In the fourth chapter we saw the glory and authority of God in the heavenly throne scene. We experienced the heavenly worship of the angels and saints of God. Now in chapter 5 we have a continuation of this scene. The Apostle John is still in the Spirit seeing a vision from the perspective of heaven. The main point of chapter 5 is the scroll in the hand of the Father.
I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed up with seven seals. 2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to break its seals?” 3 And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it. 4 Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. 5 And 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 be able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
6 And I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slaughtered, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 And He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. 8 When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying,
“Worthy are You to take the scroll and to break its seals; for You were slaughtered, and You purchased people for God with Your blood from every tribe, language, people, and nation.
10 You have made them into a kingdom and priests to our God, and they will reign upon the earth.”
11 Then I looked, and I heard the voices 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, 12 saying with a loud voice,
“Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power, wealth, wisdom, might, honor, glory, and blessing.”
13 And I heard every created thing which is in heaven, or on the earth, or under the earth, or on the sea, and all the things in them, saying,
“To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be the blessing, the honor, the glory, and the dominion forever and ever.”
14 And the four living creatures were saying, “Amen.” And the elders fell down and worshiped. Revelation 4:1-14
The very first verse tells us there is a scroll in Father God’s right hand. The right hand is typically symbolic of action or power. But let’s talk about this scroll with the seven seals. According to Theodor Zahn in his book, Introduction to the New Testament, this scroll was a testament. He writes, “When a testator dies the testament is brought forward, and when possible opened in the presence of the seven witnesses who sealed it; i.e., it was unsealed, read aloud and executed … The document with seven seals is the symbol of the promise of a future kingdom.” We also notice the writing on the scroll is on the front and back. Now this description is significant and we are reminded of the Ten Commandments. In Exodus 32:15 the Bible tells us there was writing on the front and back of the tablets.
In ancient times, victorious kings would impose treaties or covenants with the defeated king (vassal). There would be two copies of the document and they would be placed in each party’s temple or house of their god. This signified the legality and force of the treaty. We see very similar language and customs in the Old Testament with God’s covenant with Israel. In this case, the scroll symbolizes the testament of Jesus Christ – the New Covenant. It is strikingly similar how the Old Testament prophets spoke in terms of covenantal treaty structure, speaking on behalf of the divine King.
In verse 3, the text explains that no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll. No one is worthy, no one can fulfill Yahweh’s requirement to open the New Covenant. No one can execute God’s plan of redemption. The Apostle weeps because no one could open the scroll. Would the seven-sealed covenant remain closed and locked? Absolutely not! At this pivotal moment, when all hope seems lost, the Kinsman-redeemer steps forward. You probably remember the idea of a kinsman-redeemer from the story of Ruth. Explaining this passage in Revelation, R. J. Rushdoony describes it this way – “A Kinsman-redeemer was to redeem a forfeited inheritance (Lev. 25:24-28). A Kinsman-redeemer was to ransom his kinsmen from bondage (Lev. 25:47-54). A Kinsman-redeemer was to avenge the death of his kinsmen (Num. 35:12,19).” (Thy Kingdom Come, Rushdoony)
Everyone from Adam to Abraham to David could not fulfill the covenant. The New Testament is in the hand of the Father, ready to be executed, but no one can open the book. The Apostle begins to weep. And yet, as we continue to follow the scene in heaven one of the elders boldly tells John – Weep not! For the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered! Don’t miss the message of the Revelation of Jesus Christ! It is the gospel – the Lamb who was slain has conquered as a royal lion. By his blood, death and resurrection, he has conquered sin and been raised up to the right land of the Father.
In this chapter we see the clear illustration of Jesus as both the victorious lion who has conquered and the sacrificial lamb. Verse 6 tells us that this Lamb is standing in the center of the throne. He is the center of all that is – he has seven horns and seven eyes. This speaks of his power and spirit. And at this moment, he takes the scroll from the Father, to execute his divine will. Jesus alone is worthy to fulfill Yahweh’s new covenant. The book of Daniel describes it this way:
“I kept looking until thrones were set up, and the Ancient of Days took His seat; His garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head like pure wool. His throne was ablaze with flames, its wheels were a burning fire. A river of fire was flowing and coming out from before Him; thousands upon thousands were serving Him, and myriads upon myriads were standing before Him; the court convened, and the books were opened...
“I kept looking in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven One like a son of man was coming, and He came up to the Ancient of Days and was presented before Him. And to Him was given dominion, honor, and a kingdom, so that all the peoples, nations, and populations of all languages might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion which will not pass away; and His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed.” Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
And after this momentous action, the revealing of who Jesus is and the company of heaven sees the Son of God taking the New Covenant – what happens? Immediately, the living creatures and elders fall down before Jesus to worship.
“You are worthy to take the scroll … because you were slain … you purchased men for God … You have made them a kingdom of priests … and they will reign.”
Now we do not want to miss that each of the elders and creatures had a harp and golden bowl full of incense – and these bowls of incense were the prayers of the saints. In this heavenly scene of Jesus conquering, opening the New Covenant and making his people more than conquerors – we are washed in heavenly worship, with new songs and the prayers of the saints. As we continue through the book of Revelation, we will see just how important worship and prayer are to God.
Now, I would like to stop here for a moment and discuss a figure from history – Simeon the New Theologian. Simeon lived from about 949-1022. His early career was in the court of Emperor Nicephorus II, however he eventually went into monastic life. Simeon’s life was colored with controversy because he loved to pray and the inner life with God. He was mocked and ridiculed, in fact, when he went to Constantinople (Byzantine capital), he was constantly attacked by a man named Stephen. In fact, the accusations became so severe, Simeon ended up leaving the capital and founded a new monastery outside Constantinople. Simeon had an unusual faith and he was known for his pure worship. It was said that he would prophesy about individuals and he had a strong ministry of healing through prayer. Simeon would often weep and he spoke freely about his experiences with God. Simeon’s goal as to move people away from ritual and ceremony, and focus on the inner life of the Spirit, particularly the spiritual practice of prayer. After his death, he earned the title, “the New Theologian” because of his great writings and teaching (2000 Years of Christ’s Power, Vol. 2 – The Middle Ages, Nick Needham).
So, why do I point out this story from history – because it highlights prayer, and we often forget just how important and precious worship and prayer are to God. How powerful a prayerful life is and it changes not only the person but impacts many others as well.
In Revelation 8:3-4 every prayer is before the throne of God and they are precious to him. In the Old Testament, the altar of incense was nearest the curtain before the holy of holies – the symbolism is that the offering was constantly before the throne of God. The burning incense would rise up into the nostrils of Yahweh. The prayer of the saints is very near to God, perpetually before his throne in a sweet aroma of burning incense.
With all the signs and symbols in Revelation, do not miss the importance of worship and prayer – Revelation is full of songs, prayers and adoration for the King of kings. Revelation 5 displays the entire universe in chorus singing praises to the King of Glory.
So in looking at this chapter we have the execution of Yahweh’s will, the New Testament. Jesus is the only one worthy to open the scroll and execute God's plan. And part of this grand plan is the dominion of those who belong to the Lord, he makes them his kingly priests. All that has been lost through Adam in the garden is restored through Jesus Christ. The victory of the Lamb is also our victory. Through his work on the cross and resurrection we are victorious joint heirs. Our role is to bring righteousness and peace through the victory of Christ.
We should remember that in the Apostle John’s day, Christians were about to be tested and experience severe persecution. It was important for them and us to know we are not ruled by chance or evil empires, but by a mighty victorious God. Take this encouragement today in the times in which we live. Jesus Christ has given us victory; he has purchased us with his own royal blood. He and he alone have been able to open the scroll, the New Testament covenant. Our response to such news should always be like Revelation – a response of worship. Falling down before our King and adoring him with songs, thanksgiving and prayer. No matter how your life is going or the challenges you face, Christ is King. Even as nations experience difficulties and God’s just judgment, his people still remain confident in his presence and kingship. There is no one on earth who can open the book; it is reserved for the one and only Jesus Christ. So, go forth in this knowledge. Stand up for peace and righteousness, worship the true King and manifest his glorious kingdom.
The most powerful book in the world has been opened – what are you going to do about it?
“When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying,
“Worthy are You to take the scroll and to break its seals; for You were slaughtered, and You purchased people for God with Your blood from every tribe, language, people, and nation.”
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