Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

After these events, I looked up and saw a door open in heaven. A voice like a trumpet spoke to me, saying, "Come up here, and I'll show you what will happen next." Suddenly, I was in the Spirit.

A throne was set in heaven, and on it sat One who looked like a brilliant jasper and sardius stone, surrounded by a radiant rainbow that shimmered like an emerald. Twenty-four seats were arranged around the throne, where twenty-four elders sat, dressed in white garments with golden crowns on their heads.

From the throne came lightnings, thunderings, and voices, accompanied by seven blazing lamps of fire, symbolizing the seven Spirits of God. Before the throne stretched a vast expanse of glass like crystal, and surrounding it were four living creatures, each filled with eyes that gazed forward and backward.

These creatures had distinct forms: one resembled a lion, another a calf, the third looked human, and the fourth was like an eagle soaring through the air. Each of them possessed six wings, covered in eyes both on the outside and within, ceaselessly proclaiming day and night, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who exists now and forevermore."

As these creatures offered their glory, honor, and thanks to the One sitting on the throne – who lives eternally – the twenty-four elders fell before him in worship. They cast their crowns at his feet, exclaiming, "You are worthy, Lord, to receive glory, honor, and power, for you created all things, and they exist because of your will."