLove And RelationshipsTrust In RelationshipsEthicsMoney ManagementTrue FriendsMoney BlessingsBuilding Relationshipsinvestingwelcome

After seeing [all] these things, I looked and there [I saw] a huge crowd, which no one could count, from every nation, and tribe, and race, and language group standing in front of the throne [of God] and in front of the Lamb. They were dressed in white robes and had palm tree branches in their hands. Verse ConceptsMultitudesGentiles, In NtCrowdsAn Innumerable NumberBranches, Types OfAudiencesLanguagesNationalismRobesStandingWhiteGlorified SaintsMany In The ChurchWhite And Bright ClothesWhite ClothsAll LanguagesThe Gospel To The NationsEvangelism During The TribulationGreat White Throne JudgmentLanguageColorRaceculture



The way you are faithfully enduring [such] suffering for the kingdom of God is clear evidence that God's judgment is right in [eventually] counting you worthy of it [i.e., of entering the eternal phase of the kingdom]. Verse ConceptsKingdom Of God, Entry IntoWorthinessWorthy PeopleKingdom Of GodSufferingMaking DecisionsDecision MakingJudgement DayJudgement

Then the King will say to those at His right side, 'You who are blessed by my Father, come and receive the kingdom which has been prepared for you since the creation of the world, for [when] I was hungry, you fed me; [when] I was thirsty, you gave me [something] to drink; [when] I came [to you as] a stranger, you gave me a place to stay;

Then He looked at His disciples and said, "Those of you who have a [sense of personal] need are blessed, because the kingdom of God belongs to you. Verse ConceptsKingdom Of God, Entry IntoRiches, Believers AttitudesChrist SeeingBlessings Of The PoorChrist Speaking To DisciplesPeople Of The Kingdom


"Those persons who have suffered for trying to do what is right will be blessed because the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. Verse ConceptsBeing AfraidKingdom Of God, Entry IntoReward, DivineRighteousness, Of BelieversBelonging To HeavenFor The Sake Of ThingsPeople Of The KingdomRighteousnessgaysPersecutionBeing Gay

Those who wash their robes are blessed because [then] they will have the right to [eat from] the tree of life, and will [be able to] enter the city through the gates. Verse ConceptsAvoiding SinGatesHappinessHeaven,  Redeemed CommunityRightsRitual WashingRobesTreesWashingThe Water Of LifeBeginning And EndWashing ClothesEntering LifeMetaphorical TreesBlessed In ServiceHealing Of NationsPromise Of HeavenUniversalism

And there will never be anything [morally] unclean allowed to enter it, nor any person who practices disgusting behavior [i.e., probably such sins as sexual perversion], or [any person] who is a liar. But the only ones [allowed there] are those [whose names are] recorded in the Lamb's book of life. Verse ConceptsAbominationsBook of lifeImperfection, And God's PurposesGod's Intolerance Of EvilPunishment, By GodSin, God's Judgment OnLamb Of GodWhat Heaven Will Be LikeCitizens, HeavenlyExclusionCitizenshipPurity Of New CreationBenefits Of HeavenDefilementgays


But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw God's splendor and Jesus standing at His right side. He said, "Look, I see heaven opened up and the Son of man standing at the right side of God."

But [rather] store up your valuables in heaven [i.e., by investing your life in spiritual things], where neither moths can eat nor rust corrode, nor burglars break in and steal, Verse ConceptsInsectsAffluenceSpiritual InvestmentRiches, SpiritualStoringTreasureSpiritual TreasuresMothsStoring Treasure On EarthBelonging To HeavenTreasure In Heaven


Nevertheless, do not rejoice over the [evil] spirits submitting to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven [i.e., in the book of life. See Rev. 3:5; Heb. 12:23]." Verse ConceptsBook of lifeElection, Characteristics OfWritingWhat Heaven Will Be LikeRejoicingNames Written In HeavenBelonging To HeavenLack Of RejoicingMan's Authority Over The DevilCasting Out Demons

so you can eat and drink at my table in my [coming] kingdom. [Also] you will sit on [twelve] thrones [See Matt. 19:28], judging the twelve tribes of Israel [i.e., judging God's people through their writings]. Verse ConceptsThe Number TwelveJudgment SeatSittingJesus Christ, JudgeBelievers JudgingTwelve TribesEating And DrinkingPeople Of The KingdomJudging

Nevertheless, do not rejoice over the [evil] spirits submitting to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven [i.e., in the book of life. See Rev. 3:5; Heb. 12:23]." Verse ConceptsBook of lifeElection, Characteristics OfWritingWhat Heaven Will Be LikeRejoicingNames Written In HeavenBelonging To HeavenLack Of RejoicingMan's Authority Over The DevilCasting Out Demons




But Jesus said to him, "Nobody who begins plowing [a field] and then looks back [i.e., in regret for beginning such an arduous task] is suited for [serving in] the kingdom of God." Verse ConceptsCommitmentBacksliding, ResultsFaithfulness, To GodHesitationPloughingQuittingWorthinessBeing DevoutLooking BackwardCares Of This WorldIndecisionMoving ForwardPloughmenJudgement On BackslidersBackslidingSingle MindednessWorth

Jesus said to him, "Truly, truly, I tell you, a person cannot see the kingdom of God [i.e., enter it. See verse 5], unless he is born from above [Note: The words "from above" are also used in verse 31, but in this place they could also mean "again," or "anew" and refer to the source of a person's second birth]. Verse ConceptsBaptism, significance ofAffirmationsBorn Again, NecessaryBeing Born AgainSpiritual Blindness, Removal OfBirth, SpiritualKingdom Of God, Entry IntoThe New NatureNecessityOnce Saved Always SavedRegenerationResurrection, SpiritualNew Birth, Necessity OfDatingEternal SecurityChrist Telling The TruthTruly TrulyNew BirthJesus BirthNew BeginningsEclipserebirth



For he was looking forward to [living in] a city with [lasting] foundations, designed and built by God. [Note: This undoubtedly refers to heaven]. Verse ConceptsFoundationsBeing A PilgrimArchitectureArchitectsCitySociety, Positive Aspects OfSaints, As PilgrimsCity Of GodBuildersMoving To A New PlaceCharacteristics Of PilgrimsEarth Being Fixed And Immovable

Therefore, I tell you, make friends for yourselves by using worldly wealth, so that when it fails [i.e., when you run out of money] they [i.e., the friends you made with its wise and benevolent use] may welcome you into the eternal [i.e., heavenly] dwelling places. [Note: The idea here seems to be that by your shrewd use of material possessions for the benefit of others, you are actually storing up treasures for yourself in heaven]. Verse ConceptsHomeMoney, Stewardship OfRiches, Nature OfEternal PossessionEternal WorldWelcoming BelieversRight Use Of WealthNetworkingRichesDishonestyFriendsBest FriendsFinancesLove And RelationshipsTrust In RelationshipsEthicsMoney ManagementTrue FriendsMoney BlessingsBuilding Relationshipsinvestingwelcome


to be sensible, [morally] pure, [good] homemakers, kind [and] in subjection to their own husbands, so that God's message will not be spoken against. Verse ConceptsBeing A WifeDiscretionKindnessOrder In The HomePurity, Moral And SpiritualWives, Duties OfWomen WorkingConfidentialityGodly WomanWomen's RolesA Good Womanmothering


After seeing [all] these things, I looked and there [I saw] a huge crowd, which no one could count, from every nation, and tribe, and race, and language group standing in front of the throne [of God] and in front of the Lamb. They were dressed in white robes and had palm tree branches in their hands. Verse ConceptsMultitudesGentiles, In NtCrowdsAn Innumerable NumberBranches, Types OfAudiencesLanguagesNationalismRobesStandingWhiteGlorified SaintsMany In The ChurchWhite And Bright ClothesWhite ClothsAll LanguagesThe Gospel To The NationsEvangelism During The TribulationGreat White Throne JudgmentLanguageColorRaceculture


But Jesus would not allow him, saying to the man, "Go home to your friends [and family?] and tell them about the great things the Lord has done for you and how He had pity on you." Verse Conceptsevangelists, identity ofevangelism, kinds ofTestify On God's BehalfExperimental KnowledgeAcknowledging ChristReceiving God's MercyGod's Work In UsFamily And Friends


Those who wash their robes are blessed because [then] they will have the right to [eat from] the tree of life, and will [be able to] enter the city through the gates. Verse ConceptsAvoiding SinGatesHappinessHeaven,  Redeemed CommunityRightsRitual WashingRobesTreesWashingThe Water Of LifeBeginning And EndWashing ClothesEntering LifeMetaphorical TreesBlessed In ServiceHealing Of NationsPromise Of HeavenUniversalism

But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw God's splendor and Jesus standing at His right side. He said, "Look, I see heaven opened up and the Son of man standing at the right side of God."

But [rather] store up your valuables in heaven [i.e., by investing your life in spiritual things], where neither moths can eat nor rust corrode, nor burglars break in and steal, Verse ConceptsInsectsAffluenceSpiritual InvestmentRiches, SpiritualStoringTreasureSpiritual TreasuresMothsStoring Treasure On EarthBelonging To HeavenTreasure In Heaven

Nevertheless, do not rejoice over the [evil] spirits submitting to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven [i.e., in the book of life. See Rev. 3:5; Heb. 12:23]." Verse ConceptsBook of lifeElection, Characteristics OfWritingWhat Heaven Will Be LikeRejoicingNames Written In HeavenBelonging To HeavenLack Of RejoicingMan's Authority Over The DevilCasting Out Demons



This was done so that now God's many-sided wisdom could be made known through the church, to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms [Note: "Heavenly realms" here refers to the world around us, where these angelic beings (good or bad) view the unfolding of God's wonderful plan], Verse ConceptsChurchDemons, Christ's AuthorityGod, Wisdom OfWisdom, Source Of HumanPrincipalities And PowersThe Church UniversalRanks Of AngelsRebellion of Satan and AngelsorganizationprincipalitiesVarieties

which He exerted when raising Christ from the dead and seating Him at His right side in the heavenly realms [i.e., heaven itself]. Verse ConceptsSittingChurch AgeExaltation Of ChristRight SidesGod Raising ChristChrist And HeavenAll Authority Has Been Given To JesusThe power of Christ

May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be praised, for He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in [fellowship with] Christ. [Note: The term "heavenly realms" is used somewhat differently throughout this book. Here it refers to Christians as part of the church on earth]. Verse ConceptsAbility, Of God To SaveGod, Fatherhood OfAffluenceBlessedGenerosity, God'sPraiseParticipation, In ChristPraise, Reasons ForPresent, TheSeeking Things AboveThat Which Is SpiritualBelonging To HeavenBlessed By ChristRelationship Of Father And SonBless The Lord!Church Distinct From IsraelMillionaire MentalitySpiritualSpiritual crownsTrinityBeing Thankful For BlessingsUnconditional LoveBlessings From GodBlessing Others


Then suddenly there appeared with the angel a large number of the heavenly "army" [i.e., of angels], who were praising God and saying, "May there be glory to God in the highest [heavens], and may there be peace on earth among men who are pleasing to God."


And they [i.e., the 144,000] were singing a new song in front of God's throne, and in front of the four living beings and the [twenty-four] elders. No one could learn [to sing] this song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand [See 7:4,9] who had been purchased from the earth. Verse ConceptsCreatureselders, in the churchMarketsSongsThroneAbundance, SpiritualHeaven, Worshiping GodBeastsFour CreaturesOne Hundred Thousand And MoreCosmic CreaturesA New SongFruitless LearningElders In Heaven144,000elders

saying, "We thank you, O Lord God Almighty, who exists [in the present] and who existed [in the past], because you have taken your great power and have begun to rule. Verse ConceptsGod, Power OfGod, The EternalThanksgivingThanksgiving, OfferedThe AlmightyThe Existence Of GodGod Showed His PowerWe Thank GodThank YouBeing Grateful

And each of the four living beings had six wings [and] were covered with eyes all around them and [even] within them. And day and night they never stop saying, [Note: Some translations have "singing" here and at other places below], "Holy, holy, holy [is] the Lord God Almighty, who was [in the past] and who is [in the present] and who will come [in the future]." Verse ConceptsGod, Holiness OfdoxologyNightSeraphimWingsWorship, Reasons ForGod, TrinityPraise, Should Be Offered ByThe AlmightyUnceasing PraiseThe Existence Of GodFour CreaturesSix ThingsUnceasingAlways PraisingInside And OutEyes In ProphecyFeet Of CreaturesThe Fact Of His ComingEyesCherubimPurgatoryrejuvenationAngelic Beings Praising God

Then I looked, and heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living beings and elders. They numbered in the tens of thousands, and thousands and thousands [more]. [Note: The Greek says "myriads of myriads"]. They were saying in a loud voice [See Note at 4:8], "The Lamb, who was killed, deserves to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and splendor and praise."

And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the [twenty-four] elders and the four living beings. And they fell down on their faces in front of the throne and worshiped God, saying [See Note at 4:8], "May it be so; May there be praise and splendor and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength to our God forever and ever. May it be so."

Then a voice came from the throne, saying, "Give praise to our God, all of you [who are] His servants, you who are the least significant and [also] the most important ones, who revere Him." Verse ConceptsBabylonPraise, Reasons ForSmallnessReverence To GodGod's VoiceGreat And SmallPraise The Lord!Slaves Of GodGay Marriage

and to provide [future] rest for you, along with us, who are afflicted. [This will occur] when Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire [i.e., at His second coming], accompanied by His mighty angels. Verse ConceptsTrouble, Causes OfAngels as agents of judgmentAngels, Ministry To ChristFire Of ChristChrist And HeavenAccompanying The Second ComingVoice Of The Archangelrelaxingrelaxation

Then suddenly there appeared with the angel a large number of the heavenly "army" [i.e., of angels], who were praising God and saying, "May there be glory to God in the highest [heavens], and may there be peace on earth among men who are pleasing to God."


And they [i.e., the 144,000] were singing a new song in front of God's throne, and in front of the four living beings and the [twenty-four] elders. No one could learn [to sing] this song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand [See 7:4,9] who had been purchased from the earth. Verse ConceptsCreatureselders, in the churchMarketsSongsThroneAbundance, SpiritualHeaven, Worshiping GodBeastsFour CreaturesOne Hundred Thousand And MoreCosmic CreaturesA New SongFruitless LearningElders In Heaven144,000elders

saying, "We thank you, O Lord God Almighty, who exists [in the present] and who existed [in the past], because you have taken your great power and have begun to rule. Verse ConceptsGod, Power OfGod, The EternalThanksgivingThanksgiving, OfferedThe AlmightyThe Existence Of GodGod Showed His PowerWe Thank GodThank YouBeing Grateful

And each of the four living beings had six wings [and] were covered with eyes all around them and [even] within them. And day and night they never stop saying, [Note: Some translations have "singing" here and at other places below], "Holy, holy, holy [is] the Lord God Almighty, who was [in the past] and who is [in the present] and who will come [in the future]." Verse ConceptsGod, Holiness OfdoxologyNightSeraphimWingsWorship, Reasons ForGod, TrinityPraise, Should Be Offered ByThe AlmightyUnceasing PraiseThe Existence Of GodFour CreaturesSix ThingsUnceasingAlways PraisingInside And OutEyes In ProphecyFeet Of CreaturesThe Fact Of His ComingEyesCherubimPurgatoryrejuvenationAngelic Beings Praising God

Then I looked, and heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living beings and elders. They numbered in the tens of thousands, and thousands and thousands [more]. [Note: The Greek says "myriads of myriads"]. They were saying in a loud voice [See Note at 4:8], "The Lamb, who was killed, deserves to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and splendor and praise."

And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the [twenty-four] elders and the four living beings. And they fell down on their faces in front of the throne and worshiped God, saying [See Note at 4:8], "May it be so; May there be praise and splendor and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength to our God forever and ever. May it be so."

Then a voice came from the throne, saying, "Give praise to our God, all of you [who are] His servants, you who are the least significant and [also] the most important ones, who revere Him." Verse ConceptsBabylonPraise, Reasons ForSmallnessReverence To GodGod's VoiceGreat And SmallPraise The Lord!Slaves Of GodGay Marriage