Prophecy

Earlene Davis

Looking Into Heaven continued – Rev. 5

In chapter 4 Christ is worshiped as the Creator (4:11). In Chapter 5 He is worshiped as the Redeemer, the Lamb (Vs: 6 & 9). He is God (Jn. 1:1-3) and because of His condesention He will always be man (Phil. 2:5-8).

Rev. 5, John in spirit is still in heaven viewing the throne room. Of course John is not there in body, he had these experiences by vision. V. 1, Christ seated on His throne  is reigning as God almighty. In His right hand is a book (a scroll) written on both sides, rolled up and sealed with 7 seals.

Vs. 2 & 3, A strong angel or messenger proclaims with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the scroll and loose the seals? A search was made everywhere and no man was worthy in heaven nor on earth to open or even look on  the scroll, not even one of the overcomers. John knew the contents was important, because all the attention in heaven was on it. John wept that no man was found worth to open and read it (V. 4). One of the fully mature saints, an elder, announces that the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the root of David, hath prevailed to open the scroll and loose the seals. (V. 5).

The Lion as the king of beasts depicts our Lord’s kingly authority; “of the tribe of Juda” speaks of Christ as man, becoming flesh, born of a woman, the Son of man. Yet He was the Root of David, He is God. We learn in chapter 6 that the contents of the Scroll, are God’s judgments that He will pour out on this world and wicked men.

V. 6 tells how He prevailed. John looks to see the Lion and behold he sees a Lamb as it had been slain. The Greek text says a Lambkin, the smallest kind of Lamb. It is small, weak, bruised and slain (Prophesied as such in Isa. 53:3-8). This is why the Jews did not recognize Him, for they expected a mighty king, not the hanged One as they call Him.

Note, the Lamb as it had been stain is standing (Acts 2:23-24). It was by His atoning death that He won the victory, He hath prevailed. The Lamb had 7 horns, which speaks of power. This little Lambkin conquered Satan by His death. Satan may have bruised His heel, but Christ bruised Satan’s head (Gen. 3:15). 

The Lamb also had 7 eyes, which speaks of discernment, being fully equipped through the power of the 7-fold Holy Spirit (Isa. 11:1-4). He is the Spirit filled Man, seen as the Lamb, the Redeemer, that shall judge the world and save Israel. Christ won the right and purchased the authority to reign as King by becoming the sacrifice for the sins of the world.

First He was the Lamb of God, the Redeemer; then He will become the King. Isn’t it interesting that the first ones chosen to hear about Jesus’ birth, the Lamb of God, were keepers of sheep. In John 1:29, John the Baptist announced – “Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.”

Do you desire to know Him in the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of his suffering? (Phil. 3:10). II Tim 2:12, “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him.” V. 7, in symbolic language this simply tells us that as the victorious Lamb, He is the worthy One to loose the sealed up judgments of God upon a Christ rejecting world.

V. 8, This company of overcoming saints have harps, which speaks of their worship and praise of the Lamb. They also have golden vials (bowls) full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. This is precious, the prayers of the saints are as a sweet odour to  God. These are intercessions and prayers associated with Christ and His purposes. These are not  pillow prayers, but where the saints fight battles against principalities and powers.

Vs. 8-10, Some people don’t like noise in worship, only in other things of the world. But heaven will be noisy. For all eternity we will glorify our Lord for His great love and atoning work for us. As I said last lesson, the company of four living ones and 24 elders are not angels, for they sing the song of the redeemed. 

Neither are they Old Testament overcomers, for they sing that they have been redeemed out of every kindred, tongue, people and nation. It is also clear that the number 4 and 24 are representative numbers because they are from all the nations and languages. In Ezek. 1:24 they are said to be “an host.” Jude V. 14 reads, a glorious host, “holy myriads” in the Greek text. 

Rev. 21:2,9 describes the bride as a “City” and Song of Solomon 6:13 as a “company of two armies.” It will be an immense company, but it can be numbered. Note, this company of saints arrive first in heaven and are pictured as worshipers (priests) and as elders on thrones, rulers, (kings). They are around the great throne (4:4,6). They have the most responsible place with Christ in judging the world and establishing peace on earth. They must be there to witness and proclaim Christ worthy to take the government of heaven and of earth.

These saints are in training now – Rom. 5:17, reigning  in life by one, Jesus Christ; and I Cor. 6:3, “Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?” V. 10 was translated “we shall reign on the earth” and is explained by Luke 1:32-33 as over the earth. These saints shall reign with Christ in heaven and from heaven reign with Him over the earth. They are the bride elect, the marriage will be 6 years later after the false bride is judged – Rev. 19. 

V. 11, no wonder the Lord gives us an angel to protect us, there are thousands of thousands. V. 12, notice, it doesn’t say sing, but “saying.” We never actually read in scripture that angels sing unless you have some translation that incert it. It is not in the Greek text. What do these angelic heavenly creatures say? They say amen! to what the elders and living ones have said – Christ deserves it all. Amen and Amen!

V. 13, the universal praise of Christ just swells to involve all creation (Phil. 2:9-11). V. 14, They fall down again, they aren’t too stiff to get off their thrones and fall down before Him and worship Him. Sad to say that some are to stiff to clap their hands or raise their arms in praise. Some day that starch will be removed. We have been privileged to view the throne room of heaven. We want to be there by His grace. Do you find prophecy dull? NO!