Sermon 172

📖 Sermon 172 — Revelation 5

Date: 4-11-1951
Text: Revelation 5
Preacher: G. S. Kok
Subject: Worthy Is the Lamb

INTRODUCTION

We link this sermon with the vision of chapter 4. John’s eyes again focus on the throne, and this time he sees a book in the right hand of Him who sits upon the throne.
From this proceeds the rest of the picture in which is revealed the great, all-important truth: Worthy is the Lamb.

I. HE ALONE IS WORTHY TO OPEN THE SEVEN-SEALED BOOK

A. The Nature of the Book

1. Seen in the right hand of Him that sits upon the throne.
2. Contains the plan of God as centered in Christ.
   God’s eternal plan for all things.
   God’s purpose in all of history.
3. Sealed with seven seals.
   Closed, shut tight.
   Indicates unrevealed and unexecuted divine plans.
   As though sin and the fall of man have, in a sense, disrupted the visible unfolding of God’s purpose.

B. None Other Could Be Found

1. A mighty angel calls for someone worthy to open the book.
   Expresses the urgency of finding such a one.
2. No one responds.
   No man is able.
3. John weeps.
   If no one can open the book, God’s purpose cannot unfold.
   It would mean victory for Satan and hopeless destruction for mankind.
   Therefore John’s weeping is justified.

C. The Announcement by an Elder

1. The church’s privilege and calling is to announce the worthiness of the Lamb.
2. The elder tells John to stop weeping.
3. The Lamb is introduced as:
   The Lion of the tribe of Judah.
   The Root of David.
   These reveal Him as the long-promised Messiah.

II. HE IS WORTHY BECAUSE HE HAS OVERCOME

A. John’s Vision Confirms This

1. He sees Him standing near the throne.
2. He sees Him as the Lamb slain — this is after Calvary.
3. He sees Him fully capable of the great task:
   Seven horns → almightiness.
   Seven eyes → perfect knowledge, the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
   He takes the book from the hand of Him who sits on the throne.

B. His Work in Humiliation

1. He has overcome the power of Satan and sin.
2. He has satisfied the demands of God’s justice.
3. His redemptive work makes the completion of God’s plan not only possible but certain.
4. All of God’s unfolding purpose is based upon the work of redemption accomplished by Christ.

III. HIS WORTHINESS UNIVERSALLY AND JOYFULLY ACKNOWLEDGED

A. By the Four Living Creatures and the Twenty-Four Elders

1. They fall down before the Lamb.
2. They sing a new song:
   Accompanied by harps.
   With the prayers of the saints.
   New because redemption has now been accomplished.
3. They sing joyfully: Worthy art Thou…
   No doubt, no hesitation.
   His worthiness is acknowledged because He shed His blood.
   He purchased not all men, but men from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation.
   He has made them a kingdom of priests who reign on the earth.

B. By the Hosts of Angels

1. Thousands upon thousands.
2. With great volume.
3. They proclaim Him worthy of power, riches, wisdom, might, honor, glory, and blessing.

C. By Every Created Thing

1. The entire universe has long groaned for this day.
2. Now all creation rejoices.
3. Praise is given to God and to the Lamb — inseparable.
4. Dominion is acknowledged forever and ever.
5. The four living creatures say, Amen.
6. The elders fall down and worship.

CONCLUSION

What glorious comfort this vision contains for us.
Let us join the heavenly church and all creation in acknowledging the worth of our Lord Jesus Christ: Worthy is the Lamb.