Remembering Revelation’s Outline
Revelation 1:19 provides a divinely inspired three-part outline for the book of Revelation:
“Write down what you have seen—both the things that are now happening and the things that will happen.” (Revelation 1:19)
This structure divides the book as follows:
- “The things which you have seen” refers to the vision of Christ in Revelation 1.
- “The things which are” encompasses Revelation 2–3, the letters to the churches describing the church age of John, with application for today.
- “The things which will take place after these things” shifts the focus to future events, beginning in Revelation 4:1 and continuing throughout the book.
In Revelation 4:1-3, John is transported from the island of Patmos to heaven, where he is given a prophetic glimpse into the end times:
Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” 2 And instantly I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. 3 The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow. (Revelation 4:1-3)
Revelation’s Outline in Connection with the Rapture
The phrase “after these things” (meta tauta in Greek) appears twice in Revelation 4:1, mirroring the language of Revelation 1:19. This repetition suggests that the events following the church age have begun. Because of this, many believe Revelation 4:1 symbolizes the rapture.
The Case for Revelation 4:1 as the Rapture
Some scholars, particularly pretribulationists like Tim LaHaye, argue that John’s ascent to heaven symbolizes the church being raptured before the Tribulation. Tim LaHaye supports this interpretation:
LaHaye also points out that John’s invitation—“Come up here”—comes from Christ, who spoke “like a trumpet” (Revelation 1:10). He connects this to Jesus’ promise in John 14:2-3 to take His followers to the Father’s house.
Supporters of this view also highlight similarities between 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (a key rapture passage) and Revelation 4:1:
| 1 Thessalonians 4 | Revelation 4 |
|---|---|
| End of the church age | End of the church age |
| Trumpet sounds | Voice like a trumpet |
| Church caught up to heaven | John caught up to heaven |
A Different Perspective
While the timing of John’s ascent aligns with the pretribulation rapture view, I believe Revelation 4:1 does not explicitly or symbolically depict the rapture. Instead, the passage describes John’s experience of being transported to heaven. There is no clear indication that his movement represents the entire church’s relocation to heaven. To equate John’s vision with the rapture goes beyond the text’s plain meaning.
The Open Doors in Revelation
Whether or not one sees Revelation 4:1 as a picture of the rapture, David Jeremiah offers an insightful observation about the significance of open doors in Revelation:
“In Revelation 3, we saw a closed door with Christ knocking for entrance; now in chapter four, we see an open door revealing the majesty of God. Revelation 4 leads us into the throne room, where the King is seated.
Twice in the Book of Revelation, heaven’s door is opened. The first time, in Revelation 4:1, someone goes up. The second time, in Revelation 19:11, someone comes down.”
Concluding Thought
The first open door may not directly depict the rapture, but it does mark a transition from the church age to the unfolding of God’s final plan.
Would you like to be part of the future events of Revelation 4?
If so, watch the video below to find out how!
Do you have any questions about the Book of Revelation or the End Times you’d like >SM to answer? If so, leave them in the comments below. I am learning and following Jesus like anyone else, so I welcome your biblical insight. Your questions and insights help me grow in my faith as I search the Scriptures for God’s answers.
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