Pointing to Jesus (Revelation 5)

Summary:

Revelation 5 depicts a heavenly scene where God, seated on the throne, holds a scroll sealed with seven seals, representing His sovereign plan for history and redemption. 

No one is found worthy to open it, causing John to weep, until the Lion of Judah—Jesus Christ, the Lamb who was slain—appears. He alone is worthy, having triumphed through His death and resurrection. 

The elders, living creatures, and angels worship Him, declaring His redemptive work has purchased a people for God from every tribe, nation, and tongue.  This underscores God’s sovereignty in salvation, with Christ’s atoning work as the sole basis for redemption. 

The scene portrays Christ’s current reign, not a future earthly kingdom, with the scroll’s opening symbolizing His ongoing lordship over history, unfolding God’s decrees in the present age until His return.

Pointing to Jesus:

The chapter points to Jesus as the Redeemer, the Lamb who was slain, whose sacrificial death secures salvation for God’s elect. 

Christ’s worthiness stems from His penal substitutionary atonement, satisfying God’s justice and purchasing a particular people for Himself, as seen in the redeemed multitude from all nations (v. 9). 

The Lion-Lamb imagery highlights His dual role as sovereign conqueror and sacrificial Savior, fulfilling God’s covenant promises. 

Christ’s victory is not a future millennial reign but a present reality, reigning now through His church and the proclamation of the gospel, with the scroll’s opening reflecting His control over history’s consummation. His redemptive work is complete, and He actively rules, applying salvation to His people across time.

Reflection on the Christian Life:

Revelation 5 offers profound encouragement for Christians, revealing Christ’s absolute authority and finished redemptive work. In a world of chaos and suffering, believers can trust that Jesus, the slain yet victorious Lamb, sovereignly orchestrates history for His glory and their good. This calls Christians to worship, persevere, and proclaim the gospel, knowing their salvation is secure in Christ’s atoning sacrifice. It humbles us, reminding us that salvation is entirely by grace, not human merit, and emboldens us to live faithfully, confident that our Redeemer reigns now and forever.