Who Is Worthy?

KEY VERSE: “You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals, for you were slaughtered and by your blood you ransomed for God saints from every tribe and language and people and nation.” —Revelation 5:9, New Revised Standard Version

SELECTED SCRIPTURE: Revelation, chapters 4 and 5

THE TWO CHAPTERS of Revelation 4 and 5 are often described as the ‘throne scene’. John was said to be “in the Spirit” (Rev. 4:2), and was able to perceive mentally the throne of God, which he describes in great detail.

He saw a beautiful picture of god and his attributes of wisdom, justice, power and love as represented by the four living creatures in Revelation 4:6-11. God’s throne was surrounded by twenty-four thrones, and on these thrones sat twenty-four elders. The identification of these elders has been a subject of much debate among Bible students. We know that they are closely associated with the four living creatures representing God’s attributes, and that they give answers to difficult questions that are raised. In the 5th chapter of Revelation, John sees the Heavenly Father seated on a magnificent throne holding a book, or a scroll sealed with seven seals. There is a mighty angel who asks, “Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose [or break] the seals thereof?”—vss. 1,2.

“No one in heaven or on earth, or under the earth was able to open the scroll [book] or to look into it.” (Rev. 5:3, NRSV.) John’s reaction was to weep much because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to read it. It was at this point in the drama that one of the elders said to John, “Do not weep; see the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” (vs. 5) By this language we are reminded of two Old Testament prophecies. One is in Genesis 49:9, and the other in Isaiah 11:1-5, both pertaining to Jesus.

Immediately when these words were spoken John saw “a Lamb as it had been slain,” in the midst of the throne taking the scroll from the hand of God. At that time the four living creatures—God’s attributes—and the twenty four elders fell before the Lamb, and said, “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals.”—vs.9

This was an acknowledgment and approval by all God’s attributes and the basic principles of his righteous laws that Jesus had fulfilled all the obligations required to execute God’s righteous plan as concealed in the writings of the scroll. There can be no doubt that Jesus is indeed worthy of all honor bestowed upon him, and to be placed at the Father’s right hand. What a wonderful Savior we have!

The King James Version of Revelation 5:9 obscures an important basic truth. The language appears to be saying that the four living creatures and twenty-four elders are the ones redeemed or ransomed by the blood of the Lamb.

The New Revised Standard Version makes this matter clear. God’s attributes—as personified by the four living creatures—and the elders proclaim the Lamb’s worthiness, and say, “By your blood you ransomed for God saints from every tribe and language and people and nation … to be a kingdom and priests.” Later, we read of these who shall share in the first resurrection: “They shall be priests of God and shall reign with him a thousand years.”—Rev. 20:6

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