THE BOOK OF REDEMPTION AND

THE LAMB OF GOD

REVELATION 5

Lesson 8

Introduction: Again our attention is focused on Heaven as John continues to share his heavenly experience directed by the Holy Spirit.  “And I saw”, reveals a continuing experience that may not stir our emotion, but should cause a deep awareness that we are viewing an important heavenly scene.

In review of chapter 4, John walked through Heavens door as an invited quest. He sees the unspeakable Glory of God’s throne and the worship of those around the throne is recorded for our consideration.

         I.      The seven sealed book (Vs 1-4)

a.        A book or scroll with writings on both sides with seven seals becomes the focus of our attention.

b.       Under Old Testament law and Roman law, seven seals were placed on scrolls of redemption and wills.

c.        If the scroll was to be read all seven seals had to be broken in order to be read.

d.       Because of sin the law of redemption is of vital  importance to all who have been affected.

1.        The sin of Adam went beyond mankind and affected even creation.

2.        From Lev. 25 we learn God provided redemption of three things.

a)   A wife who’s husband had died and was left childless

b)   A man who had sold himself in to slavery to pay off his debt

c)   The redemption of land that had to be held to pay off debt

3.        The land for debt was not a permanent transfer because of the year of jubilee.

a)   Every 50 years all debt forgiven and returned to rightful owner.

4.        The law of redemption provided two ways to get back the lost land.

a)   Pay back money owed

b)   A near relative could redeem the lost possessions.

c)   The terms were written on a scroll and sealed with 7 seals.

5.        All the promises of God for man and creation are held in this 7 sealed book. (Notice it is held in the right hand of God the Father.)

e.        The strong angel with the great voice (Vs 2)

1.        The message

a)   Who is worthy – who is qualified?

b)   To break the seals

2.        The answer is found in the Book of Leviticus and the practical application in the Book of Ruth.

a)   To be qualified must meet three things.

1)       Must be a near relative of the one who lost the inheritance

2)       Must be willing to act as a redeemer.

3)       Must be able to pay the price of redemption 

b)   The Book of Ruth reveals Boaz as a type of Christ as kinsman redeemer.

f.         No man is found who is qualified to open this Book. ( Vs 3)   (no one possesses the power or authority.) 

g.       The reaction of John (Vs 4)   was that he wept audibly and profusely because no one was found.

1.        The promise of the prophets hung on this.

2.        The hope of the saints of the Church was at stake.

3.        Creation itself would groan and suffer forever.

       II.      The Lamb of God, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Vs 5-7) 

a.        First of all His kingly character and authority is expressed.

1.        From Genesis 49:9-10,  we learn the future ruler of the earth will be from the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. Here the prediction is fulfilled.

2.        We see Christ’s eternal character in that He is the Root of David as well as the Son of David who sits on the Throne of David.

b.       In verse 6 we see Christ as the Lamb of God who paid the price to be redeemed.

1.        Isaiah 53 reveals Christ as the Lamb of God wounded and slain for our sin.

2.        John sees the Lamb of God in strength and glory. (Notice He bears the mark which reveals the price paid for our redemption.)  

3.        The seven horns refer to His authority as King. (Dan. 7:24) 

4.        The seven eyes refer to the Holy Spirit and His seven ministries.  ( It was the Holy Spirit sent out into the world. (John 16:7) 

c.        The Lord Jesus Christ comes and takes the Book. (Vs 7) 

1.        He had the right to redeem because He took on Himself the form of a man. (His earthly birth in order. Isa. 9:6 – “a child is born”, humanity) 

2.        He was willing. (He went to the cross.) 

3.        He was able to pay the price for He was God.( Isa. 9:6)  

a)    “a  Son is given,”  deity

b)   Christ was God, and thus His sacrifice was infinite.

     III.      The reaction of living beings and elders (Vs 8-10) 

a.        Here is a scene of righteousness in its ultimate victory.

1.        This is the first step of turning the reigns of rule over to Christ. (“Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.”) 

2.        First of all He receives worship and adoration of His creation.

a)   The place of prayer in this Heavenly scene.

b)   Golden vials represent the prayers of the saints. (Have you added the fragrance of Heaven?) 

c)   Harps and trumpets are only musical instruments of millennium  mentioned.

b.       The song of Heaven (Vs. 9-10) 

1.        The song of the redeemed (HAVE YOU RECEIVED CHRIST?) 

2.        Made Kings and Priests (Vs 10) 

a)    Our Priesthood. ( I Pet. 2:9) 

b)   Our kingship – we shall reign with Him.

c)    Following the dark hour of tribulation we shall reign with Him.

     IV.      The worship accorded to Christ the slain Lamb. (Vs 11-14) 

a.        Christ receiving the worship of angels (Vs 11) 

1.        In Heb. 1:4-8, we see Christ’s exalted position over angels.

2.        A 100 million then millions and millions (Remember one angel slew a 186,000 in one night outside Jerusalem.) 

b.       Christ received the worship of all. (Vs:13-14) 

1.        The fulfillment of Phil. 2:9-11

2.        All will confess who Jesus is.

3.        Blessing, honor, glory and power to the Lamb forever

4.     All worship before the God of Creation with only one intent, which is to bring glory and adoration to Him who sits on the throne of  the universe.