We are about to open the scrolls and dig deep into what lives inside. We’ll learn about the trumpets, the bowls, the animals, and more. Before we dive headfirst into the prophetic symbols about the end of the world, I want to spend the next two major Bible study blogs talking about what the scroll is, why the scroll exists, and what important info we can prepare ourselves with. I’m calling this series “Prophetic Preview.”

Again, we are taking an in-depth look at Revelation 5 to preview the importance of the scroll opening. Let’s read Revelation 5:1-7:

Revelation 5:1-7

1             Then I saw a scroll in the right hand of the one who was sitting on the throne. There was writing on the inside and outside of the scrolls, and it was sealed with seven seals.

2             And I saw a strong angel, who shouted with a loud voice: “Who is worthy to break the seals on this scroll and open it?”

3             But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll and read it.

4             Then I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll and read it.

5             But one of the twenty-four elders said to me, “Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

6             Then I saw a Lamb that looked as if it had been slaughtered, but it was now standing between the throne and the four living beings and among the twenty-four elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the sevenfold Spirit of God that is sent out into every part of the earth.

7             He stepped forward and took the scroll from the right of the one sitting on the throne.

The culture that John lived in had books that were written on scrolls. These scrolls were pieces of papyrus or vellum that were up to 30 feet long and were rolled up and sealed with clay or wax. The scroll that John saw in his vision has the full account of what God has in store for the rest of the world and holds the rest of the story we will find in Revelation. The seven seals (which we’ll begin next Monday) indicate the importance of what’s written in it. The seals are found at different points throughout the scroll. This is an intentional set-up to allow for God’s plan to unfold in different increments and not all at one time. Because Jesus was the one that defeated death, hell, and the grave, (reference to verse 5:5) we know that Christ is the only one that has the authority to break those seals and reveal the plan for the world.

The strong angel mentioned in 5:2 could be the angel Gabriel, the angel that delivered important messages to Daniel and Mary. Gabriel’s name means “strong man of God.”

Jesus Christ is represented as both a lion (symbolizing his authority and his power) and a lamb (symbolizing his submission to God’s will.) One of the elders commanded John to look at the Lion, but when Jesus saw it, he sees the lamb instead.

Christ the Lamb represented the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all of us. We know Jesus was the only perfect, sinless human that was born on earth, lived on earth, and died a sinner’s death in humanity’s space so that we can have the ability to obtain and maintain an eternal relationship with our heavenly father. Because of his power and authority found in his sacrifice and in his command over the world, only Jesus can save us from the events that will happen in our future. Jesus defeated the forces of evil through his death on the cross. Through that death, we learned that we are eternally forgiven by our heavenly father and that the bondage that tied us to our sin no longer holds us down.

Christ the Lion will lead the battle where Satan is finally destroyed. Christ the Lion is victorious in the battle against Satan because of the sacrifice done by Christ the Lamb. We will join Christ in victory, not because of anything we do or how good we are, but because of his promise of eternal life to those who commit to a life-long relationship with him. We believe in who Jesus is and what he represents and follow him in the ways that he taught to live a life that best represents who God is to the community surrounding us.

The Lion, Jesus, proved himself worthy to break the seals and open the scrolls by living a perfect life of obedience to God. Shown through his death on the cross and his resurrection to show his power and his death. Only Jesus defeated sin, death, hell, and Satan himself. Therefore, he is the only one that could be trusted with the world’s future. This may feel very repetitive sounds at this point. “Jesus defeated death, hell, and the grave. Therefore, he’s powerful. Therefore, he’s handling out future.” This is important. The victory over sin, shows that our bondage and dedication to our sinful nature. The victory over death and hell, shows that our path after our earthly life allows us a place in heaven. The victory over Satan shows us who we are truly following.

John saw the Lamb and reflected that it “looked as if it had been slaughtered.” The wounds inflicted on Jesus’ body during his trial and crucifixion could be seen. The whipped marks, the crown of thorns, the nail holes, and more are all very visible to those who see him. Again, this is to remind us of what his sacrifice stands for. The Lamb symbolism comes from the Old Testament times. In the Old Testament, lambs would be sacrificed to atone for sins. The Lamb of God died as the final sacrifice.

We learned that Jesus is the ultimate person to open these seals because of his power, authority, and sacrifice. Next time, we get to hear the celebration of Jesus’ role in this prophetic work. Until then, stay blessed.

Associated Scripture:

Revelation 5:1                Isaiah 29:11; Ezekiel 2:9-10; Daniel 12:4

Revelation 5:3                 Philemon 2:10

Revelation 5:5                Genesis 49:9; Isaiah 11:1, 10; Hebrews 7:14

Revelation 5:6                 Isaiah 53:7; Zechariah 4:10; John 1:29, 36; Revelation 1:4, 4:5

Revelation 5:7                Revelation 5:1