Lesson 13

The Revelation of Jesus Christ

Review:

 

 

<5:8> The Participants in this praise/Worship are introduced.

The fact that He took the book evoked a tremendous response from the  4 living beings; and  the 24 elders;

 

- "having each one a harp and golden bowls" refers to the 24 elders only;

 

- harps are used as instruments of praise associated with gladness and joy  Ps 71:22;  92:2-4;

 

This is a reference to the practice where the efficacy of a offering was acceptable only when it was accompanied by incense.

 

This makes a very strong statement about the importance of prayer in God's viewpoint.

 

<5:9> Here we begin the focus on the worship itself.

  > This section vs:9-14 is almost like a 3 stanza Hymn.

                                          to whom                      by whom

    #1 = vs:9-10 |  the Lamb                       |  living beings,  24 elders

    #2 = vs:12    |  the Lamb                       |  add millions of angels (the elders - C/A saints)

    #3 = vs:13    |  the Father & the Lamb  |  all creation

 

> The medium of praise for the first stanza is a Song!

Begins; "Worthy art thou to take the book"

 

The Focus then on the Lamb is that He is Savior and Redeemer.

Theme of this first stanza is worthiness; axioj

 

 

Gives the reasons for the worship of Christ!

 #1 the fact of His death; "Thou was slain"

 

#2  fact emphasized is that "and didst purchase for God"

 

 

So He is declared worthy not simply because He is deity but because of His victory over sin and death.

 

 

The Response of Redemption:  "[men] from every tribe and tongue and people and nation."

 

* The redeemed out from all these groups became;  vs:10    "And thou has made them [the redeemed] to be a kingdom and priests to our God.  And they will reign upon the earth."

 

 

 

In this glorious earthly scene to follow the dark hour of the Trib., the church will share the glory of Christ as joint heirs with Christ, and  sharers of His reign.

 

> Second Stanza or round of praise = 5:11-12  Climatic

 

 

 

 

 

> The 3rd stanza or final round of Praise.  (5:13)

- See another expansion of the circle of praise - to all creation, that is an intelligent animated creation. 

 

 

 

 

> With verse 14, the 4 living beings close out this doxology with a final act of praise by saying  Amen,