1. The book is said by many expositors to contain the title deeds to this earth.

2. We do know that in it are sealed God's judgments upon this earth.

3. Christ is the only one found worthy to open the book and loose the seals.
1. He is worthy to do this on two counts:
a. This earth is His by right of creation. John 1:3
b. This earth rightly His by right of redemption V.9

4. This earth has had three governors. Christ will be the fourth.
a. Lucifer - Ezek. 28:12-15, Isa. 14:12-13.
b. Adam - " Gen. 1:26, 2:15-16, 19-20
c. Satan - (By Adam's fall) death - Rom. 5:12-21; Eph. 2:2; 2 Cor. 4:4; 1 John 5:19.

5. Christ is God's appointed judge and governor. (Acts 17:31; 2 Tim. 4:1; 1 Cor. 15:24-27)

6. Christ as judge is: "The lion of the tribe Judah"

He is God's appointed judge because He has prevailed through death as the Lamb. His efficacious death and victorious resurrection assure His position as judge. "Root of David" He is legal heir to David's throne. Isa 9:6

Vs. 6 Seven Horns - Perfection of power - Matt. 28:18
Seven Eyes - Perfection of wisdom and knowledge.

Col. 1:9 "For in Him dwelleth.....bodily"

Vs. 8 The Four and Twenty Elders:

The harps and golden vials full of odors, The priestly ministry of the redeemed (See V. 10 for verification)

Vs. 9 Christ's Redeeming Sacrifice of Himself:

1. Saves sinners: 1 Tim. 1:15

2. Assures His lordship. Acts 17:31

3. Assures the resurrection and eternal life of believers. John 14:19 Rom. 8:11

4. Redeems Israel and all creation: Isa. 11:6-12, Rom. 8:21-23

Vs. 10 We are now believing priests. We shall yet rule and reign with Him.

1. 1 Pet. 2:9: Ye are a chosen generation a royal priest-hood.

2. 2 Tim. 2:12: Matt. 19:28

Vs. 11-14:The angelic hosts of Heaven, the redeemed of earth, the doomed of hell, join in the great hymn of praise to the Lamb who alone is worthy to sit in judgment and to execute justice over all creation.

Gen. 14:11; "Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?"
Rom. 14:11: Phil. 2:10-11

By David E. Hubbard

Used with permission

Created by SuzyB