Revelation 5

Revelation 5 depicts a scene in heaven where a sealed scroll, containing God’s divine plan, is presented. No one is found worthy to open it until the Lamb, Jesus Christ, appears. This chapter emphasizes Christ’s authority and worthiness to enact God's will through His sacrificial death and resurrection. It highlights His central role in salvation and the worship He receives from all of creation.

Revelation 5:1 (NKJV)
And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals.

The scroll in God's right hand symbolizes a significant and comprehensive message or plan that is fully written, containing divine judgment, blessings, and events to unfold. The seven seals indicate its total closure, symbolizing that the contents are inaccessible without divine authority. This scroll can be understood as God’s ultimate plan for humanity and the universe, which can only be revealed and executed by someone worthy.

Revelation 5:2-3 (NKJV)
Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?”
And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it.

A mighty angel issues a challenge to all creation, asking if anyone is worthy to open the scroll and reveal God's plans. Despite the grandeur of the question, no one—whether in heaven, on earth, or beneath the earth—can meet the qualifications. This signifies the insufficiency of all created beings, both spiritual and earthly, to understand or execute God’s plans without the right authority and purity.

Revelation 5:4 (NKJV)
So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it.

John’s weeping reflects the profound sorrow he feels at the thought that God’s plan may remain concealed and unfulfilled. The vision here expresses humanity’s deep need for redemption and revelation. Without someone worthy to open the scroll, the hope for understanding and fulfilling God’s plan would seem lost.

Revelation 5:5 (NKJV)
But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.”

One of the elders comforts John, pointing to Jesus, referred to as the Lion of Judah and the Root of David, indicating His Messianic lineage and kingly authority. Jesus' victory over sin and death, symbolized by the Lion’s strength and royal heritage, has made Him worthy to open the scroll. This emphasizes His dual role as both Savior and King, who alone has the power to unlock God’s plans.

Revelation 5:6-7 (NKJV)
And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, 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.
Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.

Jesus appears as a Lamb, symbolizing His sacrificial death, yet standing, showing His resurrection and victory over death. The seven horns and seven eyes represent His perfect power and omniscience, as well as the fullness of the Holy Spirit. This Lamb, who was slain, is the only one worthy to take the scroll, demonstrating that Christ's sacrifice and resurrection are central to God's plan of salvation and judgment.

Revelation 5:8 (NKJV)
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.

As Jesus takes the scroll, the living creatures and elders immediately fall in worship, recognizing His worthiness. Their harps symbolize praise, while the golden bowls of incense represent the prayers of the saints, indicating that the prayers of believers play a part in the unfolding of God's divine plan. This scene shows how heavenly worship is intimately connected to Christ’s work and the prayers of His followers.

Revelation 5:9-10 (NKJV)
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,
And have made us kings and priests to our God;
And we shall reign on the earth.”

A new song is sung, celebrating Christ’s victory through His death, which brought redemption to people from every part of the world. His sacrifice has not only saved humanity but has elevated them to be kings and priests, signifying their role in God’s kingdom and the authority they will share in the coming reign. This shows the global impact of Christ’s atonement and His intention to rule with His redeemed.

Revelation 5:11-12 (NKJV)
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,
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!”

An innumerable host of angels joins the praise, acknowledging the Lamb’s worthiness to receive all attributes of power, wisdom, and honor. The vast number of heavenly beings adds to the majesty of this moment, showing that all of heaven recognizes Christ’s supreme authority and sacrificial love, elevating Him to the highest place of honor.

Revelation 5:13 (NKJV)
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!”

Not only heaven but all creation—every creature—joins in the praise, acknowledging both God the Father (who sits on the throne) and Jesus the Lamb. This universal worship signifies the ultimate recognition of Christ’s sovereignty and the eternal reign of both God and the Lamb over all creation. It demonstrates the cosmic scope of redemption.

Revelation 5:14 (NKJV)
Then the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever.

The chapter concludes with the four living creatures affirming the worthiness of Christ with a resounding “Amen,” while the elders again fall in worship. This final scene reinforces the theme of eternal worship directed toward Christ, who is glorified not only for His redemptive work but also for His eternal reign alongside God the Father.