Revelation 5

Revelation 5 unveils the dramatic scene in heaven as the focus shifts to a scroll in the right hand of Him who sits on the throne, sealed with seven seals. This chapter is pivotal as it depicts the worthiness of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, to open the scroll, signifying His authority to execute God’s final plans for the world. It highlights themes of redemption, authority, and the universal recognition of the Lamb’s worthiness, culminating in a chorus of praise from all of creation.

Revelation 5:1-5 (NKJV)
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 seven seals.
2 Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose 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 at it.
4 So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it.
5 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.”

This passage presents a powerful scene in heaven where John sees a scroll in God's right hand, sealed with seven seals, representing God’s ultimate plan for judgment and redemption. No one in heaven, on earth, or under the earth is found worthy to open the scroll, causing John to weep, as it seems that God’s plan cannot be fulfilled. However, one of the elders tells him not to weep because the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" and the "Root of David" has prevailed to open it. The "Lion of Judah" signifies Christ’s kingly authority and power to conquer sin and Satan, fulfilling the prophecy in Genesis 49:9-10. The "Root of David" emphasizes that Christ is both the source and fulfillment of David’s lineage, as prophesied in Isaiah 11:1,10, proving His right to rule. Through His victory on the cross, Jesus alone is worthy to open the scroll, revealing God's plan for the final redemption and restoration of His people. This passage highlights Christ’s triumph and authority in fulfilling God's divine purposes.

Revelation 5:6 (NKJV)
6 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.

This verse presents a striking contrast to the previous verse. John turns expecting to see a mighty Lion, but instead, he sees "a Lamb as though it had been slain," standing in the midst of the throne, the four living creatures, and the elders. This imagery reveals that Christ’s victory was not won through force but through His sacrificial death. The Lamb symbolizes Jesus as the Passover sacrifice (John 1:29, 1 Corinthians 5:7), whose blood brings redemption. Though slain, the Lamb is standing, signifying His resurrection and continued intercession. He has seven horns and seven eyes, representing perfect power and perfect wisdom (omniscience), sent out into all the earth by the seven Spirits of God (the fullness of the Holy Spirit’s work). After His ascension to heaven, Christ received the fullness of the Holy Spirit, as seen in Acts 2:33, where Peter declares that Jesus, now exalted at the right hand of God, has poured out the Spirit upon His people. This verse highlights that Christ’s authority to open the scroll and execute God’s plan comes from His role as the sacrificial yet victorious Redeemer, now empowered by the Spirit to carry out God’s final work.

Revelation 5:7-10 (NKJV)
7 Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.
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.
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,
10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.”

This passage describes the moment of Christ’s exaltation and the response of heaven to His worthiness. In verse 7, the Lamb takes the scroll from the right hand of God, signifying that Jesus, through His victory, has received full authority to execute God’s plan for redemption and judgment. As He takes the scroll, the four living creatures and twenty-four elders fall before Him in worship, each holding a harp (symbolizing praise) and golden bowls full of incense (representing the prayers of the saints). This shows that Christ is not only the Redeemer but also the one who mediates between God and His people. In verses 9-10, they sing a new song, declaring Christ worthy to open the scroll because He was slain and, by His blood, has redeemed people from every tribe, tongue, and nation. Through His sacrifice, He has made them a kingdom of priests to God, echoing Exodus 19:6 and showing that believers now have a special role in God’s plan. This passage highlights Christ’s triumph, His worthiness to carry out God’s will, and the universal scope of His redemption, as He gathers a people who will reign with Him.

Revelation 5:11-14 (NKJV)
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,
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!”
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!”
14 Then the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever.

The concluding verses of the chapter depict a cosmic scale of worship, with countless angels joining in to declare the Lamb’s worthiness. This universal acknowledgment of Jesus’s authority and sacrifice is emphasized by the fourfold ascription of blessing, honor, glory, and power, both to God the Father and to the Lamb. The universal chorus of praise, involving every creature, signifies the universal impact and acceptance of Christ’s redemptive work. The chapter ends with a resounding affirmation from the living creatures and an act of worship by the elders, highlighting the eternal nature of God and His plan as revealed through Christ.