In his excellent book, "What the Bible Teaches About Worship," (Evangelical Press), Robert L. Dickie refers to "throne-room worship." His main point of reference is Revelation chapters four and five. It is wonderful to consider the dynamic scene of worship that reveals something of what is happening right now in the realm of God's throne. These Scriptures give us a taste of what is awaiting the child of God immediately after death (II Corinthians 5:1-8). Pastor Dickie also shows us how this Scripture gives us a model to follow. This scene of heavenly worship is a combination of men and angelic beings worshipping together as one. Jesus taught us to pray that God's kingdom would come on earth - that God's will would be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). Would that not include worship? Let's take our own look at Revelation chapters four and five and see what heavenly worship looks like. [Yes - I wish I could hear what it sounds like, but until we get there, we'll have to make our own tunes!]

The Worship in Heaven is God-Centered - Revelation 4:1-11

"…I was in the spirit…" (Revelation 4:2)

Revelation 4:1-2 has great prophetic worth and could cause us to think about the rapture of the church. However, our purpose in this study is to find parallels between heavenly worship and worship on earth. Therefore, let us first consider the need to worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24 cp. Romans 1:9). In this life, we must present our bodies to worship and serve God. Yet, the most important aspect is our inner man (mind, spirit, heart and soul cp. Romans 12:1-2; II Corinthians 4:16, 18; Philippians 3:3).

"…A throne was set in heaven…" (Revelation 4:2)

Worship is centered around the power and authority of God - not man's approval ratings!

"There are today many millions of people who hold 'right opinions' probably more than ever before in the history of the church. Yet, I wonder if there was ever a time when true spiritual worship was at a lower ebb. To great sections of the church, the art of worship has been lost entirely, and in its place has come that strange and foreign thing called the 'program.' This word has been borrowed from the stage and applied with sad wisdom to the type of public service which now passes for worship among us." A. W. Tozer - "The Pursuit of God"; Christian Publications, page 9)

"…One sat on the throne." (Revelation 4:2)

Worship is centered around the person of God. We glorify him for who He is and what He does. See I Timothy 1:17; Ephesians 1:3; 3:21; I Peter 1:3; Hebrews 12:28-29; I Corinthians 15:22-28.

"Around the throne…twenty-four thrones…twenty-four elders…clothed in white robes…crowns of gold on their heads…a sea of glass, like crystal." (Revelation 4:4, 6)

Worship by the saints - those redeemed by the blood of Christ. The twenty-four elders are seen as the church - the New Testament saints. Their position in Christ has made them like kings and priests before God. In this life, we represent Christ to men and minister to them, as well as minister to God (II Corinthians 5:18-20; I Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:5-6). The sea of glass represents the multitudes of saints from the Old Testament times - now with the Lord (Ephesians 4:8-10).

"…The seven Spirits of God." (Revelation 4:5)

See the very powerful and spiritual environment in this scene of heavenly worship. How is it that God is described as having seven spirits? See Revelation 1:4; 3:1 cp. Isaiah 11:2. In Isaiah 11:2, consider: 1) The Spirit of the LORD; 2) The Spirit of Wisdom; 3) The Spirit of Understanding; 4) The Spirit of Counsel; 5) The Spirit of Might; 6) The Spirit of Knowledge; 7) The Spirit of the Fear of the LORD.

"…Four living creatures…the twenty-four elders…" Revelation 4:6-10

There is a unity and harmony between angelic beings and redeemed men. They worship together (Revelation 5:11). Even here, on earth, we worship, not only in God's presence, but also in the presence of angels (Luke 15:10; I Timothy 5:21; I Peter 1:10-12 cp. Ephesians 3:10; Hebrews 1:6-7, 14; 13:2 cp. Matthew 6:10).

"Thou art Worthy…" (Revelation 4:11)

Here is the focus of worshipping God:

• The Worthiness of God - He deserves worship.
• The Glory of God - His nature, works and Word are wonderful, holy, and true.
• The Honor of God - Absolute surrender is due Him.
• The Power of God - We acknowledge His unequaled, unrivaled unchanging power to do His will.
• The Ownership and Mastery of God - All things (including us) exist by the power and will of God. Pleasing God is the rightful and certain outcome of all things (Romans 11:33-36). God will be finally and ultimately pleased with all things. Enemies of God, beware!

Robert L. Dickie tells us that "Man-centered worship is feeling-oriented; it is consumed with meeting our needs, as if this was the ultimate reason for attending church or worshipping God." (Ibid, page 24) God graciously meets our needs when we worship Him, but God is not our servant. We are His servants. Pastor Dickie quotes Stephen Charnock:

"To pretend an homage to God, and intend only the advantage of self, is rather to mock Him than worship Him. When we believe that we ought to be satisfied, rather than God glorified, we set God below ourselves, imagine that He should submit His own honor to our advantage; we make ourselves more glorious than God." (op cit, page 23)