ONLY CHRIST CAN OPEN THE SCROLL

Rev.5:1-3 – I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed up with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to break its seals?” And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it.

This scroll is one of the great mysteries of the Bible, the exciting thing to me is that we live in the moment of time the contents of this book will be seen on full display on the earth. This book will unveil in the activity on the earth the justice and holiness of God and at the same time is infinite mercy and grace lavished on His people. Something important to observe is that not only did the One who opened this scroll have to be sinless, He had to have paid the price of redemption of fallen man so that the events revealed in this scroll could come to pass. Jesus was the perfect sinless lamb who had died as a sin offering for all of us, He is also the Lion of the tribe of Judah who had defeated death and sin for all time. When the Lord took the scroll immediately everything was set in motion, all of heaven began to respond in worship to the King of all kings. Here is how Matthew Henry describes this.

“The apostle was comforted and encouraged to hope this sealed book would still be opened. Notice who gave John the hint: one of the elders. God had revealed it to his church. Notice who would do it — the LORD Jesus Christ, called the lion of the tribe of Judah (Ge 49:10), according to his human nature, and the root of David according to his divine nature. The One who bears the office of Mediator between God and humanity is fit and worthy to open and fulfill all the purposes of God toward people.”

As the scroll is opened the events of the book of Revelation begin to take place on earth. The judgement of God falls on those who have rejected God’s Son ands His plan of redemption. The wedding feast of the Bridegroom and His bride are announced. The end of one age has come and the beginning of God’s kingdom age begins.