Preparation for Judgment: A Scroll

Following the heavenly scene that focuses on God the Creator on His throne (Ch. 4), John is now given a more specific vision of God the Redeemer, and His right to open the heavenly scroll (Ch. 5). This carefully guarded document, located in the hand of the One sitting upon the exalted throne, is very comprehensive, having been written on both the inside and the outside. A strong angel proclaims with a loud voice as he searches for the One who is worthy to open the seals and look into the scroll. John audibly wails over the lack of someone who is worthy until one of the twenty-four elders commands him to stop weeping and to take notice of the only One who has been victorious and is worthy of this privilege. Part one ends with the spotlight on Jesus Christ - resurrected, crucified, omnipotent and omniscient - He is allowed to approach the throne and to take the scroll out of God the Father's hand.