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The Lamb Takes the Book (1)

Revelation 4-5 is a vision of heaven. In chapter 4, we see, first, a throne. On the throne, God appears as a jasper and a sardius, two semi-precious stones (2-3). Over the throne arches a rainbow, like an emerald (3). Out of the throne proceed thunder, lightning and voices (5). Before the throne is a sea of glass clear as crystal (6). Second, four beasts or living creatures are in the midst of and round about the throne (6). In turn, they are like a lion, like a calf, with a face like a man, and like a flying eagle (7). They have six wings and are covered with eyes (8). Third, we see twenty-four elders encircling the throne farther away than the four living creatures (4). The elders, clothed in white and wearing golden crowns, are seated on twenty-four thrones (4).

Remember that this is a vision—after all, John is taken into heaven “in the spirit” (2). As a vision, it is filled with mysterious figures and heavenly imagery, such as the four living creatures and the sea of glass. The scene defies simple visualization, especially regarding its colours. How can God, who is invisible, uncreated spirit, appear in a “physical form”? What does it mean that God’s colour is like a jasper and a sardius? How can a rainbow (with its seven colours) be like an emerald (which is green)?

This scene is designed to give us one perspective of what heaven is like. Revelation 21 pictures heaven as a beautiful city with gates of pearl and streets of gold. Revelation 4-5 presents it as a royal court with all worshipping the great King—a majestic, awe-inspiring vision.

Revelation 4-5 is a vision of a throne room. Everything’s position is explained relative to God’s royal throne. The twenty-four elders have been given their (lesser) thrones by the great King. All worship, glorify and thank the One on the throne.

Revelation 5:1 introduces a new element: Jehovah holds a sealed book in His right hand. A strong angel proclaims loudly, “Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?” (2). What is this book? What is the significance of opening it? What does this tell us about God’s rule in heaven? What is the comfort of this for us in our struggles today?

The book in God’s hand in Revelation 5 is not the Lamb’s book of life which contains the names of all those eternally elected in Jesus Christ (13:8; 17:8). Rather, it is the book of God’s purpose or plan for the whole world.

We read that this book—probably a scroll (cf. Eze. 2:9)—is “written within and on the backside” (Rev. 5:1). There is no room for anything more to be added. God will not insert an introduction or an epilogue, nor squeeze anything into the middle. Why? Nothing needs to be added, for God’s full, rich, diverse decree or plan covers everything from the ascension of Christ to the end of this world. It determines every occurrence in heaven and earth, and includes men and angels, the creation, all the ungodly and the church. The last book of the Bible reveals the broad contours of Jehovah’s decree. The seven seals explain that God’s eternal purpose includes the progress of the gospel, wars, famines, economic factors, etc. (Rev. 6). We also read of the judgments of the seven trumpets and the seven vials, as well as the rise and destruction of Antichrist.

This book of God’s decree is “written” (perfect tense) by the Triune God in eternity. God’s counsel has predetermined before the foundation of the world whatsoever will come to pass. Nothing needs to be, or can be, changed. God’s decree is, as it were, written in indelible ink.

Revelation 5:1 also states that this book is “sealed with seven seals.” It is firmly closed with not just one but seven seals. The seals must needs be loosed and opened before it can be read. Opening and reading the book is executing God’s decree, effecting what He has eternally planned.

Then comes the challenge to open it. A strong angel proclaims with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?” (2). But no one is able to open it. The devil and his wicked angels could not and would not open God’s seals. Nor could the angels in heaven despite all their great might and wisdom. No redeemed and glorified man in heaven could attain to it. The angel’s ringing challenge is met by deathly silence, even in this august assembly.

This has a tremendous effect on John: he “wept much” (4). These are not just silent tears, but tears with sobs. He wept audibly with his whole body shaking, the way a distressed child cries. This is the weeping of one who has lost everything (cf. 18:15, 19).

John’s weeping is not the weeping of bereavement or repentance. It is the weeping of defeat: there is no one to execute God’s decree! Consider what this would mean for the seals. Christ would have no victory in the preaching of the gospel (6:1-2). There would be no answered prayers of the saints (9-11). There would be no final judgment of the wicked (12-17). Consider the kingdoms of God and of man. How would the kingdom of heaven be perfected and the church gathered? What of the seven churches of Asia Minor? Who could stop the kingdom of the beast?

But an elder comes to John, telling him to cease crying because of Christ’s victory: “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” (5:5). The elder (a representative of the church triumphant) is personal proof of Christ’s victory to John (a member of the church militant). Since weeping is unnecessary, the elder commands John, “Weep not.” Jesus Christ is spoken of here as the mighty “Lion of the tribe of Juda,” for He is the all-conquering King who has the right to rule heaven and earth!  

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Additional Info

  • Volume: 13
  • Issue: 18
Stewart, Angus

Rev. Angust Stewart (Wife: Mary)

Ordained - 2001

Pastorates: Covenant Protestant Reformed Church of Ballymena, Northern Ireland - 2001

Website: www.cprf.co.uk/

Contact Details

  • Address
    7 Lislunnan Road
  • City
    Ballymena
  • State or Province
    Co.Antrim
  • Zip Code
    BT42 3NR
  • Country
    Ireland
  • Telephone
    (01144) 28 25 891851

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