Sermon 204

📖 SERMON 204 — WORTHY IS THE LAMB

Preacher: Rev. G. S. Kok
Date: April 11, 1951
Text: Revelation 5
Subject: WORTHY IS THE LAMB

INTRODUCTION:

This vision links with that of Revelation 4. John again beholds the throne, and this time sees a book in the right hand of Him who sits upon the throne. From this scene unfolds the great 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 on the throne.
2. Contains the plan of God centered in Christ:
  a. God’s eternal plan for all things.
  b. God’s purpose unfolding through all history.
3. Sealed with seven seals:
  a. Closed tight.
  b. Signifying unrevealed and unexecuted elements of God’s plan.
  c. A picture of how sin seems to obstruct the execution of God’s purpose.

B. None other could be found.
1. A mighty angel calls for one worthy to open the book—showing urgency.
2. No one responds; no man is able.
3. John weeps greatly—for if none can open it, Satan triumphs and mankind is doomed.

C. The announcement by an elder.
1. The church’s privilege: proclaim the Lamb’s worthiness.
2. He tells John to stop weeping—the Lamb is worthy.
3. Introduces Christ as:
  a. The Lion of the tribe of Judah.
  b. The Root of David.
The 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 is the Lamb that had been slain—after Calvary.
3. Fully capable for the task:
  a. Seven horns—almightiness.
  b. Seven eyes—the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
  c. He takes the book from the right hand of God.

B. He has completed His work in humiliation.
1. He has overcome Satan and sin.
2. He satisfied divine justice.
3. His redemptive work makes God’s purpose not only possible but certain.
4. Without the Lamb’s redemption, God’s plan could never be fulfilled.

III. HIS WORTHINESS JOYFULLY AND UNIVERSALLY ACKNOWLEDGED

A. First by the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders.
1. They fall before the Lamb.
2. They sing a new song:
  a. With harps.
  b. With the prayers of the saints.
  c. “New” because redemption is accomplished.
3. They sing: Worthy art Thou—
  Worthy because He shed His blood.
  Worthy because He purchased people for God from every tribe, tongue, and nation.
  Worthy because He made them a kingdom of priests to reign on earth.

B. Next by the hosts of angels.
1. Myriads upon myriads.
2. They proclaim: “Power, riches, wisdom, might, honor, glory, blessing.”
3. Their joy surpasses the song at Bethlehem.

C. Finally by every created thing.
1. The universe has long groaned for this great moment.
2. Now all creation rejoices.
3. Praise rises to God and to the Lamb—inseparable.
4. All acknowledge His dominion forever.

D. The final Amen.
1. The four living creatures say Amen.
2. The elders fall down and worship.

CONCLUSION:

What glorious comfort this vision contains. Let us unite with heaven and earth in proclaiming: Worthy is the Lamb.