Lesson 9 The Lamb of God – Worthy to open the sealed Scroll (Rev 5:1-14)
Revelation 4 reveals the holiness of God who is enthroned in heaven. Revelation 5 reveals the Lamb of God who is worthy to open the sealed scroll.
In chapter 5, the word “worthy” occurs 4 out of 6 times in Revelation, and the word “scroll” (biblion) occurs 8 times. This scroll is different from the “little scroll” (biblioridion) in chapter 10.
The ancient Romans sealed their wills with seven seals. The scroll is said to contain the details of the title deed for redeemed humanity and the restored earth. It could contain what Daniel was instructed not to disclose, until the time to the end (Daniel 12:4-9). In the scroll in Ezekiel 2, written on the front and back are words of lamentation, mourning and woe. The scroll in Revelation contains the will of the One who died and is alive to open the scrolls. But each of the seven seals must be broken first.
The throne scene in Revelation 5
vs 1-3 In the realm of the Spirit, John saw a scroll in the right hand of God the Father. The scroll is written on both sides and is sealed with seven seals. He saw a mighty angel loudly proclaiming, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and breaks its seals?” John wept as it seemed that no one was worthy to open the scroll. One of the 24 elders answered, “Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David has conquered, so that He can open the scroll.
This is the prophecy made by Jacob for the tribe of Judah (Gen 49:8-10). King David has a vision of his “root” (descendant) in 2 Samuel 23:3: “When one rules justly over men, ruling bin the fear of God.” Isaiah 4:2, Jeremiah 23:5 and Zechariah 3:8; 6:12 prophesy of this righteous Branch of YHWH.
vs 6-10 Behold the Lamb of God! He is worthy to take the scroll and open its seals. He is portrayed figurately as follows:
A Lamb standing as though it has been slain, with
When He had taken the scroll from God the Father, the four living creatures and the 24 elders fell down, each holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. They sang a new song,
“Worthy are You to take the scroll and to open its seals, for You were slain, and by Your blood You ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and You have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”
When Jesus first came, John the Baptist proclaimed, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” (Jn 1:29). Isaiah prophesied of His role and suffering (Isa 52:13-53-12).
Jesus is the Mediator of the New Covenant (diatheke) (Heb 9:15). The New Covenant is the fulfilment of the obsolete Old Covenant (Heb 8:13). The word ‘testament” is another word for ‘covenant.’ See Old covenant vs new covenant—what are the differences? | GotQuestions.org
“A testator is a person who creates a will, a document that dictates who will inherit his property and assets upon his death” (legal dictionary).
For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it (testator – diathethemou) must be established. For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it (testator – diathethemou) is alive (Heb 9:16-17).
vs 11-12 Around the throne, myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands of angels join in the worship of the Lamb in a loud voice saying,
Myriad in Greek is 10,000. In English, “myriads of myriads” means a vast, uncountable number.
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”
The Lamb of God is
“To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”
Both God the Father and God the Son are ascribed with
And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.
Reflection and application
After seeing the exalted Son of Man take the sealed scroll and the worship of the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders and the myriads of angels around the throne, how would you respond?
How would you order the remaining years of your life knowing that you will reign with Jesus in the Millennial Kingdom on the restored earth?
