In Revelation chapter 4 and 5 we get an insight into what happens in heaven. In the book of Hebrews, we learn that Jesus is in a sanctuary, the
one the earthly was a shadow of. Here we see a door opened and we see God’s throne. We learn that people who are saved from the earth have a
role as elders around the throne. We know a group of people rose when Christ was risen and came with God to heaven.
“And the graves were opened, and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.» (Mat 27:52-53)
This might be this group of elders as they are already in heaven when John get this vision. We know from their own words that they have been redeemed from :
“Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation» (5:9)
We see these elders several times in Revelation and we see them agreeing with God’s judgments. This means that God has representatives from earth taking part and witnessing God’s judgment and actions. We also see in the book of Daniel and a judging scene in heaven where ten thousand upon ten thousands of angels are witnesses. (Dan.7:10) God does not need to judge in secret, He is doing it in the open so that the witnesses can see that He is righteous and praise Him for it. God wants our praise to be tied to us knowing Him and seeing He is righteous, not out of fear. Our attention is now drawn to a sealed book. John cries because he so wants for the book to be opened, and for the church to have this insight into the future. Each seal opens a new page with a part of the future. He learns that because of Christ victory He has been given the power to open the seals. We are also told of Christ power and how He is honored in heaven.
