1 Then I saw a scroll in the right hand of the One seated on the throne. It had writing on both sides and was sealed with seven seals.

2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?”

3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or look inside it.

— Revelation 5:1-3

In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!”

— Revelation 5:12

18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers,

19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.

20 He was known before the foundation of the world, but was revealed in the last times for your sake.

21 Through Him you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him; and so your faith and hope are in God.

— 1 Peter 1:18-21

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace and mercy from our Savior Jesus Christ to you.

Revelation 5 continues to describe the scene within God’s heavenly throne room. The amazing scene leaves no doubt that God rules all creation. A sudden shift in focus centers all eyes on Jesus Christ—the once-slain, now risen Lamb of God—and an unopened scroll. When John saw God the Creator, worshipped by the 24 elders and four living creatures, sitting on the throne and holding a sealed scroll in His right hand, a mighty angel loudly proclaims the need for someone with credentials and power to open the scroll.

The question: “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” reverberates in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. No one, not even a majestic angel, is found worthy to open the seven seals on the scroll and look inside it. The scroll represents God’s declaration concerning His kingdom—a description of events relating to His plan to save the faithful and judge the wicked. The seven seals guarantee the authenticity of the scroll. As each seal broke, a little more of the scroll could be unrolled to expose the next section of content. In this universe only Jesus Christ is worthy to open the scroll of God’s eternal plan.