The Lamb That
Redeemed Us
– Revelation Five –
John showed us the
power of the Almighty as the Creator who is worthy of praise. (Revelation 4) He
now moved to show us God's love as Redeemer. (Revelation 5) Christians believe
in the God who is all-powerful and present everywhere. He is the all wise
creator and sustainer of heaven and earth. The design of Revelation five is to
honor the Lamb of God, our Redeemer, by showing that power was entrusted to Him
that was given to no one else in heaven or earth. Nothing better illustrated
this than the fact that He alone was able to open the mysterious sealed book.
John wept when he
felt that no one was able to open the book. He was, however, given the
assurance that the Lion of the tribe of
Many joined in
acknowledging that the Lamb of God was worthy to open this little book. He is
worthy to open the book because of His redemptive work. The work of Jesus
"redeemed us to God." His work bought us "by blood." His
redemptive work reached "every kindred, and tongue, and people, and
nation." This great work of redemption "made us unto our God kings
and priests." Our faith must be in the loving Redeemer.
The book sealed
with seven seals – Revelation 5:1-3: In Revelation five John's attention is on
scroll held by the enthroned Lord. The scroll was unusual in that it was written
on both sides. It was full of information. It would ordinarily be the case that
a scroll would be sealed with one seal. This scroll is sealed with seven seals.
This indicated just how securely the little book was sealed.
This little book
contained a brief look at God's providential dealings with this world. There is
a special look at God's care of Christians in the struggle with the
The strong angel
asked, "Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals
thereof?" No created being was able to open the little book. In all the
great realms, in heaven, on earth or under the earth, no one was qualified to
open or look upon the contents of this mysterious scroll, except the Lamb of
God.
The
book opened by the Lion of Judah – Revelation 5:4-8: John wept when on
one was found to open the little book. God had promised John that He would show
him things that would shortly come to pass. After waiting for one to open the
book and seeing none John's emotions turned to tears. John is thinking of the
terrible situation the church is facing. He desired to know the outcome but
felt frustrated that none could open the book. John was told, "Weep not:
behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to
open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof."
As John looked the
Lion became a Lamb. Jesus is pictured as the Lion of the tribe of
There were harps in
heaven. Some have tried to use these as justification of instrumental music in
the worship of the church. We must remember that in the worship of the church
we are always limited to that which is authorized by God. The kind of music God
authorized for the church is singing and making melody in the heart. (Ephesians
5:19, Colossians 3:16) This same verse (Revelation 5:8) pictured incense in
heaven. Does this verse give authority for burning incense in the church?
Surely no one would believe that it does!
The
Redeemer receives praise from many – Revelation 5:9-11: When the
Redeemer takes the scroll, the response is immediate. The angels and redeemed
ones join together in worship of the Lamb. They sang a new song concerning the
victory of the redeemed. Under the Old Testament the people of God could only
hope for redemption. Now, because of the Lamb of God we can both speak and sing
of the redeemed.
The new song honors
the slain Lamb as the price of redemption. The new song showed that the Lamb
has redeemed us to God, by His blood. This redemption is available for every
tribe and tongue and people and nation. The result of the redemption is that we
are kings and priests unto God.
The statement,
"And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on
the earth" is perplexing to many. (Revelation 5:10) Observe the
translation from the American Standard Version, "and madest them to be
unto our God a kingdom and priests; and they reign upon earth." Christians
of all nations are now reigning upon the earth with Jesus Christ. Christ's
kingdom is not of this world. It is a spiritual reign of a people who are
"called out" of the world. The New Testament denies that Jesus ever
intended or that He ever plans to rule in any temporal sense on this earth. The
The entire creation
praised the Redeemer – Revelation 5:12-14: Countless angels and
others declare the worthiness of the Lamb because of the redemption He
accomplished. Their message was "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to
receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and
blessing." There is much rejoicing over the redemption and salvation of
sinners.
Christ is worthy of
all honor, glory, and blessing, because He is sufficient for the office. He is
the Lion and the Lamb of God. Both Heaven and earth ring loud with the highest
of praises for the Redeemer. We worship and glorify God both for our creation
and for our redemption.
Jesus' greatness,
power, might and sacrifice should move us to obey Him. He is God's Lamb who
redeems mankind. The precious blood of Jesus cleanses those who obey the
gospel. To obey the gospel one must hear the salvation message (Romans