Revelation 5: The Moment the Lamb Takes the Scroll
The Turning Point of Redemptive History
“Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals.” (Revelation 5:1)
The Mysterious Scroll
•Written on both sides — a rare feature (Ezekiel 2:9–10).
•Sealed with seven seals — symbolizing complete divine authority.
•This is the title deed to earth, lost through Adam but reclaimed by Christ.
•Similar ancient title deeds were sealed this way (Jeremiah 32:6–15).
The Search for One Worthy
“And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, ‘Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?’ And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it.”
(Revelation 5:2–3)
John weeps bitterly — without a Redeemer, creation remains in bondage (Revelation 5:4).
The Lion and the Lamb Appear
“And one of the elders said to me, ‘Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.’” (Revelation 5:5)
Yet when John looks, he sees a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain (Revelation 5:6)!
The Lion triumphs through the humility of the Lamb!
Seven Horns and Seven Eyes
•Seven horns: Perfect and complete power.
•Seven eyes: Perfect wisdom and omniscience.
•The Seven Spirits of God: The fullness of the Holy Spirit active in the world (Revelation 5:6).
The Lamb Takes the Scroll
“And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne.” (Revelation 5:7)
This is the cosmic handoff — Christ takes charge of final judgment and redemption!
All Heaven Bursts into Worship
“And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb…” (Revelation 5:8)
They sing a new song:
“Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation,
and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:9–10)
The Chorus of Billions
“Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice,
‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!’” (Revelation 5:11–12)
Universal Worship
“And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying,
‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!’” (Revelation 5:13)
Heaven’s Final Amen
“And the four living creatures said, ‘Amen!’ and the elders fell down and worshiped.” (Revelation 5:14)
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W.A. Criswell
“The Bible is a book of redemption, and Revelation 5 is the unfolding of that redemptive plan — the crowning moment when the Redeemer takes what is rightfully His.”
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Spiritual Takeaways:
•Jesus is the only One worthy to reclaim and restore the earth.
•His worthiness is founded in His sacrifice — the scars of Calvary are the credentials of Heaven.
•Worship is not optional — it is the eternal response to the Lamb’s victory.
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“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!”
(Revelation 5:12)