Revelation 5:1-14
Q.1. How was God portrayed as having total control over the future? Does anyone else have such influence? Why does Jesus qualify to open the book? – (Rev.5:1-5 c.f. Rev.1:18)
We will soon learn that the scrolls hide from view what God has planned to do at the climax of the ages. He has already planned the way the greatest number of sinners can be saved. No one in all Heaven or earth is worthy or wise enough to determine the future. God has the whole world in His hand. Like John, we eagerly await the consummation of the ages. John was overcome with grief at the realisation that – … no one was found worthy to open the book or to look into it (Rev.5:4). Then – one of the elders said to me, “Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals.” (Rev.5:5). Imagine the everlasting tragedy, if the climax had come before Jesus laid down His life for us. However, He is the overcomer Who comforts us by saying – 17 … “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, 18 and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades (Rev.1:17-18). He died as the Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world but is now the Lion-King of glory.
Q.2. How does Christ operate in the world? What impact do the saints have today and in future? How is this achieved? What makes Christ worthy of praise? – (Rev.5:6-10)
In the throne room we see the Ancient of Days sitting and ruling from His throne. We also see Jesus, standing ready for action, in complete control, with His attending four living creatures and twenty-four elders (Rev.5:6 c.f. Rev.5:1). With complete confidence and authority – He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne (Rev.5:7). The prayers of the saints ascend to our Great High Priest, and we will join Him – … to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth (Rev.5:8 & 10 c.f. Rev.8:3-5). This all underscores the amazing love and mercy of God, since our sin-bearer and substitute was – … slain and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation (Rev.5:9). No wonder they (and we) sing – … Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals … (Rev.5:9).
Q.3. How great is our God? How powerful is His army? Who is to be praised for the brilliance of God’s plan? Could anything diminish His glory? – (Rev.5:11-14)
Lucifer rebelled against God, but as a created being he was no match for the invincible Christ, Who is King of all kings (c.f. Rev.12:4, 7-12; 19:11-16). God almighty is attended by countless angels – Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands (Rev.5:11). To populate Heaven with those who willingly submit to His goodness, the triune God devised an incredible plan. It demanded the shedding of the life blood of, not any old lamb … but the Lamb of God, the Father’s One and Only Son. Therefore – every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, “To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honour and glory and dominion forever and ever.” … “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honour and glory and blessing.” (Rev.5:13 & 12). It is a fait accompli – This will be the theme-song for time and eternity. (c.f. Rev.5:13).