In the previous chapter we saw the Father as the transcendent and sovereign God, worthy of all glory, praise, etc. In His presence a cry went out for one who was worthy to open the scroll that He held in His right hand. In his vision, John saw the Lord Jesus Christ exalted and approaching the Father. He had been exalted (5:5) and now rules with all power and authority (5:6,7) for the church. He would open the scroll for He was worthy.
As in the previous chapter, again note the past, present and future as all present in the prophecy, in the exaltation, coronation and reign of Christ. There is also this progression in the worship ascribed to Christ. These characteristics are typical of the Book of Revelation and of New Testament eschatology, and reflect something of divine eternity and immutability.
Please Read Revelation 5:1-14
Verse 1: As the chapter is a continuation of the previous chapter, so it is in the right hand of the Father that John saw a sealed scroll (cf 6:14). Just what this sealed scroll was has been the subject of various interpretations over the years. Some see this as the Lord's Book of Life (3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12,15; 21:27), others as the Old Testament, and still others as a testament that insures the inheritance of the saints. But given the context (4:1) of the passage, the scroll is probably symbolic of God's eternal purpose as regards the plan of history and the meaning of it (Ezek 2:10; Ps 139:16; Lk 4:16,17).
The sealing of this document with 7 seals, probably in a row on the outside, is representative of the absolute inviolable nature of God's purpose (Dan 8:26; Is 29:11). By being sealed, it is yet unrevealed and unexecuted.
Verses 2,3: A strong angel (10:1; 18:21) proclaimed in a loud voice the need for someone worthy to open the scroll. The loud voice indicated a challenge to every creature in the universe to execute the plan of God. However no-one worthy was found. Though the call had gone out to every creature in the universe, not one was found who was able to answer the challenge, or even to look upon the scroll.
Verse 4: The apostle wept, for God's plan, which included the final redemption of the church, remained veiled and unexecuted.
QUESTION: Will the plan of God remain veiled and unexecuted? Can the plan of God be frustrated? Explain.
NOTE: INDIVIDUAL DISCOVERY QUESTION HERE: How has the 'root of David' prevailed (5:5)? What does this mean?
Verse 5: But there was no reason to weep. So John was directed by one of the elders to not weep, for there was yet one who was able to do what no other could do. This one was the promised Messiah (Gen 49:9,10; Is 11:1,10; Mt 22:41-45; Rom 15:12), the promised king of the tribe of David. He had earned the right to open the scroll, to rule the universe and to execute the Father's plan. He alone is worthy to do so, having conquered sin, Satan and death.
NOTE: INDIVIDUAL DISCOVERY QUESTION HERE: What are the 7 horns and the 7 eyes of 5:6?
Verse 6: In this verse John declared ‘Behold (5:5),’ or ‘look, there He is, the promised One who is worthy to accomplish the will of God.’ Even He who was there in the place of God, surrounded by the subservient hosts, having fully accomplished salvation for His people (Jn 1:29; Acts 8:32; 1 Pet 1:19; Ex 12:3; Is 53) and having been exalted to His rightful place.
The seven horns in this verse indicate complete and perfect authority and power (Deut 33:17; Dan 7:7,20; 8:3,5; Rev 12:3; 13:1,11; 17:3ff), and the seven eyes His complete and perfect insight, and the fullness of the Spirit (Zech 4:10; Rev 4:5).
Verse 7: The taking of the scroll in this verse indicates Christ’s complete ascension to rule (Ps 2; 110; Dan 7:9-14; Lk 19:12; Phil 2:6-11; Heb 2:8,9), and as the remainder of the passage indicates, His taking His place on the throne. Clearly He is worthy to execute the will of God.
QUESTION: What encouragement is there for the followers of Christ in this passage?
Verse 8: It is assumed that at this point the Lamb is upon the throne (3:21) and that He here receives the worship of heaven. The harp indicates the joyful music of the redeemed (18:22; Ps 33:2), and the incense the prayers of the saints.
Verses 9,10: With salvation having now been accomplished, with Christ reigning and the future glory of the saints assured, a new song was sung in heaven (Ps 33:3; 40:3; 96:1; 98:1; Is 42:10). The song is essentially one of worship, acknowledging the divinity of the Lamb (4:11). He is worthy for such honour and glory because He has accomplished the work of redemption (Mk 10:45; 1 Cor 6:20). In doing so He has established a new kingdom (Ex 19:6; Rev 1:6; 20:6) out of all the earthly nations. It is a kingdom of priests, that they might reign and serve in the reign of Christ (2:26,27; 20:4; 22:5).
QUESTIONS: When will believers reign with Christ as kings and serve as priests? Explain.
What does serving as a priest involve for the believer?
Verses 11,12: The worship of heaven involved a great multitude, including all the angels of heaven (Dan 7:10; Heb 12:22) and the church. It is clear that the Lamb is God and that He is worthy to be worshiped as such.
Verse 13: It is fitting that all creation is caught up in the worship of Christ, for all creation will be caught up in the redemption of the elect (Rom 8:19-21). The sovereign rule of the Lamb reaches to all creation (Philip 2:9-11)
QUESTION: How is this verse an encouragement to persecuted Christians?
Verse 14: The worship of the Lamb is the continuing experience of the hosts of heaven. The amen in this verse acknowledges the worthiness of Christ for this worship as true.
INDIVIDUAL DISCOVERY
What are the scales of Rev 6:5?
Outpost Homepage
REVELATION BIBLE STUDIES
BIBLE STUDIES PAGE
NEXT STUDY IN SERIES
TOP
17/10/2006
AN OUTPOST PRODUCTION
