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Home , Revelation 5

A Sealed Scroll, A Praiseworthy Lion and A Sacred Song Revelation 5:1-14

NKJV Notes by Pastor Mike Sasso

Introduction

The four basic views on the begin to disagree greatly in their interpretations of this book starting in the fourth and fifth chapter. We will look at some of the major differences in interpretation. But since this study is meant to be a concise interactive overview of Revelation we will avoid the great depth of details within all the varying views.

Before proceeding to the study notes have your group read together the fourteen verses of chapter five.

STUDY NOTES: verses 1-4 v. 1 And I Saw in the Right Hand of Him Who Sat on the Throne a Scroll Written Inside and on the Back, Sealed with – John now records God sitting on His throne holding a scroll. As the throne of God and the worship of God was the primary focus of chapter four, this scroll is the primary focus of chapter five.

In John’s day, it was unusual for a scroll to be written on both sides. This description reveals that this scroll is completely full with no room for any additions. The “sealing with seven seals” is a picture of a highly secure seal. Roman law required a will to be sealed seven times as illustrated in the wills left by Augustus and Vespasian for their successors.

It is much too early in this context to come to a solid conclusion inductively concerning exactly what this scroll is. But here are a few opinions we will encounter from the four major views…

Historicists (believe most of the book of Revelations is a record of church history past) – This scroll represents God’s purposes, designs and methods of divine providence for the church and the world.

Preterists (believe that the majority of the events recorded in this book took place in John’s day or immediately after) – View the seven seals of this scroll to represent God’s sentence of judgment against for its part in shedding the blood of the righteous.

Futurists (believe that the majority of the book of Revelation records events which will take place in the future) – Believe this scroll to be the title deed of the earth, which was forfeited when Adam fell in sin. Roman law required a will to be sealed seven times. Spiritual / Poetic (Believe that this book does not necessarily record literal events but instead reveal allegorical, symbolic and spiritual truths) – This scroll is God’s redemptive plan seen as God’s last will and testament.

David Guzik also gives some fascinating insights on the various theories of what this scroll actually is. See below: What is this scroll? What is written in it? Through the centuries, commentators have suggested many different ideas. It’s important to remember that whatever is on this scroll, no one except is worthy to open it (Revelation 5:3-4). i. Some think the scroll is the Old Testament, or the Old and New Testaments together, or fulfilled prophecy. But these ideas look back, not forward, and John is speaks of things related to things which must take place after this (:1). Additionally, if the scroll is the Old or , who is unworthy to open that scroll? ii. Some think the scroll is God’s claim of divorce against Israel, but there is little Scriptural evidence for this idea, and who is unworthy to open that scroll? iii. Some think the scroll is God’s sentence against the enemies of the church. Perhaps this is true, but only in an indirect sense; but who is unworthy to open that scroll? iv. Some think the scroll is the text of the Book of Revelation, or the next few chapters. But this is rather unlikely considering how the idea of the scroll is communicated, and who would be unworthy to open that scroll? v. Some think the scroll is the title deed to planet earth. This is an attractive idea, especially because the coming time of tribulation will end with Jesus ruling on earth. But it is hard to demonstrate this with certainty. The best connection in this idea seems to be with Jeremiah 32:6- 15, which describes Jewish title deeds as sealed. But there is no doubt that the earth is the Lord’s (Psalm 24:1), though the governments of this world belong to Satan (Luke 4:5-8). If God has to get the title deed back, when did God ever “lose” the title deed to planet earth? In fact, God holds this scroll - it isn’t lost. But the scroll must be opened, it must be revealed. The best solution is to see the scroll as “God’s will, His final settlement of the affairs of the universe” (Barclay). This is based on the idea that customarily, under Roman law, wills were sealed with seven seals, each from a witness to the validity of the will. i. “Roman law required a will to be sealed seven times as illustrated in the wills left by Augustus and Vespasian for their successors..” (Walvoord). ii. “The book may mean the purposes and designs of God relative to His government of the world and the Church; but we, whose habitation is in the dust, know nothing of such things. We are, however, determined to guess” (Clarke). iii. “The seven sealed book therefore is the comprehensive program of God culminating in the second coming of ” (Walvoord). iv. “The book of the counsels, decrees, and purposes of God relating to His church, as to what more remarkable things should happen to it to the end of the world; which book was in the hand of the Father” (Poole). v. The idea here is that God has a book in which the history of the universe is already written. He has written the history of the world in advance, He holds in His hand the history of the world in advance, and He initiates the consummation of all history. Only God can hold this scroll. f. Remember the emphasis is not on the content of the scroll, but on its seals and the One who is worthy to take it. v. 2 Then I Saw a Strong Angel Proclaiming with a Loud Voice, "Who is Worthy to Open the Scroll and to Loose its Seals?" – Notice the angel isn’t asking who is willing. Many conquerors in world history were quite willing but unable to take hold of the authority that this scroll obviously represented. The question is, who is worthy? And as the next verse reveals, no one was worthy to this point. v. 3 And no one in Heaven or on the Earth or Under the Earth was Able to Open the Scroll, or to Look at it – Notice that not only was no one worthy to open the scroll, but no one could even look at it. What a reminder of how unworthy mankind is to take on the noble tasks of heaven. v. 4 So I Wept Much, Because no one was Found Worthy to Open and Read the Scroll, or to Look at it – Now, go back over the various theories of what this scroll represents and work this statement into the equation. The fact that no one could open, read or look at this scroll greatly troubled John. There is something to be greatly lost if no one can come to the rescue and open this scroll. This is why I personally believe the best theories are that this scroll represents title deed of the earth or God’s plan of redemption of mankind. If no one could come and redeem it as a Kinsmen Redeemer (as in the book of Ruth), then the world and mankind would be lost to Satan forever. Our next verse will reveal more about this.

TRUTH APPLIED:

1. Of the various explanations and theories concerning this scroll, which make the most sense to you and why?

2. Who do you believe is sitting on the throne in verse one and why is He holding the scroll?

3. Why do you think the scroll was sealed with seven seals?

STUDY NOTES: verses 5-10 v. 5 But One of the Elders Said to Me, "Do not Weep. Behold, the Lion of the Tribe of , the Root of , has Prevailed to Open the Scroll and to Loose its Seven Seals." – Now one of the 24 elders offers encouragement to John by pointing out a person, a savior. What does this statement mean? Consider the following facts:  Judah, one of the 12 tribes of Israel, was identified as “the lion.” See Genesis 49:9.  The writer of Hebrews tells us that the Lord Jesus Christ was from the (Heb. 7:14).  Because Jesus Christ descended from King David, He is also called “the root of David.” See Romans 1:3, 15:12; :15. i. These two phrases together are clear messianic titles. See also :10.  To “prevail” means to be in a battle and triumph, succeed, be victorious, overcome, win out, and conquer... In the battle between God and Satan, Jesus has shown Himself the victor. He overcame sin and death. And He overcame Satan himself. This was all done at the cross. See Colossians 2:14-15.  Jesus Christ has prevailed and is worthy to open the scroll and loose its seals. “Under Jewish law, real estate that had been forfeited by a man could be redeemed (brought back) by any near kinsman (Lev. 25:25). To redeem the earth, forfeited by man, the redeemer must be a kinsman (hence a man, not an angel) and must come forward with the purchase price in hand – something that no one in the universe could do except Jesus Christ (See 1 Peter 1:18-19)” (Gregg). This information further supports the theory of this scroll being the title deed of the earth lost with the fall of Adam and purchased back by the blood of Jesus Christ. It is important to point out that the world is representative of the people not land (i.e. John 3:16). v. 6 And I Looked, and Behold, in the Midst of the Throne and of the Four , and in the Midst of the Elders, Stood a Lamb as Though it had been Slain, Having Seven Horns and Seven Eyes, Which are the Seven Spirits of God Sent out into all the Earth – What a strange contrast! John looks to see a conquering lion only to discover a lamb slain! Jesus was called “the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” It has been said that the only physical evidence of sin in heaven will be the scars upon our Savior. And the only “man-made” thing in heaven will be the nail prints and whip marks upon the Lamb of God.

In the scriptures, “horns” are a representation of power. And “eyes” are a picture of knowledge and wisdom. The number “seven” is a figure of completion and perfection. Thus, this lamb has perfect and complete power and perfect and complete wisdom and understanding.

So now we see this Lamb, though He had been slain, risen and living again, “standing” and possessing omnipotence, omniscience, and the fullness of the Holy Spirit of God.

Notice also where this lamb stands, “in the midst of the throne.” Jesus, the Lamb of God, shares the Throne of God with His Father! (Rev. 3:21). All this is more portrayal of the Deity of Jesus Christ. v. 7 Then He Came and Took the Scroll out of the Right Hand of Him Who Sat on the Throne – There is no question that this is a record of the interaction between God the Father and Jesus Christ. This has the familiar feel of Daniel 7:13-14.

v. 8 Now when He had Taken the Scroll, the Four Living Creatures and the Twenty-Four Elders Fell Down Before the Lamb, Each Having a Harp, and Golden Bowls Full of Incense, Which are the Prayers of the Saints – The appearance of the One worthy to open the scroll marks the beginning of great celebration in heaven. And when Jesus Christ (the Lion and the Lamb) begins to open the scroll, all praise begins.

As we look at the heavenly praise recorded here you will see a pattern of “ripples of praise” going out in every direction like shock waves from the throne of God. The praises in heaven seem to always begin with the four living creatures, and then proceed outward to the 24 elders, and then to all the angels, and then to every creature of creation (Rev. 5:11 & 13) Then ripples of praise start all over again (Rev. 5:14).

Harps – Some denominations believe and teach that worship of God should be with the voice only and never accompanied by musical instruments. It is interesting to note that there will be musical instruments in heaven used to worship God.

Do you enjoy worshipping God with a good worship band? Can you imagine how much better the worship in heaven will be?

Golden Bowls Full of Incense – The use of incense was one of the many ways God instructed Moses to offer up worship in the tabernacle (Ex. 31:8,11; 35:8,15,28; 37:25). Guzik says; “In this we see how precious the prayers are the saints are to God. He regards them as a sweet-smelling incense, as if set in precious golden bowls.”

Prayers of the Saints – “Saints” is simply another way of saying “true believers.” See 1 Cor. 1:2, 6:2, 14:33; Eph. 2:19; Phil 1:1, 4:22; Col. 1:2. It is wonderful to know that the prayers of the saints do make it before God’s throne. Again Guzik says, “The connection between prayer and incense is shown in Psalm 141:2: Let my prayer be set before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Incense has a pleasing aroma, it ascends to heaven, and it needs fire before it is of any use.” v. 9 And they Sang a New Song, Saying: "You are Worthy to Take the Scroll, And to Open its Seals; For You Were Slain, And Have Redeemed us to God by Your Blood Out of Every Tribe and Tongue and People and Nation” - This context seems to infer that this song is being sung by both the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures.

The pre-tribulation argument leans heavy upon this verse to prove that the church has been raptured before chapter five and is in heaven singing this song. But the newer translations word this to sound like the twenty-four elders and four living creatures are singing about what God has done for man. The KJV and the NKJV word this to sound like the twenty-four elders and four living creatures are the ones who were redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. This variation certainly has an effect upon answering the question of who the twenty-four elders are, and whether the entire church has been caught up to heaven at this point.

Logic would dictate that if the four living creatures can sing this song along with the twenty-four elders then the newer translations must be more accurately translated here. The four living creatures could not sing “You have redeemed us unto God” since the cherubim did not need redeeming. But they could rightfully sing, “You have redeemed men unto God.” Also consider that twenty-four beings would not be an accurate or fair representation of “every tribe and tongue and people and nation.” v. 10 And have Made us Kings and Priests to Our God; And We Shall Reign on the Earth – A comparison of the various translations available adds to the mystery of this text. Compare the KJV text with a modern translation such as NASB. Again, the modern translations differ here by translating the text “made them” rather than “made us,” and “they will reign” rather than “we shall reign.” And they also translate the word “kings” to “a kingdom.” But consider that if we will indeed “reign” on the earth then the word “kings” is not so inappropriate as we will be reigning under the authority of the King of Kings.

TRUTH APPLIED:

1. Read verses nine and ten in the KJV then read them again in the NASB or NIV. What truths can we derive from these verses with certainty? What is left in question?

2. Is it possible that the four living creatures are not singing this song in verse 9-10?

3. What has this text revealed about the person of Jesus Christ?

4. What have you observed of heavenly praise in this text?

5. What does this text reveal about the prayers of the saints?

6. What do you find confusing or inconclusive about this text?

STUDY NOTES: verses 11-14 v. 11 Then I Looked, and I Heard the Voice of Many Angels Around the Throne, the Living Creatures, and the Elders; and the Number of Them was Ten Thousand Times Ten Thousand, and Thousands of Thousands - Now we see the ripple of praise expanding out in all directions from the throne of God. We see again that the primary occupation in heaven at this time is worship and praise.

The point of this verse is not to give us an exact count of how many angels are in heaven, but to convey the innumerable hosts of heaven worshipping God. v. 12 Saying With a Loud Voice: "Worthy is the Lamb who was Slain To Receive Power and Riches and Wisdom, And Strength and Honor and Glory and Blessing!" – If Jesus was not “God the Son” and if the doctrine of the trinity were not true, this would be nothing short of heresy. What defiance and mutiny this would be as all of heaven praises Jesus Christ in plain view of God the Father, if Jesus were not God. See Deuteronomy 6:13-15. But God the Father is indeed pleased to share worship and praise with His Son. See Psalm 2:12, and John 5:22-23. All this builds a case for the deity of Christ.

Notice also that all the angels of heaven are proclaiming the worthiness of Jesus to receive the dominion of all seven attributes of heaven’s glory: power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.

Concerning these seven attributes, Chuck Missler makes the following points:

1. Power: He is not one who can dream and never realize; plan but never achieve. He is able (Matt. 28:18; 1 Cor. 1:24; Col. 1:16-17; Heb. 1:3; Mark 5:1-20, 25-29, 35-43). 2. Riches: There is no claim on Him which He cannot satisfy, no promise He cannot carry out (2 Cor. 8:9; Eph. 3:8). 3. Wisdom: Both secrets and practical knowledge (1 Cor. 1:24; James 1:5). 4. Strength: Which can even disarm the powers of evil and overthrow Satan (Ps. 24:8; Matt. 12:29; Luke 11:22). 5. Honor: Before Whom every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord indeed (Phil. 2:11; Ps. 104:1; Ps. 8:5; cf. Heb 2:7, 9). 6. Glory: Which is His alone (John 1:14; 2:11; 11:4, 40; 17:5, 24). 7. Blessing: The inevitable climax of it all: He pours this all out of us— you and me (Ps. 103:1-2). v. 13 And Every Creature Which is in Heaven and on the Earth and Under the Earth and Such as are in the Sea, and All that are in Them, I Heard Saying: "Blessing and Honor and Glory and Power Be to Him who Sits on the Throne, And to the Lamb, Forever and Ever!" – Again we see all of creation worshiping the Lamb. Only this time we see equal praise being attributed to both the Father and the Son. Notice also that this is not merely a brief ceremony bestowing some temporary honor to the Lamb of God. This position of praise and high honor belongs to God the Father and God the Son jointly and equally forever and ever.

“There cannot be the slightest doubt that the Lamb is to be reckoned with God and as God.” (Morris) v. 14 Then the Four Living Creatures Said, "Amen!" And the Twenty-Four Elders Fell Down and Worshiped Him who Lives Forever and Ever – The greatest occupation of heaven will be worship. Thus, you and I must learn to properly worship God here and now so we will be properly prepared to worship God then.

“Depend upon it, my hearer, you never will go to heaven unless you are prepared to worship Jesus Christ as God. They are all doing it there: you will have to come to it, and if you entertain the notion that He is a mere man, or that He is anything less than God, I am afraid you will have to begin at the beginning and learn what true religion means. You have a poor foundation to rest upon. I could not trust my soul with a mere man, or believe in an atonement made by a mere man: I must see God Himself putting His hand to so gigantic a work” (Spurgeon).

TRUTH APPLIED:

1. What is the significance of what we have just studied? What happened and what does it mean?

2. What is the overall message you feel is being given here for every Christian to apply to their lives?

3. What does this text reveal to you about the person of Jesus Christ?

4. What are some ways we can offer proper worship and praise onto God here on earth?

5. Tell the story of what you have just read in your own words using interpretive language.

CONCLUSION:

It is my prayer that as we continue to study this book together we will not only learn of the events soon to take place in heaven, but that we would learn to live a life pleasing to God while we remain here on earth.

In worship, praise and honor to the Lamb that was slain and to Him who sits on the throne, forever and ever, amen!

Mike Sasso