Creation Fulfilled

With the ascent of the Lamb (Revelation 5:13-14), the triple-decker vertical dimension of the universe – heaven, earth, sea – has turned into a fourfold arena – heaven, earth, under earth, sea –  and this fourfold is populated by “things in them.” 

This follows a familiar separation-filling pattern. Four zones are listed, and then the “things that are in them.” That hints back to the forming-and-filling patterns of creation. Creation comes to its fulfillment when it is no longer formless and empty. Creation fulfilled is, however, not merely formed and filled, but formed and filled with praise.

We can play with the numerology a bit. With the addition of “things in them,” the fourfold creation becomes a fivefold reality. There are four zones, and then to those four zones are added a fifth, a host or a swarm of things in each environment that matches the swarming things of the fifth day.

We might also have a seven sequence here: Heaven, earth, under earth, sea, things in them, Enthroned One and Lamb, fourfold ascription. That would match the days of creation numerically, and would put the Enthroned-and-Lamb in the position of the fulfillment of humanity and the fourfold ascription, which is “forever and ever,” in the position of being the eternal Sabbath.

The objects of worship in this final song are both the One Enthroned and the Lamb. Four things – blessing, honor, and glory – are ascribed to both. Creatures from the four zones of creation give fourfold praise to the Lamb and the One Enthroned. Creatures from four zones ascribed four honorifics to the two.

But this shows that the elevation of the Lamb has made God “four.” To the Enthroned One, the living creatures sing in threes: Triple sanctus, Lord/God/Pantocrator, the Past/Present/Future one (4:8). Once they add the Lamb to their praise, their praise becomes a four: Blessing, honor, glory, dominion to the Lamb and the one who sits on the throne. 

Now the human god is enthroned with the Triune God, and the Triune God with His human son/bride deserves fourfold praise.