Note: I used many sources to study this book, one of my favorites is Revelation: God’s Word for the Biblically-Inept by Daymond Duck and some out of different study bibles.
Title: The book and the worthy Lamb
Theme:
Text Revelation 5
In the books of Ruth and Jeremiah we get a clear picture of what is known as the kinsman redeemer. If a person had fallen into debt and had to sell their property or their property was taken then they had a right to buy it back. If they could not afford it then someone who was next of kin had the right to redeem it. If they decided not to then it would go down the line. This kept the property in the family. This is what Boaz did to Naomi to buy her land and take her daughter and law. This is what Jeremiah did to his cousin. Two scrolls would be made, one for public display and one sealed seven times for any questions from the owner. The way it was sealed is that it was written on partically then rolled up and sealed. Written on again then sealed. This happened seven times you will see the importance of this in up coming chapters.
When God created this world he gave the rights to it to Adam. Adam through sin lost that right and it was given to Satan. In this chapter and throughout Biblical history we learn of God’s process in redeeming what is rightfully his. Jesus Christ came to be the redeemer. By his blood can it be redeemed. And one day he is going to make a collection.
1. And (continued from chapter 4) I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book (scroll) written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals
Who sits on the throne? God, the father as we will see in 10:2
What is the book?1. "revelation of what God has determined for the future course of the world and mankind. It describes how the world will be judged and portrays the final triumph of God and His people over all evil. When each seal is broken, a portion of the book's content is revealed in a vision. 2.) A title deed to the earth, to which Christ has the right of ownership, both by way of creation and, even more, by way of redemption at Calvary 3.) God's new covenant with Israel
My idea is that it is the title deed to the forfeited inheritance of the earth lost by Adam when he fell. It guarantees the dispossession of Satan and wicked men from earth and provided for by Christ's atoning death. In it we see the judgment of the earth to be cleansed.
Ez 2:9,10
seven seals-to seal a will it took seven seals on the thread that sealed the parchment
Why is it being opened now? When did God flood the world (after Noah was safe), when did he destroy Sodom and Gomorrah? ( when Lot and his daughters were safe), when will he send down the judgements on the world? (when the church is safe)
2. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals there of?
Who has a right to hold the title of this world? Who has a right to read the judgments of God? Who can establish a new way of justice and righteousness? What would the world say? Today the Democrats say they know the answer, the president says he knows the answer, the Republicans, the educators, the philosophers, the New Agers all those other this world but as we will see there is but one person who can hold the title and open the scroll.
Because Gabriel means “strength of God” some say this is the arch-angel Gabriel
3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither look thereon.
no man in heaven-the angels
nor in earth-man No man of Adam's line has the right. Not Adam, not Noah, not Moses with the law, not David and the kingship many have tried in this world, even people like Hiller, Stalin and many great leaders
neither under the earth-Satan and his angels
Why could no one open the book? was it because of strength? Was it because of power? no it was worthiness
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: (Romans 3:10 AV)
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23 AV)
4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
John wept because he knows that if a worthy person is not found to open the book, God's purpose of judgment and blessing for the world will remain unfilled. This was his hope and has been the hope of all Christians and the body. Even those who are not Christians groan for the answer.
Rom 8:22, and us also 23 read
5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed (has triumphed)to open the book, and to loose the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth
Here we see a mention again of the 24 elders. Who did we say they were? Do you think they would know who the Lion of Judah (Gen. 49:9,10) was, or who the Root of David (2 Samuel 7) was. The Israelites would know now because Christ went in the debths and preached to them and we know the Apostles would because they saw and lived with him.
There is one who has triumphed. Who?
6 And I behold, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts (living creatures), and in the midst of the elders, stood (is standing) a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
Lamb as it had been slain-he was sacrificed for man's sin Is 53:7, John 1:29
horns are a symbol of power and strength 1 Kings 22:11; Dan 7:24 also fullness of power Ps 89:17,24
Isaiah 53:7 ”as a lamb led to slaughter”, John the Baptist “the lamb of God ,who takes away the sin of the World” John 1:29
Seven horns-power “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (Matthew 28:18 AV)
seven eyes-speaks here of wisdom Zech. 4:10 Seven spirits Is 11:2
1) He had power omnipotent 2) He had knowledge 3) was full of the Holy Spirit We also see the two contrast of his comings.
1st coming 2nd coming
Lamb Lion Meekness majesty Savior Sovereign
judged the judge
grace of god government of God
7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
Jesus now takes the book and steps from the role of intercessor of the church to now the judge
8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
harps are symbols of praise
golden vials full of odours (bowls of incense), we have heard of prayers being as a sweet smelling savor in the nostrils of God. which are the prayers of saints-these are the intercession prayers for self and others it will finally be answered by Christ.
Some say it is the prayers being prayed by the raptured church. It could also be the prayers built up from praying as we should “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done”
9 And they (living creatures and elders) sung a new song, saying. Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open: for thou was slain, and hast redeemed us to God by the blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
Why is he worthy to take the book and open it? 1. Died on Calavry Is 4:6 2. he has redeemed us to God by the blood see Lev 17:11
1Peter 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
3. not a respector of persons
kindred-relatives
tongue-other tribes and races
people-all people
nation-all the world
4. he has made us a royal priest hood
"representatives of every nationality, without distinction of race or geographical or political distribution"
the church will the made the kings and priests over the new earth. 1 Pt 2:9
vs 9-10 death of Christ
1)sacrificial death "by thy blood 2) emancipation (freeing, liberation) death "hast redeemed us" 3) universally atoning death "out of every kindred" 4) effective death "hast made us"
Old song-Old testament Praise for Creation New Song-New Testament-Praise for Redemption
11. And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts (living creatures) and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands;
here we see the multitude of the redeemed.
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 blessings
Sevenfold description 1 Chronicles 29:11-12
Power-authority to do whatever he wants (forgive sins, give eternal life)
Wealth-the riches of God (all is his)
Wisdom-wisdom of God (counsel, understanding, judge, govern, reign)
Strength-physical strength to do whatever he wants (heal, deliver, conquer)
Honor-rewards Glory-image of God (God’s glory, magnificence, splendor, royal dignity and
Majesty Praise-worship, acknowledgement 13 And every creature which is in heaven and on earth, and under the earth, and such as are in tee sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that stitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
Notice that this includes every area of creation Phil. 2:10-11 the inhabitants of heaven, earth, sea, and Hades
blessings-praise, honour-preeminence, glory splendor of God, power-strength or might
14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
lean on Jesus,
We can participate in the same activity here on earth. A continual praise of God. A pratice of what we will soon do in heaven.
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 AV)
