Ultimate sovereignty over all history will be displayed by what he holds firmly in his hand. God the Father is seated and continues to sit on the throne.  Here lies ultimate authority. 

In today’s lesson we will see the worship of Jesus Christ. This worship recognizes the worthiness of Jesus Christ; who even though he is in Heaven is described as the ‘lamb which bears the marks of sacrifice’. 

All the attention in this chapter is on this ‘Lamb’. The powerful angels and the martyrs show no concern about their position, their rewards, their status, or their personal agendas, but focus all their attention in unified worship of the ‘Lamb’. 

Here we are shown true worship, what elements must be present for it to exist and how it is to be done. 

We will also see something of the role of singing in the worship of God.  Since the chapter takes us into the issue of community worship, it provides the answer to all types of questions that are frequently asked such as:

Note that we will see all creation responding to God. 

We will see that in these two chapters we are studying, there are five ‘hymns’ which set the pattern for our corporate worship. They tell us what our corporate worship life is all about and emphasize that the God we worship, serve and love is absolutely real.  We see these hymns in Revelation 4:8, Revelation 4:11, (these are directed at the Father), Revelation 5:9, Revelation 5: 8-10, Revelation 5: 11-12 and the grand finale Revelation 5: 13-14. 

Praise and adoration builds up to a tremendous climax and we see the future which will be in heaven and also in earth. In the future God will eventually be in his rightful place at the center of the worship life of every being.   

Nobody in heaven sing praises to themselves, glorify themselves, talk about their own might, power and achievements, or even mention their free will.  They know who is responsible for their salvation and they know that everything that they have comes directly from God.  They know where the crown is to be placed and who made them who they are.  

As we observe the scenes in chapters four and five, let us remember that we are given this perspective of Heaven to teach us that there is justice in the terrible and ominous events that are described by the outpouring of God's wrath on the earth in chapters six and following.  These events are necessary.  The world is immersed in evil, has rejected God and his Son and we see God’s vindication of His goodness and justice in his judgments. 

After this chapter we are prepared for chapters six to nineteen and so when God pours out his divine wrath on rebellious men, we know that these are righteous, well deserved and necessary actions. So we are shown these scenes in heaven, in which we are focused on the throne and on the scroll in the hands of God that is of vital importance. 

Note also that the events in this chapter were previously revealed in Daniel 7: 13-14, but here we are given much greater details.  In addition, note that the exhortations have already been given to man in the book of Psalms and in many other books and so there is beautiful continuity in the teachings of God between the Old Testament and New Testament. 

Finally note that the standards of heaven are definitely not the standards of earth. It is unbelievable that someone in heaven called the “LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH” can be described as a lamb looking as it had been slain. 

We who look at everything from the viewpoint of the flesh go for everything that looks great. Apparently those in heaven are quite appreciative of sacrifice, humility, obedience, commitment to sinners and to desperate, confused and hurting people. 

When we first look at the book of Revelation it is easy to become overwhelmed with the rich symbolism and the vivid pictures of the cataclysmic events of end times.  There also seems to be an unhealthy trend among preachers, who promote their ability to interpret the Scripture and match the prophecy to modern-day events. Not only in doing so are they frequently wrong, but more importantly, they minimize and sometimes totally overlook the central theme of this book - it is the revelation of Jesus Christ. 

All the events listed in Revelation are secondary or incidental to the “Revelation” of Jesus Christ.  The incarnation revealed Christ in His humiliation; but here we see the revelation of Christ in His exaltation.   

The word ‘Revelation’ means to uncover, to reveal, to snatch away the veil. This is how God the Father sees the Son and this is how we ought also to look on him. Jesus is to be regarded with great adoration and exalted above all that is created, the ruler and sovereign clothed in the glory that he had with the Father before the foundation of the earth. 

Last week in chapter 4 we got a glimpse of the throne room of heaven and the awesome majesty of the one that sits on the throne.  John describes God’s appearance as jasper and the sardis stone surrounded by an emerald rainbow and around his throne were twenty-four other thrones on which twenty-four elders were seated, clothed in white and wearing golden crowns.  Lightning and thunder proceeded from the throne and before it stood seven burning lamps or the seven spirits of God.  There was a sea of glass shimmering like crystal; four living creatures surrounded the throne and day and night they continuously cry – “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” 

They triggered the spontaneous worship of the one who sat on the throne, as the twenty-four elders cast their crowns before the throne, saying: “you are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power; for you created all things, and by your will they exist and were created” 

This awesome scene is the context for our study and the one who sits on the throne is recognized and revered for his creation and ultimately responsible for its redemption.  Our gaze will soon be diverted from the throne and focused on the ‘Lamb of God’, whom he exalts.

THE TEXT

Verse 1.   In the right hand of the one who sits on the throne, John describes a scroll written on both sides and sealed with seven seals. 

In the ancient world this type of sealed document was used in certain types of contracts including deeds, marriage contracts and wills. Sometimes the inside of the scroll contained the details, while a summary was written on the outside. This type of scroll was unusual for it was not common practice to write on both sides of a scroll.  

Remember that a scroll is not like a book but is a rolled up piece of paper, parchment or skin of an animal.  One side of the scroll or parchment was generally rough and uneven and only one side was smoothed out for writing.  So generally writing was only done on one side.  When the scroll was of the type John describes, the writer of the scroll would write a certain portion, then place the seal to authenticate that section, then continue writing and put seals after each section was as he willed. 

Two sides would be used because there was a lot more information than one side could hold. This type of message was obviously extremely important and was complex and involved and it would have to be unfolded in order to reveal its contents.   

Given the context of Revelation 4:11 some accept that this document is the title deed to the earth, the document that details the rights of ownership and inheritance. 

Still there are questions about this particular and mysterious scroll that God has in his hand that we should try to answer.  These questions involve what the scroll represents, why it is sealed, why it is written on the front and on the back, what is required to open the scroll and just who would be able to unseal the scroll.

As the scroll is unrolled through chapters six through ten, we will be given clues as to what the scroll signifies.  This lesson will begin to answer the questions. 

They are many different ideas concerning the scroll. As we list some of these speculations, just remember that Jesus is the only one worthy to open the scroll.  This is the most important thing and where the emphasis should be placed. The contents are very interesting and important, but we should focus on the seals and the One who is worthy to take the scroll. One writer lists some of these ideas as follows:

“Some think the scroll is the Old Testament, or both the Old and the New Testaments together, or fulfilled prophecy.

Some think the scroll is God's claim of divorce against Israel.

Some think this scroll is God's sentence against the enemies of the church.

Some think this scroll is the text of the Book of Revelation, or the next few chapters.

Some think this scroll is the title deed to planet Earth.  The best connection in this idea seems to be with Jeremiah 32:6-15 which describes Jewish title deeds as sealed.

Some see this rule as God's will, his final settlement of the affairs of the universe.”

The fact that the scroll is in God's ‘right hand’ indicates God's the Father's authority.  The “right hand” is always a symbol of God's strength and justice and shows the scroll’s authority and importance, and the readiness and the determination of God the Father to execute all that as written in this scroll. 

Note too that this document is shut up and sealed.  This would indicate that only God the Father knows the contents and the contents will remain as such until He allows the scroll to be opened. 

We have been told before that God knows all his works from the beginning of the world and also that He keeps the times and seasons, the great events, in his own hand and power.

The use of the seven seals shows God’s counsels to be impenetrable and inscrutable to the eyes of both men and angels. 

Note also that the way the scroll is sealed indicates that there is an order to the events that will happen, for as each part of the scroll is unsealed certain specific events will occur.  Then at the end God's counsel and conduct will become clear. 

This idea is important because men have always tried to insert their own ideas and sequence of events into the sequences in the book of Revelation.  Anyone who reads this book should be very careful.  The word “sealed up” means “tightly sealed, firmly sealed”.  The counsels of God are hidden and securely hidden until God discloses them.

Verse 2.  John is clearly fascinated by the scroll which is so impressively sealed. In this mood of fascination John sees a strong angel, the identity of whom is not revealed.  The identity is of course a subject of much idle speculation. 

This angel is strong and appears to come out as a champion to challenge every and any creature to take the scroll from the hands of God the Father and to open it. His voice is loud and clear, so that there can be no confusion as to what is taking place.  The language seems to indicate that this strong angel is on a universal search and challenges any creature that thinks that he has power to take on God or execute the counsels of God. That person is called on to stand up, accept the challenge and make the attempt. 

The question is posed, who is worthy to take the scroll and break the seals?  The answer to this question will obviously lead us to the one who has provided redemption for us, for only the redeemer is worthy to break the seals. 

Now if we believe that the scroll is the plan of God to reorder the affairs of the earth and to solve its problems, it is clear that throughout the years, many have stepped forward to try their hand at fixing the problems of the world.  Nebuchadnezzar tried it, Alexander the Great, the sundry Caesars tried to establish a Roman peace all over the world, powerful Europeans like Charlemagne tried, the great Mongol lords tried, Napoleon, Hitler… and others are now trying.  Those in the past all failed dismally and their empires fell apart. Likewise, the ‘moderns’ who try to establish empires to rule the earth will all fail dismally.

Verse 3.   Having given us the most remarkable description of the throne room of heaven and the awesome spiritual creatures that surround the throne and the powerful angelic hosts, that did not leave their first estate, but continued in complete obedience to God; yet we see that even in heaven, among the powerful angels, no one was worthy to open the book.  Here John obviously alludes to the fact that no created creature was worthy.  Satan and his henchmen could not approach God the Father and take the book from his hand. 

The complete phrase "and no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth..." refers to the universality of the search but no one was worthy.  There was no angel worthy to open the book and there was no prophet or any other creature worthy to open the book.

Only God can read this book.  The word “able” we are told, is in the imperfect tense, which indicates that this would be a continual problem no matter where in the universe a search was made for one qualified and capable.

Verse 4.   John was evidently and visibly overcome with grief at the notion that there was no one worthy to open the book to read the scroll. This is understandable, for the first verse of the first chapter of Revelation promised John a look at those things that will come to pass. 

One writer suggests that John's grief was not for himself, but as a representative of the church of God, the knowledge of this book and the things contained in it must be very useful and profitable for the church. 

At times one's soul can be overcome with grief; believers have endured some very difficult circumstances and in the end times there will be some desperately dark days.  In these times one will find great comfort in knowing that the future is under the total control of God and holds unimaginable blessings for the believer.  All will be ours in due season. 

However, we live in a culture that is obsessed with the knowledge of the future, believers and unbelievers alike.  This craving often manifests itself with a distorted view of Revelation and its purpose.  While many believers are engrossed in identifying current events with prophecy contained in Revelation, they miss the central point, that is the awesome, unending worship of the Lamb and why He alone is worthy of all praise, honour and glory. 

Unbelievers for other reasons are also mesmerized by the knowledge of the future; thus by dreams, omens, auguries, astrology, the flight of birds and necromancy, people have anxiously sought to ascertain what the future holds. 

John is faced with a big problem and in response he writes that he was literally in “bitter mourning”.  This was terrible anguish and disappointment for John.  He sensed that God would have to quickly do something and if this could not happen he began to wail and cry.  Did the inability to find someone to take the scroll from the hands of the Father mean that nothing would change on earth?

One of the elders told John to stop wailing, for the “Lion of the tribe of Judah” and the “Root of David” had been victorious in his ministry. As a result of his victory, he had the capacity and authority to break the seals, to open the book and to reveal what God the Father had written and sealed. 

These titles are Jewish titles which refer to someone from the tribe of Judah and from the family of David that would solve the problems of the earth and rule over it.  This is a great Old Testament prophecy.

The title “Lion of the tribe of Judah” is a messianic title from Genesis 49: 9-10, Isaiah 31: 4, and Hosea 11:10.  The title “Root of David” comes from Isaiah 11: 1-10.  See also Luke 1:32-33. 

Of course, the Apostle John knew that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah, that he had overcome in all battles, had conquered temptation and troubles and of course the ‘death of the cross’.  He had proved his capability.  He had been a victor over the world, men and over Satan and his hosts. 

This was the King of the Jews, and so John eagerly turned around to see this King. Obviously he had not spotted Jesus before in this dazzling display of colors and lights and power before the throne of God.

Verse 6.   John now looks into the group around the throne, which included the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders.  In the midst of this group he does not see a Lion figure, but instead sees a little, or literally a “delicate Lamb”, with the marks of death still on him. 

This figure, the Lamb and lambs are gentle, humble, peaceful, friendly animals sometimes used for sacrificial purposes; is presented as actually standing, that is, living, alive again and standing in the innermost circle around the throne, though he clearly bears the marks of a violent, bloody sacrifice.  Standing is in the perfect tense indicating that he is firmly positioned and immovable. 

The description “slain” seems to indicate that the sacrifice was still fresh and current, as if in the sight of God the sacrificial offering of Jesus, the ‘pouring out of his blood’ for the offences of man was still fresh in the memory of God.  God the Father could not forget what Jesus had done. 

John does not want us to think that this was all there was.  The lamb was not an object of pity. He also had the marks of omnipotence, represented by the seven horns, and he also had the marks of omniscience, the seven eyes.

Not only that but he has in his hand the seven Spirits of God, for he is the one who sends the Holy Spirit into the earth to comfort his people and to do his work of confronting sinners. 

Note that at this time Jesus is not sitting in Heaven at the right hand of God making intercession.  Now he is about to do something very different.  He had sat down while God the Father made his enemies his footstool, displaying them as being powerless and as failures, but now Jesus is about to take on an additional role.

Verse 7.    He dramatically and boldly approaches the throne of God the Father and takes the scroll out of the Father's right hand.  The Father hereby has transferred authority to his Son to reveal the future and begin executing judgment.  The enemies are now at his feet and he fully intends to display them in their impotence for all to see. 

This is what Daniel 7:13-14 describes:

“I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him.  His Dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.” 

God had the scroll in his right hand; the place of power and now complete authority over the world is given into the hands of Christ.  He has the rank, the character, and the ability.  So God the Father willingly places this scroll into the hands of Christ and he readily takes it, for he is always glad to teach us the will of his Father and to do the will of his Father.

Verse 8.   We are about to learn what worship is all about, how it is done, why it is done, and the manner in which it is to be done, for here we have a perfect model. 

As Jesus took the Book, immediately the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders prostrated themselves and worshipped the lamb.  This is the moment they were waiting for. 

Evidently music is a part of worship as we are told that each had a harp, or more precisely a ‘zithern’ or a kind of the guitar.  This is not an instrument that we normally call a harp. 

They also had with them golden bowls full of incense to help them in praising and worshiping the Lamb.  Apparently in Heaven praise and prayers go together. The bowls are golden, indicating that they can properly contain something very valuable.  Their contents are said to be the prayers of the Saints. 

The bowls are also full, which indicates the extent of and the abundance of the prayers of the Saints.  The believers of the past ages would have made many prayers asking God to judge Satan and his demonic hosts, as well as the evil men that he has influenced. 

It is interesting to note that these elders present the prayers of the saints to God.  Those in Heaven are intimately involved with what happens on earth.  We should continue to pray without ceasing, for our prayers constitute part of the program of God.  Our prayers are pleasing to God and he remembers us and every single one of our prayers. 

Note carefully though that these elders are presenting the prayers of the saints to God.  They are not interceding for the saints and they are not acting as mediators for the people of God. 

Scripture, in 1Timothy 2:5 tells us that there is only one God and one Mediator between God and man, and this Mediator is the man Jesus Christ.  So do not be fooled by anyone saying that those dead or alive can act as mediators for us. 

It is also to be noted that these elders are not praying for the saints.  We should not pray to anyone in Heaven to pray for us.  We should pray to God for ourselves.

Verse 9.   John says that they sung a new song. The word “new” can be translated either as an ‘excellent’ song, or a song which spoke of something new. Of course if this song contained a description of things that Jesus did, it could be considered new, for the work of Jesus is new in every respect. 

For God to become a man was new. For a body, even a glorified body, to be in heaven was new.  Jesus' work to take on our sins was something new that was done.  The Holy Spirits’ ‘sealing’ of men would be new and of course the beautiful promise to make men priests and Kings to reign with Christ was very new. 

This song tells us a great deal about Jesus.  The Lamb is honoured and declared to be worthy because of several things. 

First, the lamb is honoured because he was slain.  He paid the price of redemption years.

Next, he is responsible personally for redemption, for it is he that redeemed men by his work.

Next, the lamb deserves honour because he worked redemption so that men would be in a new relationship with God.  This purpose of redemption is most significant.

Next the lamb is to be honoured because he shed his blood.  This of course meant he suffered personally.

The lamb is to be honoured because his work saved people of every tribe, tongue, people and nation.  This does not mean that all men will be saved, but that those who believe on Jesus, no matter what their tribe or location will be saved by his blood.

Verse 10.   Not only did the death of Christ save men, but it also made them priests and Kings.  There is a future promise which is a fact, a done deal.  Men will as priests have immediate access into the presence of God and have the privilege of doing priestly service.  They will also be blessed for they will be allowed to rule on earth.

What greater blessing and reward can there be for being in the life of Christ, suffering with him, being buried with him, and being raised with him! 

Note that we are not told that we will be reigning in Heaven.  We will be reigning on earth.  So obviously God will be on earth with us in this ‘new heaven and new earth’. So Jesus has not only purchased our liberty, but he has also highly exalted us. 

It is interesting to note that there will be tremendous diversity among men in this ‘new heaven and new earth’. God loves all of his creation and he died for all of its inhabitants with no exclusions.  He only wants us to believe in him and accept his atonement. 

So we should remember that we have a common identity and a oneness in Jesus Christ. But there is no oneness except the people are in Christ. We must remember that we teach unity of the Spirit and not the spirit of unity, for that simply tries to get believers into association with the disobedient and unbelieving.  

Note however that members of the body of Christ are royalty and part of Jesus’ eternal kingdom. They have been given the privilege of being priests of God.  This is what we will get when we triumph and live victoriously despite our circumstances.  (See 1 Peter 2:9).

Verse 11.   The glorious singing did not stop there. Many more angels joined in with the four living creatures and the elders and the chorus swelled and the music intensified.  All Heaven seems to break loose in song. 

John says “myriads of myriads” meaning hundreds of millions times hundreds of millions and still he adds thousands of thousands, or multiplied millions, joined in this heavenly choir of worship.  This is a staggeringly large amount and human language cannot understand how there could be these multiplied millions in the Heavenly choir. 

God's creation contains a lot more beings that we think.  These beings are glad to immediately respond to the truth of God in praise and worship.  They do not hesitate but love to worship and to sing praises to God.

Verse 12.  Let us note now that we should be worshiping because of the reasons that have been outlined. 

Remember that these angels were present at the revolt of Satan and the corruption of many of their members.  They were there and observed man falling from his high position.  So now they are overjoyed and excited that all of this would be reversed, that Satan would now face his doom and receive his due and that man would be now brought to a high position of exaltation.

They speak in a mega voice, intensely and loudly praising the Lamb for what he has done and what he was now about to do.  They look forward to judgment coming and the new heaven and the new earth. 

So we have been given a glimpse of what worship, praise and adoration is to be. Pure worship should be like this at all times and in every place.  Do not think that a heart that is full of impurity can worship God in any meaningful way.  It is always spontaneous, ready to be prostrated at the slightest indication that the everlasting God is present and is in control and doing wonders.  The heart must be in right condition.  The mind must understand the reality of God.  There must be recognition of the absolutely tremendous power that is being addressed in worship. 

This is not playing games, dressing up to come to church, or even half sleeping in church. The call to worship is an invitation to be in personal relationship and intimacy with Jesus and to understand that when men worship, the heavenly throne room is excited.

Verse 13.  Now we come to the final song or hymn in this chapter.

All creation will finally praise Jesus and recognize his authority and his right to rule.  John hears every creature in heaven, on earth and under the earth, declaring blessing and honor and glory and power to God the Father who sits on the throne and unto the Lamb. There is no more angelic conflict, blasphemy, slander and hostility toward God. …that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father, Philippians 2:10-11. 

Verse 14.  The four living beings and the twenty-four elders then simply say “Amen”, let it be so truly, truly. Heaven responds by falling down in worship to God the Father and to the Lamb who has now established his sovereign will over the earth, so that his will is done in Heaven and also in earth.

CONCLUSION

So now we understand the emphasis should be on worship, recognizing that Jesus is worthy to TAKE THE BOOK, OPEN ITS SEALS, AND POUR OUT ITS JUDGMENT. 

No one is preoccupied with themselves are paying attention to others but all attention is on the Lamb. 

Everyone has a pure heart, with no hidden agendas or selfish motives.  There is no sinful nature, for all that is put aside. 

Everyone focuses on the glory of God because they're aware of the most awful scenes of judgment that are to come. 

So let us consider the state of our hearts and what we are doing.  If our heart is not right and if we are not working to the glory of God alone, we are inviting trouble. We exist and are of value simply because we are in relationship with Christ.  So understand that only Christ, the eternal living God is worthy of praise and glory. 

Our schemes and vain ambitions will come to naught, for power and history is in the hands of God.  Understand that it is the death of Jesus that is the core reason for his worship in Heaven.  He gave his life when he did not need to.  He showed his love and the love of his Father in the cross. 

That kind of sacrificial love deserves the great, swelling, heavenly choir to praise him for ever and ever.