“And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice,
‘Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?’”
(Revelation 5:2)
While exiled on the Isle of Patmos, the Apostle John was granted a vision that no man on earth could conceive or even imagine. A door stood open in heaven, and John was summoned to witness what must come to pass. Amid the radiant throne, thunders, and voices, he saw a book that was sealed, clutched in the right hand of Him who sits on the throne. And a strong angel thundered a searching cry, “Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?”
No man answered. No angel dared. No creature in heaven, earth, or beneath the earth could break those seals. Then John wept, because no one was found worthy. But one of the elders said, “Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed” (Rev. 5:5). And then appeared a Lamb as if it had been slain.
This is the Gospel in royal song—Christ, the crucified and risen, is the Worthy King.
By divine right as the only begotten Son, Christ is heir of all things. But by redemptive merit, He is also the appointed heir crowned through suffering, exalted by obedience, and enthroned through blood. As Hebrews 1:2 declares, “whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.” There is no question of succession, no rival claimant. The throne belongs to the Lamb of God by both eternal decree and historical fulfillment.
He is King by nature as well as by conquest. For He defeated sin, crushed the serpent’s head, satisfied divine justice, and rose triumphant from the grave. His resurrection was the formal declaration that the keys of death and hell now hang from His girdle. His ascension confirmed that the government rests upon His shoulder, and His session at the right hand of the Father proclaims that He rules all things in heaven and on earth for the sake of His church.
The scroll in Revelation is the title deed of history. It contains the decrees of God that govern the destiny of nations, the course of the church, and the consummation of all things. To open that scroll is to enact the divine will in time and space. Only Christ, the Redeemer, is found worthy. For He alone is both divine and human, Lamb and Lord, slain and risen, appointed heir and conquering King.
His worthiness is the ground of all hope, the assurance of all providence, and the crown of the Gospel. Christ governs the world as Redeemer and Lord. Every judgment, every trial, every deliverance all pass through the pierced hand of the Lamb who was slain.
He alone can open the scroll. He alone fulfills the decrees. He alone rightfully executes judgment and mercy with unerring power. The kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.
Contemplations:
- King and Cornerstone. Lord, You are the worthy King, the Head of Your elect and Chief Cornerstone of Your church as 1 Peter 2:6 indicates, “Behold I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious, and he that believes on him shall not be confounded.”
- Elect from eternity. When God from eternity resolved to choose the subjects of His grace and glory, Christ was given all rights to the throne as King of kings and Lord of lords and then others as joint heirs to His everlasting kingdom. I see why Paul says, “God has chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world” (Eph. 1:4).
- You alone are worthy. Lord, as King over all Your people, You are able to say, “I have manifested Thy Name to the men Thou gave me out of the world; Thine they were and Thou gave them me” (John 17:9). You are the Worthy King over all Your elect, for You alone are worthy of that designation and right.
- United to Christ. I read in a sermon by Urian Oakes, “All true believers are actually united to Him, as members of the Body are to the Head. Now this is a most wonderful glory.”[1] The Father has set You above principalities and powers. You are the one King before whom all shall bow, for You alone are worthy to open the scrolls. This is a far greater glory than just to be ruler of the whole world, for it encompasses Your sacred and everlasting covenant for which You died to bring Your people to God.
Prayer (Thanksgiving)
O Worthy King, Christ Jesus, exalted above all thrones and dominions, I give You thanks that You alone were found worthy to open the book and loose the seals thereof. While no man, no angel, or no creature could take up that charge, You alone arose—Lion of Judah, Root of David, the Lamb who was slain.
I thank You that Your worthiness was earned in blood and declared in glory. You were born a King, crucified as King, raised as King, and now reign as King over all the earth. The crown upon Your head is one of righteousness and justice and faithfulness. You fulfill every word the Father decreed from the foundation of the world. I thank You that You do not rule distantly or arbitrarily, but as the Redeemer of Your people and the appointed Heir of all.
You govern the nations with perfect wisdom. You defend Your church with almighty power. You subdue enemies, advance Your cause, and gather Your elect from every corner of the earth. I give thanks that the government is upon Your shoulder. Because You reign, I rest. Because You are worthy, I rejoice.
You were slain, and You live. You bore God’s wrath, and You bring God’s peace. You entered into glory not by self-promotion but by obedience. I praise You, King Jesus, for making Your throne a place of mercy for Your people and a terror to Your foes.
Let the heavenly anthem rise, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain!” Let every knee bow and every tongue confess that You are Lord. And let my voice rise with theirs, giving thanks to the only One found worthy to open the scroll, to rule in righteousness, and to reign forever.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References for Revelation 5:2:
Psalm 18:3; Revelation 4:11; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; Luke 3:16.
[1] Urian Oakes, The Mystery of Christ Opened and Applied. (Boston in New-England: Richard Pierce for Joseph Browning, 1686), 197.
