Revelation Chapter Five Overview

In the bible, numbers such as seven, three, twelve, forty and so on are very significant when it comes to studying and understanding scripture. From Genesis to Revelation the number seven has always represented perfect completion.

The book of Revelations is a fascinating book filled with mystery, which up until the last few decades was difficult or nearly impossible to understand. Daniel, when he was shown what would happen in the last days, asked the meaning of it. He was told to seal the book until the End Times when knowledge would increase.

Daniel didn't have the knowledge to understand the prophecy, but apparently, the closer we get to the End Times, the closer we come to understanding.

We read in the first four chapters about the warnings Jesus gave to the seven churches in Asia, which actually refers to the whole church- the body of Christ. We also saw Jesus demonstrate how to understand the prophecy when he interpreted to John the meaning of the seven stars and lampstands.

"20The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches."

Therefore, it is logical to assume that the rest of the book be understood in the same way- symbolically.

At the end of the fourth chapter, an angel through a door in heaven summoned John and he wrote down what he saw and heard.

"1And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. 2And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon."

Apparently, the scroll was so crucial that even the Father wouldn't break the seal. Angels were crying out for someone with the proper authority to open it. Ultimately, John was caught up in the urgency of the call.

"5And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. 6And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. 7And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne."

The Father had given all power unto the Son who willingly gave His life for all. Jesus Christ was the only one worthy to open the book.

"6And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne."

The imagery in these verses is very clear. Horns are a symbol of authority and power. The seven horns obviously represent absolute authority. Eyes are a symbol of wisdom and knowledge. The seven eyes here represent the perfect total wisdom and knowledge of the Holy Spirit.

"8And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. 9And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth."

There is much debate about the twenty-four elders and who they are or whom they represent. The most popular belief is that they are the twelve leaders of the tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles. However, a number of sources believe they represent the raptured church.

Heavenly beings are not said to wear white. White robes are given to the redeemed and since the twenty-four elders are clothed in white, it's a strong indication that they are not heavenly beings but redeemed souls.

"11 Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders. 12 And they sang in a mighty chorus: "Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered- to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing." 13 And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang: "Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever. 14 And the four living beings said, "Amen!" And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped the Lamb."

At the end of chapter five, heaven appears to come alive with songs of praise to Jesus Christ. Those who believe the church will be raptured before the tribulation hold to the belief that this is the raptured church praising the Savior.

Whether it's pre, mid, or post tribulation, the fact remains that at one time or another, Jesus is coming back to collect those who belong to Him. When this happens, the door to the salvation God is offering now will be closed.

Why put off such a serious decision, which will determine the fate of your eternal soul?

"And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?"

Don't be a fool. This life is but a vapor. When it's over, where will you spend eternity? The great day of the Lord is rapidly approaching and the closer it gets, the more evident it becomes to those who are watching as the Lord told us to do.

You must be born again to receive the seal of God. When you realize (believe) Jesus is Lord, confess Him aloud as your Lord, and believe God raised him from the dead (Rom. 10:9); the Holy Spirit unites with your spirit and you become a living soul. Otherwise your spirit lies dormant within your dying physical body.

Jesus said, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." (John 5:38)"

Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the ALMIGHTY." (Rev. 1:7-8)