SUPPLEMENTAL SCRIPTURES
- John 1:36
- Revelation 7:13-14
The seven-sealed book spoken of in Revelation 5 is generally thought of as a scroll or a series of scrolls, each portion being sealed with an individual seal. It is thought by many that this book has to do with the price and purchase of redemption. God’s plan for the salvation of mankind from sin had to be fulfilled before the seals could be broken. As we begin our text we find this question, “Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?”
QUESTIONS
- In reference to the seven-sealed book in Heaven, John wept when the strong angel proclaimed that “no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.” He then was comforted by an elder who assured him that there was One who was worthy, One who prevailed. Who was worthy? What is significant about the name which the elder used as a title for Him?
- In Revelation 5:6, John speaks of seeing a “Lamb as it had been slain.” Who is the “Lamb,” and what is the significance of the Lamb to the Christian?
- Why was only the Lamb worthy to open this Book and the seals?
- After we are redeemed, it is important to offer our thanksgiving and praise through prayer. Verse 8 tells us that these prayers are not wasted. Explain, using our text and Revelation 8:3-4.
- In Revelation 4 and again in this lesson, the description is given of twenty-four elders and four beasts (or living creatures). What is their position in Heaven (Revelation 4:4,6), and how did they arrive at this exalted state?
- What was the theme of the “new song” sung by the four beasts and the elders?
- In our key verse, we read that mankind was created for God’s pleasure. How can mankind live to please God (Hebrews 12:14)? Find at least two additional Scripture references which give other ways to please God.
- Verses 11-14 speak about the universal worship of the Lamb in Heaven. What are some ways we worship the Lord while we are still on earth?
THEME THOUGHTS
Time is running out! The human race today is facing a crisis that is literally unimaginable for most people. But indicators in God’s Word reveal that the dramatic events happening all around us signal the end time is at hand. In this quarter we will be delving into these events and their meanings in light of prophecy. In the heart of every true believer is the assurance that Jesus Christ will come back to earth and deal with the insurmountable troubles that face this globe, and will establish His dominion here upon earth. This quarter revolves around the statements made by a group of ancient Hebrew prophets, whose predictions and statements have the stamp of divine authenticity. Much of what they prophesied is yet to come. But we can have confidence in their predictions. All of their prophecies whose time for fulfillment has already come have been literally fulfilled with 100 percent accuracy. The events detailed by John in the Book of Revelation are interwoven with these earlier prophecies. The first lesson focusses on Christ. By establishing the validity of prophetic statements concerning Him, we provide a basis for the remaining lessons in the quarter and for our faith that soon the end-time prophecies will be fulfilled. The second lesson moves on to explore prophecies concerning the nation of Israel which have already been fulfilled. The third lesson, Signs of the Times, establishes where we now stand on the time-line of history. Succeeding lessons move on into events prophesied which are yet to come. The purpose of this quarter is to help us understand the events we are facing in this world and to recognize the urgency of being ready for the most exciting and glorious event of all—the Rapture of the Church.