REVELATION 5: WORTHY IS THE LAMB

Revelation 5:1

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.


“A book written within and on the backside”

And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein; and he spread it before me; and it was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe. (Ezekiel 2:9–10)

“Sealed with seven seals”

And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. (Daniel 12:9)

As John continued to view the scenes transpiring in heaven, he saw God holding in His right hand what appeared to be a book. Rather than a book as we know it, it was a scroll or roll, written on the inside and on the outside, with seven seals binding it. The seals indicated the authority and jurisdiction of the one who sealed it. They also indicated that it was sealed for privacy, or to keep the contents hidden or secret.

Normally, the seals would have to be removed to read the contents of the book. But in this case, beginning in chapter 6, the attention is on the seals themselves. An event transpires or is revealed with the removal of each seal. Thus, once a seal is removed, the contents or the record contained in the scroll is disclosed to view in heaven, while on earth the loosening of each seal signals an event that takes place, usually over a period of time.

Revelation 5:2

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 announcing in a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the scroll? And [who is entitled and deserves and is morally fit] to break its seals? (Revelation 5:2 AMP)

Revelation 5:3

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

There is no man throughout the earth, not even the first fruits of the redeemed in heaven, worthy and capable of opening the book. Indeed, no angel, living creature or any created being throughout God’s entire universe was found worthy and capable to open the seals and to read the book. This fact indicates that this is no ordinary book.

Revelation 5:4

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

And I wept audibly and bitterly because no one was found fit to open the scroll or to inspect it. (Revelation 5:4 AMP)

Then I wept with disappointment, because no one anywhere was worthy; no one could tell us what it said. (Revelation 5:4 TLB)

John sensed the awesome importance of this book, and was bitterly disappointed that none could open it.

“No man was found worthy”

How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman? Behold even to the moon, and it shineth not; yea, the stars are not pure in his sight. How much less man, that is a worm? and the son of man, which is a worm? (Job 25:4–6)

Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. (James 4:14)

Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. (Psalm 103:13–16)

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)

We can see from these texts the condition of man in God’s sight. This is why no man was found worthy, for even the elders gathered around the throne who were redeemed by Christ have no glory or worthiness of their own. Their righteousness is derived from Christ. No man is also translated no one, which includes all created beings. The failure of any created being to open the book is not the difficulty in doing so. Rather, it is the importance of the book that demands someone worthy and able. Thus it is to Christ that one of the elders directs John’s attention, for only He is worthy.

Revelation 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.

Stop weeping! See the lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root (source) of David, has won (has overcome and conquered)! He can open the scroll and break its seven seals. (Revelation 5:5 AMP)

Christ “who, being in the form of God,” stepped down from His position in heaven and “made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:6–8).

Christ overcame sin, the powers of darkness and the devil. In that victory He gained the right to be man’s Savior and Intercessor and Judge. This is why He alone is able to open the book. The seals removed from the scroll, as depicted in chapter 6 and the contents of the scroll thereby revealed must therefore concern Christ’s ministry and the fate of mankind, as Christ in His role as High Priest makes decisions as Intercessor and Judge.

Attention is focused on the seals in the subsequent chapters and on the events associated with the breaking of each one, they serve as waymarks, or beacons in history, telling us where we are in time as Christ symbolically removes each seal. With every sealed document, the document itself is more important than the seals. The removing of the seals can be understood to be events that transpire in human history. Once the last seal is opened, the book containing the history of mankind is finished and time is no more.

Daniel 7 reveals an event that is the counterpart of the vision of chapter 5, or at the very least of great similarity. In Daniel we read:

I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. … I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. (Daniel 7:9–10, 13)

What is in this book that only Christ can open? Why such sadness when no one is found able to open it? Before we answer this question, let us consider what the Bible says about the books that are opened in the judgment mentioned above.

And Moses returned unto the Lord, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin—; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. And the Lord said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book. (Exodus 32:31–33. There is a book that sinners names are blotted out of.)

Keep a record of all their sins; don’t let them have any part in your salvation. May their names be erased from the book of the living; may they not be included in the list of your people. (Psalm 69:27–28 TEV)

And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. (Daniel 12:1. This verse depicts the door of mercy shutting before the time of trouble begins. The only ones who are delivered are found in the book.)

You know how troubled I am; you have kept a record of my tears. Aren’t they listed in your book? (Psalm 56:8 TEV)

When my bones were being formed, carefully put together in my mother’s womb, when I was growing there in secret, you knew that I was there—you saw me before I was born. The days allotted to me had all been recorded in your book, before any of them ever began. (Psalm 139:15–16 TEV)

And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. (Philippians 4:3)

Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. (Malachi 3:16)

In summation the books of record are the Book of Life which records the name of every person that has ever professed faith in God and Christ. There is the Book of Remembrance that records the good deeds of the saints. And there is a Book of Sins that records the bad deeds with all the motives, thoughts, and feelings associated with them.

The contents brought to view in the book or scroll as each seal is removed are those things that determine the fate of humanity. Some names are sealed into the book of life; others are blotted out. The opening of this book by Christ parallels the unsealing of those visions of Daniel dealing with the judgment. All nations and individuals shall pass before the great Judge to receive their reward or punishment. Revelation 14:7 declares that the hour of His judgment is come.

What is the standard or basis of the judgment?

He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. (John 12:48. The words or teachings of Christ shall be the standard of judgment.)

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14)

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. (Revelation 20:12. Our life and deeds shall be judged according to what is written in the books of record.)

When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: and before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: and he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. (Matthew 25:31–40. Our treatment of others is considered in the judgment.)

So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. (James 2:12)

But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. (Romans 2:2. We are judged according to truth, the Word of God.)

What is in this sealed book that only Christ, the Lamb and our High Priest, is worthy to open? It contains the history of God’s providence and interventions on behalf of mankind. The book contains the counsel and Word of the Holy One, showing His authority and law, to which all will be held accountable. The book contains the record of every nation, tongue, and people from the beginning of earth’s history to its close. In short, the book contains all the records of men and of nations, which will be considered in the judgment.

John says, “I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon” (Revelation 5:4). The vision presented to John made a great impression upon his mind. John understood that the destiny of every nation and individual was contained in that book.

He was greatly distressed at the utter inability of any human being or angelic or heavenly intelligence to remove the seals from the book. His soul was stirred with agony and suspense. Then one of the elders had compassion on him, and laying his hand on him reassuringly, said, “Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof” (Revelation 5:5).

Revelation 5:6

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.

I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God [the seven-fold Holy Spirit] Who have been sent [on duty far and wide] into all the earth. (Revelation 5:6 AMP)

“Stood a Lamb as it had been slain”

And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (Revelation 13:8)

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he [Christ] opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. (Isaiah 53:7)

The Lamb of God “was once offered to bear the sins of many,” and “He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself” (Hebrews 9:28, 26). Why then is Christ seen in heaven as a dying Lamb? He is seen here in heaven as still bearing the burden of the sins of humanity, a perpetual sacrifice. Not that He should offer Himself over and over again. His blood shed on Calvary is still effectual and pleads in mankind’s behalf. Rather, the vision of the bleeding Lamb in heaven speaks to us of the pain and suffering that the disobedience and rebellion of man still cause the Son of God.

“Having seven horns”

The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. (Psalm 18:2)

God came from Teman, and the Holy One from mount Paran. Selah. His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise. And his brightness was as the light; he had horns coming out of his hand: and there was the hiding of his power. (Habakkuk 3:3–4)

And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, and hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; as he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began. (Luke 1:67–70)

He hath cut off in his fierce anger all the horn of Israel: he hath drawn back his right hand from before the enemy, and he burned against Jacob like a flaming fire, which devoureth round about. (Lamentations 2:3)

In Scripture, horn is a symbol of strength or power, and also represents glory, honor, and dignity. In Daniel and Revelation, a horn attached to a beast represents a kingdom or state. Christ is represented as having seven horns, showing the completeness of His power to save.

“And seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth”

Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the branch. For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the Lord of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day. For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the Lord, which run to and fro through the whole earth. (Zechariah 3:8–9, 4:10)

The seven eyes represent perfect discernment and knowledge, and the wisdom and intelligence of the Holy Spirit sent from Christ to all the world, to “reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8). The all-knowing, all-discerning eyes of the Spirit are the “eyes of the Lord [which] run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him” (2 Chronicles 16:9).

Revelation 5:7–8

And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. 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 had taken the book”

Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. (Revelation 1:11)

And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. (Revelation 22:10)

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. (Revelation 22:18–19)

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. (Revelation 3:5)

And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (Revelation 13:8)

The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. (Revelation 17:8)

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. (Revelation 20:12)

And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15)

And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life. (Revelation 21:27)

What is this book that is so important to John and the heavenly host, which only Christ is able to open and to look thereon? Looking at the book of Revelation, the term book or books is used to refer to the prophecy or book of Revelation, as noted in Revelation 1:11; 22:10, 18–19. “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:1) is where we get the name for the book Revelation. It means “disclosure, to take off the cover,”1 telling us that the book of Revelation is not the sealed book or scroll that John sees in the hand of Christ.

Revelation 10 also reveals a book in the hand of a heavenly messenger. This book is given to John to eat. It is not this book that the vision of chapter 5 refers to.

Revelation speaks of only one other book, and that is the book of life. The remainder of the Bible records the book of the chronicles or acts of the kings of Israel, the book of the law, the books of various prophets, the book of Psalms, and other books of record. It is not these books that Christ has taken from the Father’s hand for they do not concern all of heaven in the same sense.

The Bible also reveals a book of remembrance, in which God records the events and experiences of His children, thus showing His intimate care and regard for His children on earth. But this is not the book seen by John in vision.

Christ is depicted in the Bible as Creator, King, Sacrifice, and High Priest, but it is under the symbol of a Lamb that He is seen taking the book. As High Priest and Judge, His blood pleads for mankind. It is in His unique role as both sacrifice and intercessor that a book is taken, a book that records all that concerns the eternal destiny of man, a book that only Christ as Judge can with authority take out of the Father’s hand. “For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son” (John 5:22).

Is it the book of life that is in Christ’s hand? While we are not told the exact nature of the book, the fact that Revelation speaks of this book gives us strong evidence that this book in the hands of Christ if not the book of life—would include the book of life. Because Christ alone, by virtue of His death and resurrection and priestly ministry, is the only One worthy to receive the book from the Father and to open it, it must be a book that concerns the destiny of men.

“Golden vials full of odours which are the prayers of saints”

Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. (Psalm 141:2)

And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand. (Revelation 8:3–4)

Vial—a broad shallow cup2

Odor—an aroma; i.e., fragrant powder burnt in religious services3

The prayers of God’s saints are important to Him. They are seen ascending from the golden vials in the presence of God. Revelation 8 depicts the use of incense as a symbol of the mediation of the priest, which is mingled with the prayers of the saints. This shows how our prayers are made acceptable by the mediation of Christ.

When Christ takes the book out of the Father’s hand, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fall down before Christ, taking up a new song in praise and adoration. Soon all of heaven is sounding with unimaginable joy and praise. Only Christ, in His role as the sacrificial Lamb, the victim, and as High Priest, pleading the merits of His offering, is worthy to open the book. When it is finally unsealed, this book settles forever the destiny of men and the end of the great apostasy and the battle between good and evil. No wonder all of heaven, in anticipation, gives praise and honor to the Lamb who was slain.

Revelation 5:9

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 sung a new song”

He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. (Psalm 40:2–3)

O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth. Sing unto the Lord, bless his name; show forth his salvation from day to day. (Psalm 96:1–2)

O sing unto the Lord a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory. The Lord hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly showed in the sight of the heathen. (Psalm 98:1–2)

I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee. It is he that giveth salvation unto kings: who delivereth David his servant from the hurtful sword. (Psalm 144:9–10)

Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof. (Isaiah 42:10)

This new song comes at a special time, when Christ takes up the sealed book, and it is sung by the four beasts. The twenty-four elders are also involved in singing this song because of the deliverance, salvation, and goodness of God they have known and experienced.

The words sung in heaven may at times be new, and at other times old. What is new is the praise, joy, and love springing forth, perhaps for the first time or for the millionth time. The song is still new because the love and joy that animates the singer is fresh and new.

It is the worthiness of Christ and His self-sacrificing love to redeem mankind that brings forth praise and adoration. With each fresh revelation or realization of the love and goodness of Christ and of God, the song of praise and joy wells up in the heart as new and as fresh and as meaningful as if it were for the first time. Throughout eternity the redeemed of the ages shall sing new songs expressing joy and love toward God. That oft-repeated song will be ever fresh and spontaneous as the wonder of the love and mercy of Christ and of God is continually the subject of new insights and deeper appreciation.

Revelation’s other songs of triumph

And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. (Revelation 14:3)

And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest. (Revelation 15:3–4)

“Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain”

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. (Romans 8:34)

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (Romans 5:6–9)

And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: but this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; from henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. (Hebrews 10:11–14)

And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; for then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. (Hebrews 9:22–26)

Only Christ is found worthy to open the book. As the Son of man He alone can judge humanity in fairness, having lived in this world and overcome, and thereby qualified to intercede and pass judgment. Having shed His own blood, He is familiar with the sin and degradation of man, and in Him only is “the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16).

No created being in heaven or earth could have redeemed mankind. He alone, who is one with the Father, was capable to bear the sins of the human race. A created being would have perished under the guilt of but one man, while Christ bore the shame and guilt of the humanity of all ages. Our death was His, infinitely His. In Gethsemane, the guilt would have crushed out the life of His humanity, but Divinity lived and suffered on, until blood like sweat was forced from His brow. The Lamb of God was “our passover sacrificed for us” (1 Corinthians 5:7). He alone is worthy, eternally worthy, to redeem man, to judge, and to receive glory, honor, and praise.

“Hast redeemed us to God by thy blood”

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. (Ephesians 1:7)

And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight. (Colossians 1:20–23)

The elders and the four living creatures offer praise for what Christ has done for mankind in “having obtained eternal redemption for us” (Hebrews 9:12). This victory is what gives Him the right and the ability to loosen the seals from the book.

Revelation 5:10

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

“And hast made us unto our God kings and priests”

And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 1:6)

Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. (Revelation 20:6)

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. (1 Peter 2:9)

Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. (Colossians 1:12–13)

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. (Revelation 3:21)

The elders declare for themselves, and in anticipation for those who would later believe in Christ, that they have been made a kingdom of priests. “And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation” (Exodus 19:6). To the redeemed, the beneficiaries of the kingdom of grace, has the promise been given. “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5).

Thus the believer, in the position of priest, needs no human mediator for himself, but may approach God through Christ. The priesthood of all believers is one of the great truths of Scripture. The elders, in their praise and song, look forward to the time when sin and sinners are no more—the time spoken of by Christ in Revelation 3:21, which is also spoken of in Daniel 7:27, when Christ’s children shall reign with Him.

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. (Revelation 21:1–5)

This time of the restoration of all things is made possible for every faithful believer by the redemption purchased by the blood of Christ. The song of praise to the Lamb is sung in gratitude for what He has accomplished and will accomplish by His redeeming love. His sacrifice for mankind, and the privilege of being made priests in His kingdom with the promise of dwelling with Him in the earth made new are further reasons for praise.

This song of praise is not only for the heavenly host to sing, but is for all who partake of the heavenly calling. Let us praise Him who has redeemed us, as we look forward by faith to dwelling in “a city … whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:10).

Revelation 5:11

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.

“Angels round about the throne and … the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand”

Thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. (Daniel 7:10)

As Revelation is the compliment of Daniel, is John seeing the scene of judgment before Christ comes that Daniel saw? That lesson can certainly be drawn, as we will see in Revelation 6 as the seals are removed from the book. Also as John is given a view of the activities of heaven, he like Daniel sees an innumerable multitude of angels. Both prophets use the term “ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands,” to describe a myriad and vast host of angelic beings. This should be of great encouragement to us for angels are “ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation” (Hebrews 1:14)

The Anthem of Praise from the Inhabitants of Heaven

Revelation 5:12–14

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. 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 the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

God and Christ, who inhabit eternity, are alone worthy to be praised. The wonders of God’s creation, though marred by sin, still testify to us of His greatness and goodness. “Ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord hath wrought this?” (Job 12:7–9). May we praise Father and Son, as the inhabitants of heaven do, for His “wonderful works to the children of men” (Psalm 107:8).

God is to be praised, for He inhabits all of eternity—past, present, and future. God and the Lamb are the source of all power and strength. Praise ye the Lord!

And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God: for true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever. And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia. And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. (Revelation 19:1–7)

To God alone is salvation, for there is no other salvation except in the name of His Lamb. To God alone is glory. Not unto us but unto His name be glory. God alone, of all judges, is just and merciful. He is the avenger of His people, for He has said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Romans 12:19). Soon the controversy will be over and the marriage will have come. The kingdom shall be given to the saints of the Most High. Alleluia! Praise ye the Lord, all His creatures. Not only heaven alone, but praise Him all creatures here below.
 
As we study the remaining prophetic writings, may we never forget to praise and thank our God. Let us study the remaining chapters with these thoughts:

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 2:5)

Whether there be prophecies, they shall fail, … for we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. (1 Corinthians 13:8–10)

For us to fully understand prophecy we need “the mind of Christ” (Colossians 2:16). We need the perfecting work of Christ in our souls so that “faith, hope, charity” [love] shall abide in our lives, and “the greatest of these is charity” (1 Corinthians 13:13). As this becomes our experience we shall be led into rich treasures of present and eternal truth.

“Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20)


Endnotes

1.  James Strong, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1987.)

2.  Ibid.

3.  Ibid.
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