Revelation Study Series 10 - God’s Mysterious Plan Fulfilled Series

Revelation Study Series 10 - God’s Mysterious Plan Fulfilled

12.19.21

Message…

Revelation 5:1-4

1 Then I saw a scroll in the right hand of the One who was sitting on the throne. There was writing on the inside and the outside of the scroll, and it was sealed with seven seals.

2 And I saw a strong angel, who shouted with a loud voice: “Who is worthy to break the seals on this scroll and open it?”

3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll and read it.

4 Then I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll and read it.

John stood before the throne of heaven, a witness. He saw a scroll in the right hand of the One on the throne.

This scroll had seven seals. ?Some scrolls have been found to be up to 300’ long.

You could unroll this scroll partially, revealing what was written. Then, there would be another seal, further revealing what was written, then another seal...and so on...seven seals in all.

In those days, any important documents/scrolls...whether they contained business transactions or the like...were sealed in this manner. ?The Romans required seven seals and seven witness signatures on their estate wills.

–(John MacArthur Study Bible Notes)

Revelation 5:2

2 And I saw a strong angel, who shouted with a loud voice: “Who is worthy to break the seals on this scroll and open it?”

“strong angel” is an interesting reference to an angel. I don’t picture any angels as being weak. I don’t think this angel is one that’s been working out at the gym.

It is unclear who this angel is...Commentator John McArthur states that it could be the angel, “Gabriel”...his name means “strength of God”. (Daniel 12 speaks of the archangel Michael and a book which could be a reference to this scroll.)

You can imagine the scene as this “strong angel” loudly cried out, “Who will open the scroll? Who can break the seals? Who will declare what is written?”

After the loud booming question...silence…

In the silence John waited for someone to take the scroll from the right hand of the One on the throne.

The twenty-four elders waited.

The four living creatures with six wings waited.

The One on the throne waited.

Will anyone step forward? Is anyone worthy?

What about Abraham, the father of faith, the “friend of God”?

What about Moses? He led God’s people out of Egypt! He led them across the parted Red Sea!

What about the great prophet Elijah? Elijah called fire down from heaven!

What about King David? A king after God’s own heart!

What about Peter? Peter walked on water!

What about Paul? There was no one as committed and passionate for Christ as was Paul!

Silence...No movement.

This moment must have seemed like an eternity to John...

No one stepped forward. Not one of the angelic hosts. Not even the “strong angel”!

Revelation 5:4

4 Then I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll and read it.

No one had the right, the authority, no one was deserving or worthy...to take that scroll.

No man or woman, no angel, no created being…

John wept because no one was worthy to open this seven- sealed scroll. No one was worthy to step forward and to read what was written.

Author, Tim Lahaye writes, “...For all intents and purposes the seven-sealed scroll is the title deed to the earth. This title deed was given by God to Adam, who lost it through sin to satan; for that reason satan is in control of the world from the time of Adam until the glorious appearing of Christ. John wept because he knew that this scroll represented the title deed to the earth and that as long as it was left sealed, satan would remain in control of the earth.”

Remember when satan tried to tempt Jesus? satan was tempting Him with a shortcut to that title deed!

Luke 14:5-8

5 Then the devil took Him up and revealed to Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.

6 “I will give You the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them,” the devil said, “because they are mine to give to anyone I please.

7 I will give it all to You if You will worship me.”

8 Jesus replied, “The Scriptures say,

‘You must worship the Lord your God

and serve only Him.’”

John saw the title deed to the earth...and there was no one worthy, no one deserving to take claim to that deed.

No one worthy to open its seals, to declare what was written. John wept!

Will the enemy forever occupy the earth?!! Will satan forever have control?!!!