Cecil A. Fayard
Elliott Baptist Church
April 11, 2004
He Has Prevailed!
Revelation 5:1-14
INTRO: Chapter five is a continuation of the scenery around the throne of God in heaven.
As John gazed upon the throne of God, and the heavenly host that surrounds it, he saw in the outstretched right hand of God the Father, a book.
This book is a most important one; and as we shall see, heaven is concerned about opening the seven sealed book.
At first John weeps for none is found worthy to open the book. Weeping turns to praise and worship as Jesus Christ, the overcomer, the one who has prevailed, takes the book for He is worthy.
I. VS 1, THE SEVEN SEALED BOOK
A. In God's extended right hand is a book held out.
1. Held out for the worthy one to take.
2. Held out for the worthy one to open, read, and execute its purpose.
B. "A book written within and on the backside."
1. Nothing more could be added to this book.
2. It's contents were complete and final. What was written would be executed after the worthy one opens the book.
C. "Sealed with seven seals."
1. Roman wills were sealed seven times as seen by the wills left by Augustus and Vespasian.
2. Each section of the book (scroll) was sealed down. To get to each part, a seal had to be broken.
D. The meaning of the book.
1. First, the unsealed book means that the time of the end has come (Dan 12:4).
2. Secondly, the seven sealed book is the title deed to the earth.
a) God gave the deed to Adam, and he lost it through sin to Satan.
b) Just as Boaz redeemed Ruth, our greater Boaz, the Lord Jesus, gave His life to set us free from bondage to sin and restore out lost inheritance.
c) The sin cursed earth will be redeemed through Christ.
II. VSS 2-4, THE QUEST FOR THE WORTHY ONE
A. Vs 2, The strong angel makes a proclamation in a voice loud enough to be heard throughout the universe.
1. "Who is worthy to open the book and to loose the seals thereof?"
2. One worthy and able is sought.
a) One who has the power to defeat Satan.
b) One able to cleanse from sin, to wipe it out.
c) One able to reclaim the earth from the curse.
B. Vs 3, The record of John makes it clear. No one in heaven, earth, or under the earth was able to open the book. No one had the authority, strength, or power.
1. Man is too weak to open the book (Rom 5:6,8).
2. Man is a sinner and thus unworthy.
a) Rom 3:10, 23, "As it is written there is none righteous..."
b) Isaiah 64:6, "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags...."
C. Vs 4, John was filled with sadness and disappointment. The cause seems lost; the situation hopeless.
1. John realized the need for a worthy one to reclaim this wicked and sin cursed earth for the glory of God.
2. John wept much because no one was found worthy.
III. VSS 5-7, THE SEARCH IS OVER- JESUS IS WORTHY
A. Vs 5, Note these wonderful, happy words: "And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not...." John had been weeping because none worthy had been found to open the book. But oh, happy day, one has been found!
1. "Behold the Lion of the tribe of Judah...."
a) All the names given to our Lord denote a part of His nature.
b) The Lion is the king of beasts and Judah is the ruling tribe of Judah. Christ is come as King to reign.
c) The lion also tells us of victory, of courage, dignity, and sovereignty.
2. "The root of David."
a) This speaks of the virgin birth of Jesus.
b) His roots are in the family line of David.
c) He is the "root of David." This speaks of His eternality, the ancient of days.
3. "Hath prevailed to open the book...."
a) "Hath prevailed" in the Greek means "to conquer."
b) "Hath prevailed"
(1) Sin is defeated (Rom 8:3).
(2) Death is conquered (Heb 2:14-15).
(3) He died, was buried, but is now alive (I Cor 15:3-4, 20-23).
B. Vs 6, Christ could not be the Lion who judges nor the King of glory without first being "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."
1. "A Lamb as it had been slain."
a) "Lamb"- Greek arnioa: "a little lamb, a pet lamb."
b) "Slain" means "violently slain." Beaten, cursed, nailed to the cross.
c) John must have seen the nail prints that remind all of heaven that the Lamb was slain to save His people and to reclaim the title deed to earth.
2. "Seven horns"-- the Lamb is not weak. When you read of a horn in scripture, it indicates power (Zech 1:18). Seven means He has all power and authority (Matt 28:18).
3. "Seven eyes"-- nothing is hidden from His view (Isa 11:2).
C. Vs 7, The worthy one takes the book.
1. This very act signals the beginning of the end of man's day, man's rule.
2. The lost inheritance will be regained.
3. Satan is doomed. Sin, death, and hell are defeated.
IV. VSS 8-14, SINGING UP IN HEAVEN
A. Vs 8, the prayers of the saints throughout the ages are represented here.
1. Many have prayed for the kingdom of God on earth to come.
2. Harps indicate music in heaven.
B. Vss 9-10, Three types of songs are indicated here.
1. Vs 9a, They sing of Christ's work of redemption.
a) "Thou wast slain." Wiersbe says: "Heaven sings about the cross and the blood!" (58).
b) This is a Gospel song.
c) Only the saved can sing of redemption.
2. Vs 9b, Next we have a missionary hymn.
a) John 3:16.
b) God's desire is that the message of redemption be taken to the whole world (Mk 16:15). He does not distinguish between race, color, etc.
3. Vs 10, In verse ten, we have a prophecy song (Rev 20:1-6).
C. Vss 11-12, The praise of the angels.
1. The redeemed sing of His redemption.
2. The angels speak of His glory for they can't sing of redemption.
3. Can you sing of redemption?
D. Vss 13-14, The creatures form a mighty chorus of praise (Psa 69:34).
CONCLUSION: Let us who are redeemed praise the crucified, buried, and risen Lord.
For additional copies of the sermon CD's, please contact the church office:
Elliott Baptist Church
566 Nat G. Troutt Road
Elliott, Mississippi 38901
Phone: 662-226-4425
Pastors Email: cecilafayard@msn.com