Revelation 5

It is important to note that Revelation chapter 5 contains the story of the seven sealed book.  God devotes 14 verses to the description of this book, and to the worship of Jesus Christ, who has prevailed to open the book.  Many people want to spend much time in trying to interpret the remainder of this book, and do not want to spend much time on chapter 5.

It is impossible to understand what God is doing when he pours out his vengeance on this world if we do not understand who he is.  If we do not see all the worship and adoration of God given in chapter 4 and 5, we might come to the conclusion that Christ is some sort of tyrant, forcing his will on unwilling subjects.  The opposite is true, of course.  Christ is not a tyrant, but is very long-suffering to us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

The wrath of God being poured out in the book of revelation is not a reflection of a short-tempered God, but of the mercy of God bestowed on all who will come to him, and on those that refuse to come, seeing their own sinfulness and repenting.  The souls under the altar in Revelation 6:10 are anxious for Christ to judge and avenge their blood, which shows the long-suffering of God toward the wickedness of man.

God gives sinners every opportunity to repent, as is reflected when the sixth seal is opened.  Revelation 6:12-17 records that Christ shows himself in his coming judgment, but nobody repents, but cries out for the rocks of the mountains to hide them from the face of the wrath of the Lamb of God.

The unwillingness of man to repent is clearly seen in Revelation 16:9, which records the pouring out of the fourth vial.  Men are scorched with great heat, but do not repent, blaspheming God instead.  Revelation 16:11 records the pouring out of the fifth vial, and men gnaw their tongues with pain, yet blaspheme God instead of repenting.  Revelation 16:21 records that men continue to blasphemy God and do not repent, even when the earth is crumbling under their feet; when the mountains are not found, and every island flees away, and great hail stones fall from the sky.

Verse 1 - And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.

I.    It is God the Father that sits upon the throne.

A.     Right hand – speaks of the power of God.  The Bible declares that the right hand is more powerful than the left hand.

1.      Genesis 48:8-20 - Story of Jacob blessing the two sons of Joseph, guiding his hands wittingly, so his right hand was on the head of the child on his left.

2.      Exodus 15:6, 12 – Moses praises God for his right hand of strength in destroying Egypt in the Red Sea.

a.      Exodus 15:6  Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.

b.      Exodus 15:12  Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them.

3.      Leviticus 14:15,16 and 26,27 – When the cleansing of a not poor leper, and a poor leper is ceremoniously cleansed, the priest will pour some of the log of oil into his left hand and use his right finger to dip into his left hand and sprinkle before the Lord seven times.

4.      Deuteronomy 33:2 – Moses declared the fiery law came from the right hand of God.  And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them.

5.      I Kings 2:19 – Sitting at the right hand of the king is a position of power and authority.

a.      Bathsheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king’s mother; and she sat on his right hand.

b.      Matthew 26:64 - Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. 

c.      Acts 7:55 - But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 

d.      Hebrews 12:2 - Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

6.      There are 38 times in the book of Psalms that the right hand of God is spoken of as having great strength for the person who trusts in it.

7.      Ecclesiastes 10:2 - A wise man’s heart is at his right hand; but a fool’s heart at his left. 

B.     Left hand – The only time the left hand is mentioned in sacrifice is in the cleansing of a leper.

1.      Leviticus 14:15,16 – When the leper that is not poor is ceremoniously cleansed the priest will pour some of the log of oil into his left hand and use his right finger to dip into his left hand and sprinkle before the Lord seven times.

2.      Leviticus 14:26,27 – The procedure is repeated as above, but this cleansing is for a poor person.  [1]  [2] 

C.     There are some general references made to the left hand, but not in reference to the sacrifices. 

1.      Genesis 13:9 – If Lot goes to the left, Abraham will go to the right, or vice-versa. 

2.      Judges 3:21 – Elud, a judge of Israel, used his left hand to take his homemade dagger from his right thigh and thrust it into the belly of Eglon, King of Moab.  

3.      Judges 7:20 – The 300 men with Gideon held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands. 

4.      Proverbs 3:16 – Wisdom holds length of days in her right hand and riches and honor in her left hand. 

5.      Matthew 25:41 – At the judgment of the nations, the righteous nations are said to be on the right hand of Christ, while the wicked nations are on the left hand. 

II.    The seven sealed book:

A.     Whenever our attention is directed toward the seven-sealed book, it is immediately directly away from that book toward Christ. 

1.      Our attention is directed toward Christ because someone must open the book so we can see what is on the inside. 

2.      Christ is the center of all our attention. 

3.      The important thing is not what is happening when the seven-sealed book is open, but who is causing all these things to happen. 

a.      The web site: http://greatriddle.flifree.com/010-e.htm correctly declares that three witnesses always proclaim the truth and gives many examples of this truth in scripture.  

b.      The web site is operated by Mormons, therefore also contains the book of Mormon, alongside and equal to the Bible. 

c.      The homepage of the web site includes the following paragraph, which is patently false: 

All of the riddles and puzzles which have been discovered in the King James Version of the Christian Bible. These riddles and puzzles were hidden in plain sight. They were discovered only by obeying the command that every word be established in the mouth of two or three witnesses.  The story of their discovery is an interesting story.  That story is nevertheless not presented here because you do not need to know that story in order to understand the Most High God. You instead need to know and understand His riddles and puzzles.  (underlined emphasis - WWR)

4.      Psalms 103:7 states, He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. 

a.      There are many people interested in knowing and understanding what God is doing and what he will be doing in the future. 

b.      Few people are interested in knowing or understanding why God is doing what he is doing and what he will be doing. 

c.      Many people are interested in knowing the facts concerning the events in the book of Revelation, but few are interested in having a personal acquaintance and relationship with the knowing God, who is full of mercy, grace, love, judgment, and terrible vengeance. 

B.     The seven-sealed book is probably a scroll, because that was the way written works were kept.

1.      The way the book is put together keeps it from being unrolled because each seal must be broken as more and more of the book is opened.

a.      The seals show the chronological order of the book of Revelation. 

b.      The opening of one seal must take place before the next seal can be opened.

c.      One trumpet must sound before the next trumpet can be sounded.

d.      One vial must be poured out before the next vial can be poured out.

e.      It doesn’t makes much difference whether the seven sealed book is a scroll or a book – the result is the same. 

2.      There are many varied interpretations of the book of Revelation, but it is error to fail to consider the chronological order of the book. 

a.      The fact that Revelation is a chronological book is very apparent. 

b.      Revelation 6:1-17 – The opening of the first six seals. 

1.)    Revelation 6:1-2 – The first seal is opened, the world is conquered. 

2.)    Revelation 6:3-4 – The second seal is opened, there is conflict on earth. 

3.)    Revelation 6:5-6 – The third seal is opened, there is famine on the earth. 

4.)    Revelation 6:7-8 – The fourth seal is opened – there is widespread death and destruction on the earth. 

5.)    Revelation 6:9-11 – The fifth seal is opened – the souls under the altar cry to the Lord for vengeance. 

6.)    Revelation 6:12-17 – The sixth seal is opened – Christ appears and men cry for a hiding place from his wrath. 

c.      Revelation 8:1-6 – When the seventh seal is opened, the seven trumpets appear. 

d.      Revelation 8:7-9:21 – The sounding of the first six trumpets. 

1.)    Revelation 8:7 – The first trumpet sounds, vegetation is destroyed. 

2.)    Revelation 8:8-9 – The second trumpet sounds, the seas are struck. 

3.)    Revelation 8:10-11 – The third trumpet sounds, the waters struck. 

4.)    Revelation 8:12-13 – The fourth trumpet sounds, the heavens struck.  (Three woes are coming!)

5.)    Revelation 9:1-12 – The fifth trumpet sounds, locust from the bottomless pit.  (The first woe!)

6.)    Revelation 9:13-21 – The sixth trumpet sounds, The angels from the Euphrates. (The second woe!) 

e.      Revelation 10:1-4 – The seven thunders utter their voices, but John is forbidden to write what they declare. 

1.)    The seven thunders are evidently included within, and a part of, the sixth trumpet and the second woe. 

2.)    Many have tried to determine what the seven thunders declared, but it is impossible to know because God does not want us to know. 

f.        Revelation 11:15 – The seventh trumpet sounds (The third woe!),

1.)    Included in this seventh trumpet and third woe is: 

a.)    Chapter 12 gives a summary of Israel and Christ, while chapter 13 gives a summary of the anti-Christ kingdom, and chapter 14 declares: 

1)      Revelation 14:1-5 – The 144,000 worship God, 

2)      Revelation 14:6-13 – The proclamation that pagan Babylon has fallen. 

3)      Revelation 14:14-20 – The earth is reaped. 

b.)    Revelation 15:1 declares the last seven plagues, for the wrath of God is filled up with these. 

2.)    Revelation 15:5-8 – The seven angels come out of heaven’s temple with the seven final plagues – each angel has a vial or bowl of the wrath of God. 

a.)    Revelation 16:2 – The first vial is poured out – there are terrible sores on those who had received the mark of the beast. 

b.)    Revelation 16:3 – The second vial is poured out – The sea turns to blood. 

c.)    Revelation 16:4-7 – The third vial is poured out – The water turns into blood. 

d.)    Revelation 16:8-9 – The fourth vial is poured out – Men are scorched with great heat. 

e.)    Revelation 16:10-11 – The fifth vial is poured out – Darkness and pain fill the Anti-Christ kingdom. 

f.)      Revelation 16:12-16 – The sixth vial is poured out – the way is prepared for the Battle of Armageddon. 

g.)    Revelation 16:17-21 – The seventh vial is poured out – Terrible wrath from God is upon the earth. 

3.      The end of the chronological order of Revelation does not stop with the wrath of God upon the earth, but continues into eternity. 

a.      Revelation 20:1-6 records that Satan is bound 1,000 years while Christ reigns on this earth. 

b.      Revelation 20:7 records that when the 1,000 years are completed, Satan is loosed from his prison, goes out and deceives the people who are ready for his return and the battle of God and Magog finalizes Satan’s destruction, as he is cast into the Lake of Fire in verse 10. 

c.      Revelation 20:11-15 records the judgment of the lost and their being cast into the Lake of Fire. 

d.      Revelation 21 records the establishment of the new heaven and new earth and its glory. 

e.      Revelation 21:4 reveals that Christ will wipe all tears from eyes, and there shall be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain because all those former things are wiped away. 

4.      Any interpretation of the book of Revelation that does not consider the chronological order of the book is very obviously in error. 

C.     The seven sealed book is:

1.      A book inside a book, which is inside another book.

a.      The seven sealed book held by God the Father is contained within the book of Revelation, which is contained in the Bible.

1.)    Saved people are protected inside the hand of Jesus Christ, which is kept safe in the hand of God.

2.)    John 10:28-30 - And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and my Father are one. 

3.)    Colossians 3:3 - For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 

b.      If we do not believe the Bible, we will not believe the book of Revelation, and we will not believe what is written in the seven sealed book.

1.)    II Peter 3:3 states, Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 

2.)    These unbelievers are walking after their own lusts, not after the things of God.

3.)    Therefore they doubt the return of Christ, because,

4.)    They are willingly ignorant of the flood in Noah’s day, because

5.)    They do not want to believe God judged the world then, and

6.)    They do not want to believe God will judge the world with fire.

c.      The reason Satan is causing all these new versions of the Bible in these last days is to:

1.)    Cause confusion as to the sinful condition of man.

2.)    Cause confusion as to who Jesus Christ is.

3.)    Cause confusion as to God’s eternal plan of redemption.

4.)    Cause confusion as to God’s past judgments.

5.)    Cause confusion as to God’s present judgments.

6.)    Cause confusion as to God’s future judgments. 

2.      Revelation 5:9 – The seven sealed book is a book of redemption for souls and for the earth.

a.      Adam lost the souls of all the earth when he rebelled against God in the Garden of Eden.

b.      Genesis 3:22-24 – Adam and his wife were cast out of the Garden of Eden, and the fulfilling of the book of Revelation will put man back into the paradise of God.

c.      Paradise was lost because of the actions of the first Adam, but Paradise will be regained because of the actions of the second Adam,

1.)    I Corinthians 15:22 - For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 

2.)    I Corinthians 15:45 - And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. 

3.      Revelation 5:10 – The seven sealed book is a book to remove Satan’s control over this earth as prince and power of the air and return control to God.

a.      Ephesians 2:2 – Satan is the prince of the power of the air.

b.      Luke 4:6 – Satan has a kingdom on this earth, and he gives it to whomsoever he will.

c.      Revelation 11:15 – The time when Christ shall take control of the kingdoms of this world and begin to reign forever and ever.

4.      The seven sealed book is a book of judgment on the wickedness of this world.

a.      See the seals – which typify the progression of events leading up to the judgment of this world.

b.      See the thunders, which may typify some type of progressive revelation of God’s coming judgments, which will not be heeded by wicked men, but will probably be heard by faithful men.

c.      See the trumpets, which typify progressive judgment during the tribulation period.

d.      See the vials, which typify progressively stronger judgments during the last half of the tribulation period.

5.      The seven sealed book is a book of judgment, but it is also a very sad book in that it is a reminder of the ignorance of Israel, their rebellion against God’s clear commandments, the replacement of God’s laws with laws of their own, and his judgment against them.

a.      If Israel, the apple of God’s eye, could willfully sin and rebel against God, who are we to look down on them, or to think we cannot sin after the same fashion?

1.)    If we are faithful to God, it is because of his abounding grace and mercy toward us, not because we are better than Israel.   

2.)    Left to ourselves, we will be guilty of the exact same disbelief as Israel.  [3]

b.      Romans 11:11-12 reveals that God allowed blindness to come to Israel that they might reject him, and he would reject them, and turn to the unbelieving, undeserving Gentiles.  [4]

III.    What does it mean that the book is sealed?

A.     The seal relates to power and authority and is whatever keeps the contents of the book hidden or contained. 

1.      The seal could be as a clasp that keeps the book closed – something like a locked clasp on some personal diaries. 

2.      The seal could also be as a signet ring that relates authority or ownership. 

a.      In Esther,

1.)    Esther 3:10 – Haman talked King Ahasuerus into putting the king’s seal on a letter whose intent was to give authority to destroy the Jews.

2.)    Esther 8:7,8, 10 – King Ahasuerus gave Esther and Mordecai the authority to use his ring to write a letter giving permission for the Jews to protect themselves. 

b.      1 Kings 21:8 states, So she (Jezebel) wrote letters in Ahab’s name, and sealed them with his seal, and sent the letters unto the elders and to the nobles that were in his city, dwelling with Naboth. 

1.)    Ahab’s seal reflected that the king’s authority was behind this diabolical plot. 

2.)    Therefore, the citizens of Naboth’s city were afraid to disobey, and delivered just Naboth to destruction. 

c.      Daniel 6:17 confirms, And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel. 

d.      In Matthew 27:66 the tomb of Christ was sealed with something, perhaps an official government seal.   

e.      Revelation 13:16 – Satan’s servants are marked with the number of a man. 

f.        God’s faithful servants are sealed, or protected. 

1.)    II Timothy 2:19 declares, Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 

2.)    Revelation 7:3 – The 144,000 Jews who will believe during the Great Tribulation will be sealed beforehand. 

3.)    Ezekiel 9:4 states, And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. 

a.)    When the rebellion of Israel finalized in their being conquered by the Babylonians, God protected those who desired to worship him by putting a mark on their foreheads. 

b.)    I do not know what that mark was, but there is no doubt it is God setting these aside for his protection. 

g.      There is a mark on the forehead of believers and unbelievers, marking them as the territory of God or Satan. 

3.      The book is sealed as to two things:

a.      Nobody will be able to understand what the book is about because we cannot look inside the book.

b.      The prophecies contained in the book will not come to pass until the time is right.

IV.    The nation of Israel and the sealing of the book. 

A.     Daniel 9:24 gives six things that is determined to be done to Jerusalem and Israel.

1.      To finish the transgression.

2.      To make an end of sins.

3.      To make reconciliation for iniquity.

4.      to bring in everlasting righteousness.

5.      to seal up the vision and prophecy – this is the part of this prophecy we are concerned with.

6.      to anoint the most holy.

B.     The book was sealed because of the willful ignorance of Israel, their rebellion against God’s commandments, and the replacement of God’s laws with laws of their own, but is unsealed by the grace of God.

1.      Refer to Daniel 9:24 - the part of the six things we are concerned with is number 5 – to seal up the vision and prophecy.

2.      All of the prophecy given in Daniel 9:24-27 will be fulfilled within 490 years of the commandment given by Cyrus to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.

3.      II Chronicles 36:22-23 reveals that Cyrus gave this command in the first year of his reign over Judah, immediately after the seventy year captivity is finished. 

4.      The year is 536 BC. 

C.     The judgments against Israel and the promise of a redeemer is sealed (hidden by the authority and power of God) to Israel.

1.      Isaiah 28:5-13 – God declares that Israel have gone away through wine and strong drink.  They should have learned precept upon precept (a little at a time until they have understood the hard things), but they have refused.  Therefore God has let them go away from him a little bit at a time until they have gone backward and is snared by Satan and fallen completely away.

a.      The warning for us is evident.

b.      If we pay more attention to the things of this world than we do to the things of God – if we do not make application in our everyday lives to the things we know we should – God will also refuse to reveal himself to us.

c.      The wine and strong drink might be literal, but they could be simply taking more concern with the things of this world than the things of the kingdom of God.

d.      Matthew 13:22 speaks of the saved person who is overcome with the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and chokes the word, that they bear no fruit to perfection.  (See also Luke 8:14.)

2.      Isaiah 28:14-22 – God will disannul the covenant Israel has made with death to revive that favored nation with his eternal blessings. 

a.      Verse 19-20 describes the wretchedness of Israel. 

b.      The strange work of verse 21 is not an “odd” work, but a work that is alien to the thinking of Israel. 

c.      Verse 22 describes the Great Tribulation of Revelation. 

3.      Isaiah 28:23-29 reveals that Christ knows how to reap the benefits of the earth. 

a.      The earth must be prepared with barrenness, so all will know there is need of a Saviour, just as a person will not be saved until they first see the complete blackness and wickedness of their heart. 

b.      Verse 27-28 describes the different processes used by God on different peoples. 

c.      Verse 29 clarifies that all these things come from the Lord. 

4.      Isaiah 29 is a dual prophecy concerning the time of Babylonian captivity and the time of the Gentiles. 

a.      Verse 1-9 states that Jerusalem will be overrun by Gentiles, both during the Babylonian captivity and the times of the Gentiles. 

b.      Verse 9-10 explains the blindness of Israel is poured upon them from the Lord. 

c.      Verse 11 refers to the seven sealed book of Revelation 5. 

d.      Verse 13-16 reveals the reason for God giving blindness to Israel is because of their willing unbelief, and lack of seeking the face of God. 

e.      Verse 17-24 speak of the time of restoration (the millennium) of Israel when their eyes shall be opened, those that erred in spirit shall come to understand, and those that murmured shall understand doctrine.  [5]

5.      There are those people called Preterists, who believe all the prophecies about Israel are completely fulfilled when Titus entered and destroyed Jerusalem in 70 A. D. 

a.      These people are wrong, because there are other prophecies that declare that Israel will be revived in the last days.

b.      Isaiah 28:14-22 speaks of the revival of Israel in the last days, when God disannuls their agreement with hell.

1.)    Isaiah 28:21 speaks of Perazim, which is the same as Baal-perazim, where David burnt the Philistine gods. 

2.)    Isaiah 28:21 speaks of the valley of Gibeon, where God wrought a great victory for Israel. 

a.)    According to I Chronicles 16:39, and 21:29, the Tabernacle was placed here, and remained until Solomon built the temple. 

b.)    Joshua 10 relates how God caused the sun to stand still so Joshua could defeat five kings, who attempted to crush Gibeon. 

c.)    II Samuel 2:12-17 declares the victory of King David’s army over King Ishbosheth’s army and the kingdom of David becoming stronger and stronger. 

d.)    II Samuel 21:6-9 records the hanging of seven sons of Saul at Gibeon for the grievance of the Gibeonites against Saul’s breaking Israel’s oath with them, made in Joshua 9:3-15. 

e.)    I Kings 3:2 reveals that King Solomon offered 1,000 sacrifices to God in the high place at Gibeon, and Solomon asked God for wisdom. 

c.      Isaiah 28:23-29 compares the work of the farmer for a completed, useable finished crop to God who works with Israel to complete them, making them useable for the eternal glory of God.

1.)    Fitches – a type of condiment, something like cummin.

2.)    The farmer knows how to plant and cultivate and harvest each plant for the greatest benefit.

3.)    God also knows how to plant and cultivate and harvest Israel for the greatest benefit to himself.

d.      God is not running rough shod over Israel, but each move of chastisement is carefully planned for the best benefit to God and Israel.  

6.      Isaiah 29:9-10 - Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye out, and cry: they are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink. 10 For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.

a.      Because of the rebellion of Israel, God caused the spirit of a deep sleep to come upon them. 

1.)    Israel willingly rebelled against God and his commandments, therefore God caused the deep sleep of ignorance to come upon them. 

2.)    God allowed Israel to rebel against him. 

b.      Who will God hold the more accountable: those people who lived during the time of Christ and saw his crucifixion, or people today who refuse to believe true preaching? 

1.)    Both are equally accountable. 

2.)    Both are equally depraved, and cannot see unless God opens their eyes. 

3.)    If God begins to open your eyes to the truth, you should use the light God has given to you and seek his face, so he will open more to you. 

4.)    Failure to follow the light God gives to you will bring the judgment of God upon you. 

c.      I Samuel 16:14 states, But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him. 

1.)    The ignorance of Saul, his rebellion against the clear commandments of God and the replacement of God’s laws with his own laws is the reason God sent the evil spirit from God to come upon him. 

2.)    Saul continued to reign over Israel another 38 years until his death and David began his reign of 40 years. 

3.)    Thus Israel continues to be a nation after their rebellion, both during the Babylonian captivity and the times of the Gentiles. 

4.)    King David is a type of Christ, and when the times of the evil spirit from the Lord being on Israel is over, Jesus Christ himself shall rule and reign, and all Israel will know he is the one they missed. 

V.    God gave Israel many warnings about their departure from the faith, but they refused to listen.  God did not cause them to cease being a nation right away, but “gave them enough rope to hang themselves,” and fulfill his ultimate prophecy against them. 

A.     Isaiah 6:8-12 - Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. 9 And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. 10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. 11 Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate, 12 And the LORD have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land. 

1.      Israel will not see their error before God, nor will they see the redeemer when he comes.

2.      How long?

a.      Isaiah prophesies until Israel goes into Assyrian captivity, thus fulfilling the short term requirement of prophecy.

b.      Verse 11 – The long term fulfillment of this prophecy is when Titus destroyed Jerusalem and Jerusalem in 70 A. D.

c.      Verse 12 – Israel will be scattered through all the world.

d.      If this were the end of the prophecy, the story would be sad indeed.

e.      But there are other prophecies that speak of the restoration of Israel in the last days of this world.

B.     The blindness of Israel mentioned in the New Testament.

1.      Matthew 13:10-15 - And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? 11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. 12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. 13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: 15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. 

2.      Acts 28:23-29 - And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. 24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. 25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, 26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: 27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. 28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. 29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves. 

a.      Paul is a very able expositor of the Old Testament, but understanding is not by human reasoning, although that is necessary.

b.      True spiritual understanding comes only when the Lord opens the understanding.

c.      God did not open the understanding of the Jews because they had rejected so much.

C.     Daniel is commanded to shut up the book and seal it until the time appointed.  This prophecy is comparable to the prophecy of Isaiah 6:9-11.

1.      Daniel 12:4 – Daniel is commanded to shut up the words and seal the book even to the time of the end.  But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. 

a.      Amillennialists believe Daniel 11 is all history and has been fulfilled. 

b.      They do not understand the seven sealed book of Revelation 5 and how Isaiah 29:11 speaks of the book Daniel is commanded to seal. 

c.      Daniel 12:4, 9 and 13 speak of the end of time, not the overtaking of Israel by Titus in 70 A.D., which is not the end of Israel, or the end of the prophecy concerning Israel. 

2.      Daniel 12:6 – Daniel asked how long the book should be sealed up.  And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?

3.      Daniel 12:7-9 – Daniel was told, but did not understand, and was told again that the words of the book were closed up and sealed.  And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished. 8 And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? 9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. 

a.      There are some prophecies that we will not understand until the time of the end arrives.

b.      Daniel did not understand what he was told because it was not time for the words to be understood.

c.      It is remarkable to me that Daniel did not understand that Israel would be in Babylonian captivity for 70 years until the end of the 70 years.

d.      Some prophecies will be understood only when the seven sealed book is opened.

D.     The coming judgment of God upon this world during the tribulation period and the redeemer are linked together.

1.      Isaiah 28:16 – The promise of the redeemer, a sure foundation.  Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

a.      Israel longed to see the King of Kings rule over them.

b.      They wanted this “big” thing.

c.      But they refused to seek God in the smallest things, therefore God refused to reveal himself to them.

d.      Israel did not see Christ when he came as their redeemer and the redeemer of all the world.

e.      Their eyes were blinded to the miracles and other wondrous works Christ did.

2.      Isaiah 28:18-19 – God will disannul man’s covenant with death and destruction, even though the physical judgments of God must be endured.  And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it. 19 From the time that it goeth forth it shall take you: for morning by morning shall it pass over, by day and by night: and it shall be a vexation only to understand the report.

a.      There is spiritual salvation, but the physical consequences of sin must be paid.

b.      The physical consequences of sin shall come day by day, and night by night.

c.      The word “vexation” means horror, or an object of terror, therefore the report of whatever has come, or is coming will be a terror to all.

d.      There will be no comfort or hope in any news, or report.  [6]

VI.    The book of Ezekiel 2:10. 

A.     This book refers to Ezekiel first understanding the judgments of God himself, then preaching about those coming judgments. 

B.     Ezekiel 2:10 states, And he spread it before me; and it was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe. 

1.      This book is not the seven sealed book of Revelation 5. 

a.      This book is like the little book of Revelation 10:2, 8-11. 

1.)     

2.)    Both are books concerning the coming judgment of God upon Israel and this world. 

3.)    Both books contain the final prophecies concerning the end of this phrase of the earth’s history. 

b.      Because of the similarity of these two books, some believe Ezekiel and John will be the two final witnesses of Revelation 11. 

1.)    Revelation 10:11 is spoken to John when he is writing the book of Revelation. 

2.)    Comparing Revelation 10:7 with Revelation 11:15 reveals the time period is the very last of the Great Tribulation. 

c.      Some believe Moses and Elijah will be the two final witness, while others believe Elijah and Enoch will fill that position. 

2.      Ezekiel is told in Ezekiel 3:1-4 to go preach the book to all of Israel. 

a.      In verse 11, Ezekiel is told to prophecy to those of the captivity, therefore we understand Israel had already gone into Babylonian captivity. 

b.      In verse 12-14, Ezekiel was moved by the Spirit of God, but went in his bitterness, because he had a hard job to do. 

c.      In verse 24-27 God promised to open and shut Ezekiel’s mouth and give him strength to obey. 

C.     Ezekiel’s preaching involved both the short-term judgments of God and the long-term judgments of the end days. 

1.      Short term judgments.

a.      Ezekiel chapters 4 and 5 give Ezekiel some things to do as visual aids to Israel. 

b.      The Babylonian captivity had begun, therefore Ezekiel actions forced Israel to understand there would be more judgments in the future if they did not listen to the present judgments. 

2.      Long-term Judgments.

a.      Ezekiel 5:12 speaks of the time after 70 A. D. when God scatters Israel to all the world. 

b.      Ezekiel 6:8-10 confirms Ezekiel 5:12. 

Verse 2 - And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

I.    A strong angel proclaims; it is not a weak angel, or just an angel.  It is not strength that allows the book to be opened, but worthiness.

A.     There are two things the angel proclaims:

1.      The worthy individual must open the book. 

2.      The worthy individual must loose the seals thereof. 

B.     Angels have a lot to do in bringing the judgments of God upon Israel and the entire world.

1.      Some form of the word “angel” appears 72 times in the book of Revelation.

a.      An angel is the messenger of God – for blessing or judgment.

b.      There seems to be groups of angels who carry out the judgments of God.

1.)    There seems to be other groups of angels who protect the people of God. 

2.)    Sometimes angels bring a literal message from God. 

a.)    Judges 13:3 – An angel of the Lord appeared to the mother and father of Samson, informing them of her coming pregnancy, and how Samson would defeat the Philistines. 

b.)    Judges 6:11 – An angel brought the message to Gideon that he was to lead Israel to victory against the Midianites. 

2.      God’s people, as individuals, are not generally allowed to execute the judgment of God. 

a.      God reserved the execution of his laws to the nation of Israel, not individuals.

1.)    The only exception is when an individual kills a murderer, then flees to one of the cities of refuge.

2.)    God knows there would be times when the anger of this flesh would be sudden and hot, and therefore made provision for that without making provision for murder.

3.)    The reason God did not destroy Cain when he killed Abel is because there was no government established, and there were no cities of refuge established, therefore God put the mark upon him that no man would kill him.

b.      The church of the Lord Jesus Christ does not execute the judgment of God. 

1.)    I Corinthians 5:5, 9-13 – A congregation is allowed only to put the wicked person from their midst, therefore delivering them to the judgment of God. 

2.)    Revelation 11:1-12 – During the tribulation period, the two witnesses do not judge the world, or pour out the judgment of God, rather they continually proclaim the gospel and glory of God until their testimony is finished, then they are killed.

3.)    Revelation 14:6 – The angels preach the everlasting gospel during the last half of the tribulation period, after the two witnesses are killed, resurrected and taken to heaven.

c.      Angels do not carry out their personal vengeance upon this earth, but rather pour out the judgment of God.

1.)    The angels show no joy in pouring out the judgment of God upon the earth, instead glorying God for his righteous judgment

2.)    In all places in the book of Revelation, we are told the various kinds of God’s judgment the angels bring to the earth, except when the seven thunders utter their voices, which plague is withheld from our knowledge.

C.     The different strengths of angels.

1.      Revelation 5:1 – It is a strong angel that asks if there is any worthy to open the seven sealed book.

2.      Revelation 10:1 – It is a mighty angel that has a little book in his hand.

3.      Revelation 18:1, 2, 21 – A mighty angel describes the destruction of Babylon.

4.      Revelation 20:1 – It is a “plain, ordinary” angel that binds defeated Satan in the bottomless pit for 1,000 years. 

D.     The different works of the angels.

1.      Revelation 1:1 – the book of Revelation was given to an angel to give to the Lord’s churches. 

2.      Revelation 1:20 – Each church has a special angelic messenger directly from God.

a.      Revelation 2:1 – the angel of the church of Ephesus.

b.      Revelation 2:8 – the angel of the church of Smyrna.

c.      Revelation 2:12 – the angel of the church of Pergamos.

d.      Revelation 2:18 – the angel of the church of Thyatira.

e.      Revelation 3:1 – the angel of the church of Sardis.

f.        Revelation 3:5 – He, whose name is not blotted out of the book of life will be confessed before God and his angels.

g.      Revelation 3:7 – the angel of the church of Philadelphia.

h.      Revelation 3:14 – the angel of the church of Laodiceans.

3.      There are people who believe the angels of these churches are the pastors of those churches.

a.      Words have special meanings.

1.)    The word “church” means assembly, especially an assembly of called out, saved, scripturally baptized followers of Christ, who have covenanted together to worship and serve God.

2.)    The word “demon” means a certain thing in the Bible.

3.)    The word “angel” also means a certain thing in the Bible.

4.)    God uses words to give understanding to his Bible.

5.)    If we do not know the definitions of words, or if we change the definitions of words, we will not understand what God is saying to us.

b.      The word “angel*” appears some 283 times in the entire Bible (72 times in the book of Revelation), but there is no passage in the entire Bible that states that men are angels, therefore pastors cannot be angels, although pastors are supposed to be messengers from God.

1.)    It is very dangerous to state that pastors are angels when the Bible does not say that.

2.)    To believe that angels are pastors is to overlook a most valuable truth about the oversight of each local church.

c.      I understand that pastors hold a special position in the Lord’s churches, but pastors are not angels (created beings). 

1.)    Pastors are placed by God as overseers to his churches, and they are the ones the people should look to for God’s guidance and leadership. 

2.)    Pastors are not dictators, as the church does not belong to them, but to God. 

d.      Pastors get their message from the Bible, the Word of God, while angels get their message from the actual spoken word directly from God’s voice.

e.      Some pastors promote the idea that pastors are angels because that elevates their position, but in reality it takes away from God’s protection over his churches.

1.)    Just as children have guardian angels, but they also have parents who protect them; so churches have guardian angels, but they also have pastors who protect them. 

2.)    There is no doubt that pastors should protect and lead the Lord’s church into greater communion with Christ.

3.)    Some pastors act as if they are the one everything must go through, but in reality, Christ is still the head of his kind of churches, and everything should go through him – being approved by his revealed word – the KJV Bible.

f.        The theory that pastors are angels also lends credence to the false theory that the sons of God are angels which co-habits with women, producing children which are half-human, half-some other creature, which are exceedingly wicked, and caused the flood in the days of Noah.

g.      Following proper Biblical interpretation of letting scripture interpret scripture will easily reveal that the angels of the churches are not pastors, but a special work of some of God’s angels.

4.      Angels appear as men, but they are not men.

a.      Genesis 19 – two angels came to Lot – this could very well be Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit of God, but there is no record that these two are humans, rather that the two came from God.

1.)    Genesis 18:1 states that the LORD appeared to Abraham, and verse 2 states that three men stood by Abraham.

2.)    Genesis 18:16 states that the men rose us and looked toward Sodom, while verse 17 records what the LORD said.

b.      An angel went before and behind Israel, but Moses led them.

1.)    Exodus 14:19 - And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: 

2.)    Exodus 32:34 – God told Moses to lead Israel because his angel would go before him.

3.)    These passages reveal the truth of God’s plan of leadership. 

a.)    There are angels God has placed to lead and protect all his local churches into total truth.

b.)    God has also placed pastors to oversee his churches, as a physical representative of himself. 

c.)    This is a very responsible position, as every pastor is accountable to God for how he conducts himself. 

4.)    God knows his people need a physical leader they can see.

c.      I Chronicles 21 – An angel destroyed Jerusalem because David numbered the people.  It was not a man who was destroying Jerusalem.

d.      Daniel 6:22 – It was an angel that shut the lion’s mouth, a man did not do that.

e.      Matthew 13:39 – Angels, not men, shall sever the wicked from the just. 

f.        Acts 12 – Peter is let out of prison by an angel, not a man. 

g.      Over and over again angels appear in the form of men, but they are not men.

5.      Angels are always created beings, send from God as messengers to humans.

a.      Each church of the Lord Jesus Christ as a special type of “guardian” angel which watches over their welfare, protecting them from Satan’s assaults and guiding them into all truth.

b.      Organizations that call themselves churches, but are not true churches, do not have this special type of “guardian” angel watching over them.

c.      Each church should also have a special messenger from God called a pastor who should be a “pastor/teacher” (Ephesians 4:11), leading the people to a closer walk with Christ.

d.      This principle compares to Exodus 32:34 – An angel went before and behind Israel, but Moses led them.

6.      Angels are very prominent in the pronouncements of the coming judgment.

a.      Revelation 5:1 – a strong angel seeks someone worthy to open the seven sealed book.

b.      Revelation 5:11 – millions of angels proclaim the worthiness of Jesus Christ to open the seven sealed book.

7.      It is interesting that angels do not open the seven seals – Jesus does.

a.      The opening of the seven seals by Christ.

1.)    Revelation 6:1 – The lamb opens the first seal.

2.)    Revelation 6:3 – “he” opens the second seal.

3.)    Revelation 6:5 – “he” opens the third seal.

4.)    Revelation 6:7 – “he” opens the fourth seal.

5.)    Revelation 6:9 – “he” opens the fifth seal.

6.)    Revelation 6:12 – “he” opens the sixth seal.

7.)    Revelation 8:1 – “he” opens the seventh seal.

b.      The opening of the seals are events that take place, not plagues.

8.      Angels protect God’s children and worship God.

a.      Revelation 7:1 – Angels hold back the coming judgments.

b.      Revelation 7:2 – Angels protect the people of God.

c.      Revelation 7:11 – Angels worship God.

9.      Angels blow the seven trumpets of God’s judgment.

a.      Revelation 8:2 – Seven angels are given seven trumpets.

b.      Revelation 8:3,4,5, and 6 – An angel is in control of the prayers of the saints just before the judgment begins.

c.      Revelation 8:7 – The first angel sounds his trumpet.

d.      Revelation 8:8 – The second angel sounds his trumpet.

e.      Revelation 8:10 – The third angel sounds his trumpet.

f.        Revelation 8:12 - The fourth angel sounds his trumpet.

g.      Revelation 8:13 – An angel preaches the everlasting gospel.

h.      Revelation 9:1 - The fifth angel sounds his trumpet.

i.        Revelation 9:13 - The sixth angel sounds his trumpet.

1.)    Revelation 9:14,15 – The four angels which hold the River Euphrates are loosed.

2.)    Revelation 10:1 – a mighty angel comes down from heaven with a little book in his hand.

3.)    It is interesting to note that everything the angels do is recorded for us, but the voices of the thunders is not recorded for us.

4.)    Revelation 10:5,7 – an angel proclaims there will be no more delay in the judgments of God, but when the seventh angels sounds, the mystery of God should be finished.

5.)    Revelation 10:8,9, and 10 – John eats the little book out of the angels hand.

6.)    Revelation 11:1 – An angel commands John to measure the temple.

j.        Revelation 11:15 – The seventh angel sounds his trumpet.

10.  Revelation 12:7, 9 – An interval is here recorded concerning the role the angels have played in protecting Israel and Christ in the past, and how they will protect Israel during the tribulation period.

11.  Revelation 14:6 – An angel flies through heaven, preaching the everlasting gospel.

12.  Revelation 14:8 – An angel proclaims the destruction of Babylon.

13.  Revelation 14:9 – Another angels proclaims the judgment of God upon all who take the mark of the beast.

14.  Revelation 14:19 – Angels gathers the vine of the earth and cast it into the winepress of the wrath of God.  Jesus is the one who treads the winepress, not angels, or people.

15.  Revelation 15:1, 6, 7, 8, and 16:1 – The seven angels are given the vials of the seven last plagues from God, with instructions to pour the vials upon the earth.

a.      Revelation 16:2 – The first angel pours out his vial.  (This is the only time the word “angel” is not used, but implied.)

b.      Revelation 16:3 – The second angel pours out his vial.

c.      Revelation 16:4 – The third angel pours out his vial.

d.      Revelation 16:5 – The angel of the waters proclaim the justice of God in his wrath.

e.      Revelation 16:8 – The fourth angel pours out his vial.

f.        Revelation 16:10 – The fifth angel pours out his vial.

g.      Revelation 16:12 – The sixth angel pours out his vial.

h.      Revelation 16:17 – The seventh angel pours out his vial.

16.  Revelation 17:1, 7, 18:21 – An angel shows John the judgment of the great whore.

17.  Revelation 19:17 – An angel calls to the fowls of the air to eat the bodies of those slain at the Battle of Armageddon. 

18.  Revelation 20:1 – An angel puts the devil into the bottomless pit for 1,000 years.

19.  Revelation 21:9, 12, and 17 – An angel shows John the New Jerusalem.

20.  Revelation 22:6 – A repeat of Revelation 1:1, explaining that an angel is to reveal the last day judgments of God.

21.  Revelation 22:8 – John erroneously worships the angel that showed him all the coming judgments of God.

22.  Revelation 22:16 – Jesus sent his angel to testify the book of Revelation in the churches. 

II.    It seems anybody who thinks they are worthy can step forward.

A.     Satan is not eligible. 

1.      His desire is to destroy this world, but not in righteous judgment. 

2.      Satan’s history is one of trying to destroy, but never in righteous judgment. 

B.     The worthy one must do two things: open the book, and loose the seals.

1.      Jesus personally opens the book and looses the seals. 

2.      Angels bring the rest of God’s judgments. 

C.     Any created being, or any man, or any thing can step forward.

D.     Isaiah 29:11-12 - And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed: 12 And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned. 

E.      It is not a question of strength, ability, knowledge or anything else.  It is a question of worthiness.

1.      Nobody has the strength, ability, or knowledge of Christ, but only Christ is worthy.

2.      He is worthy because all the universe belongs to him, and he is answerable to nobody.

3.      He is worthy because he has willingly come to the earth, leaving his glory behind and taken upon himself the form of a sinful man, yet without sin, taken our sins upon himself, died in our behalf and given his righteousness to unworthy sinners.  [7]  [8]

Verse 3 - And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. 

I.    Apparently the only creatures eligible to open the book are humans, or men.

A.     There is only three places men can be:

1.      In heaven – by transfiguration, or by death because they are saved. 

2.      In the earth – because they are still alive. 

3.      Under the earth – because they have died lost and gone into hell. 

4.      There is no such place as purgatory. 

B.     No man in heaven.

1.      Saved and already dead and ascended into heaven.

2.      The verse states man, therefore it is not given to any angel the privilege of opening the seven sealed book.

3.      If an angel were eligible, even a strong or mighty angel would not have the strength or ability to open the book.

C.     No man in earth.

1.      Saved or lost and still living on the earth.

2.      No man of high or low intellect, high or low ability, worshipper or God or otherwise stepped forward to open the book.

D.     No man under the earth.

1.      Lost and already dead and descended into hell.

2.      No fallen angel stepped forward with the strength or ability to open the book.

3.      Satan himself, with all his trickery and wicked ability, is able to open the book.

II.    They were not able to look upon the book.

A.     It is one thing to open the book, but it is an entirely different thing to look upon the book.

B.     It would not take much worthiness to look upon a book written by a man.

C.     But no man in heaven, in earth, or under the earth is able to even look upon the book of judgments God will bring upon this earth.

Verse 4 - And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.

I.    If the book represents only the judgment of God, why would John weep if the book could not be opened?

A.     The judgment of God is included in the seven sealed book, but the blessings of God upon all believers is also included in the book.

1.      Revelation 5:9.

a.      Redemption is included in the book.

b.      When Christ steps forward to open the book, the twenty four elders rejoice (with the prayers of the saints) because Christ has redeemed his people from every nation. 

c.      Our position as kings and priests will only be fulfilled when the seven-sealed book is opened. 

2.      The redemption of all things spiritual, physical and material is included in the book, which involves the removal of all sorrow from the “after-life”. 

a.      Revelation 7:14-17.

1.)    Blessings to those killed during the tribulation period is included in the book.

2.)    They shall hunger no more, and God shall wipe away their tears.

b.      Revelation 11:15-19 – God is finally taking control over the kingdoms of this world, putting an end to wickedness. 

c.      Revelation 18:20 – Saints are commanded to rejoice over the destruction of pagan Babylon, for God is avenging us on her.

B.     When Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden, he not only became lost, he also lost the “title deed” to the earth, giving it to Satan. 

1.      A part of the judgments on the earth in the tribulation period is God taking back from Satan that which Adam lost.

a.      Luke 4:6 – Satan has received authority from God to rule over the kingdoms of this world, but that authority is not forever. 

b.      During the tribulation period, Christ will regain control of all the nations of this world, who were given to Satan for a time. 

2.      God will claim all the souls that have trusted in him for eternal life.

3.      God will also claim all the earth for his own, returning it to the rightful owner. 

Verse 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.

I.    It is fitting that one of the elders declares Jesus Christ as being worthy to open the seven-sealed book. 

A.     The twenty four elders represents the redeemed of all the ages. 

1.      It is very appropriate that one of the redeemed point out Jesus Christ as worthy to open the book. 

2.      The redeemed understand the power of God in redeeming them from their personal sins, and the power of God in righteously judging the wicked. 

B.     No other created being understands the worthiness of Christ like believers. 

1.      Angels do understand the “external” parts of redemption, but know nothing of being redeemed from the guilt and consequences of sin. 

2.      Animals no nothing about God, or his eternal redemption, as they do not have souls, as men have souls. 

II.    The worthy one.

A.     Genesis 49:8-12 – The lion of the tribe of Judah. 

1.      Genesis 49:1 – Jacob, on his deathbed, gathers his children around him to give the blessings of God, and tell them what will happen in the last days. 

a.      The last days are not just the end of their life. 

b.      The last days referred to are at the end of this world, at least 3,700 years away. 

c.      These blessings concern the present physical blessings upon the tribe of Judah, and the spiritual blessings that shall come. 

2.      The prophecy of Genesis 49:8-12 concerns Judah, the fourth son of Jacob. 

3.      Genesis 49:8 – all the tribes will praise the tribe of  Judah. 

a.      The tribe of Judah will be praised above all the other tribes because the promised Messiah will come through that tribe. 

b.      Judah will be victorious over his enemies: as Christ will have victory over Satan, as described in Genesis 3:15. 

c.      A prophecy concerning that the kings of Israel shall come from the tribe of Judah, before whom all the other tribes will bow. 

1.)    There was a split in the nation of Israel, but that division will not be permanent. 

2.)    When God restores the nation of Israel to her former prosperity, there will be one king – Jesus Christ, the eternally righteous one. 

d.      All the children of Jacob shall recognize the holy position of Judah when they understand the promised Messiah comes through that tribe. 

e.      It must be pointed out that Judah is not recognized as better than the other tribes, only that they have been appointed to this position. 

f.        Psalm 18:40 states, Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me. 

1.)    This Psalm was written by David when God delivered him from all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. 

2.)    This passage reveals the “short term” fulfillment of Genesis 49:8, which shows the passage will be fulfilled in the “long term”. 

4.      Genesis 49:9 – Judah is described as an old lion with the strength and agility of a young lion, just as Christ is the ancient of days, not the ancient in days.   

a.      Judah is described as the lion, who is the king of the jungle. 

b.      The lion’s whelp is the young lion, the cub. 

c.      Judah is not wild and untamed, as the descendants of Ishmael – Genesis 16:10-12 states, And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude. 11 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction. 12 And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man’s hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren. 

d.      When Judah has executed judgment or obtained food, he rests and relaxes in his strength and is contented. 

1.)    “Stooped” refers to Judah kneeling down, or bowing down with contentment and rest. 

2.)    “Couching” refers stretching himself out, reflecting his contentment with great power, strength, and calmness. 

3.)    Judah will arise when necessary, but as he desires, not as others desire of him. 

5.      Genesis 49:10 – Authority shall remain with Judah, because Christ is represented by that tribe. 

a.      The sceptre (authority to rule) shall not depart from the tribe of Judah. 

1.)    He sceptre is a rod in the hand of the king, and the rod of the shepherd. 

a.)    Esther 5:2 declares, … So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre. 

b.)    Moses carried a shepherd’s rod, which was greatly used of God in performing miracles in Egypt. 

c.)    King David knew about the shepherd’s rod and the kingly sceptre.

2.)    There will always be a king in the tribe of Judah, which represents Jesus Christ and his coming authority to rule. 

3.)    Numbers 24:17 declares, I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. 

a.)    The children of Sheth is said to be the descendants of Seth. 

b.)    Some think (because the word “all” is used) the children of Sheth are the children of the tumultuous one, or all rebellious people. 

4.)    There is no Biblical record of a Jewish king holding a sceptre, but the point is about authority, not about the symbol of authority. 

5.)    There will be more said about this point later when Revelation 5:2, the root of David, is discussed. 

b.      A lawgiver from between his feet. 

1.)    Not only shall authority remain within the tribe of Judah, the actual ruler shall be from that tribe. 

2.)    There were many from the tribe of Judah that ruled, even during the times of the judges, under the Babylonian captivity, after the captivity up to the time of Christ: the Sanhedrim. 

3.)    The feet are the feet of God, who watches over, guards, protects, and ensures that Judah remains in this position. 

4.)    Psalm 60:7 states, Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver. 

a.)    This Psalm was written by David when it seems God has forsaken Israel. 

b.)    God assures David he has not forsaken his people and give reference to how he is using each tribe for his eternal glory. 

5.)    Judah, being the “lawgiver” tribe, leads Israel through the wilderness. 

c.      Until Shiloh come. 

1.)    Shiloh is the Messiah, or the peace that comes because of the Messiah. 

2.)    The Jews were looking for the Messiah to return Israel to political, economic and worldly prosperity, yet Christ came to give Israel a new heart, so they could rule and reign with him. 

d.      The gathering of the people. 

1.)    The Jews understood this phrase to mean the nation of Israel would gather to the Messiah. 

2.)    They did not see that their unbelief would cause God to turn from them to the Gentiles, who would flock to Christ and his teachings. 

3.)    John 12:32 states, And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. 

4.)    John 11:52 declares, And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. 

6.      Genesis 49:11 speaks of the victory of Christ as he takes vengeance upon the rebellious. 

a.      The latter part of verse 10 and verse 11 and 12 speak concerning Jesus Christ, the Messiah of Israel.

b.      The gathering together speaks not only of Israel following Christ when he came physically, but the greater meaning is the spiritual following in the millennium and eternity.

c.      Binding his foal and the ass's colt speaks of the triumphant entry of Christ into Jerusalem. 

1.)    Zechariah 9:9 relates this prophecy concerning Christ, Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. 

2.)    Matthew 21:5 gives the fulfillment of this prophecy, Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. 

d.      Washing his garments in wine and his clothes in the blood of grapes speaks of Christ treading the winepress of the wrath of God alone. 

1.)    Isaiah 63:3 prophecies, I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. 

2.)    Revelation 19:15 gives the fulfillment of prophecy, And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 

7.      Genesis 49:12 – Eyes red with wine and teeth white with milk speaks of the purity of Christ while He judges the wickedness of mankind. 

a.      The eyes of Christ being red does not speak of him being drunk. 

b.      His eyes are red with wine only when he gives himself over to his divine wrath. 

c.      White teeth reflects the purity of Christ.  [9]

B.     The root of David. 

1.      Letting scripture interpret scripture, we see that Jesus Christ is the root of David. 

a.      There are only two verses in the entire Bible that speak of the “root of David”. 

1.)    Revelation 5:5 is the first verse that uses the phrase. 

2.)    Revelation 22:16 is the second verse,  I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. 

b.      Isaiah 11:10 speaks of the root of Jessie, which contains David:  And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. 

2.      The genealogy of Christ. 

a.      Matthew gives the genealogy of Christ through the man, Joseph, the step-father of Christ. 

b.      Luke gives the genealogy of Christ through the woman, Mary, the mother of Christ. (Mary is not the mother of God!) 

3.      Jesus is said to be the root, or the hidden strength, instead of the visible vine. 

a.      Natural man did not see Jesus, as he is a root out of dry ground. 

b.      Isaiah 53:2  For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. 

c.      All of the elect receive strength and nourishment from Jesus, who is the root. 

d.      Jesus supplies everything: including justification, redemption, sanctification, and glorification. 

C.     Christ has prevailed to open the book and loose the seals thereof. 

1.      The word “prevailed” indicates there is a conquering.

a.      Christ has conquered death, hell and the grave. 

b.      Christ has unconditionally loved the world, gave his life and took his life to himself again as undeniable proof that he has eternal life and can give eternal life to as many as he has called. 

c.      Christ has conquered Satan and all his forces. 

2.      Christ is able to look upon the book, open the book, and loose the seals of the book. 

a.      The only one able to bring judgment on the earth is one who is also able to bring redemption. 

b.      Each person, and each nation has the responsibility to accept the redemption Christ freely offers, or suffer the consequences of their rejection. 

3.      Revelation 5:9 – The song of the twenty four elders reflects the worthiness of Christ to open the seven sealed book. 

Verse 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.

I.    John beholds the lamb of God in the midst (middle) of the throne and the four beasts and the twenty four elders. 

A.     Christ is the center of everything. 

1.      The throne represent God the eternal Father. 

2.      The four beasts, the four living creatures, represent Jesus Christ, as revealed in Revelation 4:2. 

3.      The elders are the twenty four elders, who represent the nation of Israel and the apostles of the church. 

B.     What John saw. 

1.      The lamb is standing.

a.      Not falling down, or laying down, even though the lamb had been slain. 

b.      The standing lamb reminds me of Mary, who stood at the cross of Christ, John 19:25. 

c.      The words are “as it had been slain”, not “as if it had been slain”. 

1.)    The death of Christ was very real, not symbolic. 

2.)    The fact of the lamb standing (as it had been slain) clearly speaks of the resurrection of Christ from the dead, proving that he has eternal life, which is freely given to all who repent and believe. 

2.      The lamb has seven horns and seven eyes, whose interpretation is given in my notes in Revelation 4:5. 

a.      A short definition of the seven horns is the seven-fold manifestation of the power of God, as reflected in Joshua 6, the only place in the Bible where the seven horns of God are mentioned. 

b.      A short definition of the seven eyes is the all-seeing eyes of God, who watch everything, determining the proper time to bring to pass that which he has predetermined, as reflected in Zechariah 3:9 and 4:10, the only passages in the Bible where the seven eyes of God are mentioned. 

3.      As is noted in Revelation 5:6, the seven spirits of God are the seven horns and the seven eyes. 

a.      These are sent forth into all the earth to bring to pass that which God has pre-determined. 

b.      These are sent forth into all the earth to check on the progress of God’s determination. 

II.    John probably expected to see a lion, instead, he saw a lamb. 

A.     The lion, Jesus Christ, is the lamb of God. 

B.     There are innumerable verses in the Bible that refer to Christ as the lamb of God. 

1.      The Old Testament sacrifices of the sheep, lamb, bullock, goat, or whatever; always represents Christ, the perfect eternal sacrifice. 

2.      The New Testament refers to Christ as the lamb of God. 

a.      John 1:29 declares, The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. 

b.      John 1:36 states, And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! 

3.      Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies, therefore when John the Baptist referred to Christ as the lamb of God, they understood perfectly to what he was referring. 

Verse 7 - And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.

I.    The right hand of God is described in my notes on Revelation 5:1. 

II.    This verse proves the divinity of Christ, because he is the only one that is worthy to take the book, much less open the book, or to loose the seals.  [10]

Verse 8-10 – The reaction of the twenty four elders

Verse 8-10 – And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. 9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

I.    It is very interesting that the scriptures divide the worship of the various categories of God’s creation.  

A.     Revelation 4:8-11 speaks of the worship of the four living creatures and the twenty four elders.  

1.      Revelation 4:8-9 relates the worship of the living creatures, which is separate from the worship of the twenty four elders, and initiates their worship.  

2.      Revelation 4:10-11 relates the worship of the twenty four elders, whose worship God as creator.  

a.      The twenty four elders cast their crowns before the throne, relating they have crowns because of the power of God working in their lives, making them faithful.  

b.      The living creatures do not have crowns, as they are created beings representing Jesus Christ.  

B.     Revelation 5:8-14 declares the worship of (1) the four living creatures, (2) the twenty four elders and (3) the angels.  

1.      Verse 8-10 relates the worship of the four living creatures and the twenty four elders.  

2.      Verse 11-12 relates the worship of the angels.  

3.      Verse 13 relates the worship of every creature; whether they are in heaven, on the earth, under the earth, or in the sea.  

4.      Verse 14 records the different worship of the living creatures, and the twenty four elders.  

C.     Revelation 11:16 declares the worship of the twenty four elders when the kingdoms of this world are declared to be the kingdoms of God.  

D.     Revelation 19:4 declares the worship of the twenty four elders and the living creatures when the bride of Christ is presented.  

II.    It is very interesting to note the progression of the reality and the diminishing of the symbolism.  

A.     The living creatures are not mentioned when Jesus is present because he is the reality and the living creatures are the symbol of that reality.  

B.     The twenty four elders begin to take a “back seat” when the redeemed become more prominent.  

1.      Revelation 4:4 – The twenty four elders are sitting in the place of worship, but there is no mention made of any of the redeemed.  

2.      Revelation 4:9-11 – The twenty four elders worship God in creation, but there is no mention made of any of the redeemed worshipping.  

3.      Revelation 5:8-10 – The four living creatures, and the twenty four elders worship God in salvation and the giving of rewards.  

a.      The worship of the twenty four elders in these verses is initiated by the four living creatures.  

b.      The living creatures also initiate the worship of the twenty four elders in Revelation 4:9-10.  

c.      The reason for the four living creatures initiating the worship of the twenty four elders is because the living creatures represent Jesus Christ, and all the redeemed should be motivated by Jesus Christ, or by the symbol of Jesus Christ.  

4.      Revelation 11:16 – When the seventh trumpet sounds the twenty four elders get off their thrones, fall down on their faces and worship God.  

a.      There is no mention made of the redeemed, therefore the twenty four elders continue to represent them.  

b.      The rapture has already taken place, but as the tribulation continues, there are vast multitudes of redeemed living on the earth.  

5.      Revelation 19:1 – After all the tribulation is over and all the redeemed are gathered into heaven, Jesus Christ is praised because of his victory over the anti-Christ and his kingdom.  

a.      Revelation 19:4 – The twenty four elders fall down and worship God.  

b.      Revelation 19:5 – It is at this point that a command is given (by a voice out of the throne of God) that all the servants of God worship and praise God.  

c.      Revelation 19:6-9 – This vast multitude of people worship Jesus Christ, who reigns, and because the marriage of the lamb is finally come.  

1.)    It should be noted that the bride does not introduce herself, but is introduced by the vast multitude of redeemed in heaven.  

2.)    All the saved are not in the bride, any more than every woman is my bride.  

3.)    The bride is selected by Christ, just as I selected my wife.  

C.     The worship of the angels does not change, but remains constant.  

III.    The worship of the living creatures and the twenty four elders.  

A.     All fall down before the lamb to worship.  

1.      It is very significant that all the twenty four elders have harps, with which to worship God.  

2.      As will be seen when the scriptures which mention harps is discussed, God takes that which men devise for evil and use it for his own purposes.  

B.     Only the twenty four elders have the harps and the golden vials.  

1.      Harps with which to worship (either paganism or holiness).  

a.      The evil use of the harp.  

1.)    Genesis 4:21 – Jubal, the brother of Lamech (the first to have two wives, and to voice his rebellion against Cain’s judgment [Genesis 4:19-20 and 23-24]) was the father of all that handle the harp and organ.  

a.)    The music played on these organs and harps glorified man, not God.  

b.)    God will take that which is used for paganism and use that to glorify himself.  

2.)    Daniel 3 records that Nebuchadnezzar commanded the people to worship his golden image when they heard the harp (and several other instruments) play.  

b.      The harp used in worship.  

1.)    I Samuel 16:23 – David played on a harp to cause the evil spirit of the Lord to depart from King Saul.  

2.)    There are many Biblical records of the harp being used in the worship of God.  

3.)    Revelation 14:2 states, And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps.  

a.)    These are the 144,000 of Revelation 7:1-8.  

b.)    They sing a new song only they can learn.  

c.)    Their trials during the tribulation have given them this right and authority.  

4.)    Revelation 15:2 relates, And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.  

a.)    These are those that lived and died during the tribulation period.  

b.)    They are standing on the special “sea of glass” in the very front of the throne of God, which is empty in Revelation 4:6.  

c.)    They sing a special song of Moses, declaring how Christ is victorious and will be recognized world-wide as all nations come and worship at his feet.  

c.      Revelation 18:22 – The harp will no longer be used in pagan worship.  [11]

2.      Golden vials – the prayers of the saints.  

a.      There are only two verses in the entire Bible that speak of golden vials.  

1.)    BLESSING – Revelation 5:8 records, And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.  

a.)    It is notable that God retains the prayers of his saints and will answer them correctly as he directs.  

1)      The importance of praying is often neglected, as the “passive” activity of praying is often not related to power.

2)      People are more prone to desire the (so called) power of “active” ministries; rejecting the “passive” activity of prayer.  

3)      If believers would seek the face of God more diligently, God would reveal himself to them more.  

b.)    Each believer needs to understand that God does not forget any of their prayers, but retains them for all eternity.  

c.)    There is no mention made of the “station of life” of the people who pray.  

1)      The rich, powerful and famous are equal to the poor, weak, and infamous when it comes to prayer.  

2)      The 90 year old, physically debilitated woman, who hobbles around is often more powerful than the physically strong 25 year old, 6’4” man.  

d.)    Revelation 8:3,4 states, And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.  

1)      The prayers of the saints are revealed as being fulfilled at the opening of the seventh seal, which takes place after Christ is revealed in his wrath at the opening of the sixth seal, and the wicked people of the earth know they are fighting God and desire the rocks and mountains to fall on them to hide them from the face of the God and the wrath of the Lamb.  

2)      There is no doubt the prayers of the redeemed for vengeance, as related in the opening of the fifth seal, has much to do with Christ answering their prayers and bringing his eternal, permanent judgment on the nations.  

3)      Malachi 3:16-18 is further proof that the prayers and righteous conversation of those that fear the Lord are retained and honored by God.  

2.)    WRATH – Revelation 15:7 records, And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.  

b.      The cup of wrath spoken of in the Old Testament is different from the vials of wrath during the tribulation period.  

1.)    The meaning of the word “cup” is cup, or a kind of owl, an unclean bird, while the meaning of the word “vial” is a broad shallow bowl, or a deep saucer.  

2.)    The wrath of God during the tribulation period, revealed by the vials relates to the permanence of destruction, while the Old Testament cup of wrath speaks of the vengeance of God, but the nations shall not be permanently destroyed.  

a.)    Jeremiah 25:15 states, For thus saith the LORD God of Israel unto me; Take the wine cup of this fury at my hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send thee, to drink it.  

b.)    This scripture refers to Jeremiah 25:12-16 where God declares his vengeance upon the nation of Babylon because they held Israel captive for 70 years.  

1)      It is amazing, and might seem unfair to us, that God caused Babylon to take Israel captive (because of their rebellion against him), then judges Babylon for being against his people.  

2)      It might seem unfair to us, but Genesis 12:3 (And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.) will be fulfilled.  

c.)    Jeremiah 25:16-17 speaks of the madness of those nations that drink of the cup of the wrath of God.  

1)      Hebrews 12 gives the proper response to the judgment and chastisement of God, which is humble ourselves and repent of whatever sin we have sinned.  

2)      All people have a choice when confronted with the judgment and vengeance of God – get mad or get glad.  

d.)    Jeremiah 25:18-26 gives the names of all the nations that shall drink of the cup of the wrath of God.  

1)      The first nation mentioned is the nation of Israel.  

a)      I Peter 4:17 states, For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?  

b)      Judgment begins at the house of God because the responsibility of being a good example to the rest of the world is upon the children of God, whether they are in the nation of Israel, or in the church of God.  

2)      The nations who face the judgment of God are named in Jeremiah 25 to set that judgment apart from the judgment of all nations, which is described in the book of Revelation.  

c.      The cup of the wrath of God in Jeremiah is the forerunner of the vial of wrath during the tribulation period.  

1.)    Jeremiah 51:7 states, Babylon hath been a golden cup in the LORD’S hand, that made all the earth drunken: the nations have drunken of her wine; therefore the nations are mad.  

a.)    Revelation 17:4 describes the great whore, Mystery Babylon the Great, And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:  

b.)    Note the definite connection between Old Testament Babylon and New Testament Babylon, which is also called “The Revived Roman Empire”.  

2.)    Jeremiah 51:8 describes the sudden destruction of the great nation of Babylon, which symbolizes the sudden and complete destruction of Pagan Babylon during the tribulation period, as revealed in Revelation 18.  

3.)    It is a fact that the nation of Babylon existed, was against Israel and was destroyed in the Old Testament, then restored as a world power (Pagan Babylon), as revealed in Revelation 13:3-4, and is finally destroyed, as recorded in Revelation 18.  

a.)    God has kept Israel throughout all their years of dispersion through the nations of this world, and has brought them together in the end of the world to once again form the nation of Israel.  

b.)    In these last days, God has allowed Babylon to be restored as Pagan Babylon, as the warfare against Israel continues.  

c.)    The Old Testament and the New Testament scriptures are indelibly connected.  

4.)    The Old Testament nation of Babylon was destroyed, but the paganism of that nation was not destroyed.  

a.)    The paganism represented in the nation of Babylon existed before that nation, and will continue to exist when that nation is destroyed.  

b.)    In the end days, paganism will be restored to his former fleshly glory, as Satan finalizes his earthly kingdom in a national reality with a world-wide king.  

c.)    Revelation 18 describes not only the destruction of the representation of paganism, but paganism itself.  

d.)    Sin, in the heart of every man, will not be destroyed until the end of the millennium, as described in Revelation 20, and God establishes his eternal kingdom on the new earth, as described in Revelation 21.  

5.)    It is amazing to see the blindness of men, who worship Satan and the Anti-Christ because they restore Babylon as a world power, but do not see the power of God in his restoration of Israel as world leader.  

a.)    This fact should be proof enough that sin and rebellion lies in the heart of man, who will not change until God acts upon that man.  

b.)    It is indeed grace that is freely given to fallen mankind that brings “whosoever will may come” to Christ in saving faith.  [12]

C.     The new song.  

1.      Statements about the new song.  

a.      Those who pray will sing.  

1.)    Every child of God prays to God – really prays.  

2.)    In the book of Revelation, every child of God will also sing – even those who cannot carry a tune in a bucket!  

b.      The word “saying” in verse 9 explains the words used in the song.  

1.)    The Bible never records that angels sing, they always “say” when they glorify God.  

2.)    The word “saying” is used in Revelation 5:12 to reflect the worship of the angels.  

3.)    God has graciously reserved singing to humans – none other of God’s creation sings to him.  

c.      The new song is really the old, old gospel story of salvation, grace, mercy and eternal life.  

1.)    This song relates the worthiness of Christ to open the seven-sealed book because he was slain and brought redemption.  

2.)    There are no new word to describe the blessings of God upon us.  

3.)    The old, old song is new every time we sing it.  

2.      Revelation 5:10 – The song of redemption.  

a.      The worthiness of the lamb.  

1.)    There is no mention of the worthiness of any of the redeemed, but all glory and honor is directed toward the lamb of God.  

2.)    Only Jesus Christ is worthy to take the seven sealed book and open it.  

3.)    His worthiness to bring eternal judgment and blessing is directly related to the redemption he has provided.  

b.      Jesus was slain, yet he freely gave himself for our justification.  

1.)    Acts 2:23 states, Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:  

2.)    Romans 5:16-18 declares, And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. 17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) 18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.  

c.      Jesus has redeemed us by his blood.  

1.)    Ephesians 1:7 declares, In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;  

2.)    Colossians 1:14 states, In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:  

3.)    Hebrews 9:12 confirms, Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.  

d.      All different kinds of people have been redeemed.  

1.)    Salvation is not just for the Jews, or the white men, or red men, or black men.  

2.)    Revelation 7:9  After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;  

3.)    It is interesting that there are those out of every nation, kindred, people and tongue that will reject Christ.  

a.)    Revelation 11:9 states, And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.  

1)      The people who see the bodies of the two witnesses laying in the streets of Jerusalem, shall rejoice with a great rejoicing because they believe they have won over God.  

2)      They will send gifts to one another and be very merry.  

3)      On the third day, life will come again into the two witnesses, and they will bodily ascend into heaven, and then the inhabitants of the earth will have great fear.  

b.)    Revelation 14:6 confirms, And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,  

3.      Revelation 5:11 – The song of rewards.  

a.      Different versions of the Bible say different things.  

1.)    The NIV (New International Version) translates Revelation 5:9,10 as: And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. 10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth."  

2.)    The NRSV (New Revised Standard Version) interprets Revelation 5:9 as: They sing a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slaughtered and by your blood you ransomed for God saints from every tribe and language and people and nation; 10 you have made them to be a kingdom and priests serving our God, and they will reign on earth."  

a.)    Changing the tense from “us” to “them” gives the impression the singers are not those that will reign with Christ.  

b.)    Both of these translations are wrong, as they give the impression that the twenty four elders do not represent the redeemed.  

b.      Christ will make his redeemed kings and priests.  

1.)    The earthly “Kingdom of God” government will be reestablished.  

a.)    The earthly reign of Christ was destroyed by Satan, but Christ will reestablish that type of government when Satan is bound in the bottomless pit.  

b.)    The earthly reign of Christ will be as the government of the world before sin, the government God desired before Israel, the government of Israel and the government of the church Jesus established.  

c.)    Note the diversity of positions in eternity.  

1)      Different people will be doing different things.  

2)      Some will be kings and some will be priests, while others will be in the nations of the saved.  

3)      Even though there will be different positions in eternity, all will worship and serve Jesus Christ, who they will accurately see as Jehovah God.  

2.)    Kings and priests.  

a.)    The redeemed will be both kings and priests.  

b.)    The type of government established by Christ mingles together both the civil and religious (or spiritual).  

c.)    Satan wants separation of church and state because he wants a civil authority completely separated from any religion.  

1)      In the founding of the U. S., the largest church in the country met each Sunday morning in the court room of the Supreme Court.  

2)      In the beginning of our country, congress voted to purchase 1,000 Bibles to give to any poor person who did not have a Bible.  

3)      In the beginning of our country, separation of church and state referred to churches not be supported by tax dollars as was common in Europe and England.  

3.)    The redeemed will be kings.  

a.)    The important point is not that the redeemed will reign, but that Jesus will reign and the redeemed will reign with him.  

1)      Luke 1:33  And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.  

2)      Revelation 11:15  And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.  [13]

b.)    Part of the reward of faithfulness is to rule and reign with Christ.  

1)      Matthew 25:14-30 – The parable of talents reveals the faithful will reign according to their works while the unfaithful will lose their authority to rule with Christ.  

2)      Luke 19:11-28 – the parable of pounds teaches the faithful will reign according to their works while the unfaithful will lose their authority to rule with Christ.  

c.)    Who will rule.  

1)      According to scripture: all the faithful, regardless of their position in this present earth.  

a)      The parable of the pounds and the parable of the talents makes it is very clear that some believers will not reign with Christ because they have not used what God gave to them.  

b)      I Corinthians 3:12-15 indicates that the works of believers will be judged by Christ and only the gold, silver and precious stones will remain.  

2)      It is not the present position, or present authority, or size of present authority that determines the eternal position.  

a)      Note the context of Matthew 19:30 - But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.  

b)      Note the context of Matthew 20:16 - So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.  

c)      Mark 9:33-37 (the disciples disputing among themselves who is the greatest) explains that the first are those that are servants, not those that exalt themselves to that position.  

d)      In Luke 13:30, Jesus explains that many who think they understand shall weep and gnash their teeth when they are cast out of the kingdom (have no part in the rule or authority of Christ).  

i.         These passages do not mean that believers will lose their salvation.  

ii.       They are cast out of the kingdom, not out of the family.  

e)      Many “unknowns” will have a high position in eternity while many famous people will have no position.  

i.         The eternal position is determined by faithfulness to Christ in the present position, whatever that position is.  

ii.       Matthew 10:41 states, He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet‘s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.  

d.)    Faithfulness to Christ determines rewards.  

1)      Revelation 2:4 declares churches must be faithful to Christ in order to retain their candlestick (authority of existence).  

2)      Every person will be given the reward appropriate to their intended position.  

3)      It is not faithfulness to the family, the true church, or the nation of Israel, but faithful to Christ that determines rewards and the eternal position of authority.  

e.)    Ruling with Christ involves:  

1)      Following his commands, not making new laws on our own.  

2)      During the millennium, God will place his children in authority over the nations of this world, although most nations will probably have their own kings, who will make their own decisions.  

3)      Revelation 21:24 - During eternity, there will be a continuance of the rule of God to the nations of saved, which shall walk in the light of New Jerusalem.  

4.)    The redeemed will be priests.  

a.)    The redeemed will not be considered “Levitical Priesthood” for there will be no sacrifice.  

1)      Genesis 14:18 – The redeemed will be priests after the order of Melchizedek, which order is greater than the Levitical priesthood.  

2)      The Levitical priesthood is inferior to the priesthood of Melchizedek.  

b.)    What would a priest do in eternity?  

1)      Essentially the same thing the priest did before eternity – direct worship and praise toward Jesus Christ.  

a)      The priest before the Levitical priesthood directed the worship of God in the giving of proper sacrifices.

b)      The Levitical priesthood directed the worship of God in the giving of proper sacrifices.  

2)      Revelation 21:24, the eternal priest, (after the order of Melchizedek, would direct the worship of the nations of saved who walk in the light of New Jerusalem, and kings of the earth who bring their glory and honour into it.  [14]

Verse 11-12 – The Reaction of the Angels

Verse 11-12 -  And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts 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 that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 

I.    The angels are around the throne and the beasts and thee elders, but separated from the redeemed, who are represented by the elders. 

A.     Worship begins with the redeemed and flows into all of God’s creation. 

1.      This is the proper sequence of worship, but all of God creation can worship if men do not worship. 

2.      Luke 19:28-40 records the triumphant entry into Jerusalem when the disciples of Christ shouted in the honor of Christ. 

a.      Some of the Pharisees desired Christ to rebuke his disciples, because they were making too much noise. 

b.      Christ stated in Luke 19:40, And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out. 

B.     It is very interesting that worship is separated in heaven and in eternity. 

1.      Separate worship does not mean some worship is more valid than other worship. 

2.      It means that worship is for different reasons and purposes.

3.      The angels worship because they know Jesus Christ is worthy of all glory, honor and praise. 

a.      They saw Jesus before he left heaven and came to the earth, taking a human body upon himself. 

b.      They saw all the torment Jesus went through on this earth to pay redemption price for wretched, fallen, undeserving humans. 

c.      They see the love God has for his creation, even fallen creatures, and rejoice in that love, but they cannot understand redemption because they have not been redeemed.

d.      Salvation was not offered to the fallen angels. 

C.     John heard the voice of the angels. 

1.      We do not hear the voice of angels today, as God has given us his word for direction. 

2.      The Old Testament relates the servants of God heard the voice of angels who directed them toward the work of God. 

3.      Genesis 3:1-2 records the fact that the woman talked with the serpent, who was willingly possessed of the devil. 

a.      It appears that before sin came into the world, humans and animals could understand the others language. 

b.      That seems strange to us today, but it was not strange in those days, as that was all they had ever known. 

4.      All of God’s creation worship him, but sometimes we do not realize their worship. 

a.      In eternity, we will be changed in such a way that we can know the worship of all of God’s creation. 

b.      The leaders of “creature” worship is humans. 

c.      There is no scripture that says that plants worship, or have any understanding to worship. 

D.     It is apparent the worship of the angels and the worship of the redeemed is separated, yet directed toward the same end – praising the Lamb of God. 

1.      The angels worship God because of his worthiness, which is revealed by his sacrifice on the cross for sinners. 

2.      The angels cannot worship Jesus Christ because of personal redemption, as they do not have personal redemption. 

3.      Of all the creation, only humans are redeemed by the blood of the lamb. 

E.      The number of the angels is said to be 10,000 times 10,000, which would equal 100,000,000 and thousands of thousands, which seems to be an innumerable or immeasurable number. 

II.    Comparing the worship of Angels in Revelation 5:12 and Revelation 7:12. 

A.     Worship is one, but the divisions of worship are many. 

1.      John 4:24 states, God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. 

a.      Worship is one, but there are two aspects of worship. 

b.      One aspect is to worship God in the spirit, and the other aspect is to worship God in truth. 

c.      True worship involves both spirit and truth, in varying degrees. 

2.      Galatians 5:22-23 states, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 

a.      The singular word “fruit” indicates all of the following attributes relate to and describe the various parts of the fruit of the spirit. 

b.      When the fruit of the spirit is displayed, it will be displayed with the various attributes, some more, some less, but all will be displayed. 

c.      The works of the flesh, described Galatians 5:19-21 will be unequally present in all sinners. 

3.      Ephesians 5:9-10 declares, (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 

a.      This context of this passage relates to the manifestation of the fruit of the spirit or the works of the flesh and how to tell the difference between the two. 

b.      The fruit of the spirit is revealed to us in three ways: 

1.)    Goodness,

2.)    Righteousness,

3.)    And truth. 

c.      These three ways will probably not be equal, but all these various attributes will be present when the fruit of the spirit is present in any individual. 

B.     The comparison:

1.      Revelation 5:12 – Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 

a.      This worship is directed toward the lamb only. 

b.      This is because the lamb has just taken the seven sealed book from the right hand of God, revealing to all that he is unique in all his abilities and characteristics. 

2.      Revelation 7:12 – Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. 

a.      This worship is directed toward God only. 

b.      The worship of the great multitude of Revelation 7:9-10 is directed toward God and the lamb. 

1.)    The great multitude can worship God and the lamb because of salvation. 

2.)    The angels can worship God in salvation, but they cannot worship the lamb in regards to a personal salvation. 

  [15]

Verse 13 – The Reaction of Every Creature

Verse 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, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

I.    The word “creature” is defined as a thing created, or a thing founded. 

A.     Everything stops when Christ takes the seven sealed book, and every creature worships Christ and God. 

1.      Whether these creatures are in heaven, the earth, under the earth, or in the seas, they all stop and worship Christ. 

2.      These creatures are created beings of all sorts, living in all parts of God’s creation. 

B.     Everything God has created will be involved in this worship. 

1.      The worship by redeemed humans takes place before this worship, in Revelation 5:8-10. 

2.      Angels worship in Revelation 5:11-12. 

3.      Revelation 5:13 speaks of “creature” worship. 

C.     All the created things, wherever they are located worship and praise God and Jesus Christ. 

1.      Romans 8:22,23 reflects that the whole creation groans, waiting for the redemption, or the release from the effects of sin.  For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 

a.      All of creation bears the burden of sin, even rocks and trees. 

b.      Rocks have no life at all, but plants have life, but not awareness (soul). 

c.      While the entire creation groans, waiting on the redemption, God’s creatures celebrate his glory, strength and power. 

2.      Philippians 2:10-11 also refers to all created beings worshipping Jesus Christ.  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

a.      This passage speaks specifically about tongues confessing Jesus Christ, and his father, God Almighty. 

b.      The word “things” in the KJV is in italics, revealing the words were added by the King James translators, supposedly to make the meaning clearer. 

c.      The meaning of the passage is much clearer if the word “thing” is left out. 

d.      Philippians 2:10-11 without the italics, That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven, and in earth, and under the earth; 11 And every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

3.      The worship of Jesus is completely justified. 

a.      Matthew 28:18  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 

b.      Jesus spoke this truth to his disciples after his death, burial and resurrection, and ascension into heaven. 

c.      They did not understand what they were facing, but if they understand the power of Christ in heaven and in earth, they will be victorious.

d.      If we understand the power of Christ in heaven and in earth, we will also be victorious. 

D.     The worship of God and Jesus Christ is universal and continual. 

1.      It might seem Christ is not openly worshipped, but he is continually worshipped. 

a.      Romans 11:4  But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. 

1.)    When Elijah thought there was no hope, God had reserved 7,000 men that he did not know about. 

2.)    It looks like there is no hope today, but God has reserved an innumerable multitude to worship and praise him.  

2.      God is continually worshipped, now and in the future, because his power, love and control over this wicked world is clearly evidenced. 

a.      Romans 14:10-11 states, But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 

b.      Hebrews 1:6  And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. 

c.      Psalm 146-150 concludes all the Psalms with praising God. 

1.)    These Psalms reflect the many ways God should be worshipped. 

2.)    Psalm 150 concludes by proclaiming that God should be praised with everything and in every way. 

II.    John heard the worship of the creatures. 

A.     John heard the worship of the angels in Revelation 5:11, and he hears the worship of the creatures. 

1.      There is an implication that John also understands the worship of the creatures. 

a.      It should not surprise us that John hears and understands the worship of all sorts of creatures. 

b.      In the Garden of Eden, the woman understood the conversation of the serpent, who beguiled her concerning the fruit of the forbidden tree. 

c.      Sin has caused a separation between the animal kingdom and humans, which will be restored when the plague of sin is removed from all creation. 

2.      “Creature” worship is not often mentioned in the scriptures, so there are few comparisons as to their type of worship. 

3.      There is no doubt they worship Christ. 

B.     Their worship is four-fold, and is revealed by the following: 

The Twenty Four Elders Worship

Verse 14 - And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever. 

I.    The four beasts agree with the worship of Christ. 

A.     When the four living creatures say “Amen”, they are agreeing to or accepting the worship. 

1.      The four living creature represent Jesus Christ in his four-fold representation given through the four gospels. 

2.      The word “amen” means “I affirm the truth, and agree with it.” 

B.     1 Corinthians 14:16 declares, Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? 

1.      God agrees with the worship of himself, and all who fear God will agree with God. 

2.      Even the devils worship God, for they know and agree he is the supreme power and essential motivator of this entire universe, and is over all things, temporal and eternal. 

II.    The twenty four elders worship God. 

A.     The twenty four elders fall down. 

1.      In order for them to fall down, they must get off their thrones. 

2.      This action reveals their thrones are given to them by Christ. 

3.      The twenty four elders also cast their crowns before the throne because they understand anything they have is freely given to them. 

4.      They have earned nothing, for overcoming is by grace, through faith, not of works, lest any many should boast. 

B.     They worship God, who lives forever and ever. 

1.      Their worshipping the everlasting one implies their worship is everlasting. 

2.      This verse gives us a small picture of what we will do through all eternity. 

a.      We will continually worship God for all he has given us in the past. 

b.      We will continually worship God because of present blessings, because he has freely and willingly given us everything we have, and we have nothing at all to brag about, except our great God. 

c.      As eternity continues, we will continue to worship God and this worship will never get “old”, but will continually be new, refreshing, and a growing admiration and worship.  [16]