Chuck Smith: The Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ - Chapter 5

Pastor Chuck Smith teaches on Revelation Chapter 5, exploring the powerful symbolism of the sealed scroll in God’s right hand—often understood as the title deed to the Earth. He explains how Jesus redeemed the world through His death and victory over Satan, emphasizing the ongoing spiritual battle for worshipers and ultimate authority over the Earth.

Pastor Chuck also highlights Christ’s redemptive work, the unfolding of future prophetic events, and the vital importance of accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior for personal salvation. Above all, he underscores Jesus’ unique worthiness to redeem the world and calls believers to examine their relationship with God.

As Jesus said in John 6:37: “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.”

The Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ - Chapter 5

We are back in the Book of Revelation, Chapter 5.

John is in heaven, and the first thing that captures his attention is the throne of God—the glory of the throne and the One who sits upon it. He observes the cherubim worshiping around the throne, and then watches the twenty-four elders respond as they fall on their faces before God, casting their golden crowns upon the glassy sea. They declare the worthiness of God to receive glory, honor, and power.

Then John’s attention is drawn to a scroll in the right hand of Him who sits upon the throne. This scroll has writing on both the inside and the outside, and it is sealed with seven seals. John says, “I saw in the right hand of Him that sat on the throne a book” (King James), but more literally, a scroll. They did not have bound books in those days. Instead, papyrus sheets were rolled into scrolls, sometimes up to 20 feet long.

John then sees a strong angel proclaim with a loud voice:
“Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?”

No man in heaven, on earth, or under the earth was found worthy to open or even look at the scroll. John says, “I wept much”—literally, “I sobbed convulsively”—because no one was worthy to open or read the scroll.

The Scroll as the Title Deed to Earth

Many commentators, and I agree with them, believe the scroll represents the title deed to the earth. Within it are the terms of redemption.

• In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth belonged to Him by virtue of divine creation.
• God then gave the earth to man. When Adam was created, he was told to have dominion, to care for it, and to treasure it as a gift from God.
• But when Satan tempted Eve, and Adam followed in disobedience, man left the Kingdom of God and entered the kingdom of Satan—death and darkness. In doing so, Adam and Eve forfeited the earth into Satan’s control.

Paul later calls Satan “the god of this world.” Jesus Himself referred to him as “the prince of this world.”

When Jesus came, His purpose was to redeem the world back to God. He would not do so by bowing to Satan, but by going to the cross—paying the price with His own blood. As Peter wrote:

“We are not redeemed with silver or gold from our empty way of life, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” (1 Peter 1:18–19)

No Man Can Redeem the World

Throughout history, men have attempted to redeem or control the world—but all have failed, creating greater destruction. No ruler, no government, no philosophy can save mankind. Only Jesus Christ, the Lamb who was slain, is worthy.

This truth broke John’s heart, and he wept at the thought of Satan retaining control forever. But one of the elders said:

“Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.”

The Lamb Who Was Slain

John looked and saw, not a lion, but a Lamb as though it had been slain. This Lamb bore the marks of sacrifice, yet stood alive in the center of heaven’s throne. He had seven horns (symbolizing complete power) and seven eyes (symbolizing complete knowledge), representing the omnipotence and omniscience of Christ.

When the Lamb took the scroll from the right hand of God, all of heaven erupted in worship. The cherubim and elders fell down before Him with harps and golden bowls of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

They sang a new song:

“You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals,
for You were slain,
and You have redeemed us to God by Your blood
out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation.
You have made us kings and priests to our God,
and we shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:9–10)

All Creation Joins in Worship

The worship expands as angels—numbering in the hundreds of millions—lift their voices:

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
to receive power and riches and wisdom,
and strength and honor and glory and blessing!”

Finally, every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, and in the sea declares:

“Blessing and honor and glory and power
be to Him who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb, forever and ever!”

The cherubim say “Amen,” and the twenty-four elders fall down and worship Him who lives forever and ever.

A Preview of What’s Ahead

This chapter closes with heaven acknowledging the Lamb’s worthiness and authority to redeem the world. In Chapter 6, the seals will begin to be broken, unleashing judgments upon the earth. These events mark the beginning of the Great Tribulation.

But notice: in Chapter 5, the Church is already in heaven, singing the song of the redeemed. Jesus promised, “Pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:36).

Invitation

This chapter reminds us:

• Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10–11).
• The question is when you will make that confession. Doing so now, by faith, brings salvation. Waiting until later, when it is forced, brings only judgment.

If you have not yet surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, now is the time. Call upon Him while He is near.

Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it! Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. Redeemed through His infinite mercy—His child and forever I am.