Apocalipse 5
Warren Wiersbe · Citado em PreceptAustin
Apocalipse 5
Wiersbe has an interesting thought on the phrase front and back - The fact that the scroll is written on both sides shows that nothing more can be added to it; the destiny of the sinful world is determined. (BORROW Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament ) Marvin Vincent on front and back - Indicating the completeness of the divine counsels contained in the book. Rolls written on both sides were called opistographi. Pliny the younger says that his uncle, the elder Pliny, left him an hundred and sixty commentaries, most minutely written, and written on the back, by which this number is multiplied. A T
Apocalipse 5
Wiersbe - Heaven sings about the Cross and the blood! I read about a denomination that revised its official hymnal and removed all songs about the blood of Christ. That hymnal could never be used in heaven, because there they glorify the Lamb slain for the sins of the world. (Borrow Be Victorious) Having seven (hepta) horns (keras) and seven (hepta) eyes which are the seven (hepta) Spirits (pneuma) of God (theos), sent out (apostello) into all the earth (ge) - Seven (hepta) horns speak of His omnipotence while seven (hepta) eyes speak of His omniscience (cf Col 2:3+, 2Chr 16:9, Pr 15:3+). He will be victorious over all His enemies and will rule in perfect righteousness and justice as prophesied in Isaiah 11:1-3, 4,10+. It is surprising that some writers interpret the seven spirits of God as angelic beings, but this is clearly a reference to the sevenfold ministry of the Holy Spirit as in Rev 4:5+. The Spirit sent out refers to His mission to planet earth (e.g., Jn 16:8). This verse speaks to the fullness of the Spirit which Jesus experienced in His ministry as a Man (cf Lk 4:1, 14+, Acts 10:37-38+, and also note the Spirit's active role even after His resurrection in Acts 1:2+). A T
Apocalipse 5
Wiersbe adds incense "is a symbolic reminder that God remembers the prayers of His people, “Thy kingdom come” (see Matt. 6:10). Note in Rev 6:9–11 and Rev 8:1–6 that God will one day answer the prayers of His people who have suffered persecution and trial because of their faith. For hundreds of years, God’s people have been praying for the return of Christ and the righting of wrongs in the world; one day God will answer those prayers." (BORROW Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament) Robert Murray M’Cheyne - “If the veil of the world’s machinery were lifted off, how much we would find is done in answer to the prayers of God’s children.” Which are the prayers (proseuche) of the saints (hagios) - John makes a parenthetical statement giving his inspired interpretation of the meaning of the incense (so we do not have to guess!). It is interesting that prayers precede the praise in the next passage. The saints (hagios) of course is not an "elite" group of exceptional believers but ALL believers (cf Ro 1:7). THOUGHT - What prayers might be part of this incense that could be related to the Lamb taking the scroll and breaking the seals? Saints throughout the ages have prayed this prayer "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven." (Mt 6:10). Now compare Rev 11:15 which says "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.”Rev 12:10 adds "Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come." Could the future realization of His kingdom be an answer to the countless pleas of God's children for His kingdom to come? You may have wondered from time to time "Do my prayers even matter to God? Do they really make a difference?" This passage suggests they are important to God. Leon
Apocalipse 5
Wiersbe has a fascinating observation - The elders sing, but the angelic creatures “say with a loud voice.” There is no evidence in the Bible that angels sing. Job 38:7 states that, at Creation, the “sons of God [angels] shouted for joy.” The “Christmas angels” of Luke 2:13–14 praised God by “saying,” not singing. The multitudes of angels in heaven joined their voices in a great shout of praise when the Lamb took the scroll, but they did not sing. Singing is a privilege reserved for the saints of God who have experienced the joy of salvation. There are many things angels can do that saints cannot; but an angel cannot experience salvation, nor can he sing with the saints the praises of the Lamb." (BORROW Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament) For - Term of explanation. This is one of the more important "for's" in the Bible, for it explains how Jesus was WORTHY to take the scroll and break the seals, unleashing the final acts of redemption of the earth. You were slain (sphazo), and purchased (agorazo) for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation - This is surely one of the greatest verses in the entire Bible! Were slain is a description of His crucifixion. This verse explains why the Lamb was slain. It was so that His blood might pay the price to set the captives free from slavery to sin (1Co 6:19-20+, 1Co 7:23), Satan, this godless world system and from the fear of death. (See 1Pe 1:18-19+, Mt 20:28, 26:28, Ep 1:7, Col 1:14, 1Jn 1:7, 2:2, Rev 1:5, cf Ex 12:3-6, 7, 22-23) Christ bought us with blood making us His property! As an aside, Jesus did not pay Satan to redeem His sheep! THOUGHT - Beloved, as bondservants of Christ, we must live daily with the remembrance that we are not our own, but that we have been bought with the price of the precious blood of the Lamb (1Pe 1:18-19+) and now should live to glorify God in our body (1Co 6:19-20+). This truth begs a question -- Am I glorifying God in my body today or am I using my body to "glorify"/gratify my fallen flesh (Ro 13:14NIV+, Gal 5:16b+, Eph 2:3NIV+)? Our body can only serve one master (Mt 6:24+). Choose for yourselves today who you will serve, whether the dead gods of this world or the living God (Joshua 24:15+). Henry
Apocalipse 5
Wiersbe - Christ alone is worthy of praise. It is interesting to contrast this doxology with the earthly life of Christ. His enemies said He was worthy of death (John 19:7), but the angels say He is worthy of praise. Men accused Him of working by the power of Satan (Matt. 12:24), but the angels say He is worthy of power. He became poor for our sakes (2 Cor. 8:9), but He deserves all riches. “The preaching of the cross is foolishness” to sinful man (1 Cor. 1:18), but it is wisdom to the angels. On earth, Jesus was “crucified in weakness” (2 Cor. 13:4), but in heaven He is lauded for His power. Dishonored on earth, He is honored in glory. Made a curse on the cross, He is today both the recipient and bestower of blessing. (BORROW Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament) Reformation Study Bible - In spiritual battle, both God and Satan claim allegiances on a universal scale (7:9; 10:11; 11:9; 12:5; 13:7; 14:6, 8; 15:4; 17:15; 18:3; 19:15; 20:3). Through the merit and power of Christ's sacrifice, God's purposes will be accomplished, fulfilling the Abrahamic promise of blessing to all nations (7:9-17; 21:24-27; Gen. 12:3; 22:18; Isa. 60:1-5). ILLUSTRATION - Perhaps you heard about the Christian who was against foreign missions but somehow happened to attend a missionary rally. When they passed the offering plate, he told the usher, “I don’t believe in missions!” “Then take something out,” said the usher. “It’s for the heathen.” (Wiersbe) Purchased (bought with a price) (59) agorazo from agora = the market place, place of public assembly, town square where things such as slaves were presented for sale or where trials were held) literally means to buy or make purchases in the marketplace, doing business in the agora (Mt 13:44), acquiring something (goods or services) in exchange for money, transferring ownership from seller to buyer. Agorazo meant to secure the rights to someone by paying a price and thus acquiring them as one's property (as in 1Co 6:20 and 1Co 7:23, referring to false teachers in 2Pe 2:1+). Agorazo means "to cause the release or freedom of someone by a means which proves costly to the individual causing the release Gerald Cowen notes that agorazo "is especially common in deeds of sale, such as in the purchase of houses; however, its most noted use is to refer to the purchase of slaves. This use is cited by Deissmann in a will dated around 133 B.C. He expresses the opinion that Paul used the very formula found in these records in the New Testament. The third word is lutroo. This means "to redeem by paying a price." It is commonly used in connection with redeeming articles that had been pawned, such as a cloak (Moulton and Milligan). It is also used in pagan religion to express the idea "freeing a soul from death." (Salvation Word Studies) Agorazo -30x/30v - bought(9), buy(11), buying(3), buys(2), make the purchase(1), purchased(3), spend(1). Matt. 13:44; Matt. 13:46; Matt. 14:15; Matt. 21:12; Matt. 25:9; Matt. 25:10; Matt. 27:7; Mk. 6:36; Mk. 6:37; Mk. 11:15; Mk. 15:46; Mk. 16:1; Lk. 9:13; Lk. 14:18; Lk. 14:19; Lk. 17:28; Lk. 22:36; Jn. 4:8; Jn. 6:5; Jn. 13:29; 1 Co. 6:20; 1 Co. 7:23; 1 Co. 7:30; 2 Pet. 2:1; Rev. 3:18; Rev. 5:9; Rev. 13:17; Rev. 14:3; Rev. 14:4; Rev. 18:11 D L Moody - They sung a new song. Peter Mackenzie, a Wesleyan preacher in England was once preaching from the text, “And they sung a new song,” and he said: “Yes, there will be singing in heaven, and when I get there I shall want to have David with his harp, and Paul and Peter and other saints, gather round for a sing. And I will announce a hymn from the Wesleyan Hymnal. Let us sing hymn No. 749, ‘My God, my Father, while I stray.’ “But some one will say: ‘That won’t do. You are in heaven, Peter; there is no straying here.’ And I will say, Yes that is so. Let us sing No. 651, ‘Though waves and storms go o’er my head.’ But another saint will say, ‘Peter, you are in heaven now, you forget that there are no storms here.’ Well, I will try again. No. 536, ‘Into a world of ruffians sent.’ ‘Peter! Peter!’ some one will say; ‘we will put you out unless you stop giving out inappropriate hymns,’ and then I will ask, ‘What shall we sing?’ And they will all say, ‘Sing the new song, the song of Moses and the Lamb.’ ” James Smith - THE PRIESTHOOD OF BELIEVERS REVELATION 5:9, 10 It is well for us to keep in mind the difference between priesthood and apostleship. The priest represented the people before God, the apostle represents God before the people. Jesus Christ was both Apostle and High Priest. God’s purpose in grace was to manifest Himself to man; this He might have done without any human medium, but it pleased Him to call Aaron and his sons, that they might, through sacrifice, act as mediators between Him and the people, thus shadowing forth Him who was to be the great High Priest and only Mediator between God and man. Christ was a Priest after the order of Melchisedec—royal priesthood—having no predecessor and no successor. By His birth He set aside the Aaronic priesthood, by His death the veil of the temple was rent in twain. He offered Himself a sacrifice, and entered “by His own blood.” Now we who believe have been redeemed to God by His blood and made unto God kings and priests. I. Our Calling. No man taketh this honour unto himself but he that, is called of God, as was Aaron (Heb. 5:4). Aaron was chosen of God, and his sons were chosen with him (Lev. 8:2). We are chosen in Christ—and what a mystery—before the foundation of the world. The sons of Aaron were priests by birth. There is no other way of getting into the priesthood that God accepts and owns but by being “born from above.” Neither a priestly robe nor a priestly profession constituted a priest; the sons of Aaron were priests independently of these. In these days it is to be feared that many are substituting the robe and the profession for the call of God. II. Our Character. 1. WE ARE CLEANSED. “Aaron and his sons were washed with water” (Lev. 8:6). Whom He calls, them He also justifies. The call of God implies cleansing from all sin. Called to be holy. There can be no fitness for service till the question of sin has been settled and guilt put away. “Except I wash thee thou hast no part with Me.” 2. WE ARE CLOTHED. “And Moses brought Aaron’s sons, and put coats upon them” (v. 12). Aaron, as a type of our great High Priest, wears the “breastplate,” and is clothed with robes of “glory and beauty;” the sons, as representing believers, put on the “pure linen,” which speaks of the righteousness of the saints, which is the righteousness of God unto all, and upon all them that believe. 3. WE ARE CLAIMED. “The blood was put upon their ear, hand, and foot” (Lev. 8:24). The blood speaks of redemption, redeemed to God, and claimed by God—“priests unto God” (Rev. 5:10). The blood-sprinkled foot, hand, and ear may remind us of a blood-purchased body, soul, and spirit. Ye are not your own, ye are bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your bodies and spirits, which are His. 4. WE ARE SANCTIFIED. The anointing oil was sprinkled upon them and upon their garments (v. 30). This holy anointing shadows forth the blessing of Pentecost. The precious ointment flowed from the head of Aaron, the high priest, down to the skirts of his garments. This was fulfilled at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit, typified by the oil, was poured out over the head of Him who is our great High Priest, down to “your sons and daughters” (Acts 2:17), who are as the skirts of His garments. No priest was allowed to officiate without this anointing; before we can be “priests unto God” we must be anointed with this heavenly oil. For what is called “Divine service” there must needs be a Divine fitness. III. Our Privilege. 1. WE ARE PRIESTS UNTO GOD. As ambassadors, we are sent forth for God. It is to be lamented that these offices are so largely confounded among men in their Christian practice. Before God, we should ever come with solemn, sacred, humble, heart-felt awe. As priests, there must be no frivolity, no pretence nor unreality. Before men, as witnesses, there must be no flinching, no wavering, or cowardliness; the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, must be told out. Alas, when men invert this order, and bring the brazen face to God and the velvet tongue to the ungodly. 2. AS PRIESTS, WE HAVE LIBERTY OF ACCESS. Only the priest was allowed to pass through the veil into the presence of God. Oh, what grace to be permitted to stand before God! By Him—who was sacrificed for us—we also have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God (Rom. 5:2). Liberty of access surely implies liberty of success. 3. AS PRIESTS, WE OFFER SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES (1 Peter 2:5). The world sets little value on a humble “broken spirit,” but it is a sacrifice of sweet savour unto God (Psa. 51:17). May we so be saved from all pride and self-will, that the incense of a “broken spirit” may ever ascend. If this is our character and condition we shall be well fitted to offer the sacrifice of praise which shall glorify God. 4. AS PRIESTS, WE MAKE INTERCESSION. Abraham acted the priest when he pleaded for Sodom; Moses, when he interceded for the people; Paul, when he prayed for Israel. What a privilege and power prayer is! And it is within the reach of every Christian. Many may not be able to sing or preach, but all can “make intercession.” If as priests we were more frequently in the secret place of the closet, we would prevail more as princes with God and with man. The people of Israel were blessed after the priest had been in the presence of God. So our Father will not reward us openly as witnesses unless we have been much with Him secretly as priests (Matt. 6:6). Believer, are you using this privilege as you ought?
Apocalipse 5
Wiersbe points out that "We “reign in life” as we yield to Christ and allow His Spirit to work in us (Ro 5:17 = "For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned (basileuo) through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign (basileuo) in life through the One, Jesus Christ.")....this song was a prophetic hymn: “We shall reign on the earth” (Rev. 5:10). When Jesus Christ returns to earth, He will establish His righteous kingdom for 1,000 years; and we shall reign with Him (Rev. 20:1–6). The prayers of the saints, “Thy kingdom come!” will then be fulfilled. Creation shall then be set free from bondage to sin (Isa. 11:1–10; Rom. 8:17–23), and Christ shall reign in justice and power. (BORROW Be Victorious) Kingdom (932) basileia from basileus = a sovereign, king, monarch) denotes sovereignty, royal power, dominion. Basileia can also refer to the territory or people over whom a king rules. Basileia in the Revelation - Rev. 1:6; Rev. 1:9; Rev. 5:10; Rev. 11:15; Rev. 12:10; Rev. 16:10; Rev. 17:12; Rev. 17:17; Rev. 17:18 Priests (2409) hiereus from hieros = sacred, holy, consecrated to God, used as a noun to mean a sacred place or temple, cp Mark 11:11; cp English derivative "hierarchy" = leadership) is a sacred or consecrated person who serves deity. Priests in the NT refer primarily to the ceremonial officials of Jesus' day, that group of men who offered Temple sacrifices and carried out the other sacred rites associated with the Jewish Temple and Jewish people (cp Heb 8:4) . Most of the uses of hiereus refer to Jewish priests, but Acts 14:13 refers to a priest of the pagan cult of Zeus (patron little g god of the city of Lystra). Jesus is our Great High Priest, which describes His primary ministry in our behalf today (Heb 7:1, 3, 11, 14, 15, 17, 20, 21, 23), one aspect of that ministry being His continual intercession for us (Heb 7:25, Ro 8:34). Hiereus describes the specific position and not necessarily a priest’s character (e.g., see Lk 10:31 where a priest was a "bad Samaritan" so to speak). In Revelation hiereus describes believers who will rule and reign as priests with Christ the Great Priest (Jesus - Heb 10:21 = See Christ as Priest, Rev 1:6, Rev 5:10, Rev 20:6). Even though the hiereus described religious men, it did not signify necessarily that they were saved (cp Acts 6:7). Reign (become king) (936) basileuo from basileus - a king) means literally to exercise supreme authority at a royal level, to reign over, to be king over (Rev 11:15, 17+ of Jesus' reign in the Millennial Kingdom). Basileuo is used figuratively of death personified as reigning from Adam until Moses (Ro 5:14, 17+), of sin reigning in death and grace reigning through righteousness (Ro 5:21+), in a command by Paul to "not let sin reign (don't let it be king, don't let sin completely control you, implying it will keep trying to usurp the throne from the Lordship of Jesus) in your mortal body" (Ro 6:12+). Paul uses basileuo in biting irony of the "imagined exaltation" of the Corinthians which contrasted with the apostle's lowly lot (1 Cor 4:8+). In 1 Cor 15:25+ basileuo is used in an eschatological sense describing Jesus' Millennial reign in which He will abolish death. In another eschatological passage in Rev 5:10+ (cp Rev 20:4, 6+) the saints of God are given the glorious promise of a priceless privilege that we shall "reign upon the earth." (contrast the tragic truth regarding those who deny Jesus in the related compound verb sumbasileuo in 2 Ti 2:12+). Basileuo - 21x/18v - become kings(2), kings(1), reign(12), reigned(4), reigning(1), reigns(1). - Matt. 2:22; Lk. 1:33; Lk. 19:14; Lk. 19:27; Rom. 5:14; Rom. 5:17; Rom. 5:21; Rom. 6:12; 1 Co. 4:8; 1 Co. 15:25; 1 Tim. 6:15; Rev. 5:10; Rev. 11:15; Rev. 11:17; Rev. 19:6; Rev. 20:4; Rev. 20:6; Rev. 22:5 Revelation 5:11 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, BGT Revelation 5:11 Καὶ εἶδον, καὶ ἤκουσα φωνὴν ἀγγέλων πολλῶν κύκλῳ τοῦ θρόνου καὶ τῶν ζῴων καὶ τῶν πρεσβυτέρων, καὶ ἦν ὁ ἀριθμὸς αὐτῶν μυριάδες μυριάδων καὶ χιλιάδες χιλιάδων KJV Revelation 5:11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; NET Revelation 5:11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels in a circle around the throne, as well as the living creatures and the elders. Their number was ten thousand times ten thousand– thousands times thousands– CSB Revelation 5:11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels around the throne, and also of the living creatures and of the elders. Their number was countless thousands, plus thousands of thousands. ESV Revelation 5:11 Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, NIV Revelation 5:11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. NLT Revelation 5:11 Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders. NRS Revelation 5:11 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living creatures and the elders; they numbered myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, NJB Revelation 5:11 In my vision, I heard the sound of an immense number of angels gathered round the throne and the living creatures and the elders; there were ten thousand times ten thousand of them and thousands upon thousands, NAB Revelation 5:11 I looked again and heard the voices of many angels who surrounded the throne and the living creatures and the elders. They were countless in number, YLT Revelation 5:11 And I saw, and I heard the voice of many messengers round the throne, and the living creatures, and the elders -- and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands -- MIT Revelation 5:11 I also saw and heard the sound of many angels around the throne, the animate creatures, and the senior men. Their number was myriads upon myriads, and thousands of thousands. many: Rev 7:11 1Ki 22:19 2Ki 6:16-18 Ps 103:20 148:2 the throne: Rev 4:4,6,9,10 was: Rev 19:6 De 33:2 Ps 68:17 Da 7:10 Heb 12:22 Related Passages: Daniel 7:10+ “A river of fire was flowing And coming out from before Him; Thousands upon thousands were attending Him, And myriads (murias) upon myriads (murias)were standing before Him; The court sat, And the books were opened. THE NEXT CHORUS OF PRAISE COUNTLESS ANGELS Then I looked, and I heard (akouo) the voice of many angels (aggelos) around the throne (thronos) and the living creatures (note) and the elders (presbuteros) - It is interesting that he looked and yet the next verb is not saw but heard. The next clause implies that he also saw them, but what grabbed his attention here was the chorus of countless angels. I occasionally attend a church which hands out ear plugs because they realize their music is a bit on the loud side. Beloved, we will not need ear plugs for these worship services. We will have "glorified ear drums" (unbreakable)! And the number of them was myriads (murias) of myriads (murias), and thousands of thousands - NET = "ten thousand times ten thousand– thousands times thousands" KJV = "ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands." CSB = "countless thousands, plus thousands of thousands." The double use refers to an innumerable number. John can't not count them but gives an estimate of the huge throng of angels! Let's don't speculate, just anticipate, for one day every believer will see this spectacle for themselves! Glory! What a sight this must have been! What a sight it will be for every blood bought, heaven bound believer!!! NET Note on myriads of myriads - Although murias literally means “10,000,” the point of the combination here may simply be to indicate an incalculably huge number. Myriad (thousands)(3461) murias from murios = countless) represents the number 10,000 (Acts 19:19, five murias = 50,000). It most often denotes a numberless host or vast numbers of men (Luke 12:1; Acts 21:20) or angels (Hebrews 12:22; Jude 14). An indefinite large number - (Luke 12:1; Acts 21:20; Heb. 12:22; Jude 1:14; Rev. 5:11; 9:16; Gen. 24:60; 1 Sam. 21:11). Friberg - (1) literally, as a number myriad, ten thousand (Acts 19.19); (2) plural, in a more general sense of very large numbers myriads, countless thousands ( Rev 5.11) (Borrow Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament) HARK! TEN THOUSAND HARPS AND VOICES Thomas Kelly, 1769–1854 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. In a loud voice they sang: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise.” (Revelation 5:11, 12) As Christians we often reflect about anticipated sights of heaven—golden streets, jasper walls, crystal seas, jeweled crowns … but what about the sounds of heaven? From what we can learn from the Bible, heaven is a place of loud, inspiring sounds and much music. The author of this hymn text, Thomas Kelly, saw with the eye of imagination the thrilling scene in heaven when the thousands upon thousands of angels give praise to Christ for His victorious mission to earth to accomplish man’s redemption. And the thrilling truth is that someday we redeemed mortals will join that heavenly chorus. Throughout the ages our main occupation will be singing and playing our “glories to the King!” Alleluia! This is another triumphant ascension hymn from the pen of Thomas Kelly, one of Ireland’s finest evangelical preachers and spiritual poets of the 19th century. The hymn first appeared in one of Kelly’s collections of hymns published in 1806. It was originally titled “Let All the Angels of God Worship Him.” Hark! ten thousand harps and voices sound the note of praise above; Jesus reigns and heav’n rejoices; Jesus reigns, the God of love. See, He sits on yonder throne: Jesus rules the world alone. Sing how Jesus came from heaven, how He bore the cross below, how all pow’r to Him is given, how He reigns in glory now. ’Tis a great and endless theme—O, ’tis sweet to sing of Him. King of glory, reign forever! Thine an everlasting crown. Nothing from Thy love shall sever those whom Thou hast made Thine own: Happy objects of Thy grace, destined to behold Thy face. Savior, hasten Thine appearing; bring, O bring the glorious day, when, the awful summons hearing, heav’n and earth shall pass away. Then with golden harps we’ll sing, “Glory, glory to our King!” Refrain: alleluia! alleluia! Alleluia! A-men. Ponder anew the sights and sounds of heaven. Let your heart rejoice that you will be a part of that great eternal scene. Begin preparing now with these notes of praise— Praiseworthy I heard the voice of many angels around the throne. —Revelation 5:11 Today's Scripture: Revelation 5 The Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Choir were presenting their annual Christmas concert. Near the conclusion, they were joined by the 4,000 members of the audience in singing, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King.” I got chills when we sang the words, “And heaven and nature sing.” Despite the magnificence of that moment, it was but a faint shadow of the praise that will be raised to the Lamb in heaven. Jesus is worthy of the adoration and praise of all beings: “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). In Revelation 5, we read John’s description of a widening circle of praise to the Lord. It begins with “four living creatures and the twenty-four elders” (v.8). They are joined by angels numbering “ten thousand times ten thousand” (v.11). But that’s not all. Every creature in heaven, on earth, and in the sea will one day sing, “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!” (v.13). You don’t have to wait for that day to sing praise to the Lamb. He is worthy of your praise right now! David C. Egner Joy to the earth! The Savior reigns! Let men their songs employ; While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains Repeat the sounding joy. —Watts Praise is the overflow of a joyful heart. Revelation 5:12 saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing." BGT Revelation 5:12 λέγοντες φωνῇ μεγάλῃ· ἄξιόν ἐστιν τὸ ἀρνίον τὸ ἐσφαγμένον λαβεῖν τὴν δύναμιν καὶ πλοῦτον καὶ σοφίαν καὶ ἰσχὺν καὶ τιμὴν καὶ δόξαν καὶ εὐλογίαν. KJV Revelation 5:12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. NET Revelation 5:12 all of whom were singing in a loud voice: "Worthy is the lamb who was killed to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and praise!" CSB Revelation 5:12 They said with a loud voice: The Lamb who was slaughtered is worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing! ESV Revelation 5:12 saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" NIV Revelation 5:12 In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" NLT Revelation 5:12 And they sang in a mighty chorus: "Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered-- to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing." NRS Revelation 5:12 singing with full voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" NJB Revelation 5:12 loudly chanting: Worthy is the Lamb that was sacrificed to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honour, glory and blessing. NAB Revelation 5:12 and they cried out in a loud voice: "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches, wisdom and strength, honor and glory and blessing." YLT Revelation 5:12 saying with a great voice, 'Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive the power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing!' MIT Revelation 5:12 They exclaimed with a loud voice: Worthy is the lamb who was slain, to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, and honor—glory, and praise. Worthy: Rev 5:9 Zec 13:7 to receive: Rev 4:11 7:12 19:1 Mt 28:18 Joh 3:35,36 17:2 2Co 8:9 Php 2:9-11 1Ti 1:17 WORTHY IS THE LAMB Saying with a loud (megas) voice (phone), "Worthy (axios) is the Lamb (arnion) that was slain (sphazo) - The choir takes up a supernatural "megaphone (megas phone)" so to speak, so that all the universe will clearly hear the beautiful sound of this "Seven Fold Praise"! Notice that once again slain is in the perfect tense indicating past completed action (crucifixion) with ongoing (eternal) efficacy, the purchase price for our redemption forever PAID IN FULL (tetelestai) (Jn 19:30+). John
Apocalipse 5
Wiersbe points out that "When He was on earth, people did not ascribe these things to Him; for many of these things He deliberately laid aside in His humiliation. He was born in weakness and He died in weakness; but He is the recipient of all power. He became the poorest of the poor (2 Cor. 8:9), and yet He owns all the riches of heaven and earth. Men laughed at Him and called Him a fool; yet He is the very wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:24; Col. 2:3). He shared in the sinless weaknesses of humanity as He hungered, thirsted, and became weary. Today in glory, He possesses all strength. On earth, He experienced humiliation and shame as sinners ridiculed and reviled Him. They laughed at His kingship and attired Him in a mock robe, crown, and scepter. But all of that is changed now! He has received all honor and glory! And blessing! He became a curse for us on the cross (Gal. 3:13), so that we can never be under the curse of the broken Law. (BORROW Be Victorious) Take my silver and my gold, Not a mite would I withhold; Take my intellect, and use Every power as Thou shalt choose. Power (1411) dunamis from dunamai = to be able, to have power) power especially achieving power. It refers to intrinsic power or inherent ability, the power or ability to carry out some function, the potential for functioning in some way (power, might, strength, ability, capability), the power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature. Vine - (In 2Ti 1:7 dunamis) denotes the ability requisite for meeting difficulties and for the fulfillment of the service committed to us." Dunamis is a key word in the NT being found in 115 verses in the NAS most often in the Gospels and especially by Dr. Luke and in the Revelation translated variously as: ability, 4; meaning, 1; mightily, 1; mighty, 1; miracle, 2; miracles, 17; miraculous powers, 3; power, 83; powers, 6; strength, 2; wealth, 1. Dunamis in the Revelation - Rev. 1:16; Rev. 3:8; Rev. 4:11; Rev. 5:12; Rev. 7:12; Rev. 11:17; Rev. 12:10; Rev. 13:2; Rev. 15:8; Rev. 17:13; Rev. 18:3; Rev. 19:1 Riches (wealth) (4149) ploutos from pletho = to fill) properly denotes abundance, plentitude, and literally is used to refer to material wealth or prosperity (abundance of earthly, temporal goods) which is the meaning in the parable of the seed and the soils (Mt 13:22, Mk 4:19, Lk 8:14 = Material riches are deceitful and choke out reception of the Word of God. Be careful all you wealthy readers! Contrast spiritual riches - Ep 3:8) Indeed, think of the people who know whose whole lives glow with the glory of God for they are rich in spiritual possessions, albeit often poor in material possessions! In Greek Plutus was the god of riches. Liddell-Scott records secular uses of ploutos as referring to treasures of gold, silver, the "riches" of the earth. Our English word plutocrat means one who rules because of his wealth. In Greek the word is connected to pleroma, the word for "fullness" so that a rich person is one who is "full of money or property." Ploutos - 22x/21v - riches(18), wealth(4). Matt. 13:22; Mk. 4:19; Lk. 8:14; Rom. 2:4; Rom. 9:23; Rom. 11:12; Rom. 11:33; 2 Co. 8:2; Eph. 1:7; Eph. 1:18; Eph. 2:7; Eph. 3:8; Eph. 3:16; Phil. 4:19; Col. 1:27; Col. 2:2; 1 Tim. 6:17; Heb. 11:26; Jas. 5:2; Rev. 5:12; Rev. 18:17 Wisdom (4678) sophia compare saphes = clear) is the ability to judge correctly and to follow the best course of action, based on knowledge and understanding. Trench - In Scripture sophia is ascribed only to God or to good men, though it is used in an ironic sense by adding "of this world" (1Cor 1:20), "of this age" (1Cor 2:6), or similar words (2Cor 1:12). None of the children of this world are called sophoi without this tacit or expressed irony (Lk 10:21). They are never more than those "professing to be wise" (Ro 1:22). If sophia includes striving after the best ends as well as using the best means mental excellence in its highest and fullest sense then wisdom cannot be separated from goodness. (Wisdom - Trench's Synonyms of the New Testament) Thayer makes an excellent point that wisdom is "used of the knowledge of very diverse matters, so that the shade of meaning in which the word is taken must be discovered from the context in every particular case." Sophia emphasizes understanding of ultimate things—such as life and death, God and man, righteousness and sin, heaven and hell, eternity and time. Sophia is mental excellence in its highest and fullest sense (Vincent, M. R. Word studies in the New Testament. Vol. 3, Page 1-129). Sophia in the Revelation - Rev. 5:12; Rev. 7:12; Rev. 13:18; Rev. 17:9 Might (2479) ischus (see note by Wayne Barber ischus) refers to “power as an enduement.” Ischus is the inherent ability which stresses the factuality of the ability, not necessarily the accomplishment. Ischus is inherent power or force. A muscular man’s big muscles display his might, even if he doesn’t use them. It is the reserve of strength. Ischus therefore conveys the sense of endowed power or ability. The idea is that it is the active efficacy of the might that is inherent in God, His indwelling strength. Ischus is that strength which one has in possession or ability. One might think of ischus as God's latent power. It is His capability to function effectively. He is able! Ischus - 10v - might(5), power(1), strength(4). Mk. 12:30; Mk. 12:33; Lk. 10:27; Eph. 1:19; Eph. 6:10; 2 Thess. 1:9; 1 Pet. 4:11; 2 Pet. 2:11; Rev. 5:12; Rev. 7:12 Honor (5092) time basically is the worth ascribed to a person or the value ascribed to a thing. Nuances include (1) The amount at which something is valued, the price, value Mt 27:6, 9; Ac 5:2f; 7:16; 19:19. times - for a price 1 Cor 6:20; 7:23. (2) manifestation of esteem, honor, reverence, respect Jn 4:44; Ac 28:10; Ro 2:7,10; 12:10; 13:7; 1 Ti 6:1; 2 Ti 2:20f; 1 Pe 3:7; Rev 4:9; 5:13; 21:26. A right that is specially conferred, a privilege 1Pe 2:7. Respectability 1 Th 4:4. Place of honor, office Heb 5:4. The honor conferred through compensation = Honorarium, compensation may be the sense in 1 Ti 5:17, though honor and respect are also possible.—The expression ouk en time tini Col 2:23 is probably they are of no value in. Time in the Revelation - Rev. 4:9; Rev. 4:11; Rev. 5:12; Rev. 5:13; Rev. 7:12; Rev. 21:26 Glory (1391)(doxa from dokeo = to think) in simple terms means to give a proper opinion or estimate of something. Glory is something that is a source of honor, fame, or admiration. It describes renown, a thing that is beautiful, impressive, or worthy of praise. It follows that the glory of God expresses all that He is in His Being and in His nature, character, power and acts. He is glorified when He is allowed to be seen as He really is. To be where God is will be glory. To be what God intended will be glory. To do what God purposed will be glory. Doxa in the Revelation - Rev. 1:6; Rev. 4:9; Rev. 4:11; Rev. 5:12; Rev. 5:13; Rev. 7:12; Rev. 11:13; Rev. 14:7; Rev. 15:8; Rev. 16:9; Rev. 18:1; Rev. 19:1; Rev. 19:7; Rev. 21:11; Rev. 21:23; Rev. 21:24; Rev. 21:26 Blessing (2129) eulogia from eú = good, well + lógos = word; English = eulogy = a commendatory formal statement) is literally a good word, good speaking, fine speech or praise. Eulogia is the act of speaking favorably (cp Rev 5:12, 13, 7:12).Eulogia can speak of favor or benefit bestowed by God (cp He 12:17, Lxx uses - Ge 49:25, Ex 32:29, Lev 25:41, He 6:7, Ep 1:3, Ro 15:29) or bestowed by people (cp 2Co 9:5, 6) Eulogia - 16x/14v - blessing(11), bountiful gift(2), bountifully(2), flattering speech(1). Rom. 15:29; Rom. 16:18; 1 Co. 10:16; 2 Co. 9:5; 2 Co. 9:6; Gal. 3:14; Eph. 1:3; Heb. 6:7; Heb. 12:17; Jas. 3:10; 1 Pet. 3:9; Rev. 5:12; Rev. 5:13; Rev. 7:12 Rod Mattoon - Notice several things about the song and their worship of the Lord. 1. It was a song of Exaltation... Thou art worthy! 2. It was an Evangelical song. It was about the Gospel... Thou was slain and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood. This word "slain" means "violently slain." The song of heaven is about the blood of Christ and the Cross. The atonement from the slain lamb runs all throughout Scripture from Genesis to the New Testament. In Genesis, we find the ram becoming a sacrifice and substitute for an individual person, Isaac. In Exodus 12, we find the lamb becoming a sacrifice for the family at the Passover. In Isaiah, the lamb dies for the nation of Israel. Isaiah said— Isaiah 53:8—"He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken." In the New Testament, John confirms that the Lamb of God dies for the whole world... John 1:29—"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." 3. It was an Evangelistic song... "redeemed us to God... . out of every kindred (ancestry), tongue (language), people (race), and nation (country or government)." 4. It was an Encouraging song... "and hast made us unto our God kings and priests:" We have the privilege to rule and reign with Christ. 5. It was a song of Expectation... "we shall reign on the earth." Christ will establish His kingdom for 1000 years on this earth when He returns. Our prayer now is "Thy kingdom come!" We shall reign with Him. Luke 22:29, 30—And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. The angels proclaimed with a loud voice a tribute to the Lord that He is worthy to receive several things: • power—He is worthy to have power over our lives, the church, the world. Do you let the Lord lead your life? • riches—He is worthy to have our finances and possessions. Do you tithe and give to the Lord's work? Do you use your possessions for Him such as your car or home? • wisdom—He is worthy to receive our attention and the use of our mind for His glory and service. Use your mind for the Lord! Study the Word of God and memorize Scripture. • strength—He is worthy to receive our strength for His service. Do you use your energy to work for the Lord such as witnessing or bringing people to church? • honor—He is worthy to receive praise from our lips and to honor Him with our life. Do you praise the Lord in front of the heathen? • glory—He is worthy of the devotion of our life in bringing glory to Him. Do you glorify the Lord with your life? • blessing—Do you bless the Lord with your mouth and life? Psalm 103:1—A Psalm of David. Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. The Lamb Wins Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive . . . honor and glory and blessing! —Revelation 5:12 Today's Scripture: Revelation 19:1-21 Spontaneous celebrations of freedom erupted all across Eastern Europe in the late 1980s as atheistic and tyrannical governments suddenly disintegrated. One of the more unusual displays of liberty took place in Czechoslovakia on November 27, 1989. Although church bells had not been heard in that freedom-starved nation for 45 years, at noon that day every church bell in the country began to ring. The pigeons were as startled as the people. A sign placed on the front lawn of a church in Prague summed up the joy of the moment. It read simply: The Lamb Wins. That triumphant message evokes a picture of the meekness and the power of the Lord Jesus Christ. Throughout the pages of Revelation, He is portrayed as the Lamb who redeems us. Yet despite the gentleness represented by a lamb, Jesus is also the mighty Judge who will defeat all who oppose Him. The reign of God’s Messiah will not come peacefully. The imagery of Revelation 19 is full of God’s fierce power and His violent judgment. In that day the nations will gather for a great rebellion against God (v.19), but they will be destroyed in a moment (v.21). The Lamb will win. Praise the Lamb! By: Haddon W. Robinson Every knee in heaven is bending To the Lamb for sinners slain; Every voice and harp is swelling— "Worthy is the Lamb to reign." —Anon. The Lamb who died is the Lord who lives. Worth It, or Worthy? Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain. Revelation 5:12 Today's Scripture & Insight: Revelation 5:6–12 Helen Roseveare, an English missionary physician in the African Congo, was taken prisoner by rebels during the Simba Rebellion in 1964. Beaten and abused by her captors, she suffered terribly. In the days that followed, she found herself asking, “Is it worth it?” As she began to ponder the cost of following Jesus, she sensed God speaking to her about it. Years later she explained to an interviewer, “When the awful moments came during the rebellion and the price seemed too high to pay, the Lord seemed to say to me, ‘Change the question. It’s not, ‘Is it worth it?’ It’s ‘Am I worthy?’ ” She concluded that in spite of the pain she had endured, “Always the answer is ‘Yes, He is worthy.’ ” Through God’s grace at work within her during her harrowing ordeal, Helen Roseveare decided that the Savior who had suffered even death for her was worthy to be followed no matter what she faced. Her words “He is worthy” echo the cries of those surrounding Jesus’ throne in the book of Revelation: “In a loud voice they were saying: ‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!’ ” (5:12). Our Savior suffered and bled and died for us, giving Himself entirely, so that we may freely receive eternal life and hope. His all deserves our all. He is worthy! By: James Banks How does Jesus’ death and resurrection prove He’s greater than any circumstance you face? In what ways will you tell Him He’s worthy today? You are always worthy to be worshiped, Jesus! Please help me to live today in Your presence with a grateful heart. ILLUSTRATION - During the Gulf War of 1991, Robert McNamara, Secretary of Defense under presidents Kennedy and Johnson, and architect of the Vietnam War, was interviewed by Time magazine.72 Mr. McNamara was asked if the U.S. leadership was in control of the war. He said, “Yes, but [President] Bush, [General] Powell, and [Secretary of Defense] Cheney are doing a superb job, but I tell you Jesus Christ himself can’t keep one of these things under control.” (ED: WRONG!) Evidently Mr. McNamara had a very defective view of Jesus Christ. His comment does not reflect the Christology of heaven. In heaven Jesus Christ is known as the “Lion of the tribe of Judah,” who will be the perfect Sovereign of this world in the kingdom to come. In fact one of the lessons of this chapter is that only Jesus Christ can rule this world well. The Fairest Worthy is the Lamb who was slain! — Revelation 5:12 Today's Scripture: Revelation 5:8-14 When I first became a Christian and started attending church at age 19, I immediately fell in love with singing the great hymns of the faith. My heart overflowed with joy and thanksgiving as we sang of God’s love for us in Christ. Soon one of my favorite hymns (from the late 1600s) became “Fairest Lord Jesus!” I love the simplicity of the melody and the awesomeness of the One exalted in these words: Fair is the sunshine, fairer still the moonlight, and all the twinkling starry host: Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer than all the angels heaven can boast. Beautiful Savior! Lord of the nations! Son of God and Son of Man! Glory and honor, praise, adoration now and forevermore be Thine! God’s Son, whom we sing about in this song, came to this earth, lived a perfect life, and gave Himself for us on the cross (Luke 23:33). He arose from the grave (Luke 24:6) and is now seated at God’s right hand (Heb. 1:3). One day we’ll join in worship with thousands upon thousands and say: “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!” (Rev. 5:13). Maybe we’ll sing “Fairest Lord Jesus!” too. Until then, let’s allow Jesus to be “the fairest” above all in our personal lives by seeking wisdom from His Word and following in His ways. By: Anne Cetas We can never praise Jesus too much. In Honor And Memory Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power . . . and honor and glory and blessing! —Revelation 5:12 Today's Scripture: Revelation 5:1-14 On March 21, 1969, a US Marine patrol in Vietnam descended a steep bank to fill their canteens in a stream. As they stooped in 2 feet of water, the area suddenly exploded with gunfire and grenades. Several men were hit. According to an official report, one soldier, with complete disregard for his own safety, assisted several Marines. Despite the heavy fire, he made several trips, until he himself was wounded and unable to continue. Twenty-one years later, one of the men who had been pulled out of the water learned that his rescuer was still alive. So he set out to see that he was recognized for his heroism. The Marine eventually found his friend, Jim Lahr, who was paralyzed from the waist down. With a heart full of appreciation, he finally saw Jim receive a much-deserved Bronze Star. I am deeply moved by this Marine’s desire to honor the one who saved his life. It makes me wonder about the depth of emotion I feel toward the One who paid a far greater price to save my soul. No one deserves the honor that Christ does. No one has sacrificed so much. No wonder all heaven will praise Him forever and ever (Revelation 5:12). Father, forgive us for not giving Your Son the honor He deserves. Fill us with praise for Him. — Mart DeHaan Our Lord is worthy all our days Of all our love and highest praise; He died to take our sin and shame— Oh, bless the Savior's holy name! —Egner Man may be worthy of admiration; only Christ is worthy of adoration. Revelation 5:13 And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, "To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever." BGT Revelation 5:13 καὶ πᾶν κτίσμα ὃ ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς καὶ ὑποκάτω τῆς γῆς καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς θαλάσσης καὶ τὰ ἐν αὐτοῖς πάντα ἤκουσα λέγοντας· τῷ καθημένῳ ἐπὶ τῷ θρόνῳ καὶ τῷ ἀρνίῳ ἡ εὐλογία καὶ ἡ τιμὴ καὶ ἡ δόξα καὶ τὸ κράτος εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. KJV Revelation 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. NET Revelation 5:13 Then I heard every creature– in heaven, on earth, under the earth, in the sea, and all that is in them– singing: "To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be praise, honor, glory, and ruling power forever and ever!" CSB Revelation 5:13 I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them say: Blessing and honor and glory and dominion to the One seated on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever! ESV Revelation 5:13 And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!" NIV Revelation 5:13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!" NLT Revelation 5:13 And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang: "Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever." NRS Revelation 5:13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing, "To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!" NJB Revelation 5:13 Then I heard all the living things in creation -- everything that lives in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and in the sea, crying: To the One seated on the throne and to the Lamb, be all praise, honour, glory and power, for ever and ever. NAB Revelation 5:13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, everything in the universe, cry out: "To the one who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor, glory and might, forever and ever." YLT Revelation 5:13 and every creature that is in the heaven, and in the earth, and under the earth, and the things that are upon the sea, and the all things in them, heard I saying, 'To Him who is sitting upon the throne, and to the Lamb, is the blessing, and the honour, and the glory, and the might -- to the ages of the ages!' MIT Revelation 5:13 Every creature that was in heaven, upon the earth, under the earth, and on the sea and the creatures in them—I heard them all saying: To the one seated on the throne and to the lamb, may there be praise, honor, glory, and power on into the ages forever. every: Rev 5:3 7:9,10 Ps 96:11-13 148:2-13 Lu 2:14 Php 2:10 Col 1:23 such: Isa 24:14 42:10 blessing: Rev 5:12 1:6 1Ch 29:11 Ps 72:18,19 Mt 6:13 Ro 9:5 11:36 16:27 Eph 3:21 1Ti 4:16 1Pe 4:11 5:11 Jude 1:25 him: Rev 4:2,3 and to: Rev 5:6,9 6:16 7:10 Related Passages: Romans 8:21 that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. CRESCENDO OF VOICES AS ALL CREATION JOINS CHORUS And every created thing (ktisma) which is in heaven (ouranos) and on the earth (ge) and under the earth (ge) and on the sea, and all things in them - In Rev 4:11 the worship was sounded forth in response to the truth of God's creation, but now the chorus sounds out in realization of creation's redemption by the Lamb of God. What a majestic moment this will be when all creation will join together to worship the Lamb Who was slain and the glorious One Who sent Him to accomplish redemption for all! The saints of all ages in heaven sing praise With voices and harps to the Ancient of Days; No music on earth with that sound can compare, Yet in that vast chorus our voices will share. —D. De Haan This is a fascinating verse as it recalls Paul's words in Php 2:10-11+ "so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Is this when every knew of every unbeliever will be forced to bow? I am not sure, but we know it will happen at some time because God said it and that settles it whether we fully understand all the details or not! Hampton Keathley suggests "This is the prophecy and fulfillment of Philippians 2:10–11. This means, that even the devil and his demon hosts are brought to this place, in spite of themselves and their defiance of God and Christ’s authority, and their unwillingness to praise Him. Here the angelic conflict will be resolved. Satan will be forced, after all these centuries of blasphemy, slander and accusations against God, to praise God and to admit God and His Son are worthy to be praised. God has placed into the hands of men the decision as to whether or not they will accept Christ as Savior, but the decision as to whether or not they will acknowledge Him as Lord is not theirs to decide. -- John Phillips I heard saying, "To Him who sits (kathemai) on the throne (thronos), and to the Lamb (arnion) , be blessing (eulogia) and honor (time) and glory (doxa) and dominion (kratos) forever (aion) and ever (aion) (lit., unto the ages of the ages)." Saying is present tense describing an ongoing chorus of praise. Dominion (kratos) stresses the power of God, especially ruling power or sovereignty, which none can withstand and which exercises dominion over all creation and assures the final victory belongs to God. Note that both Father and Son receive worship again proving Christ to be God. Brian Bell - The whole heaven explodes into praise! [The crescendo of worship!] Notice how contagious, infectious, irresistible, & communicable true Worship is! From: the 4 living creatures (Rev 4:8); to the 24 elders (Rev 4:10); to the multitudes in heaven (Rev 4:12; 5:9,10); to every creature above, on, & under the earth (Rev 5:13) Even the demonic world & unsaved humanity thus fulfilling Phil 2:9-11. Heaven is a place of worship, so begin to get ready now to join in the praise! . This isn’t a “do we have to” thing! It’s what happens automatically when a good song comes on in a store where it’s hard not to tap your foot, whistle, or sing to. Worship is to be given to both the Father & Jesus! Athanasian Creed states, “We worship one God in Trinity, & Trinity in Unity; neither confounding the Persons, nor dividing the Substance.” Hampton Keathley adds that with the word dominion (kratos) "The emphasis here is clearly that of the Lion-Lamb prevailing against the rebellion of man and Satan and visibly taking control of the reigns of government over the earth through the events that will follow in chapters 6–19."