The Book With Seven Seals

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Who is Worthy to Open This Book?

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John has been "called up" into the very throne room of God. John sees God seated on His throne and in His right hand He holds a "scroll". This scroll was written and "sealed" from the beginning, designed and engraved in the Providence of God. This is just another scripture supporting the doctrine of the "Sovereignty of God". Written upon the scroll are the names of those , known from the beginning of time, who would be saved. Notice that the scroll is sealed with "seven" seals. Seven represents "completeness" thus the scroll was completely sealed. It was not to be opened until God's plan for the universe was finished.

Then John saw a "strong" angel shouting with a loud voice. The adjective denotes strength of voice. He was like an announcer shouting. so all could hear, the question, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break it's seals?" It would appear, at first, that no one was worthy.

1. None in heaven, that included the 24 Elders, the 4 creatures (ministers), and the Angels.
2. None on earth, that included the "wise men", the strong men, the magicians and the prophets.
3. None under the earth, no fallen angels, no departed spirits, not even Satan himself.

Notice John showed great concern over this, "He wept much." But phrase be to God, there was someone who was worthy to open the scroll, and one of the Elders knew who He was and he describes Him to John as "the root of David" and the "Lion of the Tribe of Judah". In 1st. Samuel, David, who was the son of Jesse was called the "root of Jesse". Christ was of the linage of David thus He was the "root of David". Judah, in Genesis, is called "the lions cub", and was promised the scepter to have until the coming of the one to whom it belonged, the Christ. Thus Christ was the "lion of the tribe of Judah".

Worthy is the Lamb

But notice Christ does not appear as a lion but rather as a "Lamb". The sacrificial lamb, the one that paid the price for the sins of the world. He appears as a Lamb with "7 horns" and "7 eyes". Seven again representing completeness. Seven horns represented complete power and seven eyes represented complete wisdom and understanding.

He had the 7 spirits of God, as such, He is the giver of:

1. Gifts.
2. Talents.
3. Grace.
4. Understanding.
5. Prophecy.
6. Faith.
7. Authority.

"Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of God." Note the "joy" in heaven when this happened. The people (24 Elders) and the ministers (4 creatures) sang phrases to the Son and the Father.

Notice that they worshipped them with "harps and bowls of incense". The harps are always the instruments of phrase and the bowls of incense are the prayers of the saints. Never underestimate the power of prayer. Together they sang a new song declaring that Christ was worthy to take the scroll and open the seals for He was slain and by His blood, He did ransom mankind. From every nation He has chosen a priesthood that shall reign on earth.

Adoration of the Lamb

Then John looked around and he saw, with the 24 Elders and the 4 Creatures, "many Angels", numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands. The number simply means that they are "innumerable. They are the attendants to the throne of God and the guardians of the church. They do not need a Savior but they rejoice in the redemption of sinners.

Why was Jesus worthy? Because He was slain, because by His blood, all people are redeemed, made right with God. So Jesus is worthy to not only open the scroll but also to receive "fullness of phrase". This includes power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and blessing, and all creation will worship Him forever. This is not a prophecy of complete salvation to all, or the eventuality of all mankind accepting Him, spoken of here is creation. All of creation, accept man, honors God. Man, alone, has been separated from God by sin. But now, thru Christ, even man can attain the position for which he was created.

The song ends with all of heaven and earth singing phrases to the Redeemer who was worthy to open the scroll. "To Him, who sits upon the throne and to the Lamb, be blessing, honor and glory and might for ever and ever." Then the creatures said, "Amen", and the Elders fell down and worshipped.

Lets go back and pick up some loose ends;

1. The Scroll. The scroll is Christ's title deed. All that was promised Him by the Father, the heathen, the earth plus all things, given Him because of His sacrifice on the cross. It is the "Lambs Book of God", which contains the names of all the redeemed. It appeared suddenly and all attention is drawn to it because it is held by God's "right hand". Notice the scroll is written on both sides. This is contrary to custom but was like the scroll in Ezekiel, which also was written on both sides.
2. The Seals. There were seven seals on the scroll denoting that it was completely sealed. A Roman law stated that all wills must be sealed and witnessed to by seven people, each would affix their seal to the document and at the opening of the will, each would have to break their own seal.
3. The Opening of the Scroll. Here with this scroll, one was found who, alone, was worthy to open the scroll.
4. The Adoration. With the opening of the scroll, they all bowed down and worshipped Him. How could one conclude such a joyous occasion? Dramatically it ends with the 4 creatures saying, "Amen, so be it." It was determined once and for all, who holds the destiny of the world in His hands.

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