Topical Encyclopedia The "Sea of Glass" is a symbolic and vivid image found in the Book of Revelation, the final book of the New Testament. This imagery is primarily associated with the heavenly vision experienced by the Apostle John during his exile on the island of Patmos. The Sea of Glass is mentioned twice in Revelation, and it serves as a significant element in the apocalyptic vision, representing divine majesty, purity, and the transcendence of God's throne.Biblical References: 1. Revelation 4:6 : "Before the throne was something like a sea of glass, as clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, covered with eyes in front and back." In this passage, the Sea of Glass is described as being "as clear as crystal," emphasizing its purity and the holiness of the divine presence. The sea is positioned before the throne of God, suggesting a separation between the divine and the created order, yet also serving as a reflective surface that magnifies the glory of God. 2. Revelation 15:2 : "And I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, beside which stood those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name. They were holding harps from God." Here, the Sea of Glass is depicted as being "mixed with fire," which may symbolize judgment, purification, or the fiery trials faced by the faithful. Those who stand beside this sea are the victorious saints, who have overcome the forces of evil and are now in the presence of God, celebrating their triumph with divine harps. Theological Significance: The Sea of Glass is a powerful symbol within the apocalyptic literature of Revelation. Its crystalline clarity represents the holiness and perfection of God's realm, contrasting with the chaos and impurity of the earthly domain. The sea's reflective quality may also suggest the transparency and truth of God's judgments, as well as the revelation of divine mysteries to those who are faithful. The addition of fire in Revelation 15:2 introduces an element of divine judgment and purification. Fire is a common biblical symbol for God's holiness and the refining process that believers undergo. The victorious saints standing beside the fiery sea signify the ultimate triumph of good over evil and the reward for those who remain steadfast in their faith. Cultural and Historical Context: In the ancient Near Eastern context, large bodies of water often symbolized chaos and danger. However, in the heavenly vision of Revelation, the Sea of Glass is calm and clear, indicating God's sovereign control over chaos and His establishment of order and peace. The imagery may also draw from the Old Testament, where the "sea" or "waters" are frequently associated with God's creative power and authority, as seen in Genesis 1 and the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus. Interpretative Perspectives: From a conservative Christian perspective, the Sea of Glass is seen as a literal element of the heavenly vision, reflecting the reality of God's throne room and the ultimate destiny of believers. It serves as a reminder of the purity and holiness required to stand in God's presence and the assurance of victory for those who remain faithful to Christ. The image encourages believers to persevere through trials, with the promise of eternal reward and communion with God. Nave's Topical Index Revelation 15:2And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. Nave's Topical Index Greek 5193. hualinos -- of glass, glassy ... made of glass ("glassy"); "transparent as glass" (Souter). In Scripture, is a greatly valued virtue, representing (!). For example, "the sea" surrounding the ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5193.htm - 7k Library The victors on the Sea of Glass. The Sea of Glass A Description of the Sea-Coast, Out of Pliny and Strabo. "Am Ia Sea, or a Whale?" A Path in the Sea Sky, Earth, and Sea: a Parable of God Vision of the Deity. Of the New Heaven and the New Earth. Cliv My Glass is Half Unspent; Forbear T'Arrest Israel in Egypt Resources Should Christians recycle? How should a Christian view recycling? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about pessimism? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about optimism? | GotQuestions.org Glass: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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