Dictionary of all Scriptures & Myths

GLASS, OR CRYSTAL

A symbol of Truth on the higher mental plane.

"And I saw as it were a glassy sea mingled with fire." - REV. xv. 2.

This represents the Truth and Love of the Spirit, which are the foundation on which the higher qualities of the soul rest. (Osiris is often depicted seated upon a throne which rests upon a glassy sea of water,-Truth.)

“What other thing, then do we understand by 'gold and glass,' but that heavenly Country, that society of blessed citizens whose hearts mutually one with another at once shine with brightness, and are transparent by pureness; which John in Revelations had beheld, when he said, 'And the building of the wall of it was of jasper, and the city was of pure gold like unto clear glass.'" - St. GREGORY, Morals on the Book of Job, Vol II. p. 377.

You cannot fail to observe that the writer speaks of God as possessing the same attributes as the glassy sea which surrounds His throne. He speaks of the nature of God as crystal-clear and yet as filled with fire. I think I see what he means. God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. But He is also love, the burning flame that is never quenched and in whose embrace all foulness and corruption are destroyed. The sea before the throne is the truth about God, and about all being, made manifest to those who are worthy to behold it with unclouded vision. It is crystal-clear with the light of truth, and mingled with the flame of eternal love that streams from the throne itself. The glassy sea is thus a beautiful figure for the perfect revelation of the glory and the grace of God." - R. J. CAMPBELL, Serm., The Crystal Sea.

See Also

CITY OF GOD
CRYSTAL
FIRE
FOUR BEINGS
GOLD
JERUSALEM
OCEAN
WATER