[1] After this I looked. And there was an open door in heaven. The first voice I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, "Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this." [2] Immediately I was in the Spirit. And there was a throne set in heaven with One sitting on the throne! [3] And He who sat there appeared like a jasper and a sardius stone. There was a rainbow around the throne, appearing like an emerald. [4] Twenty-four thrones were around the throne. And I saw twenty-four elders sitting on the thrones, clothed in white garments. They had crowns of gold on their heads. [5] Lightnings and thunderings and voices proceeded from the throne. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. [6] Before the throne was a sea of glass like crystal. In the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures covered with eyes in front and in back. [7] The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth creature was like a flying eagle. [8] The four living creatures had six wings each, and they were covered with eyes all around. All day and night, without ceasing, they were saying: " 'Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty,' who was, and is, and is to come." [9] When the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, [10] the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and worship Him, who lives forever and ever. Then they cast their crowns before the throne, saying, [11] "You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You have created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created."
