Exploring The Revelation: Chapters 1–5 / Part 7

Series – September 2021 – Grace & Truth Magazine

Exploring The Revelation
Chapters 1–5: Part 7

In Revelation 4 we saw God’s glory as Creator, which confirms the fact of God’s being revealed in His blessed Son. Let’s now consider Revelation 5, where we see that redemption is the theme of worship.

None Found Worthy To Open The Book Of Judgment
In the right hand of the Sovereign Ruler is seen a book sealed with seven seals, “written inside and on the back” (Rev. 5:1 NKJV). It is the book of God’s judgments, which are seen to be overflowing judgments because sin has been an abundant challenge to the authority of God. His long patience with sin calls for the more solemn judgment once it comes. A strong angel (v.2) proclaims, for everyone to hear, the great question as to who is worthy to open the book and break its seals. Even with sufficient time given (v.3), no one was found worthy even to look upon the book, whether in heaven – where the redeemed are gathered when this takes place – or on earth or under the earth. All creation is consulted, but none qualifies.

The fact of none being found worthy to open the book seems to infer that the saints in heaven have already been manifested before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10), and not one of these was found fit to give the word that would open the floodgates of judgment upon an ungodly world. This draws out the profound weeping of the apostle John (v.4). Is there not an indication here of how deeply we should feel the sadness of all the unprofitable things in our own lives and in the lives of all the saints, things which have not been for the glory of God?

One Found Worthy
However, the sadness is not to continue, for John is told by one of the elders not to weep (v.5). His eyes are directed to the only One who is worthy, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David. As the Lion He is God’s powerful King; as the Root of David He is the living God, He from whom David received being. He has prevailed because of who He is and His great atoning sacrifice which gives Him title to save every believer and to judge those who refuse Him.

Rather than seeing a Lion, John sees a Lamb as if freshly slain in the midst of the throne and the living creatures and elders (v.6). The wonder of His death will remain a fresh, vital reality for eternity, as though it had just taken place. Certainly, only God is in the midst of the throne; the Lamb is God. The vivid reality of His sacrifice at Calvary – His lowly submission even unto death – is emphasized rather than His irresistible power as seen in the Lion. Wonderful combination indeed in this adorable One! His seven horns speak of perfection of power in contrast to the ten horns of the evil, future beast of Revelation 13:1 – a monstrous claim of arrogant pride. The seven eyes, again mentioned, impress us afresh with His perfect, all-seeing discernment by the power of the Spirit of God.

His oneness with God the Father has been seen in His being in the midst of the throne. Now, His distinctness is noted in His taking the book from the right hand of God, the hand of positive power (5:7). This causes the living creatures and the elders to fall down before the throne (v.8) with harps (the pleasant sound of praise) and golden vials full of odors (the sweet smell of dependent prayers of saints). This wholehearted, unfeigned worship is directed to the Lamb, which is another proof that He is God.

In this chapter, however, the living creatures and elders not only speak, as in Revelation 4:10-11 when celebrating creation, but also sing the praises of the Lamb on account of His great redemption (v.9). It is a new song as far as heaven is concerned, though no doubt saints have sung it on earth. It has never been the song of angels. Its words exalt the Lamb as worthy to take the book and break its seals of judgment, not because of His power displayed in creation but because of His blessed sacrifice by which He has redeemed thousands from every area of the world. This great work gives Him perfect title to judge those who have refused its redeeming power. The redeemed have been made a kingdom, priests unto our God (v.10). Kingly character is connected with bearing witness to the truth of God before the world (Jn. 18:37), while as priests, believers are privileged to enter the presence of God, whether in worship or in intercession. They shall reign “over” the earth (JND) with Christ when He reigns.

Angels Uniting In Worshiping The Lamb
Although we are not told that angels sing this song, yet a tremendous number of them is mentioned as surrounding the throne (v.11), speaking similarly with a loud voice (v.12). They too worship the Lamb who was slain as being worthy to receive riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and blessing. Verse 13 anticipates the coming day of millennial glory rather than describing any conscious worship of every creature before the great tribulation. However, all creation must eventually join in eternally ascribing blessing, honor, glory and power, not only to Him who sits on the throne but also to the Lamb. The four living creatures confirm this (v.14), and the 24 elders fall down and worship, prostrate in adoration.

By Leslie M. Grant

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This Series has been adapted from “Exploring The Revelation,” a brief commentary on the whole book of Revelation. The entire book can be accessed online at Bible Centre or purchased from Believers Bookshelf USA or Believers Bookshelf Canada.

Thou, Thou Art Worthy, Lord Thou, Thou art worthy, Lord, Of most untiring praise; The Lamb once slain shall be adored Through everlasting days.
Heaven’s vault with praise shall ring Louder and yet more loud; Millions of saints Thy worth shall sing Each heart in worship bowed.
Worthy! again, again — Angels with saints combine Ascribing to the Lamb once slain Wisdom and power divine. The tide shall still roll on, That tide of endless praise, Till every creature to Thy throne Its voice in blessing raise.
O Lord, the glad new song Is ours e’en here to sing; With loyal heart and joyful tongue We now our homage bring.
“Worthy!” we cry again, “Worthy for evermore!” And at Thy feet, O Lamb once slain, We worship, we adore. —Catherine Helene von Poseck (1859–1953) Thou, Thou art worthy, Lord, Of most untiring praise; The Lamb once slain shall be adored Through everlasting days.
Heaven’s vault with praise shall ring Louder and yet more loud; Millions of saints Thy worth shall sing Each heart in worship bowed.
Worthy! again, again — Angels with saints combine Ascribing to the Lamb once slain Wisdom and power divine. The tide shall still roll on, That tide of endless praise, Till every creature to Thy throne Its voice in blessing raise.
O Lord, the glad new song Is ours e’en here to sing; With loyal heart and joyful tongue We now our homage bring.
“Worthy!” we cry again, “Worthy for evermore!” And at Thy feet, O Lamb once slain, We worship, we adore. —Catherine Helene von Poseck (1859–1953)

Thou, Thou art worthy, Lord, Of most untiring praise; The Lamb once slain shall be adored Through everlasting days.
Heaven’s vault with praise shall ring Louder and yet more loud; Millions of saints Thy worth shall sing Each heart in worship bowed.
Worthy! again, again — Angels with saints combine Ascribing to the Lamb once slain Wisdom and power divine. The tide shall still roll on, That tide of endless praise, Till every creature to Thy throne Its voice in blessing raise.
O Lord, the glad new song Is ours e’en here to sing; With loyal heart and joyful tongue We now our homage bring.
“Worthy!” we cry again, “Worthy for evermore!” And at Thy feet, O Lamb once slain, We worship, we adore. —Catherine Helene von Poseck (1859–1953)