The Letters To The Seven Churches
All over the Northeast, half a million Adventists — disciples of New York evangelist William Miller — awaited the end of the world on April 3, 1843. Journalists had a field day. Reportedly some disciples were on mountaintops, hoping for a head start to heaven. Others were in graveyards, planning to ascend in union with their departed loved ones. Some high society ladies clustered together outside town to avoid entering God’s holy kingdom amid the common herd. When April 4 dawned as usual, the Millerites were disillusioned, but they took heart. Their leader had predicted a range of dates for the end — dates that have also come and gone.—Today in the Word, April 28, 1993. 
The Things hereafter: Chapter 4
- The rapture…”After this I looked,…”
I Thessalonians 4:13-18 - The open door (v.1)
- The Throne vv.2-11
- in heaven v.2
- occupied by “one” v.2 : Ezekiel 1:1,26
- like brilliant or radiant stone v.3; Ezekiel 1:27,28
- (supernatural splendor of God)
- surrounded by colorful rainbow v.3
- (God’s encircling brilliance)
- 24 elders seats v.4
- robed in pure white
- crowned with gold
- lightings/thunderings/voices came out from the 7 lamps burning before the throne v.5
- sea of glass like crystal before v.6; Exodus 24:10
- four “living ones” full of eyes before and behind around and in the midst v.6
- like a lion (Divine majesty) v.7
- like a calf/ox (Divine strength) v.7
- face as a man (intelligence and purpose) v.7
- like a flying eagle (swift to detect evil and executing judgment) v.7
- six wings v.8 (maximum ability)
- never rest v.9 (always busy on the job)
- sang hymn of praise to God vv.8,9 (continuously directed Glory to God)
- 24 elders fall down to praise and worship God. vv.10,11