The Legal Deed to the World - Revelation 5

The never-ending, always praising theme in Revelation 4 of the majesty and glory of the Creator now shifts to another drama.  There in the heavenly courts the LORD is holding a scroll.  “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. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?”” (Revelation 5:1–2, ESV).

The scene changes again as we see a Lamb as if He had been slain step forward as the only One able to open the scroll and all Heaven bows in praise before the Lamb, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah.  “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.”” (Revelation 5:5, ESV)

What is the scroll; and why could only the conquering Savior, Jesus Christ open it?  "Such a doubly inscribed scroll would resemble a Roman will or contract deed, with the contents written in detail inside and summarized briefly outside, then sealed with seven seals. The scroll John sees could symbolize a will that is to be opened and its contents executed; . . . in a broader sense, the scroll contains God’s purposes for history, but its seven seals prevent the full disclosure and enactment of its contents." [1]  The deed or contract was clearly specified in Psalm 2:7–9 (ESV)

⁷ I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. ⁸ Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. ⁹ You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”

This is clearly the plan of God to give the nations to His Son in both redemption for some and judgement for others.  Only the Son, only God's Christ can open the scroll.  It is only He who died and purchased with His blood the nations of the world. Thus Paul wrote: “For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.” (1 Timothy 4:10, ESV)

Jesus Christ has gained the legal right of possession of the whole world through His victory on Calvary some vessels of wrath prepared for destruction [and some] vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory—” (Romans 9:22–23, ESV).

Christ holds the deed to the whole world and He alone is worthy to unveil the plan.

“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, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”” (Revelation 5:9–10, ESV).

Father there is not one person or thing in this Universe that is not sovereignly owned by Your Son. Today, I am His.  I am His purchased and legal possession.  I belong to Jesus. Someday every one will know that.  Every knee will bow and confess Him as Lord.  Even the events of this day are ordered and ordained by Christ, for His glory.  May I live today as a vessel prepared for glory and reflect Your glory in what I say and do.


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1.  Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (2470). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.