Topical Bible: Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Temple Opened

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The Vision of John on the Island of Patmos, particularly the scene where the temple in heaven is opened, is a significant event described in the Book of Revelation. This vision is part of the apocalyptic literature that reveals divine mysteries and future events to the Apostle John during his exile on the island of Patmos. The opening of the heavenly temple is a profound moment that underscores the holiness and majesty of God, as well as His ultimate plan for humanity.

Biblical Context

The vision of the temple opened is found in Revelation 11:19, which states: "Then the temple of God in heaven was opened, and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple. And there were flashes of lightning, and rumblings, and peals of thunder, and an earthquake, and a great hailstorm" . This passage follows the sounding of the seventh trumpet, a pivotal moment in the unfolding of God's judgment and the establishment of His kingdom.

Symbolism and Imagery

The opening of the temple in heaven signifies the unveiling of divine mysteries and the accessibility of God's presence. The temple, a central element in Jewish worship, represents God's dwelling place and His covenant relationship with His people. The appearance of the ark of the covenant within the temple further emphasizes God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. The ark, which once resided in the Holy of Holies in the earthly temple, symbolizes God's law, His mercy, and His covenant with Israel.

The accompanying phenomena—lightning, thunder, an earthquake, and hail—are reminiscent of the theophany at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16-19) and serve to highlight the awe-inspiring power and holiness of God. These elements often accompany divine revelation and judgment, indicating the seriousness and magnitude of the events being revealed.

Theological Significance

The opening of the heavenly temple and the revelation of the ark of the covenant underscore the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament. It affirms that God's covenant with His people remains intact and that His promises are being fulfilled through the events described in Revelation. This vision reassures believers of God's sovereignty and the certainty of His ultimate victory over evil.

Furthermore, the scene serves as a prelude to the final judgments and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. It marks a transition from the period of tribulation to the consummation of God's plan, where His justice and righteousness will be fully realized. The opening of the temple invites believers to anticipate the coming of God's kingdom with hope and reverence.

Implications for Believers

For Christians, the vision of the temple opened in heaven is a powerful reminder of God's holiness, faithfulness, and the reality of His presence. It calls believers to live in anticipation of Christ's return and to remain steadfast in their faith amidst trials and tribulations. The vision encourages a deeper understanding of God's redemptive work and a commitment to worship and obedience.

In summary, the opening of the temple in John's vision on Patmos is a moment of profound theological and eschatological significance. It reveals the continuity of God's covenant, the certainty of His promises, and the ultimate fulfillment of His divine plan for creation.

Nave's Topical Index

Revelation 15:5
And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Roman Conflagration and the Neronian Persecution.
... and depicted its horrors, as an exile on the lonely island of Patmos in the vision
of the ... Peter, to whom our Lord had prophesied such a death, John 21:18 ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 37 the roman conflagration.htm

A Sight of the Crowned Christ
... with the One whom he has seen in the vision, what He ... John was on the lonely sea-girt
isle of Patmos ... It was these that had brought him to his lonely island prison ...
/.../quiet talks on the crowned christ of revelation/iii a sight of the crowned.htm

Heralds of the Morning
... And Habakkuk, rapt in holy vision, beheld His appearing. ... in Greenland, in the West
Indies, in the island of Madeira ... but shall have the light of life." John 8:12 ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 17 heralds of the.htm

Heralds of the Morning.
... And Habakkuk, rapt in holy vision, beheld His appearing ... Let us with John, the servant
of God, cry in our ... Greenland, in the West Indies, in the island of Madeira ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /17 heralds of the morning.htm

A Discourse
... the voice of their Lord (Isaiah 5:20; John 3:20 ... Nor could anything in the temple
more aptly express itself ... key of the bottomless pit, and had opened the mouth ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... and of great virtue, to be the pure temple of God ... also the Saviour himself in the
Revelation of John says, [4356 ... Moses who when he saw a great vision and heard ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm