THE THRONE IN HEAVEN The One on the throne--4:1-3. 1. “ A door was opened in heaven” --4:1. The word heaven here signifies the source of all revelation, being the place of God’ s residence. (Daniel 4:26; John 1:51; John 3:27; Romans 1:18; Galatians 1:8; Hebrews 12:25; 1 Peter 1:12; Matthew 16:17) And from the heavenly throne proceeded these visions. It is the abode of God who is “ the God of heaven.” (1 Kings 8:30; Daniel 2:28; Matthew 5:45) It is there that God has his throne. (Isaiah 66:1; Psalms 103:19; Psalms 11:4) It is the seat of sovereignty, the symbol of regal authority, from which justice and judgment are dispensed. (Psalms 89:14) Being thus the sign of royalty, throne is applied to the center of all divine authority. (Matthew 19:28) “ Come up hither and I will show thee.” The apocalypse in its complete composition proceeded from the one who sits on the throne. (Daniel 2:47; Matthew 11:27; Philippians 3:15; John 4:1)