Revelation 5
Notes
Transcript
Prayer Requests
What stood out to you reading this chapter?
What unanswered questions do you have?
What is the central truth of Revelation 5?
Beeke—We are now dealing with the second cycle, which encompasses chapters 4–7. In this second cycle, John is taken up into heaven. Christ says to John, “Come up higher, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter” (4:1). In other words, “I will show you things from My perspective.” Christ shows John things that were yet in the future in his day, but not to us, for we experience the book of Revelation day by day. Christ says to John, “I will show you for the sake of all suffering and persecuted Christians how I see things from My heavenly viewpoint.” [192]
Revelation 5:1-2
Who does John see?
Beeke—Remember that John is speaking figuratively. God does not physically or literally sit upon a throne; nor does He literally have a right hand; nor does He literally hold a book. God is Spirit, and He does not have a body like ours. [193]
Throne = God’s rule
Right hand = God’s authority and sovereignty
What is the Father holding? What do we learn about it?
Scroll = book
Written on front and back = completely full (most scrolls were only written on one side)
Sealed = no one has access to read what has been written
Seven seals = completely sealed
But what is on the scroll?
Beeke—We need not be in doubt as to what this scroll represents. From what follows (Revelation 6–8), we know that it contains the eternal decrees of God, namely, “his eternal purpose, according to the counsel of his will, whereby for his own glory, he hath foreordained whatsoever comes to pass.” The scroll of Revelation 5 symbolizes for us God’s plan. It is His purpose for the entire universe and all creatures in all ages and unto all eternity. It is His plan of sweet salvation and bitter judgment (Ezek. 2:9–3:3). . . . The scroll is God’s comprehensive, detailed, unchangeable plan for His creation. From the falling of a hair from your head, dear believer, to the latest world-shaking events reported in today’s news, everything is on that scroll. The destinies of every atom in the earth, as well as the mighty galaxies of the cosmos, are all there. . . . Nothing is missing. Nothing can be changed. Nothing can be added. Nothing is left to chance. [194]
Ephesians 1:11—In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will
Revelation 5:3-4
What’s the problem?
Nobody can read the scroll!
Beeke—Breaking the seals and opening the scroll will initiate the realization of God’s kingdom, that is, its coming into time and space. Who, then, will break the seals and open the scroll? Who is equal to the task of executing God’s plan, realizing His decrees, and carrying out His purposes for the universe? [196]
How does John respond to this problem?
The chaos in this world (and the fact that we so often do not understand what is going on!) should lead us to weep
Chester—John sees the mess of the world and there is no-one to sort it out. [57]
Beeke—He weeps because he knows that there will be no salvation for God’s people, no coming of God’s kingdom, and no hope for the human race unless someone can accomplish the purposes of God and fulfill His promises. [197]
Revelation 5:5-6
What’s the solution to the problem?
We can “weep no more” when we behold Jesus!
What does John hear in verse 5?
Lion of Judah — Genesis 49:9–10
Root of David — Isaiah 11:1–10
Who does John see in verse 6
Chester—Nothing could be more subversive. Instead of the mighty beasts of imperial power, we have a lamb. Instead of a victorious general, we have one who has been slain. Instead of the power, glory and wisdom of empire, we have the weakness, shame and folly of the cross (1 Corinthians 1:18–2:5). But it’s the folly and weakness of the cross that has conquered. The King reigns from the cross. [57–58]
Beeke—John’s favorite title for Christ in Revelation is “Lamb.” He uses it twenty-eight times in Revelation to refer to Jesus. [199]
What do we learn about this Lamb?
Seven horns—complete honor/strength
Seven eyes—complete sight
seven spirits—empowered by the Holy Spirit
Standing
Beeke—John sees that the Lamb is standing in the center of the throne (Rev. 5:6). He stands for a reason. It is not only because He is victorious, but also because the salvation of His people is not complete until all of them are glorified with Him in heaven. Christ stands ever busy. He is sending forth His Spirit. He is building His church. He is ruling and active in the government of His kingdom. He ever lives to make intercession for those who come to God by Him, and He saves them to the uttermost. [200]
Beeke—This Lion-Lamb is not only at the center of heaven; He is the center of heaven. All of heaven is focused on Him. [201]
Revelation 5:7-10
What does Jesus do?
What do the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders represent? How do they respond?
Beeke—The bowls in the hands of the elders are a sign that we do not call on God in vain. Prayer is the chief part of the thankfulness God requires of us. The harps in their hands remind us that prayer is always to be joined with praise. [205]
Why is Jesus worthy to open the scroll?
Chester—Christ died to make us “a kingdom and priests”. It is, as we saw in 1:5–6, an allusion to the missional identity of Israel (Exodus 19:4–6). Israel was to make God known to the world as a light to the nations. John says Christians are now that priestly kingdom. Christ died to make us a missionary people. So, again, if we are content to leave people unreached, then we’ve missed the point of the atonement [62].
Revelation 5:11-12
How do the angels respond?
Revelation 5:13-14
How does all creation respond?
Beeke—Those who are closest to the throne are not the angels; they are you and me, represented by the twenty-four elders, which symbolize the entire church of the Old Testament and the New. These are the ones who are seated around the throne of God and of the Lamb. And they have more to say than anyone else. The song of the redeemed is fuller, deeper, and more profound than the songs of the angels and the song of creation, for we who are saved by the blood of Jesus Christ can praise Him in a way that angels cannot. We can claim a more intimate interest in the Son of God than angels can. [202-03]
We can trust Jesus!
We must praise Jesus!