Revelation Session 8
Notes
Transcript
Handout
The Worthy Lamb (5:1-14)
The Worthy Lamb (5:1-14)
Recap of Session 8
Recap of Session 8
God seated on the throne in sovereign Majesty
Heavenly beings (elders and creatures) continuous worship
The atmosphere of reverent awe centered on God as Creator
This sets the stage for Revelation 5 because the focus shifts from creation to redemption
Chapter 4 shows us who God is as Creator, Chapter 5 will reveal what God has done and who is worthy to execute His redemptive plan for history. Let us read:
1 Then I saw in the right hand of Him who sits on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed up with seven seals.
2 Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to break its seals?”
3 And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it.
4 Then I was crying greatly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it.
5 And one of the elders said to me, “Stop crying! Behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
6 Then I saw in the midst of the throne and the four living creatures and in the midst of the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth.
7 And He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sits on the throne.
8 And when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one having a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
9 And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the scroll and to open its seals, because You were slain and purchased for God with Your blood people from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.
10 “And You made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God, and they will reign upon the earth.”
11 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, 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 honor and glory and blessing.”
13 And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, “To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be the blessing and the honor and the glory and the might forever and ever.”
14 And the four living creatures kept saying, “Amen.” And the elders fell down and worshiped.
This is our outline:
I. The Scroll in God’s Hand (v.1)
Legally secured; only an authorized person can break the seals (cf. Roman legal custom)
II. The Search for One Worthy (vv. 2-4)
John weeps greatly — this reveals the weight of the moment. If no one is worthy, God’s plan will remain unrevealed and unfulfilled.
III. The Lion Who is a Lamb (vv. 5-7)
Which seems like a contradiction in terms. The Lamb approaches and takes the scroll. This is a moment of divine authority and triumph.
IV. The Worship of the Worthy Lamb (vv. 8-14)
His worthiness to take the scroll redeem people from everywhere making them a kingdom of priests unto God.
V. Theological Reflections
VI. Eschatological Perspectives on Revelation 5
Exposition:
I. The Scroll in God’s Hand (1)
1 Then I saw in the right hand of Him who sits on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed up with seven seals.
The Father is referenced in chapter 1: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave to Him…” but here is the first visual presentation of the Father symbolically enthrone. All of this has to be symbolic because God is spirit so Him holding or even having a hand has to be symbolic.
The Right hand denotes authority control, intentional action.
1 Yahweh says to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand Until I put Your enemies as a footstool for Your feet.”
10 ‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will make you mighty, surely I will help you; Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Writing on both sides indicates it is full and complete.
This implies finality, nothing more can be added
That is sealed means this contract or covenant is perfectly complete. There can be no editing. Whatever is in there is permanently and irreversibly in there.
9 Then I looked, and behold, a hand was sent forth to me; and behold, a scroll was in it.
10 Then He spread it out before me, and it was written on the front and back, and written on it were lamentations, sighing, and woe.
The scroll is culturally and historically contextualized for John’s 1st-century setting: John describes what he saw using the vocabulary, imagery, and metaphors available to him, which God sovereignly orchestrated to both speak clearly to his original audience and remain theologically timeless.
If it were written to the 21st century, perhaps it would describe a classified digital file, or a biometric-locked briefcase—but it was not.
Revelation was written FOR the church in every age, but TO the first century church.
The Scroll was sealed. Roman legal documents were sealed with wac and stamped with a signet.
Seven Seals:
Complete secrecy: Nothing can be read until it is fully opened
Divine completeness: It is perfect and full
Ultimate authority: Only someone with the proper rank and worthiness could break the seal.
11 The entire vision will be to you like the words of a sealed book, which when they give it to the one who is literate, saying, “Please read this,” he will say, “I cannot, for it is sealed.”
12 Then the book will be given to the one who does not know how to read a book, saying, “Please read this.” And he will say, “I do not know how to read a book.”
This Scripture describes to a sealed book that no one can read pointing to revelation inaccessible without divine qualification
The scroll most likely represents God’s redemptive plan, His judgment, or His inheritance title deed to the world (see Daniel 12:4, where a vision is also sealed).
This moment creates tension: God’s will is held in a scroll, but no one can access it yet. It’s not a matter of timing—it’s a matter of worthiness.
This raises a cosmic question: Who is worthy to carry out the plan of God for history, redemption, and justice?
Though Christ hasn’t yet been revealed in this chapter, the stage is being set for His dramatic entrance. No one in heaven or on earth is initially found worthy—until the Lamb appears. Revelation 5:1 creates a dramatic pause in redemptive history—a sealed plan needing a Savior.
II. The Search for One Worthy (vv. 2–4)
2 Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to break its seals?”
3 And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it.
4 Then I was crying greatly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it.
The issue here is not ability or willingness but worthiness. In all creation no one qualified to open the scroll
The loud proclamation echoes ancient royal announcements. This was an invitation for all of creation to step forward
“And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it.” (v. 3)
There is a universal silence
No one—in heaven (angelic beings), on the earth (humans), or under the earth (those in the realm of the dead)—is found worthy.
This threefold scope represents all of creation, and yet none can answer the call.
Not even Abraham, Moses, David, Paul, or any angelic being is worthy to open God’s decrees of redemption and judgment.
This moment highlights the total insufficiency of creation to bring about God’s redemptive plan.
It crushes any notion of human or angelic merit in salvation or eschatological fulfillment.
John “wept greatly” (Greek: eklaion polu – a strong, continual weeping).
His grief is not just emotional but theological—if no one can open the scroll, God’s plan of redemption and judgment will remain unfulfilled. Listen to Habakkuk’s cry:
3 Why do You make me see wickedness And cause me to look on trouble? Indeed, devastation and violence are before me; And there is strife, and contention is lifted up.
4 Therefore the law is ignored, And justice never comes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; Therefore justice comes forth perverted.
This is the despair of the prophets when God’s purposes seem hidden or delayed. Furthermore, If the scroll remained closed, God’s curse would continue to rest in sinful humanity, creation would not be set free from the bondage of decay. This is deeply emotional for John,
“For we know that the whole creation groans…waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.” (Romans 8:22-23)
III. The Worthy Lamb Revealed (vv. 5–7)
5 And one of the elders said to me, “Stop crying! Behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
6 Then I saw in the midst of the throne and the four living creatures and in the midst of the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth.
7 And He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sits on the throne.
“Stop crying” – The elder interrupts John’s grief with a command and a declaration of hope.
Then he says the “Lion of Judah” which is a Messianic title
9 “Judah is a lion’s whelp; From the prey, my son, you have gone up. He crouches, he lies down as a lion, And as a lioness, who dares rouse him up?
10 “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes, And to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.
It emphasizes strength, kingship, and victory
“Root of David”Christ is both David’s descendant and source. He precedes David and fulfills the Davidic covenant
1 Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, And a branch from his roots will bear fruit.
10 Then it will be in that day, That the nations will seek the root of Jesse, Who will stand as a standard for the peoples; And His resting place will be glorious.
“Has overcome” (nikaō) – Christ has already won the decisive battle through His death and resurrection
33 “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
15 Having disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them in Him.
6 Then I saw in the midst of the throne and the four living creatures and in the midst of the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth.
The victorious Lion is revealed not as a roaring beast, but as a Lamb—“as if slain” (Greek: esphagmenon), indicating sacrificial death.
Standing – Though slain, He lives. The resurrection is implied in His posture.
This paradox—Lion and Lamb—embodies both divine power and humility, judgment and mercy.
Symbolism:
Seven horns – Complete power (horns often symbolize authority and strength). With seven horns he possesses all authority to rule in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28:18; John 17:2)
Seven eyes – With complete eye-sight—seven eyes—he is able to observe everything that happens in the universe; nothing escapes his notice. Because of full vision he has perfect knowledge, discernment, and understanding; these are the eyes of the Lord that range throughout the entire world (2 Chron. 16:9; Job 24:23; Prov. 15:3; Jer. 16:17; Zech. 3:9; 4:10).
Seven Spirits – Represent the fullness of the Holy Spirit, now sent out through Christ.
Revelation 3. Praise to the Lamb (5:6–14)
Both the Father and the Son commission the Spirit to go forth into all the earth (
8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the end of the earth.”
The Lamb Takes the Scroll (v. 7)
The Lamb Takes the Scroll (v. 7)
This is a climactic moment: the Lamb alone is worthy to take and open the scroll.
Taking the scroll from “the right hand of Him who sits on the throne” signifies divine authorization and shared authority with the Father.
Echoes
13 “I kept looking in the night visions, And behold, with the clouds of heaven One like a Son of Man was coming, And He came up to the Ancient of Days And came near before Him.
14 “And to Him was given dominion, Glory, and a kingdom, That all the peoples, nations, and men of every tongue Might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion Which will not be taken away; And His kingdom is one Which will not be destroyed.
It is the right hand of the one sitting on the throne that supplies the scroll to the Lamb, connoting that God entrusts him with the authority to bring its contents to realization (compare 1:1).
IV: Worship of the Worthy Lamb (vv. 8–14)
8 And when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one having a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
v. 8 –
Fell down before the Lamb – A clear act of worship, affirming Christ’s deity. The one and only person in the entire universe who is worthy and able to take the scroll from the hand of God is the Lamb. And when he takes the scroll and presumably breaks the seals to open it, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fall in worship before the Lamb. They acknowledge his power and authority; they are jubilant that the contents of the scroll are now being revealed; they delight in the realization of God’s plan and purpose; and they rejoice in the salvation of his people
They worship with harps which is an instrument of praise. It is the symbol of joyful worship
Golden bowls of incense – Symbolic of the prayers of the saints (
2 May my prayer be established as incense before You; The lifting up of my hands as the evening offering.
Their praise and petitions are now tied to the Lamb’s work.
9 And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the scroll and to open its seals, because You were slain and purchased for God with Your blood people from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.
10 “And You made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God, and they will reign upon the earth.”
The reason for the Lamb’s worthiness is now revealed:
Slain– His sacrificial death is the foundation of redemption.
Purchased for God with Your blood– Points to the doctrine of substitutionary atonement.
The doctrine of substitutionary atonement teaches that Jesus Christ died in the place of sinners, bearing the punishment they deserved so that they could be forgiven and reconciled to God. It is central to historic Christian theology and at the heart of the gospel.
21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
“He himself bore our sins in His body on the tree.” (1 Peter 2:24)
God’s justice is upheld: Sin is not overlooked. The full penalty is paid.
God’s mercy is extended: But it’s not at the cost of justice—it’s God Himself who pays the penalty.
God alone accomplishes both: He doesn’t outsource judgment or forgiveness. He does it all within Himself—the Judge becomes the Substitute.
Re-insert “reason for the Lamb’s worthiness….”
From every tribe, tongue, people, and nation– A universal gospel (cf. Genesis 12:3)
Made them a kingdom of priest–This is a royal priesthood.
6 and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel.”
9 But you are a chosen family, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
Re-insert “reason for the Lamb’s worthiness….”
They will reign upon the earth - Fulfilment of
27 ‘Then the reign, the dominion, and the greatness of all the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be given to the people of the saints of the Highest One; His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all the dominions will serve and obey Him.’
Worship by Angels (vv. 11–12)
Worship by Angels (vv. 11–12)
11 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, 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 honor and glory and blessing.”
This is no lesser praise than what is given to the One on the throne in 4:11—establishing equality with the Father.
13 And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, “To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be the blessing and the honor and the glory and the might forever and ever.”
14 And the four living creatures kept saying, “Amen.” And the elders fell down and worshiped.
Universal worship. “Kept saying Amen” continuous worship.
V. Theological Significance:
Christ is co-equal with the Father in receiving worship.
His authority is displayed through His atoning death.
Redemption is not limited by ethnicity or geography—a global, cosmic redemption is in view.
Worship is the only appropriate response to the unveiling of the Lamb’s identity and mission.
VI. Eschatological Perspectives on Revelation 5
Dispensational Premillennialism (DP)
Sees Revelation 5 as the formal transfer of authority to Jesus before the Tribulation begins (which starts with the opening of the seals in Revelation 6). The Lamb is declared worthy to enact judgment and reclaim the earth. The scroll may be seen as the title deed to the earth.
Historic Premillennialism (HP)
Similar to DP in that the scroll represents God’s redemptive and judicial plan, but HP does not separate Israel and the Church. The enthronement and worship of Christ is a prelude to the events of the Tribulation, but still grounded in Christ’s past victory and future reign.
Amillennialism (A)
Views the scene as heaven’s celebration of the already accomplished victory of Christ through His death and resurrection. The scroll represents God’s decreed plan for history, especially judgment and redemption, which is being unveiled in the church age. The Lamb is already reigning.
Postmillennialism (P)
Interprets the passage similarly to Amillennialism, emphasizing Christ’s present reign and progressive expansion of His kingdom through the gospel. The scroll is God’s sovereign decree over all history, and Christ’s worthiness to open it signals the certain success of His kingdom before the final judgment.
Conclusion
Revelation 5 brings us to the throne room of God, where all creation is centered on the worship of the Lamb. This is not merely a vision of the future—it is a theological statement about the centrality of Christ in all of redemptive history.
• Jesus is not just a Savior for us—He is the Lamb for all history.
• The scroll in God’s hand reminds us that God’s purposes are not random or reactive. They are planned, written, sealed—and only Christ can bring them to completion.
• No one else is worthy. Not angels, not elders, not rulers—only Jesus, the slain but risen Lamb.
• The response of heaven sets the pattern for earth: worship, awe, and trust.
• We are reminded that the heart of our mission is not our plans, but His finished work.
This chapter calls us not only to see Christ rightly, but to order our lives, our churches, and our hopes around Him, the only one who is worthy.
