REVELATION LESSON 4

REVELATION

LESSON 4

ARE WE LIVING IN THE END TIMES?

Revelation is a book of symbols, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. John records Gods message using symbols to make it easier for us to understand. Now we must learn the discerning of these symbols.

In chapter five the church is now in heaven, and we are now studying about a period of time between the rapture and the beginning of the seven-year tribulation period.

Revelation 5:1-2   5 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.

² And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

John is still in heaven beside Gods throne and sees a book (not the book of life). That was sealed with seven seals and an angel asks who is worthy to open the book and to loose the seals?

Whatever this book is, there is no doubt that it is very important. No one in heaven or earth was able to open the book and look inside. No one was found worthy to look inside.

Revelation 5:3-5   ³ And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.

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

⁵ And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

One of the elders said to John not to worry that the lion of the tribe of Judah could open the book and loose the seven seals, the symbol of the lion of Judah is Jesus.

Revelation 5:6   ⁶ 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.

When Jesus walked the earth John the Baptist introduced Him by saying behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. The seven eyes are defined as the seven spirits of God, sent out to all the earth. The lamb looked like he had been slain, but he has all seeing omniscient vision of the Holy Spirit. He sees and knows all, with perfect knowledge, understanding and wisdom.

Revelation 5:7-9   ⁷ And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.

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.

⁹ 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;

Keep in mind that John was seeing those things that will take place after the church is raptured. Up until now he has dealt with us as a lamb, but from this point on through the revelation period he will deal with those who are left behind as a lion.

John watched as Jesus took the book from the hand of God, when Jesus took the book, the four beasts (living creatures which are strong angels) and the twenty four elders fell down and worshiped Him. Each with a harp and golden vials (bowls).

The golden vials will contain the prayers of the saints. These prayers are possibly of our love ones on earth who are being persecuted, (the ones who were left behind at the rapture).

The four living creatures and the twenty-four elders sang a new song with a new form of praise. The song speaks of what Jesus is to do and what he has already done. It tells why Jesus is worthy to take the book and open the seals.

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

Jesus is worthy because he was slain on the cross at Calvary.

Isaiah 53:4-6   ⁴ Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

⁵ But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

⁶ All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Jesus is worthy because with his blood He purchased our sins, He paid the price for our redemption. Jesus is worthy because He is no respecter of persons. He died for the sins of all the world.

Jesus made us a royal priesthood to serve and reign with Him. He commissioned his church to go and make disciples of all nations. When He returns in his second coming at the end of the tribulation period we will reign with him on earth for One thousand years. Also referred to as the millennium.

Revelation 5:11-12   ¹¹ 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;

¹² 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.

John looked and saw a multitude of angels gathered around the living creatures, the elders and the throne of God, declaring by singing the worthiness of God who is to receive…

Power- the authority to do whatever he wants.

Forgive sins, give eternal life and command angels.

Riches- the wealth of God everything belongs to Him.

Wisdom- the natural wisdom of God, his counsel, his understanding, the ability to create, uphold, govern, judge and redeem.

Strength – the physical strength to do whatever he wants, perform miracles, conquer, create, destroy, (cast into the lake of fire).

Honor – rewards, the rewards of God and His people

Glory – the image of God, Gods glory, Gods magnificence, Gods splendor, the royal dignity and the royal majesty.

Blessing – worship, acknowledgement, and commendation.

Victory is the basis of Christian worship. It is the victory of almighty God through Jesus Christ. It is victory over our death and for our life. It is the triumph of his purpose to redeem His whole creation to willing responsiveness to Him.

It is a victory that was won in principle by the death and resurrection of Jesus, and now is to be realized in full. Jesus is called the gospel--- the good news.

Revelation 5:13-14   ¹³ 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.

¹⁴ And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

John heard every creature praise God and His Son, Jesus, every creature in heaven, under the earth and on the sea. Every creature will praise Him.

Praise and worship are due to the Father and the Son throughout all eternity. Both were involved in the redemption of all things and both should be praised as long as anything exists.

Until next week,

Be Blessed