Revelation 05

5/04/2023 Wednesday
The Revelation
Study of John’s Revelation
Chapter 5
Chapter 5 – The Sealed Scroll
God held a sealed scroll (Re 5:1)
This scene is still in heaven around the throne of God.
The scroll was in God’s right hand.
The scroll contained writing on both sides.
The scroll was sealed with seven seals.
How the scroll was sealed is not stated. Theories abound.
It appears that the opening of each seal opened a portion of the scroll.
Chapter 5 – The Sealed Scroll
A strong angel asked “who is worthy to open the scroll?” (Re 5:2-3)
An unidentified strong or mighty angel is God’s loud speaker.
No man (lit., no one) was able to open the scroll (v.3).
No being in heaven, including angels, no being in earth, no being under the earth in the abode of the dead, in hell, had the authority
to open the seals.
No man was able to look in the scroll.
Chapter 5 – The Sealed Scroll
John cried about the sealed scroll (Re 5:4).
John knew that he could not open the scroll.
He cried much.
Plummer points out that the Greek literally says, John burst into tears, and continued weeping. (Plummer 163)
He cried because God’s revelation was hidden and postponed.
Chapter 5 – The Sealed Scroll
One of the 24 elders calmed John’s sorrow (Re 5:5).
Those in heaven knew who was worthy.
The elder describes the Worthy One.
He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. The Lamb of God is the Lion!
He is the Root of David.
He had already prevailed.
He was the victor.
Chapter 5 – The Sealed Scroll
John saw the Worthy One (Re 5:6-7).
He was in the middle of the throne, the living creatures, and the 24 elders.
He is the Lamb of God that had been sacrificed for man’s sin.
The Lamb had been slain or sacrificed.
The Lamb had seven horns. Horns speak of power.
He also had seven eyes. This may refer to the seven Spirits of God described in Isaiah 11:1-2. Cf., Re 1:4; 3:1; 4:5; 5:6.
Christ, the Lamb took the scroll from the hand of God.
Daniel 7:13-14 is a parallel passage”. (Walvoord, Revelation 116)
Chapter 5 – The Sealed Scroll
When Jesus took the scroll, praise broke out in heaven (Re 5:8-10).
The living creatures and the elders worship Him.
They had harps and golden bowls full of prayers of the saints.
Their worship song proclaimed four reasons that Christ was worthy to open the scroll (v.9-10).
He has been killed or sacrificed.
He has redeemed believers to God by His blood.
He has made believers kings and priests.
He has appointed believers to reign on the earth.
Chapter 5 – The Sealed Scroll
All those in heaven proclaim Christ’s worthiness (Re 5:11-12).
They included many angels, the living creatures, and the elders (representing saints of all ages).
Their number is beyond counting.
They loudly proclaim Christ’s worthiness. (Revelation 5:12) “Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that
was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.”
Chapter 5 – The Sealed Scroll
All creation joins in the praise of Christ (Re 5:13-14).
All living creatures are included.
The word literally means every “created thing.” Only God knows what all this includes.
Each one voices his praise. (Revelation 5:13) “And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under
the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory,
and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.”
The four living creatures [beasts] say an agreeing, Amen!
The 24 elders fall down and worship Christ.
Practical Application
Man has no authority over future events.
You may rest in peace. God’s timing will be perfect.
The world will not end prematurely.
Jesus is worthy to open the seal judgments because he paid sin’s full debt so men can escape the
judgments.
All who do not receive His payment will endure His judgment.
Jesus is worthy of your honour, praise, and worship.
Honour him by representing Him with a godly, pure life.
Praise Him with music that does not mimic the sinful world.
Worship Him by humbly bowing before Him daily in prayer.