Revelation 5 Meaning: There Is Only One Who Can Open the Scroll
Bible Study Guide
What he saw was deeply troubling. It was equally difficult to understand. It was a lot for one man to bear. His face turned pale. The vision disturbed him.
He asked for an interpretation. But none was given. But as the visions kept coming, his spirit became more troubled. Finally, he was told to roll up and seal all that he had seen and written about.
“But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.” (Daniel 12:4)
Fortunately for us, Daniel’s visions written in the scrolls of his time have been opened and revealed to us through the book of Daniel. Today, many have gone here and there to understand what Daniel’s visions meant.
Today, we clearly understand what the meaning of the visions are and how they lead us into the book of Revelation. In fact, the book of Daniel is considered to be a prerequisite to the book of Revelation.
By understanding the message of Daniel, one can better understand why and how we got to the message of Revelation.
Unlike Daniel’s scroll, the scroll that we’re about to see here in Revelation can only be opened by the One who is worthy.
The Scroll and the Lamb: Meaning of Revelation 5 (Revelation 5:1)
(Verse 1) John begins this chapter with the word “then.” This indicates that it’s a continuation of the previous worship scene that John described in chapter 4. But now, John draws the attention of the reader to a scroll in the right hand of God as He sits on the throne. But who can open the scroll?
God is holding this scroll in His right as He’s about to give it to His Son who is seated at His right hand. It symbolizes the rightful inheritance of all creation promised to Christ by His Father.
The Seven Seals and the Seven Judgments
In ancient days, kings would wear a signet on a chain around their neck or as part of a ring or even as an independent stamp. The signet would have a carved emblem of the seal of the king.
Any documents or letters by the king would be rolled up and sealed with a drop of wax and stamped with the signet. This would indicate the authenticity of the document. Especially in the form of a letter. It would show authenticity and prevent any forgery or altering of the document before it was received by the recipient.
In the case of this Revelation scroll, John witnesses the authenticity of the scroll with the seals of God. The seven seals firmly holding into place the words of prophecy and the deed to Christ’ inheritance.
Each seal will symbolize the progressive release of the wrath of God “upon the whole world to test the inhabitants of earth.”
But first, we must get past a small problem.
Who Is Worthy to Open the Scroll? (Revelation 5:2-4)
(Verses 2-4) Is anyone worthy to open this scroll?
John’s attention is drawn, not just to any angel but a mighty angel. This angel declares a problem associated with this scroll.
Imagine the scene for a moment. John writes of the worship and praise for God. The whole scene crescendo’s to a heavenly chorus directed to the Father. Just when John expected something big to happen, like the introduction of the guest of honor, everything comes to a screeching halt.
Who can open this scroll that has all eyes fixed upon it? This causes John to well up with anticipation only to suddenly fall into a state of sorrow. He tells John that Jesus is the one and only one worthy to open the seven seals of the scroll.
An overwhelming feeling of relief and joy must’ve washed over John as he learns his best friend and Savior is the one worthy to receive and open the scroll.
Jesus is referred to in this passage by three Old Testament names given Him through prophecy of His coming:
- Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah
- The Root of David
- The Lamb who was slain
The Lamb Who Was Slain Can Open the Scroll (Revelation 5:6)
(Verse 6) Can we get a drum roll, please! The moment everyone has been waiting for. The arrival of the guest of honor, the suffering servant, the Savior of the world arrives. John sees a symbol of Christ as the suffering servant. The Lamb who was slain. The One who bore the sins of the world. Who washed us by His blood so that we might receive salvation through Him.
Jesus first came to this world as a suffering and humble servant. He now reappears as the wrath of God. For all who rejected Him and His free gift of salvation, God’s wrath is about to take hold. Christ is about to unleash this wrath upon the world.
Let Heaven and Nature Sing! (Revelation 5:7-14)
(Verses 7-9) Remember the praise and worship that John witnessed before his attention turned to the scroll. Well, we haven’t seen anything yet. A somber scene of weeping is about to turn to an event of intense praise and worship.
As Jesus take and open the scroll from His Fathers right hand, the chorus of heaven breaks out in a new song. Led first by the living creatures and the twenty four elders. With instruments in hand, offering up of prayers of Christians from around the world, they being the worship and praise ceremony as the bow around Christ.
(Verse 10) This portion of the song points to a future event where Christ will return with the His church (believers). And He will set up His Millennial kingdom where they will rule and reign with Him for a thousand years.
(Verses 11-12) Heaven is about to start rocking as John sees angels too numerous to number join in the heavenly chorus. They’ll sing Jesus’ praise as the only One worthy to receive God’s inheritance.
The emotions flowing through John’s body must’ve been overwhelming at the least. Every emotion of love, honor, praise and glory for His Savior was coursing through his veins. Remember, the three years that John followed Jesus during His ministry, he never witnessed this exaltation, worship and praise of His Lord. He witnessed more of the opposite. But those times were over.
(Verses 13-14) Just when you thought the volume of praise and worship in heaven for the Lamb couldn’t get any louder, every living creature joins the heavenly symphony. What a scene!
Unfortunately, things are about to take a very dark turn.
Closing Reflection
As we consider the Revelation 5 meaning, we are reminded of the timeless maxim: “The New Testament is in the Old concealed, and the Old Testament is in the New revealed.” From the first words of Genesis to the final amen of Revelation, Scripture tells one unified story—God’s plan of redemption through Jesus Christ.
In Revelation 5, the question echoes through heaven: “Who is worthy to open the scroll?” No angel, no prophet, no earthly king steps forward. All of creation stands silent… until the Lamb appears. Here we see the full unveiling of what the Old Testament anticipated—the One promised, the perfect sacrifice, the Lion who came as a Lamb. He alone can open the scroll, because He alone conquered sin, death, and the grave.
This chapter draws our hearts back to the central truth of the entire Bible: we need a Savior, and God has provided Him. Every prophecy, every symbol, every story whispers His name. And in Revelation 5, that whisper becomes a thunderous proclamation—Jesus Christ is worthy.
May this truth anchor our faith, deepen our worship, and remind us that the entire sweep of Scripture points to the One who redeemed us and will soon reign over all. Amen.
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus,
We lift our hearts in worship to You—the only One who is worthy to open the scroll. Thank You for being the Lamb who was slain, the Savior promised from the very beginning, and the King who will reign forever. As all of Scripture points to You, let our lives point to You as well. Strengthen our faith, deepen our awe, and keep our eyes fixed on the day when heaven’s song becomes our own.
In Your mighty and matchless name, Amen.
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