Before the terrible judgments of the tribulation period (Revelation 6:1-19:21), the Apostle John witnessed Christ, the only One absolutely worthy to open the sealed book and to unfold the future judgments to be poured out on the earth. The awesome focus of chapter 5 is Christ Himself, the Redeemed Lamb. All heaven is depicted as worshipping Him, for He is absolutely worthy to open the seals to unfold what will happen on earth! As we read this marvelous chapter, let us continue to extol His name and truly magnify the awesome power of our Redeeming Lamb!
As you read this spectacular scene of heaven’s worship of the Lamb, your worship of Christ should be enhanced, for Christ is deserving of our total worship and adoration. As the majestic scene opens in chapter 5, let us observe the following outline: I. The Worthiness of the Lamb, Revelation 5:1-5; II. The Worship of the Lamb, Revelation 5:6-14.
The Worthiness of the Lamb – Revelation 5:1-5
Immediately, John turns our attention to the scroll he saw in the Father’s right hand. A search was made to determine if someone was worthy to open the sealed scroll. The scrolls of John’s day were parchments (pieces of papyrus) that were sewn end to end and rolled up. Some scrolls were long, as many as thirty feet. The scroll John saw had writing on both sides, denoting a complete message. Nothing more was to be added (Revelation 22;18-19). All that one needs to know regarding the future was sufficiently supplied in the scroll! From ancient times, the secrecy and security of the scroll’s message was sealed with a bit of clay or wax. The seal was a stamp that could be broken only by the addressee. When this seal was broken, it would reveal the terrible judgments of the great tribulation period (Revelation 6:1-19:21). Christ is the only One who could open this scroll, proving that He has the right to judge (St. John 5:21-22). The Greek word for book (Revelation 5:1), or scroll, is the word from which we get our word “Bible” (biblion).
In verse 2, a strong angel emerged and spoke with a loud voice saying: “Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?” The One who had the right to open the scroll would not only reveal what was written, but also show His right to loosen the seals. From verses 3-5, in the search, it was revealed that no man in heaven, on earth, or under the earth could open the book and look inside. The Apostle John began weeping because no one was able to open the sealed book! He wept because God’s prophetic program regarding the hereafter could not be revealed (Revelation 5:4). One of the elders in heaven came forward and consoled John, telling him not to weep. John was informed by the elder that Jesus was able to open the scroll. The One able to open the scroll was identified as “the Lion of the tribe of Judah” and “the Root of David” (Revelation 5:5). Christ was worthy to open this scroll because He conquered, or prevailed over, death and sin. Christ is pictured here as both the Lion and the Lamb. As the Lamb, Christ came to earth to die for sin at His first coming; however, as the Lion, He will appear at His second coming to rule with power and authority.
The Worship of the Lamb – Revelation 5:6-14
In verses 6-7, John draws our attention to the Lamb standing before the throne with marks of having been slain. He is depicted as having seven horns and seven eyes, representing the seven spirits of God. The seven horns speak of the Lamb’s strength and the seven eyes speak of the fullness of the Spirit of God. The Lamb, standing in the midst of the throne, took the scroll from God the Father (Revelation 5:7). In taking the scroll (Revelation 5:7-8), Christ has the right to judge sinful mankind, for God the Father “hath committed all judgment unto the Son” (St. John 5:22). As Christ took the seven sealed scroll, the twenty-four elders and four creatures bowed in worship. Each elder had a harp and a golden bowl filled with incense (v. 8). This incense is identified as the prayers of the saints. Both praise and prayer united in one great celebration of the Lamb who is worthy of praise! A new song was sung by the elders and the creatures in worship of Jesus Christ. The focus is on Christ who was able to open the seals. He is worthy to be praised because of the great redemption He has wrought for all mankind! In verses 11-12, the elders were joined by the angels in worshipping the Lamb. Then in verses 13-14, every creature in heaven, and on earth and under the earth and on the sea and all that is in them joined in worship and praise to God. In total praise to God, the four creatures “said Amen” and the twenty-four elders fell prostrate in worship (v. 14).
May God Bless!
Dr. Johnny Calvin Smith
