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Revelation Chapter Five

 

Revelation 5

In the next chapter we find the Lamb. A book was in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. It was counsels, wielded by His power. Who could open them and bring them forth to execution? Who had the title to do so? None in heaven or earth but One. The elders explained to the prophet who mourned that the ways of God should be shut up, that the mighty One of Judah, the true source of all promises to David, had prevailed to open it and loose the seals. This was the Lamb, the rejected Messiah. He was more than this, as the chapter goes on to shew; but He is this. The rejected Messiah was in the midst of the divine throne; and within all the displays of providence and grace-the living creatures and elders-stood a Lamb as it had been slain. He had the fullness of power over the earth-seven horns-as of God, and the seven Spirits of God for government, according to God's perfection, of all the earth. When He has taken the book, the living creatures and elders fall down before Him with golden censers full of the prayers of the saints. They are priests here.

Now a new song is sung to celebrate the Lamb. What seemed His dishonour and rejection on earth was the ground of His worthiness to take the book. He who at all suffering and cost to Himself had glorified all that God was, was able and worthy to unfold what made it good in the way of government. It was not the government of Israel, but of all the earth; not merely earthly chastisements according to God's revelation of Himself in Israel, but the display in power of all God was in the whole earth. He who had glorified all He was, and redeemed, by the gospel of what He was through His death, out of all the earth, was the fit One to bring it forth in power. He does not yet come forth; but His work is the worthy instrument, the divine motive, for the display of it all. He can unlock the seals of God's ways and mysteries. I read the passage thus:-" Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed to God, by thy blood, out of every kindred, &c., and hast made them unto our God kings and priests, and they shall reign over the earth." Thus it is not any particular class, but the value of the act which is the motive of praise, and all being confided to Him.

Here the angels come in to praise, not in the fourth chapter. I can hardly doubt that a change in administrative order takes place here. Until the Lamb took the book, they were the administrative power; they were the instruments through which what the four living creatures symbolized was exercised in the earth. "But unto the angels hath he not put into subjection the world to come, whereof we speak." Hence, as soon as the Lamb appears and takes the book, as soon as the idea of redemption is brought in, the living creatures and elders are brought together, and the angels take their own place apart. Like the living creatures before, they give no reason for their praise. As the heads of creation as to their nature, they celebrate with all creatures the title to glory of the Lamb and His own worthiness, ascribing praise to Him that sits on the throne and to the Lamb for ever and ever. The four living creatures, that is, all the exercise of God's power in creation and providence, join their Amen, and the elders worship God in the excellency of His being. But the living creatures and elders are joined (verse 8) in falling down before the Lamb. I do not think they are meant to be distinguished in the latter part of the verse, [1] but merge in the elders, symbolizing different service but not now two classes. Verse 9 is the general fact; not "they sung," but " they sing." This takes place in heaven; but those named are in the mind in a general way. Thus the source of what follows, the throne, and the persons engaged in heaven before God in all that passes, are displayed: whence the judgment flows, who surround the throne of God above, and who is in it, have been brought before us; the heavenly scene, and choir, and assistants.

Footnotes

[1] That is, "echontes" does not apply to elders only.

── John DarbySynopsis of Revelation

 

Revelation 5

Chapter Contents

A book sealed with seven seals, which could be opened by none but Christ, who took the book to open it. (1-7) Upon which all honour is ascribed to him, as worthy to open it. (8-14)

Commentary on Revelation 5:1-7

(Read Revelation 5:1-7)

The apostle saw in the hand of Him that sat upon the throne, a roll of parchments in the form usual in those times, and sealed with seven seals. This represented the secret purposes of God about to be revealed. The designs and methods of Divine Providence, toward the church and the world, are stated, fixed, and made a matter of record. The counsels of God are altogether hidden from the eye and understanding of the creature. The several parts are not unsealed and opened at once, but after each other, till the whole mystery of God's counsel and conduct is finished in the world. The creatures cannot open it, nor read it; the Lord only can do so. Those who see most of God, are most desirous to see more; and those who have seen his glory, desire to know his will. But even good men may be too eager and hasty to look into the mysteries of the Divine conduct. Such desires, if not soon answered, turn to grief and sorrow. If John wept much because he could not look into the book of God's decrees, what reason have many to shed floods of tears for their ignorance of the gospel of Christ! of that on which everlasting salvation depends! We need not weep that we cannot foresee future events respecting ourselves in this world; the eager expectation of future prospects, or the foresight of future calamities, would alike unfit us for present duties and conflicts, or render our prosperous days distressing. Yet we may desire to learn, from the promises and prophecies of Scripture, what will be the final event to believers and to the church; and the Incarnate Son has prevailed, that we should learn all that we need to know. Christ stands as Mediator between God and both ministers and people. He is called a Lion, but he appears as a Lamb slain. He appears with the marks of his sufferings, to show that he pleads for us in heaven, in virtue of his satisfaction. He appears as a Lamb, having seven horns and seven eyes; perfect power to execute all the will of God, and perfect wisdom to understand it, and to do it in the most effectual manner. The Father put the book of his eternal counsels into the hand of Christ, and Christ readily and gladly took it into his hand; for he delights to make known the will of his Father; and the Holy Spirit is given by him to reveal the truth and will of God.

Commentary on Revelation 5:8-14

(Read Revelation 5:8-14)

It is matter of joy to all the world, to see that God deals with men in grace and mercy through the Redeemer. He governs the world, not merely as a Creator, but as our Saviour. The harps were instruments of praise; the vials were full of odours, or incense, which signify the prayers of the saints: prayer and praise should always go together. Christ has redeemed his people from the bondage of sin, guilt, and Satan. He has not only purchased liberty for them, but the highest honour and preferment; he made them kings and priests; kings, to rule over their own spirits, and to overcome the world, and the evil one; and he makes them priests; giving them access to himself, and liberty to offer up spiritual sacrifices. What words can more fully declare that Christ is, and ought to be worshipped, equally with the Father, by all creatures, to all eternity! Happy those who shall adore and praise in heaven, and who shall for ever bless the Lamb, who delivered and set them apart for himself by his blood. How worthy art thou, O God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, of our highest praises! All creatures should proclaim thy greatness, and adore thy majesty.

── Matthew HenryConcise Commentary on Revelation

 

Revelation 5

Verse 1

[1] And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.

And I saw — This is a continuation of the same narrative.

In the right hand — The emblem of his all-ruling power. He held it openly, in order to give it to him that was worthy. It is scarce needful to observe, that there is not in heaven any real book of parchment or paper or that Christ does not really stand there, in the shape of a lion or of a lamb. Neither is there on earth any monstrous beast with seven heads and ten horns. But as there is upon earth something which, in its kind, answers such a representation; so there are in heaven divine counsels and transactions answerable to these figurative expressions. All this was represented to St. John at Patmos, in one day, by way of vision. But the accomplishment of it extends from that time throughout all ages. Writings serve to inform us of distant and of future things. And hence things which are yet to come are figuratively said to be "written in God's book;" so were at that time the contents of this weighty prophecy. But the book was sealed. Now comes the opening and accomplishing also of the great things that are, as it were, the letters of it.

A book written within and without — That is, no part of it blank, full of matter.

Sealed with seven seals — According to the seven principal parts contained in it, one on the outside of each. The usual books of the ancients were not like ours, but were volumes or long pieces of parchment, rolled upon a long stick, as we frequently roll silks. Such was this represented, which was sealed with seven seals. Not as if the apostle saw all the seals at once; for there were seven volumes wrapped up one within another, each of which was sealed: so that upon opening and unrolling the first, the second appeared to be sealed up till that was opened, and so on to the seventh. The book and its seals represent all power in heaven and earth given to Christ. A copy of this book is contained in the following chapters. By "the trumpets," contained under the seventh seal, the kingdom of the world is shaken, that it may at length become the kingdom of Christ. By "the vials," under the seventh trumpet, the power of the beast, and whatsoever is connected with it, is broken. This sum of all we should have continually before our eyes: so the whole Revelation flows in its natural order.

Verse 2

[2] And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

And I saw a strong angel — This proclamation to every creature was too great for a man to make, and yet not becoming the Lamb himself. It was therefore made by an angel, and one of uncommon eminence.

Verse 3

[3] And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.

And none — No creature; no, not Mary herself.

In heaven, or in earth, neither under the earth — That is, none in the universe. For these are the three great regions into which the whole creation is divided.

Was able to open the book — To declare the counsels of God.

Nor to look thereon — So as to understand any part of it.

Verse 4

[4] And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.

And I wept much — A weeping which sprung from greatness of mind. The tenderness of heart which he always had appeared more clearly now he was out of his own power. The Revelation was not written without tears; neither without tears will it be understood. How far are they from the temper of St. John who inquire after anything rather than the contents of this book! yea, who applaud their own clemency if they excuse those that do inquire into them!

Verse 5

[5] And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

And one of the elders — Probably one of those who rose with Christ, and afterwards ascended into heaven. Perhaps one of the patriarchs. Some think it was Jacob, from whose prophecy the name of Lion is given him, Genesis 49:9.

The Lion of the tribe of Judah — The victorious prince who is, like a lion, able to tear all his enemies in pieces.

The root of David — As God, the root and source of David's family, Isaiah 11:1,10.

Hath prevailed to open the book — Hath overcome all obstructions, and obtained the honour to disclose the divine counsels.

Verse 6

[6] And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

And I saw — First, Christ in or on the midst of the throne; secondly, the four living creatures making the inner circle round him; and, thirdly, the four and twenty elders making a larger circle round him and them.

Standing — He lieth no more; he no more falls on his face; the days of his weakness and mourning are ended. He is now in a posture of readiness to execute all his offices of prophet, priest, and king.

As if he had been slain — Doubtless with the prints of the wounds which he once received. And because he was slain, he is worthy to open the book, verse 9, Revelation 5:9 to the joy of his own people, and the terror of his enemies.

Having seven horns — As a king, the emblem of perfect strength.

And seven eyes — The emblem of perfect knowledge and wisdom. By these he accomplishes what is contained in the book, namely, by his almighty and all-wise Spirit. To these seven horns and seven eyes answer the seven seals and the sevenfold song of praise, verse 12. Revelation 5:12 In Zechariah, likewise, iii. 9, iv. 10, Zechariah 3:9; Zechariah 4:10 mention is made of "the seven eyes of the Lord, which go forth over all the earth." Which - Both the horns and the eyes.

Are the seven spirits of God sent forth into all the earth — For the effectual working of the Spirit of God goes through the whole creation; and that in the natural, as well as spiritual, world. For could mere matter act or move? Could it gravitate or attract? Just as much as it can think or speak.

Verse 7

[7] And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.

And he came — Here was "Ask of me," Psalms 2:8, fulfilled in the most glorious manner.

And took — it is one state of exaltation that reaches from our Lord's ascension to his coming in glory. Yet this state admits of various degrees. At his ascension, "angels, and principalities, and powers were subjected to him." Ten days after, he received from the Father and sent the Holy Ghost. And now he took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne - who gave it him as a signal of his delivering to him all power in heaven and earth. He received it, in token of his being both able and willing to fulfil all that was written therein.

Verse 8

[8] And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

And when he took the book, the four living creatures fell down — Now is homage done to the Lamb by every creature. These, together with the elders, make the beginning; and afterward, Revelation 5:14, the conclusion. They are together surrounded with a multitude of angels, Revelation 5:11, and together sing the new song, as they had before praised God together, Revelation 4:8, etc.

Having every one — The elders, not the living creatures.

An harp — Which was one of the chief instruments used for thanksgiving in the temple service: a fit emblem of the melody of their hearts.

And golden phials — Cups or censers.

Full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints — Not of the elders themselves, but of the other saints still upon earth, whose prayers were thus emblematically represented in heaven.

Verse 9

[9] And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

And they sing a new song — One which neither they nor any other had sung before.

Thou hast redeemed us — So the living creatures also were of the number of the redeemed. This does not so much refer to the act of redemption, which was long before, as to the fruit of it; and so more directly to those who had finished their course, "who were redeemed from the earth," Revelation 14:1, out of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation - That is, out of all mankind.

Verse 10

[10] And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

And hast made them — The redeemed. So they speak of themselves also in the third person, out of deep self-abasement.

They shall reign over the earth — The new earth: herewith agree the golden crowns of the elders. The reign of the saints in general follows, under the trumpet of the seventh angel; particularly after the first resurrection, as also in eternity, Revelation 11:18; 15:7; 20:4; 22:5; Daniel 7:27; Psalms 49:14.

Verse 11

[11] And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

And I saw — The many angels.

And heard — The voice and the number of them.

Round about the elders — So forming the third circle. It is remarkable, that men are represented through this whole vision as nearer to God than any of the angels.

And the number of them was — At least two hundred millions, and two millions over. And yet these were but a part of the holy angels. Afterward, Revelation 7:11, St. John heard them all.

Verse 12

[12] Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

Worthy is the Lamb — The elders said, Revelation 5:9, "Worthy art thou." They were more nearly allied to him than the angels.

To receive the power, … — This sevenfold applause answers the seven seals, of which the four former describe all visible, the latter all invisible, things, made subject to the Lamb. And every one of these seven words bears a resemblance to the seal which it answers.

Verse 13

[13] And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

And every creature — In the whole universe, good or bad.

In the heaven, on the earth, under the earth, on the sea — With these four regions of the world, agrees the fourfold word of praise. What is in heaven, says blessing; what is on earth, honour; what is under the earth, glory: what is on the sea, strength; is unto him. This praise from all creatures begins before the opening of the first seal; but it continues from that time to eternity, according to the capacity of each. His enemies must acknowledge his glory; but those in heaven say, Blessed be God and the Lamb. This royal manifesto is, as it were, a proclamation, showing how Christ fulfils all things, and "every knee bows to him," not only on earth, but also in heaven, and under the earth. This book exhausts all things, 1 Corinthians 15:27,28, and is suitable to an heart enlarged as the sand of the sea. It inspires the attentive and intelligent reader with such a magnanimity, that he accounts nothing in this world great; no, not the whole frame of visible nature, compared to the immense greatness of what he is here called to behold, yea, and in part, to inherit. St. John has in view, through the whole following vision, what he has been now describing, namely, the four living creatures, the elders, the angels, and all creatures, looking together at the opening of the seven seals.

── John WesleyExplanatory Notes on Revelation

 

Chapter 5. The Lamb Takes the Scroll

Worthy to Take the Scroll
Worthy to Open the Seals

I. A Scroll Sealed by Seven Seals

  1. See a Scroll
  2. With Writing on Both Sides
  3. Who Is Worthy to Break

II. Only the Lamb Is Worthy

  1. The Lion of Judah
  2. The Lamb Slain
  3. Seven Horns and Seven Eyes

III. Praise God and the Lamb

  1. Living Creatures and Elders
  2. Many Angels
  3. Every Creature

── Chih-Hsin ChangAn Outline of The New Testament

 
Chapter Five General Review
                             
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
 
1) To examine what is revealed about the Lamb (Jesus) and what He has
   accomplished through His death
 
2) To consider the impact this scene would have had upon the persecuted
   Christians in Asia
 
SUMMARY
 
The scene that began in chapter four continues.  Whereas the theme of
chapter four can be stated as "God is on His throne!", the theme of
this chapter may be called "Worthy is the Lamb!"
 
John's attention is drawn to a scroll in the right hand of God. Written
on the inside and on the back, it is sealed with seven seals.  A strong
angel proclaims "Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its
seals?" and at first there seems to be no one in heaven and earth
deemed worthy to open the scroll or look at it.  This prompted John to
weep (1-4).
 
But one of the twenty-four elders tells him not to weep for One
described as "the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David" (cf.
Gen 49:9-10; Isa 11:10) has prevailed so to be able to open the scroll
and loose its seals.  In the midst of the throne and of the living
creatures and the elders, John sees a Lamb standing as though slain
(i.e., Jesus - cf. Jn 1:29), with seven horns and seven eyes.  The
seven eyes are explained as the seven Spirits of God sent out into all
the earth (cf. Zech 4:10).  As seen before (cf. 1:4; 3:1; 4:9) they
represent the Holy Spirit, while the seven horns are indicative of
great strength (cf. Deu 33:17; 1 Sam 2:10).  The Lamb is then seen as
taking the scroll out of God's right hand (5-7).
 
Taking the scroll prompts the four living creatures and twenty-four
elders to fall down before the Lamb.  Each possessing a harp (perhaps
symbolizing praise, Hailey) and golden bowls of incense which depict
the prayers of the saints, they sing a new song praising the Lamb as
worthy to take the scroll.  They proclaim His worthiness on the basis
of being slain and redeeming by His blood those from every nation who
are made kings and priests to God who shall reign on the earth (cf.
1:5-6; 1 Pe 2:9).  The voices of many thousands of angels around the
throne then join in with their praise of the Lamb who was slain as 
worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and 
blessing.  Finally, every creature in heaven, earth, and sea join in 
with praise for both Him who sits on the throne (God) and the Lamb.  To
which the four living creatures say "Amen!" and the twenty-four elders
fall down and worship (8-14).
 
This awesome scene should certainly encourage the faithful Christian.  
As stated by Summers:
 
   "Such a scene was calculated to bring new courage and new hope to
   the hearts of John's first readers, the persecuted Christians of
   Asia; it brings the same cheer to Christian hearts in any age.
   Believing in the power of God (ch. 4) and the redeeming love of God
   (ch. 5), there is no enemy or force of evil which Christians need to
   fear.  They can enter the conflict or endure the evil knowing that
   God is still on his throne; he has not laid aside his scepter; he
   has not abandoned his throne to any other."
 
And what does the scroll represent?  As Shelly says in his commentary:
 
   "This scroll is the book of the destiny of mankind.  In it could
   be found the fate of the suffering saints, the outcome of Rome's
   (and I would add Jerusalem's, MAC) machinations against the church,
   and an outline of the future from John's time through the
   resolution of the particular battle raging between his brethren
   and Satan's forces.  The things revealed in the subsequent visions
   of the Revelation were bound up in this scroll."
 
I.e., the scroll reveals how God would manifest his righteous
indignation upon those who rejected His Christ and persecuted His
people.  Also, how the suffering saints would eventually overcome.  As
long as the scroll was sealed, the workings of God was still a mystery.
But as the seals are broken (6:1-8:1), we have:
 
   "the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His
   servants -- things which must shortly take place." (1:1)
 
OUTLINE
 
I. THE SCROLL AND THE LAMB (1-7)
 
   A. THE SCROLL IN GOD'S RIGHT HAND (1-4)
      1. Written on the inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals
      2. The proclamation by the strong angel
         a. "Who is worthy?"
         b. "To open and the scroll and to loose its seals?"
      3. The initial response
         a. No one, in heaven, on the earth, under the earth!
         b. No one, able to open the scroll, or to look at it!
      4. John's reaction:  "So I wept much, because no one was found
         worthy..."
 
   B. THE ONE WORTHY TO OPEN THE SCROLL (5-7)
      1. Comforting words of the elder to John
         a. "Do not weep"
         b. "Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David"
         c. He "has prevailed"
            1) "To open the scroll"
            2) "To loose its seven seals"
      2. John's description of the Lamb
         a. Standing in the midst of the throne, the four living
            creatures, and the elders
         b. A Lamb as though it had been slain
            1) Having seven horns
            2) With seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent
               into all the earth
         c. Who takes the scroll out of God's right hand
 
II. THE LAMB IS PRAISED (8-14)
 
   A. BY THE FOUR LIVING CREATURES AND TWENTY-FOUR ELDERS (8-10)
      1. Each having:
         a. A harp
         b. Golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the
            saints
      2. They sang a new song...
         a. The Lamb is worthy!
            1) To take the scroll
            2) To open its seals
         b. Because:
            1) He was slain
            2) He has redeemed them to God by His blood out of every
               tribe, tongue, people and nation
            3) He has made them kings and priests to God, to reign on
               the earth
 
   B. BY THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS OF ANGELS (11-12)
      1. Their voices heard around the throne, along with the living
         creatures and the elders
      2. Saying with a loud voice:
         a. Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
         b. To receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory,
            and blessing
 
   C. TOGETHER WITH HIM WHO SITS ON THE THRONE (13-14)
      1. John now hears those in heaven, on earth, under the earth, and
         in the sea saying:
         a. "Blessing and honor and glory and power..."
         b. "Be to Him who sits on throne, and to the Lamb, forever and
            ever!"
      2. Upon which:
         a. The four living creatures said "Amen!"
         b. The twenty-four elders fell down and worshipped Him who
            lives forever and ever
 
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
 
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - The scroll and the Lamb (1-7)
   - The Lamb is praised (8-14)
 
2) What did John see in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne?
   (1)
   - A scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals
 
3) What did a strong angel proclaim with a loud voice? (2)
   - "Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?"
 
4) How did John react when it seemed there was no one worthy to open
   the scroll? (3-4)
   - He wept
 
5) What did one of the twenty-four elders then say to John? (5)
   - "Do not weep"
   - "Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has
      prevailed to open the scroll and it seven seals"
 
6) What did John see? (6)
   - A Lamb as though it had been slain, with seven horns and seven 
     eyes
 
7) Where was the Lamb?  What did He do? (6-7)
   - In the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures and
     the elders
   - He took the scroll out of Him who sat on the throne
 
8) What happened when the Lamb had taken the scroll? (8-9a)
   - The four living creatures and twenty-four elders fell down before
     the Lamb
   - They each had a harp, and golden bowls of incense (which are the
     prayers of the saints)
   - They sang a new song
 
9) What did they proclaim in this "new song"? (9)
   - The Lamb was worthy to take the scroll and open its seals
 
10) Why did they deem the Lamb worthy? (9-10)
   - For He was slain and redeemed them to God by His blood
   - He has made them kings and priests to God
 
11) What did John then see and hear? (11)
   - The voice of thousands of angels around the throne, the living
     creatures and the elders
 
12) What were they saying? (12)
   - "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain"
   - To receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and 
     blessing
 
13) What does John hear next? (13)
   - Every creature in heaven, on and under the earth, and in the sea
   - Offering blessing, honor, glory and power to both Him who sits on
     the throne, and to the Lamb
 
14) What happens then? (14)
   - The four living creatures said "Amen!"
   - The twenty-four elders fell down and worshipped Him who lives 
     forever and ever

 

--《Executable Outlines

 

The Lamb takes the scroll

Worthy to take the scroll

Worthy to open the seals

 

I.  A scroll sealed by seven seals

1.    See a scroll

2.    With writing on both sides

3.    Who is worthy to break

II.Only the Lamb is worthy

1.    The lion of Judah

2.    The Lamb slain

3.    Seven horns and seven eyes

III.       Praise God and the Lamb

1.    Living creatures and elders

2.    Many angels

3.    Every creature

── Chih-Hsin Changan Outline of The New Testament

 

The New Song

As given in the Book of Revelation 5.8

I. The highest note—‘Thou art worthy’

II. The greatest sacrifice—‘Thou wast slain’

III. The sweetest theme—‘Redeemed by blood’

IV. The widest result—‘Every kindred, tongue and people and nation’

V. The newest relationship—‘kings and priests’

VI. The brightest hope—‘We shall reign’

── H.K.D.

 

The Worthy One (5.9~12)

I. The Person who is worthy—He Who has the Majesty of a lion and the Meekness of a lamb (v.9)

II. The Proclamation of His worth—

   1. He has paid for us the Price of redemption (v.9)

   2. He has conferred on us the Privilege of Priesthood (v.10)

   3. He has given to us the Prospect of Reigning (v.10)

III. The Proof of His worth—He receives the worship of the angels in Heaven and the redeemed from the earth (v.11)

── Archibald NaismithOutlines for Sermons

 

The Sevenfold Ascription of Praise to the Lamb (5.12)

I. Power (authority Matt.28.18)—Nebuchadnezzar received power but proved unworthy (Dan. 2.37; 4.27)

II. Riches (Eph. 3.8)—Jehoshaphat had riches in abundance but proved unworthy (2 Chron. 18.1)

III. Wisdom (Col. 2.3)—Solomon received wisdom but proved unworthy (1 Kings 4.29)

IV. Strength (Isa. 63.1)—Samson was given strength but proved unworthy (Judges 16.19~20)

V. Honour (Heb. 2.9)—Adam had honour conferred by god but proved unworthy (Gen. 1.27; 3.24)

VI. Glory (Heb. 2.9)—Aaron wore garments of glory but proved unworthy (Exod. 28.2; 32.4)

VII. Blessing (praise)—Many men have been blessed and praised, but all have proved unworthy e.g. (Acts 12.22~23)

── Archibald NaismithOutlines for Sermons