Revelation 5: The Seven Seals

Read Revelation Chapter 5

Introduction: Revelation 5 shows us the scene in heaven where the scroll with seven seals is introduced, and no one is found worthy to open it. This chapter sets the stage for the unveiling of God’s majestic plan for the world and emphasizes the centrality of Jesus Christ, the Lamb who was slain, in redeeming humanity and being worthy to execute God’s will. The chapter culminates with a chorus of praise for the Lamb from every creature, reflecting the universal recognition of His sovereignty and redemptive work.

I. The Scroll and the Challenge (Revelation 5:1-4)
John sees God holding a scroll in His right hand, sealed with seven seals (Revelation 5:1). An angel asks who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll (Revelation 5:2), but no one in heaven, on earth, or under the earth is able to do so (Revelation 5:3). John weeps because no one is found worthy (Revelation 5:4). The scroll represents God’s unrevealed purposes, and the inability to open it symbolizes humanity’s helplessness apart from divine intervention.

• Daniel 12:4 – Daniel is told to seal the book until the time of the end.
• Romans 3:10 – No one is righteous on their own.
• Isaiah 29:11 – A sealed book is presented that no one can read, symbolizing hidden knowledge.
• Psalm 30:5 – The psalmist’s weeping is turned into joy, prefiguring John’s sorrow turning to joy when the worthy one is found.

II. The Lion of Judah and the Root of David (Revelation 5:5-6)
One of the elders tells John not to weep because the Lion of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed and can open the scroll (Revelation 5:5). John sees a Lamb looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne (Revelation 5:6). Jesus is presented as both conquering Lion and sacrificial Lamb, embodying strength and vulnerability.

• Genesis 49:9-10 – Jacob blesses Judah, describing him as a lion, and prophesying that the scepter will not depart from Judah.
• Isaiah 11:1,10 – The Root of Jesse (David’s father) will stand as a banner for the people.
• John 1:29 – John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
• Philippians 2:8 – Jesus humbled himself to death, even death on a cross, but is exalted by God.

III. Worthy is the Lamb (Revelation 5:7-10)
The Lamb takes the scroll from God’s right hand (Revelation 5:7). The four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fall down before the Lamb, with harps and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people (Revelation 5:8). They sing a new song, declaring that the Lamb is worthy because He was slain and has redeemed people from every tribe, language, people, and nation (Revelation 5:9), and has made them a kingdom and priests to serve God (Revelation 5:10).

• 1 Peter 1:18-19 – Christ’s precious blood redeemed believers.
• Galatians 3:28 – In Christ, there is no division among people from different backgrounds.
• Exodus 19:6 – Israel is called to be a kingdom of priests, a foreshadowing of the believer’s priestly role.
• Isaiah 53:7 – The prophecy of the suffering servant who is led to the slaughter, like a lamb.

IV. The Universal Chorus of Praise (Revelation 5:11-14)
John hears voices of many angels, living creatures, and elders around the throne, numbering myriads of myriads, praising the Lamb (Revelation 5:11). They proclaim that the Lamb is worthy to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise (Revelation 5:12). Every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, and on the sea joins in, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise, honor, glory, and power, forever and ever” (Revelation 5:13). The four living creatures say, “Amen,” and the elders fall down and worship (Revelation 5:14).

• Hebrews 1:6 – All angels are to worship the Son.
• Philippians 2:10-11 – Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
• Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
• Psalm 148:7-13 – A call for all creation to praise the name of the Lord.

Conclusion: Revelation 5 reveals the profound truth that Jesus Christ alone is worthy to unveil and execute God’s plan for redemption and restoration. Beginning with the mystery of the sealed scroll and the cry for a worthy one, the text takes us through the revelation of the triumphant Lion and the slain Lamb. The Lamb’s worthiness is celebrated in a new song that acknowledges His sacrificial death and redemptive work for all humanity. The chapter culminates in a universal anthem of praise, uniting every creature in recognition of the dual authority of God the Father and Jesus Christ. This vision of worship and acknowledgment of Jesus’ worthiness is meant to inspire and affirm believers in their faith, as they anticipate the full realization of God’s kingdom.