Sermons and Outlines

Rev. 4:1                      WHEN JESUS OPENS THE DOOR

Intro:  Ill. This verse must be understood, if we are to correctly interpret the divisions 

in the book of Revelation.  There are three divisions.  Chapter 1; 2-3; 4-22.  This is 

clearly stated by Rev. 1:19.  That verse is the key verse to the book.  It unlocks the 

door of our understanding.  If we miss that verse, we have missed the leadership of the 

Lord!  If 1:19 is the key that opens the door, then 4:1 is the hinge upon which it 

swings!  If we miss the significance of this verse, then we will be as guilty as any of 

the cults.  We will misinterpret the rest of the book if we miss it here!  (Ill. Hereafter 

and after these things!)



  I.                           THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE VERSE

    A.  It Is A Transitional Verse - Ch. 1:19 (Ill. The things which are to take place afte

	the rapture.  (Ill. Meta-tauta - Ater these things!)(Ill. Ch. 3 - Last word on the 

	church until 19, upon the earth!)

    B.  It Is A Typical Verse - A Type of the rapture!  (Ill.  John represents the caught 

          up believers!)



	(Ill. There must be a rapture here!  If it isn’t, our entire theology is washed up!)



 II.                          THE SYMBOLISM OF THE VERSE (Ill. Rev. 1:1 - Sign-i-fied)

    A.  A Symbol Of Sight - (Ill. open doors - third time!)

	1.  Rev. 3:8 - Door of Opportunity

	2.  Rev. 3:20 - Door of Salvation

	3.  Rev. 4:1 - Door of Deliverance (Standing open)

	   a.  Jesus is the only Door - John 10:9; John 14:6

	   b.  The door is open for salvation, but it will close - Matt. 25:1-13 TODAY

	   c.  Door is open to receive the saints home!

    B.  A Symbol Of Sound - Trumpet

	1.  I Thes 4:16-18 - Rapture	

	2.  1 Cor. 15:51-52 - Rapture

	3.  Come up hither - The call of authority - Ill. Jesus calling for Lazarus - John 

	     11:43



III.                         THE SWEETNESS OF THE VERSE (Ill. A Blessing)

    A.  An Escape - No tribulation for the church!  I Thes. 5:9

	1.  Ill. 1 Thes 4:16-17 - Ill. caught up = to snatch away.  (Implies haste and 

             rescue) The church will be rescued from impending doom!

	2.  Judgment Is Coming - (Rev. 2:22; Rev. 3:10)  (Ill. Chps. 6-19!!)

	3.  Escape Is Promised - Rev. 3:11

	   a.  Ill. Types of rapture in the O.T.

	     1.  Enoch - Gen. 5      2.  Noah - Gen 6-9        3.  Lot - Gen. 19      

  	4.  The church will be tested, but not in the Great Tribulation - (Ill. Jesus 	        

	     Movement!)

	5.  Proof Positive - Rev. 2:7; 11; 17; 29; 3:6; 13; 22 - Contrast - 13:9 - No Spirit 

	     no church!

    B.  An Entrance - Going to Heaven to be with the Lord!

	1.  See the Lord - Rev. 22:4

	2.  Experience Heaven - Rev. 21:4; 1 Cor. 2:9

	3.  Live Forever - John 11:25-26