Revelation 5:1–14 (July 10, 2025)

5:1 Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” 3 And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, 4 and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. 5 And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”

6 And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. 8 And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying,

“Worthy are you to take the scroll

and to open its seals,

for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God

from every tribe and language and people and nation,

10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,

and they shall reign on the earth.”

11 Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice,

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,

to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might

and honor and glory and blessing!”

13 And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying,

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb

be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”

14 And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” (v. 12)

Revelation 5

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Summary

John’s heavenly vision continues. In chapter 4, the focus was on the throne and the worship of God as Creator. Now, the spotlight shifts to a scroll in the right hand of the One seated on the throne (v. 1). This scroll, sealed with seven seals, contains God’s sovereign plan for judgment and redemption—the unfolding of history itself. But no one in heaven or on earth is found worthy to open it. John begins to weep loudly (v. 4), for if no one can open the scroll, God’s plan remains unrevealed and unfulfilled.

But then, one of the elders tells him, “Weep no more! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered” (v. 5). John turns to see—but instead of a lion, he sees a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain (v. 6). This is the paradox at the heart of Revelation and the gospel: the triumphant King is the crucified Lamb.

The Lamb takes the scroll from the hand of Him who sits on the throne (v. 7). This act causes an explosion of worship. The four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fall down before the Lamb, singing a new song:

“Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” (vv. 9 & 10)

Then the heavenly choir grows—myriads of angels join in, and finally every creature in heaven and on earth sings in unison, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” (v. 13)

Heaven does not tremble in silence at the Lamb—it erupts in praise and adoration. Redemption is the heart of history, and the slain Lamb is the center of all worship.

Who is God

God is the sovereign King who holds history in His hand. The scroll is not out of control—it is sealed, held, and opened only by His will. But God is also the Redeemer. His plan is not only about justice, but about mercy. He has given authority to the Lamb, His Son, who alone is worthy.

Jesus is the Lion who conquered, but He conquered by dying. He is the Lamb who bears the marks of slaughter, but He stands. His worth is not proven by strength alone, but by sacrifice.

Heaven sees this clearly: the throne of God is shared with the Lamb. To worship God rightly is to worship the crucified and risen Christ.

What is our Guilt

We often weep like John, but not for the right reasons. We weep over inconvenience, loss of control, or fear of the future. But how rarely do we weep because we feel cut off from the purposes of God or unworthy to be part of His plan?

And when we do not weep, we are often proud. We assume we can “open the scroll” of our own lives, manage our destiny, or unlock the future by our abilities. However, we forget. It is about being worthy, and no one is worthy—not in heaven, not on earth.

Our guilt is also revealed in how little we worship. We are often bored with the Kingdom of Christ. We yawn at what heaven would explode in praise and adoration. We reserve our highest praise for earthly success or personal gain, while heaven reserves the praise and adoration for the slain Lamb and those who would follow the Lamb.

How does Grace Shine

Grace shines in the Lamb. No one was worthy, but the one who is, came in the flesh. He was slain, not for his own sins, but for ours. And now he stands, risen from the grave, victorious over death, still bearing the wounds that won our peace.

Grace also shines in the song: “by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation” (v. 9). Salvation is not generic. It is deeply personal, yet also universally expansive. Every redeemed soul is a testimony to the worthiness of the Lamb. And the Lamb shares his victory. Those he ransoms, he also makes a kingdom and priests to our God. And they shall reign with God, forever (v. 10).

Prayer

Lamb of God,

you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed us for God.

You alone are worthy to open the scroll, to bring justice, and to fulfill all of the Father’s will.

Forgive us for looking to others or ourselves, as if we could take your place.

Help us to lay down our "crowns" and to live a life that praises the Lamb who alone is worthy of all honor and praise.

In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• What does it mean that Jesus is both the Lion and the Lamb?

• How does your life reflect the worship of the Lamb?

• Where are you tempted to “open the scroll” yourself, rather than trust the One who is worthy?