Worthy is the Lamb

The Drama of Heaven

God on the Throne with a Scroll

What does the scroll contain?

The revelation of God

Quote from Beale

Why is it sealed - Daniel -

Until the time is ready

What’s lost if it cannot be opened?

God’s plan of salvation, redemption, and restoration God’s ultimate victory, kept hidden

The witness of the Elder

Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the root of David

The messianic expectations

Genesis

Isaiah

This had to come from an Elder - he could sympathize, for he too would have had need of a redeemer

Application # 1

The Lamb in the Midst of the Throne

John was looking for a Lion, what he saw was a Lamb - that had been slain

Jesus - the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world

Lamb is used of Jesus throughout Revelation

The horns and eyes - authority, sovereignty, universality

Slain - Slaughtered - after his dying, he is standing before the throne

He takes the scroll -

Because of Christ - the seals are opened and we can know what’s to come (the rest of Revelation)

The judgment on the wicked - as the seals are broken

The salvation and security of God’s people,

Ultimately the restoration of God’s good creation God once again dwelling with His people

they are not only guaranteed, but the time has come

All heaven breaks loose

The 4 living creatures and the elders worship

The countless angels worship

Everything in creation worships

Worthy is the Lamb

Why is Jesus worthy to open the scroll?

It needed to be God who would open the scroll - necessary authority, power to implement what is written, holiness and righteousness in judgment

It needed to be man since it pertains to man

Jesus is worthy because He has conquered -

In his perfect obedience - he overcame the body of sin and death

In his sacrifice - the blood of the lamb calls not for vengeance, but washes away sins, redeeming a people unto God

His Cross, and His empty tomb, are the means by which we are saved, simply by believing that Jesus is the Lamb of God, the perfect Son of God who died to deliver us from sin and death, by this gracious gospel we have salvation.

What has Jesus accomplished in His death and resurrection?

By his blood he has ransomed people from God from every tribe, tongue, people and nation

He has made us to be priests - not just forgiven, but given a calling to serve him and make him known

What should be our response to this heavenly vision?

Everything about this chapter is meant to direct our attention to the Lamb at the center of heaven, and to call us to glorify God and the Lamb forever

Every tongue confess that Jesus is worthy