The Open Door Vision

Rev 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
The Throne Room

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Revelation Illustrated to see the whole wonderful collection.


Rev 4:2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
Rev 4:3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
Rev 4:4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
Rev 4:5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
Rev 4:6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
Rev 4:7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
Rev 4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

Commentary
Yes the first verse does have some similarity to 1 Thess. 4:13-18 but no this is not the rapture it is a personal invitation to John to come and witnesses and record future events.
The above pictures capture the scene so very well I had to share them with you.
Lion - Majesty, authority, power, and the lionof the tribe of Judah.
Calf - Young bull ox or cow a beast of burden.
Man - intelligence; moral choice and responsibility.
Eagle - majesty, swiftness, and transcendence
Similar to Ezekiel 1:5-10 with some differences.
 
Blessings & Prayers 
Merlin