TOPIC:“The Savior and the Seals”
by Rev. Dr. Reg Dunlap
TEXT:Revelation 5:1-14
“And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a scroll written
within and on the back, sealed with seven seals” (5:1).
We come now to the 5th chapter of Revelation as I continue my series of messages on this fascinating book. This chapter continues on progressively with the thoughts of chapter 4 of John's vision of the throne scene in Heaven. The Eternal God who occupies the throne has in His right hand a sealed book which contains all of the secret events He has planned for the future.
In this message I want us to look closely at four events that make up this chapter. Let's begin with the first.
I.
Consider, first of all, the SEALED SCROLL. John writes in verses 1 and 2 these words: “And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a scroll written and on the back, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the scroll, and to loose its seals.”
Here the Apostle John is introduced for the first time to a small sealed book, actually a scroll, which is located in the right hand of God. It is filled with writing both inside and on its back, and is sealed with seven seals. The word “sealed” as used here means “sealed down.” The scroll has often been called by Bible scholars “the title deed of the universe.”
Though the significance of the scroll is not mentioned, it seems to contain in minute detail the eternal plan of God for man and the ultimate destiny of the world. The scroll is referred to by Daniel in the Old Testament as a book “closed up and sealed till the time of the end” (Daniel 12:9). Even Daniel the prophet was not able to know the divine mysteries which God has planned for the end times.
In verse 2 the eyes of John are directed to a strong angel who raises the question, “Who is worthy to open the scrolls, and to loose its seals?” The word “strong” is an adjective meaning “of higher rank” and indicates this was a mighty or powerful angel. The word “proclaiming” means “to call out” or “to herald,” while the words “loud voice” suggest urgency and denote something which requires immediate attention or action. The announcing angel who makes the challenge has been identified by some Bible scholars as Gabriel, . . .