Revelations in Revelation: Christ in history

Revelation: One of the least-opened books of the New Testament. Yet it reveals the future of the World to those who persevere.

In this fourth study from the series twelve revelations of Jesus Christ from the book of Revelation, we come to Christ in history. Jesus Christ is the central figure of all history. This study reminds us of His role in bringing salvation to mankind and the restoration of His creation.

The first three studies looked at Christ as He now is in glory,then Christ and his intimate relationship to His church, followed last time by His place in eternity. This study, taken from Revelation chapter 5 through to chapter 8 verse 1, could also be titled ‘Resurrection Day in Heaven’.

In preparing these articles, I acknowledge a great debt to my father who many years ago gave some in-depth teaching on this book. Much of what I share is built on that teaching. 

The Scroll

Chapter 5 opens with the one on the throne holding a scroll. The significance of the scroll we are left to work out for ourselves. There are a number of things that we are told about it:

• It has writing on both the inside and outside.
• It has seven seals.
• Only someone who was worthy could open it.
• When no one was found worthy to open it John wept.
• When the Lamb takes the scroll the whole of heaven erupts in praise.
• As the scroll is opened it reveals conflict leading up to final victory.

John who received these visons had an advantage over us; he could read what was written on the outside. He immediately knew the content of the scroll.Held in the Father’s right hand and sealed with seven seals, conveys a message to us of its importance. That importance, is underlined by John weeping at the prospect of it remaining unopened.

As it is opened the story that unfolds is one of conflict. It is a conflict between two kingdoms. The kingdom of this world, represented by four horsemen and the kingdom of heaven, represented by the martyrs. It is an age-long conflict lasting from the fall of mankind through to the establishment of the new heavens and new Earth.

John then sees a strong angel who I believe to be Satan. He cries out in a mocking voice, “Who is worthy”. While no one is found worthy, Satan remains the ruler of this world. [John 12:31].

He is worthy

An Elder, not an angel speaks to John. An Elder because this matter concerns creation. “Do not weep. Behold the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

John is being taken back to events that took place many years before when he was a young man. He had watched at the crucifixion, when all seemed lost and had come to nothing. He was there in the garden on resurrection day, when defeat was turned into victory.

Sixty years on, John is allowed to see, in a vision, the scene in heaven on that day. He is allowed to witness the Lamb of God appearing triumphant before His Father’s throne. The Lamb “as though it had been slain.”has taken on Himself the penalty for our sin. The Father on the throne has found Him worthy. The Lamb takes the scroll from Father’s hand.

In response, the whole of heaven erupts in praise. The living creatures and the Elders fall down in worship before the Lamb. The Elders, who represent mankind, cry out in praise,“you were slain and have redeemed us to God by your blood.”Our victory and the victory of the kingdom of God is because of His victory. From that day on the redeemed and all of creation, can and will give all the glory to the Father and the Son, for ever and ever.

Mary Magdalene

The Holy Spirit led John to record in his gospel, a scene that may seem to be a quaint little aside. On this glorious resurrection day standing just outside the empty tomb was a weeping heartbroken young woman (John 20:11–18). She pours her heart out to one she thinks is the gardener. This story is the most beautiful testimony to the character of our Saviour. In the Psalms it is said that“He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds”.Here we find Jesus, in meeting Mary, doing just that. He comes to comfort her and help her take in the good news.

But note, He goes on to say, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to my Father.”We go back to the vision of heaven: The Father on the throne, the living creatures, the Elders and more than 200 million angels all waiting expectantly on this the most glorious of all days. What do we find Jesus doing? Taking time to comfort the broken hearted. Such is His love for those who love him. 

The Seals

Chapter 6 through to chapter 8 verse 1, cover the opening of the scroll. As each seal is opened the content of the scroll is revealed. They summarise a conflict that has been in progress throughout history.

• The first seal reveals a man who goes out to conquer. In Genesis chapter 10 we read of Nimrod. He was the first man to build an empire. After him many others have followed. They are deceived by Satan, into coveting power and the control of their fellow men. As an aside, it is interesting to note that while Islam generally rejects the Bible, claiming that it has been corrupted, these verses are accepted. Both Sunni and Shiite see this as a reference to the coming Mahdi. Before his fall from power, Saddam Husseindisplayed many posters in Baghdad portraying him as a medieval knight riding a white horse. He saw himself as the fulfilment of this prophecy.
• The second seal reveals that the aftermath of conquest is not peace, but war. Empires rise against each other as each seek to gain more power.
• The third seal describes famine, the inevitable consequence of war. The wheat and barley are sold at prices ordinary people cannot afford. Luxuries such as oil and wine, symbols of prosperity, are even further out of reach.
• The fourth seal reveals that the end result of Satan’s kingdom is death. The history of the world has been summed up in the rise and fall of empires. The desire to conquer and control has always been followed by war, famine and death. At the end of the age, the Antichrist will finally fulfil these prophecies. Despite his promise of peace, his reign will bring war, famine and death.
• When the fifth seal is opened we see the other kingdom. The history of the kingdom of God seems to be a story of defeat. The world appears triumphant while the kingdom of God appears weak. The martyrs are told to be patient. They must wait until their number is complete. God will judge sinners but in His own time. The overview of the conflict between the kingdoms, ends with the wrath of God. Jesus spoke of the sun being darkened and the moon not giving its light and the stars falling from the sky in reference to His coming and the day of judgement following the reign of the Antichrist. The prophets also described the great and terrible day of the Lord in the same terms.
• As the sixth seal is opened the people of the earth will wish that they could die rather than face the Lamb of God. There is no escape, not even death can protect, for all will be held to account before the throne of God. 

144,000

We now have a word for the people of Israel. There are 12,000 from each tribe with the exception of Dan. Nothing more is said about them other than they are sealed. They are sealed before any harm is done to the earth, sea and trees.

The precise numbering emphasises that God is watching over His people. Not one whom God has sealed will be lost. He will protect them through these troubled times.In Ezekiel 9:4 those who mourn over the sins of Israel are sealed and protected. These are the remnant of Israel, who although for a time are blind to their Messiah, will on that day when He returns, come to faith in him.

The tribe of Dan is missing in order to emphasise that this is still a salvation by faith. Dan was the only tribe who failed to have the faith to claim their inheritancein the Promised Land. Judges 18:1

At the beginning of this vision, John wept because no one could open the scroll. He thought that the battle had been lost and Satan was victorious. Now he sees the fruit of the victory, a great multitude from every tribe and nation. The multitude has come out of the great tribulation that in the context of this passage refers to the whole time in which the battle between the kingdoms has raged.

The Seventh Seal

The silence is the peace following war. The conflict between the two kingdoms is ended. There is a new Heaven and a new Earth, which will enjoy peace forever and ever.