Pastor Luther Walker continues teaching from Revelation chapter 4, following the rapture. The scene shifts to heaven, specifically the third heaven, where the bride of Christ is represented as the 24 elders seated around God’s throne. A rainbow encircles the throne with an emerald appearance, symbolizing God’s covenant promise from Genesis 9 after the Noahic flood, never to destroy all flesh by water again. The earth experienced two prior water judgments—one in Genesis 1 related to Lucifer, and the Noahic flood—making the rainbow a visible sign for spirit beings and humanity of God’s faithfulness.
The 24 elders are identified as church saints: they wear white robes signifying redemption (as promised to overcomers in Revelation 3:5) and golden victor’s wreaths (stephanos crowns) unique to the church. These include the crown of life (for enduring temptation and loving God, James 1:12; Revelation 2:10), crown of righteousness (for loving His appearing, 2 Timothy 4:8), crown of rejoicing (for sharing the gospel and stability, 1 Thessalonians 2:19), crown for evangelism (Philippians 4:1), and crown of glory for pastors/elders who shepherd willingly (1 Peter 5:4). Crowns are earned not by self-effort but by abiding in Christ, loving God through loving the brethren in deed and truth (John 13:34, 14:15, 23; 1 John 3:18, 4:20; Colossians 3:17), walking by the Spirit, and exercising self-control as fruit of the Spirit.
The elders sit on thrones, a privilege granted to overcomers who rule with Christ (Revelation 2:26-27, 3:21). From the throne proceed lightnings, thunders, voices, and seven lamps of fire burning before it—the seven spirits of God—representing the Holy Spirit’s ministries. After the rapture, the Holy Spirit no longer resides on earth in the church but is present in heaven, though He continues working. Lightning and thunder together evoke fear, as at Sinai (Exodus 19), fitting for tribulation saints saved through the fear of the Lord, unlike church-age believers who mature in love that casts out fear (1 John 4:17-18). Lightning alone signifies judgment (Luke 10:18; Matthew 24:27). The teaching emphasizes dispensational distinctions, the church’s unique heavenly position, and living out love as the path to rewards.
