Revelation 5 sermon: In “Who Has Control of the Scroll of Destiny?” Victory Baptist studies the sealed scroll in Revelation 5 and why Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God and Lion of Judah, is worthy to open it. This sermon explains the scroll as the title deed to the earth, the dominion lost by the first Adam, and the redemption regained by the Last Adam through His victorious sacrifice.
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Revelation 5:1 And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll
written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals.
Revelation 5:2 Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy
to open the scroll and to loose its seals?”
Revelation 5:3 And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able
to open the scroll, or to look at it.
Revelation 5:4 So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and
read the scroll, or to look at it.
Revelation 5:5 But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion
of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to
loose its seven seals.”
Revelation 5:6 And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the
four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though
it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits
of God sent out into all the earth.
Revelation 5:7 Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who
sat on the throne.
Revelation 5:8 Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and
the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden
bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
Revelation 5:9 And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll,
and to open its seals; For You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood
out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,
Revelation 5:10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on
the earth.”
1. The Scroll in the Hands of the One on the Throne
Revelation 5:1 And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll
written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals.
Here are seven views regarding the contents of the scroll
1. The book of the new covenant, which has yet to be instituted with Israel in
the millennial kingdom
2. A book of redemption (the Lamb’s book of life)
3. The title deed to the earth!
4. The events of the Tribulation (a doomsday book)
5. A bill of divorce—the Lamb divorcing unfaithful Israel
6. A record of the sins of mankind
7. A testament or will
2. The Scroll in the Hands of the First Adam
Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness;
let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over
the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
Genesis 1:28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply;
fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds
of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Genesis 2:8 The Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the
man whom He had formed.
Genesis 2:9 And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant
to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden,
and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
3. The Scroll Stolen by the Hands of Satan
1 John 5:19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway
of the wicked one.
John 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be
cast out.
2 Corinthians 4:4 (NLT) Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds
of those who don’t believe.
Matthew 4:8 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and
showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
Matthew 4:9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down
and worship me.”
4. The Scroll Regained into the Hands of the Last Adam
1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.
Romans 5:19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also
by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.
1 Corinthians 15:45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.”
The person doing the saving can’t have the same problem as the one who needs
to be saved.
Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for
the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God,
might taste death for everyone.
The book of Revelation completes the circle of Bible truths.
The first Adam sinned and lost dominion
The last Adam (Jesus) obeyed and regained the dominion the first Adam had lost
The first Adam was defeated and brought death to humanity
The last Adam (Jesus) was victorious and brought life to all who will trust in Him
The first Adam was the king of the old creation
The last Adam (Jesus) is the king of the new creation
Lyrics Woodstock
I came upon a child of god
He was walking along the road
And I asked him, where are you going
And this he told me
I’m going on down to Yasgurs farm
I’m going to join in a rock n roll band
I’m going to camp out on the land
I’m going to try an get my soul free
We are stardust, We are golden
And we’ve got to get ourselves back to the garden.
Luke 23:43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
Revelation 11:15 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in
heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord
and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”
Revelation 5:10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on
the earth.”
Romans 6:3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ
Jesus were baptized into His death?
Romans 6:4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that
just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also
should walk in newness of life.
Step through the open door into heaven’s throne room in Part 3 of our Revelation series! In “A Visit to God’s Heavenly Throne,” we witness the breathtaking vision of Revelation 4 — the radiant One seated on the throne, surrounded by 24 elders, four living creatures, a sea of glass, and the ceaseless worship of heaven. Discover the seven awe-inspiring elements around God’s throne and explore four life-changing aspects of true praise: its permanence, the glorious Person we worship, the humble posture of worship, and its power to lift our perspective from earth to heaven. Be renewed in worship as Jesus is revealed behind the veil!
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Revelation 4:1 After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in
heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me,
saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.”
Revelation 4:2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven,
and One sat on the throne.
Revelation 4:3 And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in
appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like
an emerald.
Revelation 4:4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones
I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of
gold on their heads.
Revelation 4:5 And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices.
Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
Revelation 4:6 Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the
midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes
in front and in back.
Revelation 4:7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like
a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature
was like a flying eagle.
Revelation 4:8 The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes
around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”
Revelation 4:9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to
Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever,
Revelation 4:10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne
and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne,
saying:
Revelation 4:11 “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power;
For You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.”
There are Seven Things Around the Throne of God
1. SEATED UPON THE THRONE IS THE TRIUNE GOD.
2. SURROUNDING THE THRONE IS A RAINBOW.
3. SITTING AROUND THE THRONE ARE THE 24 ELDERS.
4. SOUNDING FORTH FROM THE THRONE ARE LIGHTNINGS,
THUNDERS AND VOICES.
5. SPREAD BEFORE THE THRONE IS A SEA OF GLASS.
6. SITUATED IN THE MIDST OF THE THRONE ARE THE FOUR
LIVING CREATURES.
7. SHARING PRAISE TOWARD THE ONE ON THE THRONE ARE
THE CREATURES AND THE ELDERS.
Revelation 4:8 The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes
around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!”
1. THE PERMANENCE OF PRAISE.
Revelation 4:8 “… And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord
God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!”
Isaiah 6:3 And one cried to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
Psalm 136:1 …. For His mercy endures forever.
Psalm 136:2 …. For His mercy endures forever.
Quote
When we are really in love, we don’t count the number of times we say “I love you!”,
especially if the one we love really loves to hear it.
The same way, God really loves to hear our words of love towards Him, even when
we only say “I love You” over and over again.
2. THE PERSON OF PRAISE.
Revelation 4:9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to
Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever,
Lyrics “I Write The Songs”
I’ve been alive forever
And I wrote the very first song
I put the words and the melodies together
I am music, and I write the songs
Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the
Spirit;
Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
Revelation 4:9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to
Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever,
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory
3. THE POSTURE OF PRAISE.
Revelation 4:10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the
throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before
the throne, saying:
The word “worship” means to prostrate one’s self,
Revelation 7:11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders
and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,
Revelation 11:16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats,
fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
Revelation 19:4 And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and
worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.
Matthew 4:9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down
and worship me.”
Matthew 4:10 Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written,
‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’
Psalm 95:6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord
our Maker.
Quote
There are times I get down on my face to pray and it’s like I just can’t even get my face
deep enough in the carpet. It just seems like I can’t humble myself enough before God
Revelation 4:10 “… and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their
crowns before the throne …”
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things
not seen.
Hebrews 11:3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of
God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.
Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore
God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
4. THE PURPOSE OF PRAISE.
Revelation 4:11 “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power;
For You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.
Praise is not praise unless it’s expressed.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things
have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Worship lifts our perspective from the earthly to the heavenly.
Colossians 3:1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which
are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
Colossians 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
In Part 2 of “Laodicea, The Church Lukewarm Over Being Lukewarm,” we continue our journey through the “Revelation: Jesus Revealed” series by examining Christ’s striking message to the Laodicean church in Revelation 3:14-22. This sermon explores the grave danger of spiritual complacency—the curse, condition, and root causes of being “lukewarm.” Through an honest look at our own spiritual poverty, blindness, and wretchedness apart from God, we discover Christ’s ultimate counsel: an invitation to repent and receive His true riches, His perfect righteousness, and complete restoration.
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Sermon Series: Revelation: Jesus Revealed: The View Behind The Veil
Laodicea, The Church Lukewarm Over Being Lukewarm” (Part 2)
Revelation 3:14 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These
things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation
of God:
Revelation 3:15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could
wish you were cold or hot.
Revelation 3:16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot,
I will vomit you out of My mouth.
Revelation 3:17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need
of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and
naked—
Revelation 3:18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may
be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your
nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
Revelation 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and
repent.
Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice
and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
Revelation 3:21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne,
as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
Revelation 3:22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Revelation 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will
spue thee out of my mouth.
I. THE CHRIST WHOSE AGAINST LUKEWARMNESS.
Revelation 3:14 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These
things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation
of God:
II. THE CURSE OF LUKEWARMNESS.
Revelation 3:15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish
you were cold or hot.
III. THE CONDTION OF LUKEWARMNESS.
Revelation 3:16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot,
I will vomit you out of My mouth.
IV. THE CAUSE OF LUKEWARMNESS.
Revelation 3:17 Because you say, —and do not know
1 Thessalonians 4:13 “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren …
John 15:5 “… for without Me you can do nothing.”
1. YOU DO NOT KNOW THAT YOU ARE WRETCHED.
Revelation 3:17 Because you say, — and do not know that you are wretched … ”
Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.
Romans 7:24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?
Romans 7:25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Noel Jesse Heikkinen, Wretched Saints (quote)
“The truth of the gospel of Jesus is this: I am nothing more than a wretch … and yet
so much more than a saint. I am a wretched saint, and that’s exactly what I am
supposed to be. No more; no less. That is my identity; it is who I am.”
Voddie Baucham (quote)
“May I never get over the fact that God saved a wretched sinner like me.”
Blaise Pascal (quote)
“The greatness of man is great in that he knows himself to be wretched.”
2. YOU DO NOT KNOW THAT YOU ARE MISERABLE.
Revelation 3:17 Because you say, — and do not know that you are miserable …”
1 Corinthians 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most
miserable.
3. YOU DO NOT KNOW THAT YOU ARE POOR.
Revelation 3:17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, — and do not know that you are poor …
Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4. YOU DO NOT KNOW THAT YOU ARE BLIND.
Revelation 3:17 Because you say, — and do not know that you are blind ….”
5. YOU DO NOT KNOW THAT YOU ARE NAKED.
Revelation 3:17 Because you say, — and do not know that you are naked …”
V. THE COUNSEL FOR LUKEWARMNESS.
Revelation 3:18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may
be rich;
1. WE NEED CHRIST’S RICHES.
1 Corinthians 4:7 (EASY) “… You received from God everything that you have.
2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He
was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might
become rich.
2. WE NEED CHRIST’S RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Revelation 3:18 “… and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of
your nakedness may not be revealed;
Isaiah 64:6 “But we ‘are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousness are like
filthy rags;
Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God;
for he hath clothed me with the the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with
the robe of righteousness …
3. WE NEED CHRIST’S RESTORATION.
Revelation 3:18 “… and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
Revelation 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and
repent.
The wretch needs to retch.
Thomas Watson said, “Real repentance is the vomiting of the soul.”
