The Throne of Heaven
AFTER this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard, was as it were of a trumpet talking with me, which said: “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place hereafter.”
2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat upon the throne.
3 And He who sat, was to look upon like a jasper and a sardius stone: and there was a halo around the throne, in sight likened to an emerald.
4 And round about the throne were twenty four thrones: and upon the thrones I saw twenty four elders seated, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
5 And out of the throne, proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
6 And before the throne, was a sea of glass likened to crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes, in front and in back.
7 And the first beast was like a lion; and the second beast like a calf; and the third beast had a face as a man; and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
8 And the four beasts, had each of them six wings about; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.”
9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to Him that sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever:
10 The twenty four elders fall down before Him who sat on the throne, and worship Him that lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying:
11 “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for you have created all things, and through your will they exist and were created.”