After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with One seated on the throne. And He who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God, and before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal. Revelation 4:1-6
This isn’t metaphor or an ‘imagination’, …God’s throne is REAL. And like every prophet who has experienced the other ‘realms’ and later trying to relay what it is like… struggles immensely as it is difficult and the words NEVER completely can do the justice of the actual experience the individual beheld and encountered. John gives the ‘basics’ of that which he saw, I can guarantee that is but a tiny sliver of the encounter he had. God’s throne is an overwhelming place. The absolute power, holiness, energy, depth, width, massive, eternal, atmosphere is beyond anything that a simple human can fully describe. The lightning and sound is truly beyond frightening – it is all consuming. The angels involved are beyond count as they are moving beyond comprehension. The colors are beyond what anyone can describe in physical terms, although John attempts it. But if you search the gems John describes the colors are MANY for each type of stone. Like any heavenly experience the colors are hard to express for they are ‘layered’ and so complex.
Biblehub: In the Scriptures, jasper is consistently portrayed as a precious stone of surpassing beauty, brilliance, and purity. Ancient writers describe it as translucent, often green or clear, more akin to diamond-like quartz than the opaque jasper known today. Its great clarity and capacity to refract light make it an apt symbol for divine glory. Gemstones frequently serve as visual anchors for divine glory, covenant identity, and eschatological hope. The stone designated by Strong’s Greek 4556 is rendered “carnelian” (or “sardius”) in most English versions. Its fiery hue links it to themes of sacrificial blood, purified judgment, and radiant majesty. John describes “a rainbow that gleamed like an emerald” encircling the heavenly throne. The adjective characterizes the luminous, verdant quality of the bow, helping convey both the majesty and the life-giving freshness that surrounds God’s presence. Though the Greek adjective is rare, the gemstone itself is mentioned several times in the Septuagint.
We often forget such a place exists and the idea of God’s throne is just ‘idea’ we never really think about. But once experienced – you are never the same … after. God IS HOLY! But here is the truth – if you are in His family you WILL get to experience His throne for yourself. Depending on the depth of your intimate relationship with Him – will determine how you feel about that …truth. Only by HIS help can flesh even stand in that place! The physical body becomes like jelly in amongst the pure absolute overwhelming power of the lightning and immense sound emanating from the throne. One immediately and inherently understands down to your cellular level the Holiness of God. And the ‘fear of the Lord’ becomes an integral part of your … ‘knowing’. If you think you will be able to be defiant there – is the absolute height of ignorance and arrogance.
God is truly beyond complete comprehension.
“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty,
who was and is and is to come!”
“Worthy are You, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for You created all things,
and by Your will they existed and were created.” Revelation 4:8,11