Part 1 - The Throne of God and the Four Living Creatures

The Helix Nebula:
"The Eye of God"



In heaven the unveiled glories of the Deity shall beat full upon us,
and we for ever sun ourselves in the smiles of God. —
Ezekiel Hopkins


The Throne of God and the Four Living Creatures:

Part 1 - God’s Throne and the Four Living Creatures

Primary Scriptural Resources:
Ezekiel 1
Ezekiel 10
Revelation 4
Revelation 5

Before You Begin:

Before you begin, you may desire
to read the Summary at the end of this study, (Part 10)
which I hope will provide you with
an increased foundational understanding
from which you will better understand what is revealed
in the study of God’s throne, the four living creatures, the wheels and the great expanse represented in the Scriptures.
I have approached this study by using Ezekiel 1
as the primary focus for exploration.
I would invite you to prayerfully consider this study…
as it is the Spirit of God who leads us to all truth.

Introduction:

Ezekiel described his vision in figurative (“apocalyptic”) language.
Many people have decided to read the book,
only to be discouraged after encountering the first chapter.
While some find the apocalyptic images fascinating
as well as challenging,
others would narrowly prefer
to receive their information
without so much effort.
Simply stated, the goal of this vision
was to give a demonstration of God
and His magnificent glory (vv. 1, 28).
Why did God not just state
truths about His glory in decisive terms?
Why did He use the figurative method
of establishing such concepts?

First, we must remind ourselves
of the perfect nature of God and His omniscience.
God knows the best and the most perfect way
to communicate important truths.
Since God is spirit (John 4:23, 24),
human terms cannot fully convey His glory.
Therefore, the use of apocalyptic visions such as this one
better enables us to see His awesomeness
and His magnificent glory
in terms that once understood,
we are more likely to appreciate.

Second, Ezekiel was confronted with a difficult mission.
He was being sent to a stubborn and obstinate people
(Ezekiel 3:7).
This vision would help him to recall
the greatness of the God he was serving.
By remembering this vision,
Ezekiel would be continually strengthened and motivated
to face the obstacles of preaching to such a people.

Third, we must remember that many people
during Old Testament times
believed that the gods of conquering nations
were the stronger gods.
This was one of the reasons they deserted their gods
to serve the gods of a conquering army.
This point is illustrated throughout the Old Testament.

What is remarkable is
how the Israelites were so inclined to idolatry
that they did what the other nations did not do:
adopt the gods of the defeated nations!
(See 2 Kings 16:3; 17:8.)
Ezekiel, as a result of the vision,
would have sufficient evidence
that the Babylonian gods—
or any other gods for that matter—
were powerless, unlike the one true God.

He would be motivated to proclaim
the excellencies of the Lord
and encourage the people
to renew their covenant with Him.
If they would do this, they would find a God
who was willing to forgive and re-establish them in their land.
What should we keep in mind
when we are interpreting this type of literature?
Ezekiel was painting a picture,
and all the parts help to form a whole.
These parts do not necessarily have meanings in and of themselves.
Many times, phrases with the word “like” or “as” are used.
This use of “simile,” tells us that Ezekiel’s description is,
at best, a likeness—an approximation—
of what he was actually seeing.
In preparation for studying this incredible vision,
we should note the four predominant aspects of the vision.
Each one should be considered in regard
to how it contributes to the picture of the glory, majesty, and power of God.
1. The four living creatures (vv. 4–14)
2. The wheels (vv. 15–21)
3. The expanse (vv. 22–25)
4. The throne (vv. 26–28)

End Part 1
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