In this episode, we journey through the heavenly vision of Revelation 5, focusing on the book written within and sealed with seven seals, and the one who is found worthy, known as the Lamb. Bible teacher David Hawking guides listeners through a profound understanding of this key passage, clarifying complex symbolic language with references from both the Old and New Testaments. Gain clarity and inspiration from the truths God has revealed, including His sovereignty, justice, and the comfort of knowing that even the unfolding tribulations are under His divine guidance.
What’s happening in the revelation is a plan of God. He’s in control. Our president is not in control. Please, no editorial comment in the… The Supreme Court is not in control either. Neither is the mayor or the governor. Neither is any political official. God Almighty is in control. His throne is established in the heavens. His sovereignty rules over all. God is in absolute control.
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Imagine the entire universe on hold. God holds out a scroll, his final plan for judgment, redemption, and restoration. And no one, not angels, not saints, no one can open it. Then a lamb steps into view, wounded yet alive. He takes the scroll and heaven erupts. This is Hope for Today with Bible teacher David Hawking. And this is day two of David’s message, Worthy is the Lamb. Turn to Revelation chapter five and we’ll be in the word in just a moment. Just before we get started, we want to tell you about a powerful resource that’s changing lives around the world. It’s called Food for Faith. And this 160-page book is written by Hope for Today friend Richard A. Bennett. This is filled with strong scripture-saturated truth for anyone hungry to know God more deeply. People are reading it and finding answers to questions they’ve carried for years. Some are coming to faith in Jesus for the first time. Others, longtime believers, are being refocused, strengthened, and stirred back to a close walk with the Lord Jesus. Well, Food for Faith is available in multiple languages, and it’s completely free. You can download it right now at davidhawking.org. Right there on the homepage, look for Food for Faith. Download it, and you can share it with family, friends, and anyone you know who’s searching for truth in a world. full of confusion. Again, the book is Food for Faith, a free download by Richard A. Bennett, free at davidhawking.org. And here’s David.
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Worthy is the Lamb. Chapter 5. I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within, and on the backside sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book and to loose its seals? And no man in heaven nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look on it. And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the scroll of the book, neither to look on it. And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not. Behold, the lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, hath prevailed to open the book and to loose its seven seals.” And I beheld, and lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, or the living creatures, the cherubim, and in the midst of the elders. 24 of them stood a lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and 20 elders fell down before the lamb, having every one of them harps and golden vials or bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of saints. And they sang a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book and to open its seals, for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation, and hast made us unto our God kings and priests, and we shall reign on the earth. And I beheld and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the living creatures and the elders, and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing. and every creature that 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 honor and glory and power be unto him that sitteth upon the throne and unto the Lamb forever and ever. And the four beasts or living creatures said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth forever and ever. And all God’s people said, Amen. Hey, that is one wonderful passage. Let’s focus on the scroll with seven seals. We are told that this is in the right hand of him who sat on the throne, the father himself that was presented to us. In chapter 4, as verse 8 said, Holy, holy, holy Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come. The elders cast their crowns before him and say, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power. You’ve created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. The next thing John sees is that scroll in the right hand, the hand of authority, sovereignty, control. And it’s in the right hand of him who sits on the throne. A very unusual scroll, some say, but not so if you know history of scrolls. Now, just to deal with a few things here about this scroll, let’s look at the place of the scroll one more time. It’s in the right hand of him who sat on the throne, says verse 1 of Revelation 5. Now that’s the place of sovereignty, control, authority, power. You talk about a powerful right hand, the scroll, the title deed of the universe is in his hand, but he also holds us up in his hand. Chapter 20, verse 6 and 7. He saves with his right hand. Chapter 48 of Psalms and verse 10. According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth. Thy right hand is full of righteousnesses. Now it’s full of pleasure, it’s full of power and strength, and it’s full of righteousness. God’s going to always do right. And when you’re seeing that scroll and the hand of him who’s on the throne, just remember, he’s going to do right. And what’s happening in the revelation is a plan of God. He’s in control. Look at chapter 63, verse 7 and 8. And it’s really encouraging to the believer to realize as you open Revelation and see all these future events that describe such tragedy for the earth. To know that God is the one who is in control. It’s in his right hand. In Psalm 63, 7, Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth thee. Hard after, or close behind thee, thy right hand upholdeth me. Isn’t that great? The same hand holding the title deed of the universe is the same hand that holds you and me up. Did you think you were holding yourself up? No way. Look at chapter 73, verse 23. Chapter 73, verse 23 of Psalms. Nevertheless, I am continually with thee. Thou hast held me by my right hand. What a precious promise. Chapter 89, verse 13.
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89, 13.
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Thou hast a mighty arm, strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand. Exalted above all. Chapter 98, verse 1. O sing unto the Lord a new song. That’s what’s in Revelation 5. For he hath done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have gotten him the victory. Now, many believe that this verse, and others like it, is what’s being quoted in Revelation 5. the new song, you’ve redeemed us. You’re the only one worthy to open the book. And it describes the title deed to the universe, and God is in control. It’s his wondrous plan that’s being praised. His right hand has gotten him the victory, and the victory is described in the scroll, which we now have written in the book of Revelation. Aren’t you glad you know the final chapter to life? Psalm 110, very interesting. Verse 1, the Lord said unto my Lord, sit thou at my right hand. This place of sovereign control and power. God the Father says to God the Son. This is quoted of the Lord Jesus in the New Testament. Sit thou at my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool. Look at Psalm 118, verse 15 and 16. The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous. The right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly. The right hand of the Lord is exalted. The right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly. Go to the New Testament and look at Romans 8, 34. A lot of exciting things happening at the right hand of God. In verse 34 of Romans 8, Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea, rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Now, I don’t want to dramatize it too much to where we get off the text, but remember this scroll is in the right hand of him who sits on the throne and seated all during this church age right beside the Father at the same right hand is Jesus. And he sat down having purged our sins. So it’s a public announcement that he’s the one worthy to open the book. But the timing is not right. Usually there was a seven-year period of time when the opportunity for redemption of that property would come. I think that’s interesting as it relates to the tribulation period alone. But it could go on longer than that. You could go clear to the year of Jubilee when many, many properties and possessions are redeemed and everybody praises the Lord and gets really excited. Hey, the year of Jubilee, of all Jubilees, is when we’re going to get to heaven. Man, what a day that’s going to be. But the Lord is at the right hand. Turn to Ephesians 1, verse 20. Ephesians 1, verse 20. It’s interesting reading what you do in Revelation 5, then going back and picking up numerous scriptures in the New Testament that tell us about the right hand of God. Verse 20 says about God’s power, he wrought it or worked it in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places. Now when you read that, you’ll read again that God made sure we all knew that he was in the place for redemption. He’s at the right hand of God who has that scroll in his hand, and the requirements of the one who is worthy is written on it. He’s the one who has redeemed it, and he sat down at the right hand of the throne of God in the heavenly places. Look at Colossians 3.1. Colossians 3.1. This tells us that we ought to be doing more thinking about this. It says in Colossians 3.1, “…if ye then be risen with Christ…” Seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Now my mind and my affection is often set on the circumstances down here. How about you? We’re all wrapped up into our relationships with one another, all the circumstances we’re going through and all the problems we have. And God says, set your mind, fix it on things above, where Christ is what? Seated at the right hand of the throne of God. If you set your mind there, you know the work of redemption is all done, and the title deed of the universe is in the right hand of the Father. Jesus is going to take it one day, and he’s going to take over. you know how it’s all going to turn out. And when Christ, who is our life, shall appear, you’re going to appear with him in glory. In other words, what are you worried about? Turn to Hebrews 1. Hebrews 1. God… Verse 1, chapter 1, who at sundry times and in various manners spoke in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds, who being the brightness of his glory and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself spoken, purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the majesty on high. Verse 13 of the same chapter, But to which of the angels said he at any time, remember this quote from Psalm 110.1, Sit on my right hand until I make thy enemies thy footstool. He never said that to any angels, but he said it to the Son of God. In Hebrews chapter 10, verse 12, Hebrews 10 verse 12. But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God. Chapter 12, verse 2. Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. There were no chairs in the tabernacle and temple. But there is in heaven, in the temple in heaven, Jesus sat down. The priests never sat down. They’re always working. They’re always busy. It was a sign that it’s never completed. They just keep going. But when Jesus offered his life as a sacrifice for sin, no more activity in the temple is needed. Shut it down. He sat down. It’s all over. It’s all over. It’s finished. One sacrifice forever. How powerful that is. He is at the right hand of the throne of God. I kind of like that. Revelation chapter 5. Some of you might think I ran that in the ground, but I actually skipped about seven or eight passages. I just think that’s a thrilling thing. I’ve been adopted by Jesus Christ into the family of God. I’ve been sealed by the Holy Spirit. He’s the pledge of my inheritance. Why am I worried? Why am I upset? And folks, we’re getting very close to this moment when Jesus is going to not be seated anymore. He’s going to stand up. He’s going to walk over. He’s going to take the scroll. Give me that. The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ. Goodbye, devil. Jesus has taken over. And it’s coming, folks, very soon. Now, look at the problem of the scroll. We looked at the place of the scroll in the right hand and want to drill that into our minds to prepare us for the praise of this chapter. But look at the problem of the scroll. It’s stated in verse 2 by a strong angel, who is worthy to open the scroll and elucidate scrolls. That had to be announced by any official when you got ready to redeem the property back. Well, who’s the worthy one? Who’s the one able to do this? The strong angel, I think, is Gabriel. First of all, his name means strength. He’s the one that instructed to seal up the prophecy of Daniel. He’s the one quoted throughout Daniel who ministers prophetic visions and ministers to Daniel. He’s the angel who announced the birth of our Lord to Mary in Luke chapter 1. I think we’re talking Gabriel. The strong angel is mentioned two other times in Revelation. Let’s take a look at it. Chapter 10. Chapter 10 of Revelation. Verse 1, I saw another mighty or strong angel, it’s the same Greek word, come down from heaven clothed with a cloud. Some people see this as Jesus, and I just remind everybody at this point that the strong angel of Revelation 5 cannot be Jesus. And I do not believe that God tricks us or confuses us with the Word of God. The Holy Spirit is the author. The strong angel cannot be Jesus in Revelation 5. Therefore, he is not Jesus in Revelation 10. God would not try to confuse you like that. Turn to chapter 18 to give you another example. The strong angel is mentioned again. in connection with the destruction of Babylon the great. Verse 21, And a mighty or strong angel took up a stone like a great millstone and cast it into the sea. Our Jehovah Witness friends love to do a number on the mighty angel being Jesus. No, he is not Jesus. Jesus is not an angel, but he is a messenger of the Lord. He’s the messenger of the covenant. He is the Messiah, and he’s called the messenger of the Lord, the angel of the Lord in the Old Testament. Is he an angel? No, but he is a messenger of the Lord. It gets a little confusing, but he obviously cannot be the strong angel in Revelation. Now the problem again, who is worthy? And the answer is, no man, verse 3, in heaven or in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the scroll, neither to look on it. Turn to Isaiah 59. Isaiah in the Old Testament, chapter 59. The problem here is there’s no one found in heaven and earth or under the earth. No one is able to open this scroll, neither to look at it. What a tragedy. until you know who’s going to do it. My dear friends, that’s why we call the tribulation the day of the Lord. It is not the day of a lot of people helping the Lord. It is the day of the Lord himself. And the apostle John fell apart. As here this dramatic scene in heaven, everybody praising the Lord around the throne of God and shouting out His praises, Thou art worthy, O Lord, You’ve created all things. And here’s this scroll and everybody’s waiting and waiting and no one can open it. God sets up the scene Himself with great drama and intensity to remind us all that only Jesus can solve the problems of this world. And what we need is Jesus. Jesus. We need the Lord.
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That’s Bible teacher and author David Hawking. And this is Hope for Today. We’ll have more from David in just a moment to close out our study time. But first, Matt’s here and we have a wonderful ministry update. Matt, we have a new tradition here on Hope for Today of taking time each month to give the listening family an update on what’s happening here at Hope for Today. Hope for Today is heard in one of at least three fashions. on these radio stations, and boy, we sure cherish our relationship with these stations, but also through podcasts, streaming on our website, and through our new venture into social media, what we call A Minute in the Word, which are excerpts from your dad’s messages that we’re sharing on social media. Matt, how many views are there on social media in any given day, including all the platforms?
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All the platforms, there’s over 70 billion views. I had heard originally it was $60 billion. I didn’t believe it. I had to fact check it, and I was wrong. It was $70 billion now. It’s only growing. It’s the largest digital mission field out there.
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And we want to take the Bible, the whole Bible, and nothing but the Bible to that mission field. But I also want to update folks on the financial need of Hope for Today because this is a listener-sponsored broadcast. It is our listening family co-laboring with us in the ministry that makes – this possible.
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And our need is ongoing, is it not? Yep. No sponsors of any kind. And we also want to thank our longtime listeners who have supported this ministry. And embrace your dad’s vision of the Bible, the whole Bible, nothing but the Bible, but also sharing the gospel.
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And building up the body of Christ. And that ministry does require two things. Prayer. Do we appreciate prayer, Matt?
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Amen. Yes.
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In fact, I often ask people to put a reminder on their phone or on their refrigerator to pray for Hope for Today. And then going forward, we need support, one-time gifts, and also people who give monthly, as long as God provides, to make this ministry possible. Hope for Today, the Bible teaching ministry of David Hawking and the partnership between Hope for Today and our listening family.
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And Matt, how do they get in touch? You can reach us at 1-800-75-BIBLE. Bible by the Numbers is 24253 or in Canada, 1-888-75BIBLE. Or you can go online at DavidHawking.org. DavidHawking.org.
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You can also give by writing, Hope for Today, Box 3927, Tustin, California, 92781. In Canada, write to Hope for Today, Box 15011, RPO7OAKS, Abbotsford, B.C., V2S 8P1. I also want to invite you to check out our featured resource for August on the program. This is David’s book, Visions of the Future, a powerful study through the book of Jeremiah. And wow, if you ever thought the book of Jeremiah… was a little too tough to understand, David’s study is absolutely fantastic. It takes a hard look at what’s coming and what God has already said and why it matters right now. No hype, just straight biblical truth for uncertain times from the book of Jeremiah. And Visions of the Future is available right now for just $15 at davidhawking.org. Again, that’s Visions of the Future at davidhawking.org. Well, once again, here’s David.
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Well, friends, we are enjoying—I hope you are, too—our study of the book of Revelation. We’re in chapter 5. Our subject is Worthy is the Lamb. By the way, this is only part one. We’re going to have a wonderful time looking at this. Our Lord is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David. He’s the only one worthy to open the book with seven seals. Wow! The worship of our Lord is emphasized continually in God’s Word. When we come to worship in our churches, it’s not to talk about ourselves. It’s to talk about our blessed Lord. And I hope these messages will encourage your heart. Oh my! The Lamb of God, the Messiah of Israel, our blessed Lord Yeshua. I hope that you’re enjoying our study and that you’re learning a lot more about worship.
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God bless you. Well, thank you, David. On our next broadcast, day three of Worthy is the Lamb. The Lamb has taken the scroll and now, now the worship in heaven builds to a roar. Thousands upon thousands of angels join the course, declaring the worth of the one who redeemed us by his blood. You know, it’s more than a vision. It’s a glimpse of where history is headed. That’s next time, right here on Hope for Today.
In this episode, we journey through the heavenly vision of Revelation 5, focusing on the book written within and sealed with seven seals, and the one who is found worthy, known as the Lamb. Bible teacher David Hawking guides listeners through a profound understanding of this key passage, clarifying complex symbolic language with references from both the Old and New Testaments. Gain clarity and inspiration from the truths God has revealed, including His sovereignty, justice, and the comfort of knowing that even the unfolding tribulations are under His divine guidance.
