“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)
John the Apostle’s vision of the “strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice” comes on the heels of the divine invitation he received just one chapter earlier. “After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, ‘Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this’” (Rev. 4:1). What a glorious blessing God gave his people to allow John to not only see “what must take place after this” but to pen these events in Scripture that we also might get a glimpse of what God has predestined for his world and prepared for his people hereafter.
One of these realities answers the question John posed in Revelation 5:2 and, in fact, is the essential theme threaded throughout Scripture – that there is one King, one Lord over all the earth who is worthy. As Zechariah 14:9 prophesies, And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one. And Zephaniah’s prophecy adds …that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve him with one consent (Zeph. 3:9). Paul in Philippians 2:10-11 continues this theme: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
John hears the question, “Who is worthy to open the book?” And the answer returns, “Christ the Redeemer! He is only one worthy to open the book and declare his kingship,” for he came out of the heart of the Father who declared him to us (Rev. 5:2-5). Christ as God and the only begotten Son of God is heir to all things without any additional designation from the Father. But as Redeemer, he is the appointed heir (Heb. 1:2). God the Father placed the government of the whole world into the hands of his Son and heir. As John 5:22 explains, “The Father judges no man; but has committed all judgment (i.e. all power of government) unto the Son.”
This dominion was his by right as soon as he came into the world, for he was born a King (Matt. 2:2). Even at his death, the inscription on the cross read, “The King of the Jews.” Of course his death, resurrection, and ascension affirmed his power to redeem and reign over the entire world – Jew and Gentile alike. This is a position which no man nor angel could undertake nor ever qualify for. Nor was it possible for any other being to bear such a weight of glory.
Revelation 5:2 searches for the one who could take the Book out of the hand of him that sits on the throne. That Book is the commission to the rightful owner of all things to fulfil and execute all the decrees of God and can only be claimed by the one who is the direct heir to the Creator of all things. None but the Lamb is found worthy, for he alone is justly entitled to all of creation as the heir of God and the Redeemer of mankind. In addition, none but the resurrected Lord has the inherent power to execute and fulfill all according to the mind and will of the Father.
Contemplations:
- Lord, you are the worthy King, the Head of your elect and the 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.”
- I consider, Lord, that when God from eternity resolved to choose the subjects of his grace and glory, Christ Jesus was given all rights to the throne as King of kings and Lord of lords and then others as joint heirs to Christ’s everlasting kingdom. I see why Paul says, “God has chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world,” (Eph. 1:4).
- 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.
- 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] How wonderful that your worthiness is a glory for me to consider in being united to you.
- 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.
Further References for Rev. 5:2:
Psalm 18:3; Rev. 4:11; 1 Thess. 2:12; Luke 3:16
[1] Urian Oakes, The Mystery of Christ Opened and Applyed. (Boston in New-England: Richard Pierce for Joseph Browning, 1686), 197.
