ZBADC14-03022013 The introduction of the grand opening vision of the door in heaven was the high decibel trumpet

voice which John recognized earlier. After seeing the dazzling brightness of flashing lights of diamond, ruby and the emerald green rainbow, there was the reflection of this brilliant visual display from the glassy sea. Then the audio effect resounded with thunderings and voices coming out of the throne. The smoke from the seven burning lamps (war-touches) filled Johns nose while the four living creatures with six flapping wings singing Holy, Holy, Holy. I could imagine the flapping wings of the four living creatures surrounding the throne would give rise to the stroboscopic lighting effects. Soon the 24 elders joined in the praise song and worship the One that sat on the throne. The visual, auditory, olfactory input must have stunned John into prostrating himself by falling on the ground as if dead, as he previously reported in the chapter 1:17. The scene which presents itself to John is among the most sublime in all of Scriptures. This (Chapters 4 & 5) is the only description of Jehovah sitting on the throne. The proper response to a revelation of God is spontaneous worship, as we have discussed last week. Due to the depth and breath of this most sublime chapter in the whole of Scriptures, I am going to divide this chapter into two or three sessions so that we can study the verses slowly to digest the teaching together. This chapter can be divided into three parts: 1) 2) 3) The Search for the Worthy One (vv 1-5) The Worthy One (vv 6-10) The Song of the Worthy One (vv 11-14)

Rev 5:1 And I saw For this week, Johns focus now shifts from the details of the throne and the living creatures and elders to that which was upon the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. right hand The side of favor and strength. This is the side at which the Son is seated awaiting His kingdom and making intercession for His Church. Jesus is seated with My Father on His throne (Rev 3:21) and shares the power and reign of the Father. The long period of waiting while He remains seated is about to come to an end. Him that sat on the throne The position from which the Father in Heaven rules the affairs of His universe. The throne pictures both sovereignty and judgment (Rev 20:11). a book book G975 biblion bib-lee'-on. A diminutive of G976; a roll: - bill, book, scroll, writing. Search book in Revelation you will find three books (book of prophecy, book of life and a little book) and John was commanded to eat up a little book, like Ezekiel (Eze 2:9-3:5). The book given to John, like that eaten by Ezekiel (Eze 2:9-3:5), apparently contains prophetic pronouncements of God, of woe and judgment, which must come to pass (Rev 10:9-11). Having seen the Father and His glorious throne, Johns attention is now drawn to a book or scroll held in the Fathers hand.

The question in our mind is: What is this book? This chapter tells us that this book: 1) was held in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne, 2) had writings on both sides, 3) sealed with 7 seals, 4) opened only by someone who is worthy: the slain Lamb, 5) related with redemption (Rev 5:9) & 6) Opening of the seals of the book led to outpouring of Gods wrath on earth (in chapters 6 to 19). Being held in the right hand of God meant that this book or scroll is of importance. Having writings on both sides indicated that the scroll was a legal document as was the custom of writing the contract on the inside with the summary or brief written on the outside before sealing. The seven seals indicated that the scroll was of the utmost importance, like that of a legal document. That document could likely be a will, inheritance or a purchase contract, as was the custom in sealing with seals by 7 witnesses in ancient wills during the Roman days. The loosening of the seals would lead to the realization of the Messiahs inheritance from God the Father. The scroll could be a purchase contract with the purchase being paid at the cross by the death of the Son and now the opening the seal is the claiming of the goods, which is the earth and its inhabitants to the rightful owner. There was an OT parallel when Jeremiah paid the price of redemption of a piece of land while the land was under Babylonian rule. Jeremiah knew that he will possess the land when Israel was restored by Jehovah in the future. Therefore, he kept the sealed contract in a secure place, the equivalent to our safe deposit box (Jer 32:14). Rev 5:9 tells us that as soon as the book is handed to the Lamb, a new song regarding redemption filled the air. So the book had to do with redemption. written within and on the backside The tablets of the Ten Commandments which Moses brought from Mount Sinai were also written on both sides. And Moses turned, and went down from the mount, and the two tables of the testimony were in his hand: the tables were written on both their sides; on the one side and on the other were they written. And the tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the tables. (Exo 32:15-16) In the section, we saw extensive parallels between the experience and vision of John and that of Ezekiel (Eze 1). Here is another parallel, for Ezekiel was given a book which contained writing on the inside and the outside, and written on it were lamentations and mourning and woe. sealed [katesphragismenon] , perfect tense passive: having been sealed. It was previously sealed and remains so. Various types of documents can be sealed. A document may contain prophetic pronouncements from the Lord concerning the future and be sealed until the time in which its contents are to be fulfilled (Dan 8:26; 12:4-9). Other documents, such as title deeds are sealed to protect their contents from tampering until the time in which the title is claimed. Jeremiahs deed sealed this way (Jer 32:1014). Until the seals are broken, the contents of the book are inaccessible they remain an unrevealed mystery. with seven seals In the number seven is found the symbolism of completion. Within these seven seals are found all the judgments to be poured out upon the earth and the earth dwellers as part of the redemption of creation and the Lamb taking dominion over the earth. All seven seals enclose the scroll as a unit. The sequence of events which follow from the opening of these seals indicates that all the judgments which following are included within the seals. A study of Revelation 8 through 18 indicates that the seventh seal will contain the seven trumpet and seven bowl judgments. Thus, when Christ breaks all seven seals of the Revelation 5 scroll, He will thereby instigate the total bombardment of divine wrath or

judgment against the domain of Satan and his forces, which will cover the 70th week of Daniel 9 up to Christs coming immediately after the 70th week and the Great Tribulation. Rev 5.2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice An unnamed angel that could be appearing physically strong or was able to shout with a loud voice spoke. to loose the seals thereof to loose the seals is to break open the seals G4973 sphragis sfrag-ece' Probably strengthened from G5420; a signet (as fencing in or protecting from misappropriation); by implication the stamp impressed (as a mark of privacy, or genuineness), literally or figuratively: - seal. The signet or a stamp is impressed upon hot wax to produced an impression on the wax upon the part of the scroll to be opened. Any tampering of the seals, besides the rightful addressee will invalidate the contents of the scroll. Who is worthy to open A mighty angel shouts out a challenge for anyone to come forth who is worthy to open the great scroll and its seals. All creation in heaven and earth and under the earth stood motionless and speechless. . . . no one had the authority and virtue for such a task. Only Christ has the necessary qualifications. Rev 5:3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. And no man . . . was able All men, except one, are born of Adam and are lost in sin, and are therefore unqualified to bring about redemption (Rom. 3:9, 19-23; Gal. 3:22; 1Jn. 1:8-10). When Adam forfeited dominion in the Fall, all men born of the line of Adam fell with him (Rom. 5:12; Acts 17:26). Having inherited the sin of Adam, none is able to prevail. Herein lies the need for the virgin birth of Christ. Only one person in heaven, earth or under the earth qualifies for such a task of opening the scroll and look upon its contents. Rev 5:4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. I wept much G2799 klai klah'-yo Of uncertain affinity; to sob, that is, wail aloud (whereas G1145 is rather to cry silently): - bewail. weep. [eklaion], imperfect tense: I was weeping loudly. John evidently understood the significance of the scroll and the great need to open it and to read its contents. John knew by that Spirit in which he was, what that sealed book meant. He knew that if no one was found worthy and able to take it from the hand of God, and to break its seals, that all the promises of the prophets, and all the hopes of the saints, and all the prophetic redemption for the Jews and the rest of the world, must fail. The failure to find a Redeemer meant that this earth in its curse is consigned forever to death. It meant that death, sin, damnation and hell should reign forever and ever and the sovereignty of Gods earth should remain forever in the hands of Satan . Rev 5:5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. And one of the elders saith unto me There was utter silence in the heaven for no one was able to answer the question posed by the strong angel, Who is worthy to loose the seven seals and open the scroll? Johns wailing filled the throne room. Suddenly a voice from one of the 24 elders told John to stop weeping.

Weep not [m klaie], a present tense imperative indicating that John continued to weep. behold G2400 idou id-oo' Second person singular imperative middle voice of G1492; used as imperative lo!: - behold, lo, see. John was told to watch out for the Lion of the tribe of Judah the Lion of the tribe of Juda(h) God had revealed that the ruler would be like a lion, an offspring of Judah (Gen 49:9-10; Ps. 60:7). Jesus was born in the line of Judah (Matt 1:2-3; Luke 3:33; Heb 7:14). Although Reuben was the firstborn, due to his sin and the sins of his brothers, the right of kingly rule fell to Judah. Actually Reuben had the right of the firstborn. Nevertheless the Messiah is not Lion out of the tribe of Reuben. For, on account of sin (as recorded in Gen. 35:22), Reuben was deprived of his firstborn rights and the right concerning the Messiah (1Chr. 5:1; Gen. 49:3-4). The next following brothers, Simeon and Levi, were also excluded (Gen. 49:5-7) on account of their bloody deed at Shechem (Gen. 34:25). Thereupon Reubens rights as the firstborn were divided as follows: The double share of the material inheritance (Deu. 21:15-17) went to Joseph (in Ephraim and Manasseh; 1Chr. 5:1-2); The priestly dignity (see Ex. 13:2, 13:15), having regard to Ex. 32:26-28, went to Levi (Num. 3:12, 45; 8:17-18); and The rulers dignity (Gen. 43:1-34; 33:1-20; 48:14, 18-19) went to Judah, Jacobs fourth son (1Chr. 5:2). Therefore is the Messiah the Lion out of the tribe of Judah (Rev. 5:5; Gen. 49:9-10). The genealogical records of the tribes of Israel were lost in the destruction of the temple in 70 AD. This poses a problem for Judaism which, having rejected Jesus, still awaits Messiah. If Messiah comes now, how will it be determined that He is the Lion from the tribe of Judah? Therefore, the Messiah will have to come before the tribe of Judah loses its identity. This establishes a clear time period for the prophecy. The records by which tribal identities were maintained were kept in the Jewish Temple. All of these records were lost with the destruction of the temple in 70 A.D. the root of David Jesus was born in the line of David (Matt 1:1, 6, 17, 20; Luke 1:27, 32; 3:31; Rom 1:3; 2Tim 2:8; Rev 22:16), He is the son of David (Matt 9:27; 12:23; 15:22; 20:30-31; 21:9, 15; 22:42; etc.). Jesus is the Rod from the stem of Jesse (Isa 11:1), the Root of Jesse (Isa 11:10), Davids father (Ruth 4:22). Jesus is the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant. God made an unconditional covenant with David where He swore that his throne would be established like the sun and moon (Ps. 89:33-37). At present, there is no throne of David upon the earth, but there will be when the Lion has completed His work (Rev. 20:4-6) for the zeal of God will ensure it! Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isa 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. The lineage of Christ was outlined in two genealogies, as found in the Gospel of Matthew and Luke. The Gospel of Matthew, written mainly to the Jews gave the lineage of Joseph, father of Jesus Christ as a descendant of David, then Abraham, the father of all Jews. The Gospel of Luke, as told by Mary to Luke, outline the genealogy of Mary, daughter of Heli, right to David and the son of Adam, a man that God created. Therefore, Jesus came from the lineage of David through His mother and father.

As a root springs anew from the stump of a tree which has been cut down and appears to be dead, so the line leading to Messiah was preserved throughout history. For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground; Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant. (Job 14:7-9). This root was repeatedly chopped back, but never completely terminated as Satan attempted throughout history to thwart the Messianic line of promise. Jesus is the promised Branch that would come (Jer. 23:5-6; Servant, Zec. 3:8; Zec. 6:12; Lord, Isa. 4:2). Jer 23:5 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. Jer 23:6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. (Jer. 23:5-6) Some see the root as including the idea of Jesus preexistence (cf. Mic. 5:2). Although this is true (Matt. 22:42-25), the present context deals with the origin of Jesus, not of David. Root here is a metaphorical term for offspring. hath prevailed [eniksen] , from the same root ( [nika] ) which describes he who overcomes, [ho nikn] . Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33). Since captivity, the royal family of Judah has not exercised rule but has remained dormant, just as a stump gives no evidence of having life. The stump of this royal family will spring to life again suddenly when its King (the Messiah or Christ) springs forth from it to rule. to open the scroll Jesus has the authority to open the scroll because He has the key of David. to loose the seven seals thereof Having paid the ultimate price of redemption, being made sin on our behalf (Isa. 53:6; 2Cor. 5:21), the Lamb has earned the right to loose the seals bringing judgments on those who continue to reject His gracious offer of redemption (John 3:35-36). As each of these seals is loosed, additional judgment is brought upon the earth. The first six seals result in preliminary judgments (Rev. 6:1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12). At the loosening of the seventh seal, the judgments become more pronounced as all seven trumpet judgments are within the seventh seal (Rev. 8:1-6). At the opening of the seventh seal, the first four trumpets are sounded (Rev. 8:7, 8, 10, 12). Because the last three trumpet judgments are especially severe, there is a pause in the judgments as angelic warning is given concerning the severity of the last three trumpets (Rev. 8:13). Then the first two of the final three trumpets sound (Rev. 9:1, 13). At the sounding of the final trumpet, the declaration is made: The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ (Rev. 11:15). By this we understand the last seven bowl judgments to be subsumed within the seventh trumpet. Prior to the pouring forth of the seven bowls of wrath (Rev. 16:1-17), three more additional angelic warnings are given (Rev. 14:6-9). The judgments of Gods wrath are completed in the pouring forth of the seventh bowl (Rev. 16:17). In the loosing of all seven seals, and the subsequent trumpet and bowl judgments, Christ retakes that which He purchased at Calvary (John 19:30; Rev. 11:15; 16:16; 21:6). To bring the kingdom of God to earth, the kingdom of Satan must first be overthrown. Much of what follows in this book must be understood in the context of the overthrow of Satans kingdom prior to the setting up of Gods kingdom on earth. By the end of the 70th week, Satan and his forces will have drawn all the rulers and armies of the world into the land of Israel for the battle of Armageddon (Rev. 16:1216), which will take place at Christs Second Coming and will pit Satan and his 5

ungodly allies against Christ and His forces (Rev. 19:11-20:3). This will be Satans ultimate challenge to Christs right to take tenant possession of the earth and rule it. The combined military might of rebellious mankind will be gathered to the precise location to which Christ will return to take possession of the earth, because Satan will want all the help he can get to try to prevent Christ from exercising His right (Ps. 2:1-3). Rev 5:6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. a Lamb When John turned, he saw, not a Lion, according to the elders announcement, but a Lamb. For the Lion of Judah must first be the Lamb of God in order to purchase redemption and earn the right to go forth as a Lion in judgment. Here we see the character of Godgrace and mercy preceding judgment. In one brilliant stroke John portrays the central theme of NT revelationvictory through sacrifice. lamb G721 arnion ar-nee'-on Diminutive from G704; a lambkin: - lamb or young sheep. Search lamb in the NT and you will find the lead to help in the understanding of the lamb as used in the rest of the Bible. In the NT, we have 31 references with the following lamb(s): 1) Lamb of God, 2) sacrificial lamb, 3) Lamb without blemish, 4) Passover Lamb, 5) Lamb as it had been slain, 6) like a lamb and 7) lambs as followers of Jesus. Search G721 in the whole Bible, you will find 28 references and all the verses are from Revelation except one, found in John 21:15. This is one indicator that the author of Revelation was John the Apostle who also wrote the Gospel because only he was the one that used this special term for a young lamb (Exo 12:5-14). Twice in Johns gospel, John the Baptist refers to Jesus as the Lamb of God, referring to His impending sacrifice which will atone for the sins of the world (John 1:29, 36). The Principle of First Mention is the principle that requires one to go to that portion of the Scriptures where a doctrine is mentioned for the first time and to study the first occurrence of the same in order to get the fundamental inherent meaning of that doctrine. Following this principle, search the word, lamb in the whole Bible and look for its first mention. The first mention of the lamb was found in Genesis. And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together. And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen. (Gen 22: 7, 8, 13 & 14). God will provide the lamb: the Lamb of God. Isaiah also described the Messiah as a sacrificial lamb, a passage which Philip explained to the Ethiopian eunuch (Isa. 53:7; Acts 8:32-35). Peter describes the precious, sinless blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish and spot, an allusion to the Passover lamb whose blood covered the Israelites from the destroying ange l in the plague which took the firstborn of Egypt (1Pe. 1:19 ; Ex. 11:5-6; 12:3-13). In fulfillment of the requirement that no bones of the lamb may be broken (Ex. 12:46; Ps. 34:20), the Roman soldiers found Jesus already dead and did not break his legs as they did those 6

of the thieves crucified beside him (John 19:33-36). Paul clearly understood Jesus to be the Passover lamb. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us (1Cor. 5:7). It is by the blood of the Lamb that believers overcome the diabolos who throwsagainst them accusations (Rev. 12:11), for it is the blood which cleanses them of sin and provides their white robes. It is the blood of Christ which provides for their eternal life as those who are written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Rev. 13:8). The Lamb is to be contrasted with the beast throughout this book. The second beast who had two horns like a lamb may be mistaken as this lamb by those who are deceived, but he speaks like a dragon (Re v. 13:11). stood [hestkos] , perfect participle: having stood. The lamb had been there for some time. Having been seated to the right hand of the Father for millennia, Jesus now rises. The time of sharing the Fathers throne is rapidly drawing to a close. Once He takes the scroll, as the Root of David, He will initiate a series of irreversible events which will result in the establishment of the Davidic kingdom upon the earth. as it had been slain G4969 sphaz sfad'-zo A primary verb; to butcher (especially an animal for food or in sacrifice) or (generally) to slaughter, or (specifically) to maim (violently): - kill, slay, wound. [esphagmenon] , perfect passive participle: of animals, especially when killed as a sacrifice slaughter, slay; metaphorically, of Jesus atoning death as the Lamb of God. By His one-time sacrifice, sin was rendered powerless to prevent those who trust in Him from right-standing before God (Heb. 9:26). It has been said, the only man -made thing in heaven will be the scars of the Savior. Isaiah informs us, As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men: (Isa. 52:14). The scars of Messiah serve as a testimony of His love and His resurrection from death (John 20:20, 27). The slaying of Gods own Son was not an afterthought in response to an unexpected rebellion. He was slain from the foundation of the world (Rev. 13:8). Peter informs us that He was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times (1Pe. 1:20). It was known from all eternity that Christ would come to die for the sin of the world: there is nothing which God has not seen and provided for in advance (Isa. 45:21). Even as early as Abraham, God provided a detailed picture of the atonement of the cross when Abraham was told to offer Isaac as a picture of another Fathers offering of another Son on the same mountain years yet future. As Abraham observed, God will provide for Himself the lamb (Gen. 22:8) and so He has! This is the pierced Lamb which every eye will see, even they who pierced him (Rev. 1:7; Zec. 12:10). Are you trusting in the slain Lamb, Who was foreordained for your redemption? seven horns Here is the intimation that something more than sacrifice and intercession is now to be His business. The horn is a biblical symbol denoting power or government (1S. 2:10; 2S. 22:3; Ps. 132:13-17). The seven horns indicate the complete power of Christ and the finality (completeness) of His kingdom. As a horn is the emblem of power, and seven the number of perfection, the seven horns may denote the almighty power of Jesus Christ. Christ is the horn of salvation from the lineage of the house of David (Luke 1:67-73). seven eyes As the text says, these are the seven Spirits of God. Three grand qualities of the Goel [kinsman-redeemer] are thus brought to view;first, sacrificial virtue, to take away sin; second, aggressive strength to conquer and to

overcome all foes; and third, perfect and universal intelligence, direct from the indwelling Spirit of God in all its fulness. sent forth into all the earth [apestalmenoi] , perfect passive participle: having been sent out. They were sent in the past and by now have already seen all (Zec. 4:2-10). The eyes indicate omniscience and the complete knowledge of all that is hidden for perfect judgment. There is no secret which these eyes have not viewed.