THE OPENING OF THE SEVEN-SEALED SCROLL

Please note that the previous post provides essential foundational information to understanding the information presented as this series moves forward.  Today, we come to the opening of the seven-sealed scroll.  It is this section of scripture from which “the four horsemen of the apocalypse” emerge.

I think it is interesting that this section of scripture falls on New Year’s Eve.  As we enter this new year, my prayer is that you will take the time to think about how quickly national alliances are reshuffling, how quickly the world financial structure is leading toward centralization, and how the advance of both scientific knowledge and technology at warp speed is establishing the necessary tools for a world leader to be able to exercise despotic “big brother” control throughout the world.  The time is short.

I pray that as we continue to look at God’s word, you will recognize the need to be sure that your heart is right with the Lord so that you will be delivered from the worst that is to come.  All you have to do is admit that you are sinner, place your faith in Jesus and accept His free gift of salvation. 

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 “…Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”

Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

John 14:21 “He that has my commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves me: and he that loves me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.”

The sincerity of your faith will be revealed by the transformation that begins to take place in your life as you seek to live according to His will as revealed in scripture.  Your works cannot save you, but they do serve to prove you.

Revelation 6:1-2 “And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.”

Jesus is the one opening the seals; He is not the rider on the first horse as I have heard posited by some.  I think the rider on the white horse represents Satan going forth to exert his power and influence on the world eventually gaining his greatest influence through the being we call Antichrist.  His purpose is to go forth and conquer the world.  Note that he is carrying a bow.  Research indicates that this word references the arc or crescent shape of the weapon he carries.  The scientific names of some organisms were derived from its Greek root “toxon” because of their shape, e.g. toxoplasma.   The word is singular and would seem to indicate a bow with no reference to arrows; in other words, he will conquer without using physical force.  He will first appear as a man of peace, an angel of light. 

2 Corinthians 11:14–15 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

The Antichrist will be victorious as indicated by his crown (Greek, stephanos – a wreath, the prize in public games or competition).  Significant to note is that the crown he wears represents authority, but it has been delegated to him for a time. 

Also important to note as we study the first five seals is how they mirror the “birth pains” signs that were noted by Jesus as He taught His disciples regarding His second coming.  Like birth pains, these signs will increase in intensity and frequency as the time for the return of Jesus approaches.

Matthew 24:6-7 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.  For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers place

False Christs or Messiahs will eventually culminate in the Antichrist, the ultimate Christ impostor.

The second rider is on a red horse and carries a sword; his purpose is to eliminate any kind of peace on earth by provoking people to kill one another. 

Revelation 6:3-4 “And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.”

Notice that the power of this rider also is given to him.  By whom?  The One who gives the power to each rider, the One who possesses the authority to open the seals—Jesus. 

History is filled with records of wars among peoples and nations; however, I think the record proves that beginning in the twentieth century, war and rumors of war on a worldwide scale have increased dramatically both in number and intensity. 

When the third seal is opened, we see a black horse with a rider that is carrying a pair of balances or scales.  He is empowered to destroy the world’s economy and promote worldwide poverty. 

Revelation 6:5-6 “And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.”

The picture painted is one of famine although there will still be many that will enjoy life with plenty and luxury.  Though there has always been a distinction in social levels among the peoples of the world, I think that the last decade in particular has shown a marked change in the world financial picture.  The economics of the nations of the world are interdependent upon one another more than ever before, and the gulf between the rich and poor continues to increase at an exponential rate. 

The next pair of riders represents the final riders corresponding to the signs identified as birth pains.  The lead rider is “Death,” but he has a companion identified as “Hell”—Death for the body; Hell for the soul. 

Revelation 6:7-8 “And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.”

These riders will be responsible for the deaths of over 25% of the world population during the time they are allotted.  Though we can’t be certain regarding that timeframe, it will result in the death of billions of people.   

Recognized Greek scholar Kenneth Wuest’s expanded Greek translation for “Come and see” as each rider was addressed at the opening of each seal was actually, “Be coming.”  That emphasized to me that the effects resulting from the opening of each seal would occur over an indefinite period of time.  It allows room to speculate regarding the timing of the opening of the seals and the actual start of the tribulation or 70^th week of Daniel.

All of these riders represent Satan and his followers at work wreaking havoc and destruction yet accomplishing God’s purpose in the process. 

(to be continued…)

DANIEL’S 70TH WEEK & GOD’S WRATH

Having completed the letters of warning and instruction to the seven churches, the Lord now begins to reveal things about the future.  Again, my understanding of these next two chapters does not conform to the predominant pretribulational view.  I hold to a pretribulational prewrath view; one view does not have to exclude the other.  I define the tribulation as the last seven years on earth before Jesus returns as King of kings to rule the world from the throne of David; it is also known as the 70^th week of Daniel.  According to Daniel, this seven-year period is directed toward the Jews to bring forth a believing remnant of Jews that will accept Jesus as their Messiah and through whom God will fulfill His covenant with Abraham. 

Daniel 9:24 “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.  And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.”

Daniel’s prophecy references “weeks,” and each week references seven years.  (A more detailed explanation can be found in my journal on Daniel 9 at www.momsbiblejournal.com.)  Note that the first 69 weeks ended when the “Messiah,” Jesus Christ, the Son of God in flesh, was “cut off” or killed.  The 70^th week will commence when the coming Antichrist confirms a covenant with the Jews for “one week” or seven years, the last seven years before Jesus returns to establish His kingdom. 

It was Daniel’s prophecy referencing a specific timeframe for the coming of the Messiah that should have caused the religious leaders of the day to expect the Messiah during the time that Jesus lived. That prophecy along with the testimony of the miracles He performed should have at least made them consider the possibility that He was the promised Messiah—but their hearts were hard and they refused to accept the possibility that their understanding or expectations were wrong.  No wonder the Lord rebuked them so harshly even as His heart yearned for their acceptance.

Matthew 23:13-39 “But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in….Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves….O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!  Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.  For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.”

The wrath of God will run more or less concurrently with the tribulation, but it is directed toward the enemies of God in vengeance against those that have persecuted His people (Jews and believers).    

Isaiah 13:6-11 “Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty….Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine. And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.”

Obadiah 1:15 “For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head.”

Nahum 1:2 “God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies.”

Just as one fire can be used to accomplish more than one thing, so too will the judgments detailed in the coming chapters of Revelation serve both to purge the Jewish nation to produce a believing remnant and exact God’s vengeance against His enemies and those that persecuted His people.  I believe that it is the beginning of the outpouring of His wrath that provides the stage for the Antichrist to rise to power as he establishes his ability to lead and inspire hope through the working of Satan using “power, signs and lying wonders” as foretold by Paul.

2 Thessalonians 2:8-10 “And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.”

(to be continued…)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Considering the day, I think it quite fitting that our last post focused on a worship service in heaven praising our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  I pray that you will all choose to celebrate Jesus even as we share our love with family and friends this holiday season.  One of my granddaughters has been interested in writing music recently, and we have spent some time collaborating together.  The following Christmas song is a result of those collaborations (copyright © 2013).

A WORSHIP SERVICE IN HEAVEN

In the last post we established that the context most readily lends itself to identifying the 24 elders as angels.  They joined the four beasts in singing the praise of the Lamb for His work of redemption of mankind.

NIV (per information in previous post) Revelation 5:9–10 “And they sang a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.”

As they sang, they were offering incense before the Lord that was identified as “the prayers of the saints.”

Revelation 5:8 “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.”

Our communion time with God in prayer is pleasing to Him.  It would seem that the more we pray the more incense will be available to offer before the throne.  Note that these actions again connect the elders to the 24 courses of the priesthood established in the Old Testament since some of the duties of the priests were to offer incense and sing the praises of God.

Revelation 5:11-12 “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; 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.”

  

I think John is overwhelmed by the sight and sound of all the angels of heaven surrounding the throne of God.  He makes a special point of declaring that the number of this multitude was so great that he could never hope to count it, so he expressed it the best way that he could:  10,000 x 10,000 + 1,000’s of 1,000’s—and this is after having lost the third who chose to follow Lucifer/Satan.  This also confirms that Satan has a great army of evil angels.  He can’t be everywhere at the same time like God can, but he can sure blanket the earth with his forces of evil.

The numbers given to John were also given to Daniel:

Daniel 7:10 “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.”

            Hebrew: “ten thousand” = myriad or indefinite number

All the rest of the angels had joined the “beasts” (cherubim) and the elders (watchers, the supreme court of angels) to praise the Lamb and declare His worthiness to take the inheritance that was His by right of His willing sacrifice for man—to die that I might live.

Revelation 5:13-14 “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.”

It seems that at this point John was allowed to see that scripture would be fulfilled when all creation bow their knees in worship of our Savior.

Isaiah 45:22-23 “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.”

Philippians 2:9-11 “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

This part of John’s record is similar to prophecies given to the Old Testament prophets—viewing prophecy from mountain peaks with valleys of time in between.  I can’t imagine that this universal chorus of acknowledgement and worship will happen until Jesus rules on earth.  In fact, I think this event will probably find its complete fulfillment before the white throne of judgment described in Revelation 20.

(to be continued…)

JESUS TAKES THE SCROLL AND RECEIVES THE PRAISE OF HEAVEN

The last post was full of some very important, powerful truths about our Lord and Savior; and I felt it was important to allow some time for meditation—even if it meant not completing that section of scripture.   We had established that Jesus was the “Lamb” possessing all authority and all knowledge throughout creation.  John then sees Him taking the book out of the right hand of God the Father on the throne.

Revelation 5:6-7 “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 he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.”

Jesus was not qualified to take the scroll until He had endured the cross and emerged victorious from the grave.  He would never have presumed to take the scroll without being certain of His right to do so.  Interesting to me is the interaction being observed between Father and Son—two separate beings, yet one (another one of those truths about God that our mind is not capable of truly understanding).  These verses also made me think of some verses in Daniel that I think are referencing this same scene.

Daniel 7:13-14 “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. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.”

God the Father gave the scroll to the Son who readily took it from His hand as the spoils of victory.  It connects the contents of the scroll to the right of dominion over the kingdom of earth—a kingdom that will never be destroyed and will exist for eternity.

I think it is important to note that there is no time reference made regarding Jesus taking the scroll and when He begins to open it.  Scripture is clear that the reckoning of time in heaven is far different from time on earth.

2Peter 3:8 “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”

In fact, the record describes an intervening time of heavenly praise and worship for the Lamb, our Savior.  In heavenly time He has only been there a couple of days. 

Revelation 5:8-10 “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 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 hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.”

I love the King James Version of the Bible; but when I look at the original language and the context, I sometimes think the translation could be better.  This is one of those sections.

Considering the scriptural foundation established previously and the most logical reading of the context, I believe the NIV (supported by several other translations) gives a better translation in this instance. 

Revelation 5:9–10 “And they sang a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.”

The expanded Greek translation of Kenneth Wuest, noted New Testament Greek scholar from Moody Bible Institute, also supported the NIV with the following translation:  “you are worthy…you redeemed to God through your blood [men] out of every tribe and language…and constituted them to our God…and they shall reign as kings on the earth.”

If I am correct, it would support the idea of the 24 elders being composed of a special group of angels or “watchers” as referenced in Daniel.

Daniel 4:17 “This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.”

My daughter pointed out that the song is being sung by the four beasts and the 24 elders.  This again supports the NIV translation since the four beasts were certainly not redeemed by the blood of Jesus.

As redeemed saints we have been given a position before God as kings and priests, and we shall reign on earth. 

1Peter 2:9 “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood.”

Revelation 1:6 “And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father….”

A king has authority and power.  As rulers on this earth, God will give us authority and power to influence the lives of others in a positive way, according to His will.  A priest has the privilege of intimate communion and service before God.  Our position as priest grants us personal access to God and the privilege of interceding for both ourselves and others.  New Testament saints aren’t the only ones promised a position as priests of the Lord.  Isaiah prophesied the same for the people of Israel.

Isaiah 61:6 “But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.”

Jerusalem is also promised a position of royalty before the nations; this would also include its inhabitants, the Jews, as distinct from the Gentiles.

Isaiah 62:1-3  “For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.  Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.”

This is definitely indicative of a time future to the events in progress in John’s vision.  I believe this references the millennium, but I think it continues on past that to the new heaven and new earth. 

(to be continued…)

THE LION, THE ROOT OF DAVID, THE LAMB

In the previous post we were shown a seven-sealed scroll that represents the right of authority over planet earth.  A search was made for one qualified to open the scroll, but no one was found.  This caused John to break down in tears because I believe he understood the significance of finding the One qualified to open the scroll.

Revelation 5:4 “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.”

One of the elders came to comfort John and informed him that “the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David,” had emerged as the Victor qualified to open the scroll.  Scripture refers to this person as God, specifically as Jesus.

Hosea 5:14 “For I will be unto Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah: I, even I, will tear and go away; I will take away, and none shall rescue him.”

Isaiah 11:10 “And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.”

            Note:  Jesse is the father of David

Revelation 22:16 “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.”

When John looked to see who had come forth, he saw one that stood as a “Lamb as it had been slain.”

Revelation 5:6-7 “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 he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.”

This is another section in which I feel I have gained a much better understanding in the last few years.  Once I realized that the 24 elders were probably representative of angels and not representative of the raptured church, it was easier for me to understand how this section could be similar to that in the beginning of chapter 12—showing the historical background that sets the stage for what would follow.  It also provided an answer as to why Jesus was not at the right hand of the Father when John first entered heaven, which is where scripture declares Him to be.

Hebrews 1:1-3 “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;”

Hebrews 10:10-12 “…we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all….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.”

Hebrews 12:2 “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

1 Peter 3:21-22 “…the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.”

I believe this is a picture of the victorious resurrected Lord Jesus, the Lamb that had willingly offered Himself as the only acceptable sacrifice that would provide for the redemption of mankind.

This Lamb is pictured having seven horns and seven eyes.  The number seven represents completion in scripture, and I believe the seven horns picture His complete authority over planet earth.  He had successfully “taken back” the authority Adam had relinquished to Satan when he chose to follow Him in rejection of God as His LORD.

1 Corinthians 15:20-22 “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”

2 Corinthians 4:3-4 “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”

1 John 3:8 “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”

Hebrews 2:9 & 14 “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man…. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil….”

The “seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God” throughout the earth are a picture of the Lord’s omniscience—the fact that He knows and sees everything, has complete knowledge—made possible through His everywhere present Holy Spirit.  Do I truly understand how this is possible?  No—and I am glad I don’t.  If I could understand all about Him, He would not be the LORD God. 

Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

God is much greater than His creation.

2 Chronicles 2:5-6 “…for great is our God above all gods. But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him….”

Psalms 139:1 & 7-10 “O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me…. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?  If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.  If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.”

Jeremiah 23:24 “Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.”

(to be continued…)

REVELATION 5 – THE SEVEN-SEALED SCROLL

For the best understanding of this post you need to have read at least the previous three posts.

Revelation 5:1–3 “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 a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.”

At this point John’s focus turns to the fact that God the Father is holding a scroll (from the Greek) written on both front and back and sealed with seven seals.  A mighty angel then loudly speaks out asking, “Who is worthy or deserving to break the seals and open the scroll?”  John then reveals that no man in heaven, earth, or under the earth was qualified to open the book and see its contents.

It is obvious that the scroll is a legal document of some type.  Being able to break the seals would imply right of ownership.  God the Father is the one with the authority to determine who is qualified to take possession of the document.

I found two logical explanations regarding this document; one by Jon Courson and the other by Warren Wiersbe. 

Courson:   

“Initially, a title deed would be written only on the smooth side and sealed with a single seal (Jeremiah 32:6-29).  But if the owner became unable to meet his financial obligations, he would have to relinquish his title deed – upon the backside of which would be written his debts and upon which would be placed seven seals.  If at any time during the ensuing seven years he could pay off his debts, the seals would be broken, and the title deed returned.

All of this explains what is in the hand of the One Who sits on the throne here in Chapter 5:  It’s the title deed to Planet Earth.  The title deed to this planet was originally given to Adam in the Garden of Eden when God told him to subdue the earth (Genesis 1:28).  Adam forfeited his right to ownership when he ate of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  You see, although Satan tricked Eve into eating the forbidden fruit, Adam’s was an overt, calculated act of rebellion, which is why the Bible speaks of Adam’s sin as that which transferred to Satan the title deed of planet earth (Romans 5:14, 1Timothy 2:14).”

Romans 5:14 “Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.”

1Timothy 2:14 “And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.”

Wiersbe:

“The Roman will was sealed with 7 seals.  The scroll gives Christ the right to claim creation by virtue of His death.  A will can only be opened by the heir.  Christ is the ‘heir of all things.’”

Hebrews 1:1-2 “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds….”  [end quote]

John was devastated when he realized that no one had stepped forth as worthy to open the scroll. 

Revelation 5:4 “And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.”

I think he knew that the eternal future of believers and the fulfillment of God’s covenants with Abraham and David were at stake.

(to be continued…)