Chapter 5

The Scroll And The Lamb

The Scroll and the Lamb (Revelation 5)

Revelation 5 presents a dramatic and pivotal moment in John’s vision. The scene follows the worship of God in Revelation 4 and shifts to the question of who is worthy to open a mysterious scroll sealed with seven seals. The resolution centers on Jesus, the Lamb of God, who is declared worthy to open the scroll.

1. Key Passage: Revelation 5

A. The Scroll in the Right Hand (Revelation 5:1)

“Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals.”

  • The Scroll:
    • Represents God’s sovereign plan for history, judgment, and redemption.
    • The writing on both sides symbolizes completeness and fullness (Ezekiel 2:9-10).
    • The seven seals indicate its divine, secure, and undisclosed nature.
  • The Right Hand:
    • A symbol of authority, power, and sovereignty, showing that the scroll belongs to God alone.

B. The Search for One Who is Worthy (Revelation 5:2-4)

“And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, ‘Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?’ But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside.”

  • The Mighty Angel:
    • Represents the universal proclamation of the need for a worthy redeemer.
  • John’s Weeping:
    • Reflects despair and longing for someone who can execute God’s plan and bring ultimate redemption.

C. The Lamb is Revealed (Revelation 5:5-7)

“Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.’ Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders.”

  1. The Lion of Judah:
    • Refers to Jesus as the promised Messiah from the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:9-10).
    • Symbolizes strength, victory, and authority.
  2. The Root of David:
    • Highlights Jesus’ lineage as the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant (Isaiah 11:1, 10).
  3. The Lamb:
    • Jesus appears as a Lamb “looking as if it had been slain,” emphasizing His sacrificial death for humanity’s sins (John 1:29).
    • Standing: Though slain, the Lamb is alive, victorious over death.
  4. Seven Horns and Seven Eyes:
    • Horns: Symbolize power and authority.
    • Eyes: Represent the Holy Spirit, described as the “seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth” (Zechariah 4:10).

D. The Lamb Takes the Scroll (Revelation 5:8-10)

“When he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. And they sang a new song, saying:
‘You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.’”

  1. Worship of the Lamb:
    • The Lamb’s act of taking the scroll signifies His authority to carry out God’s plan.
    • The living creatures and elders fall in worship, acknowledging His worthiness.
  2. The New Song:
    • Celebrates the Lamb’s redemptive work:
      • “You were slain”: His sacrificial death.
      • “You purchased”: His atonement for people from all nations.
  3. Golden Bowls of Incense:
    • Symbolize the prayers of believers, showing their preciousness to God.

E. Universal Worship (Revelation 5:11-14)

“Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying:
‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!’”

  1. Angelic Worship:
    • A vast multitude of angels join in praising the Lamb.
  2. Creation’s Worship:
    • Every creature in heaven, earth, under the earth, and the sea praises the Lamb and the One on the throne.

2. Themes and Symbolism

A. Christ’s Worthiness

  • The Lamb’s worthiness stems from His sacrificial death and triumph over sin and death (Philippians 2:8-9).

B. God’s Sovereignty

  • The scroll represents God’s plan, showing His ultimate control over history and redemption.

C. Redemption for All

  • The Lamb’s sacrifice purchased salvation for people from every nation, emphasizing the universal scope of God’s redemptive plan.

D. Worship and Praise

  • The scene highlights the centrality of worship in heaven, with the Lamb receiving the same honor as God.

3. Reflection Questions

  1. What does the image of the Lamb “looking as if it had been slain” teach about Jesus’ victory through sacrifice?
  2. How does the universal worship of the Lamb challenge your view of Christ’s worthiness?
  3. In what ways can you join the heavenly worship described in this chapter in your daily life?

4. Application

  1. Trust in God’s Plan:
    • The sealed scroll reminds us that God has a perfect plan for history and our lives, and Jesus is fully able to fulfill it.
  2. Live in Worship:
    • Join in the worship of the Lamb through prayer, song, and devotion, acknowledging His worthiness and sacrifice.
  3. Proclaim the Gospel:
    • Like the new song celebrates redemption for every nation, believers are called to share the good news of Christ with the world.
  4. Hope in Christ’s Victory:
    • The Lamb’s triumph assures believers of ultimate victory, even amid trials and challenges.

Conclusion

The vision of the scroll and the Lamb in Revelation 5 reveals Jesus as the only one worthy to execute God’s plan of redemption and judgment. His sacrifice and victory inspire worship from all creation and remind believers of God’s sovereign control and love. This scene sets the stage for the unfolding of God’s plan in the rest of Revelation.