THERE STOOD A LAMB” Rev 4:1-4 ch 6:

Introduction Rev 4:1 after these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, "Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this."

(Rev 4:2) Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.

The Prophetic scene in the Revelation shifts dramatically, from the vision of the exalted Christ in CH 1 and His letters to the seven churches as recorded in CH 2&3 , to a vision of heaven.

John is now summoned into the throne room of heaven, where he now views everything from a heavenly perspective.

In Rev 4& 5 we are touching the Throne! And when you touch the Throne you cannot get closer to the Lord than that.

1

These chapters contain a double vision.

In chapter 4 all heaven worships God the Father for creating the world.

Chapter 5 All heaven worships Christ the Lamb of God

For redeeming the world from the curse of sin. Jesus is the giver of life! The great creator became our Saviour.

The transition in ch 4 begins with the words After these things I looked,

A new beginning is made -- as a door is open in heaven to enable John to see what transpires in heaven, so that he can understand what is going to happen on earth.

John is given a vision of the, Grace of God, the Government of God and of the Glory of God.

John was in the Spirit and he saw, that the Throne is central in heaven for it is the symbol of God’s universal Government.

2

He also saw the One who is seated on the Throne in His Shekinah glory and he was overcome by the presence and the glory of God. (What an experience)

The Throne set in heaven reminds us of the stability of our God, the One who changes not. What a contrast to the tottering thrones of earth and the weakness of all earthly governments.

Praise God for the throne that is set in heaven. It is the source of the believer’s strength and security.

It is the pledge of order and authority, and it is a precious sight to the Lord believes spirit filled people.

For this throne -- is not only a throne of government, it is a throne of Grace, where we, who know the Lord, can come with boldness.

That, we believers might find grace to help in time of need. Sustaining continuing Grace is ever a sufficient blessing to help in these dark days of uncertainty.

3

In these dark days of uncertainty and gloom, the believer, through the eye of Faith, can see a throne set in heaven and the One, who is sitting on that throne who has everything under control.

God is still on the Throne And He will remember His own His promise is true—He will not forget you God is still on the throne.

The aged John was now given a preview of coming attractions, where he saw a sweeping panorama of God’s prophetic program in advance.

What a breathtaking moment it must have been. It was sensational! It was spectacular! It was amazing

The remaining chapters of the book of the Revelation are a record of what John saw with his own eyes.

John saw the One who is reigning and ruling and has all things under His control

4

He saw that the “Lord Omnipotent reigns. He is clothed with majesty and has girded himself with power and strength.

He saw that the Lord is mightier and more glorious than the sound of many waters

It soon became very clear to John that the Lord is in control of global affairs, and that the time had come for God to begin to work out His redemptive plan for planet Earth.

Rev 4:5 and from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

Lighting, Thunder, and voices, these are symbols of judgement. These were the signs that appeared at the giving of the Law at Sinai, and all the people who were in the camp of Israel trembled Exod 19:6

These signs will appear again after the Church has been raptured and the dispensation of God’s grace is over.

5

Rev 8:5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake.

Then, as John looked at the throne he noted that round the throne there was a rainbow that looked like an emerald.

This was an unbroken rainbow for it represents the truth of perfection. It speaks of a God who keeps His covenants and His promises. It speaks of a God who honours all the commitments he has made.

In Gen 9 The Lord made a Covenant with Noah and with his seed after him, and God said”

Gen 9:13 I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth.

This Rainbow speaks of Promise and hope , but the unbroken emerald rainbow around the throne of God symbolises that God’s perfect judgement has come.

6

For, God has made another covenant with His Son and He is about to fulfil it. He has promised his Son that one day the earth will be His footstool.

Psalm 110:1 The LORD said to my Lord,"Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool."

Now the day has come for the Lord to assert His claim to the earth. The earth will be cleansed by a terrible judgment in preparation for His coming Millennial Kingdom.

Jesus said that there would be great tribulation such as was not from the beginning of the world.

Mat 24:21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.

Mat 24:22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened.

7

Terrible times of tribulation are coming to this earth after the rapture of the Church. The Church will not go through this time of great tribulation

1Thess 5:9 for God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

God has not chosen His children for wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ. Wrath and Salvation are two opposing destinies. If the Church is granted Salvation, then we can conclude that we will not experience wrath.

Rev 5:1-4 Describes the Scene in heaven where again Jesus Christ is the central figure.

THE INCREDIBLE SCROOL

Rev 5:1 and I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals.

8

1. What is the Scroll?

It is a completed book and it is a sealed book, and thus the judgements and woes that are pronounced by this scroll, are known in every detail before they occur.

2. Where is the Scroll? It is in God’s right hand. The Scroll represents God’s plan from eternity to eternity.

This is the document that determines the outcome of planet earth. It unveils the destiny of the nations! It is the title deed of earth.

3. Why was it Sealed? A seal was a device, often made with wax with an imprint upon it, which FORBID any unauthorised opening.

There is a seal on this scroll for there is only one who has the right to open it.

9

Knowing that the world’s destiny is written and sealed; should influence our response to what is happening in the world today.

The book in God’s hand is a binding document.

It is relevant to the redemption of the world . It represents all that the Father has promised to the Son because of His sacrifice at Calvary.

The memories of Calvary are treasured in heaven.

This book has to do with Man. With Earth, and with redemption

In the Old Testament there were three things that could be redeemed1. A Servant—Man is the servant of Satan and Sin but Jesus broke the Bondage and the Slavery of sin

2. A Wife – Jesus Redeemed His Bride out of the world and will one day soon take her out of the world to His Father’s house.

10

3. Land— Jesus will redeem the earth , the world God holds in His hand the title deed to planet earth and to all CreationTHE INCREDIBLE SCROOL

THE HYSTERICAL SEARCH

The challenge goes out who is worthy? He did not ask who is willing. Down through the years there have been many who have been willing to rule the world.

The prospect of world domination has appealed too many across the decades of

time. Alexander, Napoleon, Hitler to name but a few. The graveyard of history is littered

with fallen conquerors and their shattered dreams

There are people today who still are fanatical in their pursuit of global supremacy and woe betides anyone who stands in their way.

This is the driving force of those who are major figures on the stage of world politics. Yet all past and present have failed because not one of them was worthy.

11

Rev 5:3 and no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it.

Heaven is searched in a vain attempt to find someone, who can open the scroll and reclaim the planet for God, but no one, is found.

Earth is searched but no man upon earth - No politician, no religious leader. Hell is searched but no departed conqueror or demon could take the Book or even look upon it. This fruitless search tears John apart! No one

could take the Book or even look upon it!

John was broken hearted; he was devastated because there is no one worthy to open the scroll and fulfil God’s plan for human history.

John wept much? WHY These are the tears of all humanity -Caused by sin .why cry?

12

Although the church has been redeemed, creation is still under the curse.

If no one could take the Book and pay the price, then creation would have to remain in bondage.

He knew that the world needs redemption; he knew that it needs a leader but he testifies

Rev 5:4 so I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it.

This was the first time that any man has shed tears in Heaven! But this was also last time a person will ever shed tears in heaven, for tears will never stain the streets of heaven.

Rev 21:4 and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

THE INCREDIBLE SCROOL V1

13

THE HYSTERICAL SEARCH V 2-4

THE WONDERFUL SAVIOUR V 5-7

Rev 5:5 but one of the elders said to me, "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."

Rev 5:6 And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth.

Rev 5:7 Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.

John--Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to lose the seven seals.

14

There is one who has Prevailed. This is the message of the church today, we have a redeemer. There is a Redeemer Jesus God’s own Son Precious Lamb of God the Messiah. The holy One Jesus alone has triumphed the lion of Judah has prevailed. He has prevailed and He has conquered. Death, Grave, Hell, Satan and all the powers of darkness

The Lion of the Tribe of Judah speaks of His Majesty of His authority and of His power The Jews were looking for a lion and God gave them a lamb and they rejected Him.

John may have expected to see a lion but, while he watched, THERE STOOD a LAMB John saw, Jesus Christ his Saviour, as lamb that had been slain.

He still bears the marks of His sufferings. These will ever serve to remind us of the price paid he paid for our redemption.

The Lamb speaks of His Meekness

15

In Jesus Christ alone, the majesty and might of the Lion and the meekness and sacrifice of the lamb are combined in one glorious person.

While the elders and the raptured church watched, Jesus, the perfect sacrificial Lamb came forward before the host of believers, numbering ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands out of ever tribe and tongue and nation. Sounded forth His praise in worship

Rev 5:9 and they sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; for you were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,

Rev 5:10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth."

While the redeemed church sang praises to Him, The Lamb who STOOD stepped forward and He opened the scroll. The Lamb who STOOD –

16

When Jesus ascended back to Heaven, we are told that He sat down at the right hand of God.Heb 1:3 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 purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,He sat down because His work of redeeming sinners was complete. He stands in these verses because His work of delivering the earth is about to begin!Rev 6:1 Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, "Come and see."

Rev 6:2 and I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.Revelation chapter six is a shock to the senses . In the past two chapters, we have been allowed to witness scenes of heavenly worship.

17

In this passage, we are going to see images of divine wrath. We have been a place where there is praise and shouting. We are about to examine a scene filled with pain and suffering. Beginning in chapter six all the way through chapter nineteen, we are placed in the middle of “Tribulation Period”, or the time known as the “Great Tribulation”. The seven seals on the book in the hand of the Lord Jesus begin to be broken, one by one. As the seals are opened, a series of divine judgment is poured out upon the earth and those who dwell on the earth

When the first seal is opened, the end time judgement of God has finally come and it begins with a period of Deception.

THE WHITE HORSE OF DECEPTIONHere we have the first of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse. Who is this mysterious rider on a white horse?

The man on the white horse is not Christ but the Antichrist. This scene takes place on

18

earth for he is certainly not riding forth to conquer heaven.

A White Horse - Gives the appearance of good but it is a false purity for this rider is the false Christ.

You probably realise that there are two riders on white horses in the book of Revelation. The first one is here the second is in chapter 19

Rev 19:11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.

Rev 19:12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself.

In Rev 6:2 The first rider on a white horse has a bow in his hand and a crown was given to him—the word “crown” here is (Stephanas) something that a man can win; a victor’s crown.

19

A Crown given--The world will accept him and will crown him king of the world but He has no right to the throne!He Comes Conquering - carries a Bow in his hand an instrument of war –

A military man who carries a bow, but there is no mention of arrows. For He conquers by deception rather than bloodshed.

The world is ready for a man to bring peace. The World thought patterns have already been programmed to accept his doctrine.

He will fool the world, he will lure the world into a false sense of security; but his peace will be short lived because it is a false peace and it will last for just 3 1/2 years!

The man on the white horse brings Deception and Delusion

The Apostle Paul speaks of this time when men who refuse to believe the Truth will believe the lie of the Antichrist

20

2Thess 2:11 and for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie,

2Th 2:12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

The nations having rejected the Christ of God, will receive the Devil’s Christ

The reality is that the spirit of antichrist is at work in the world today trying to lure the world into the lap of Satan while the Church sleeps.

Quote the theologian Harvey Cox—That seduction is the most callous form of exploitation because; it tricks the victim into becoming unwittingly an accomplice in his own seduction”.

The Antichrist will be the most incredible leader that the world has ever known. On the surface he will appear to be the epitome of human genius and power.

21

He will be an Intellectual genius he will be a Political genius, a commercial genius, and a military genius, the master of deception empowered by the father of lies.

What a contrast there is, as John describes in Rev 19: 11. We could call the climax of Bible Prophecy.Rev 19:11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.

Rev 19:12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself.

Rev 19:1 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

This One is the true Christ, the Messiah, and not the usurper the Antichrist. He rides the white horse of conquest and the outcome of His victory is sure.

22

His greatness is to be seen in His character! He is reliable! He is the faithful and the true witness. He is the Altogether Lovely One!

The Rose of Sharon! The Hidden Treasure! The Great Physician! The Sure Foundation! The Pearl of Great Price! The Rock of Ages! The Incarnate Truth!

The Author and finisher of our Faith! The King of Kings and Lord of Lords

The First Seal—the Antichrist is revealed and he creates Deception and Delusion Rev 6: 2

The Second Seal is now opened --- Rev 6:3, 4

Rev 6:3 When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, "Come and see."

Rev 6:4 another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to

23

take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword.

THE RED HORSE OF DESTRUCTION

The rider on the Red horse is wielding a great sword and he is given the power to take peace from the earth.

When this man appears-- world peace is ended, many people are killed, and military power is placed into the hands of one man.

The second seal is ---the Seal of Destruction the red horse symbolises bloodshed and war.

Red is the colour of fire and of blood. Fire has the power to devour and to destroy. And when the fires of this war are unleashed upon this earth, there will be bloodshed on an unprecedented level. This seal unleashes a time of war such as the world has never known

The words of Jesus – Mat 24:7 for nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there

24

will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.

Mat 24:8 all these are the beginning of sorrows.

The fact that this horseman shall take peace from the earth indicates a world war of incredible magnitude.

The red horse represents not only nation rising against nation, but man fighting against individual.

He ushers in a time of civil unrest and anarchy, murder and assassination, bloodshed, revolution, rebellion and revolt.

Some scholars suggest that as many as two thirds of the world’s population may die during the Tribulation.

The Antichrist promised peace but it is only God who can produce real peace in the hearts of men. The Almighty says of the human race,

25

Rom 3:17 and the way of peace have they not known:

At the first advent God sent His offer of peace to a sinful world in the person of His beloved Son.

The angel’s heralded forth the good news “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace good will toward men”

But when the Prince of peace came they crucified Him and said we shall not have this man to rule over us. Peace was rejected, and war, havoc and destruction have reigned in every century since

It will be hell upon earth for those who are living during the Great tribulation when everyman’s sword is turned against his brother.

Deception, Delusion, Destruction

The Lamb of God now opens the Third Seal and John describes the scene

26

Rev 6:5 When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Come and sees." So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand.

Rev 6:6 and I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, "A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine."The White Horse of Deception The Red Horse of Destruction  THE BLACK HORSE OF DESTITUTIONThe aftermath of the devastation of war is always famine. In the market place prices will change dramatically, there will be soaring inflation.

A man will have to work a full day to make enough money to buy enough wheat for one meal for his family

The economic balance will be altered because the world economy will be bankrupt.

27

The rider on this horse has in his hands a set of scales.

It could well be that the Antichrist will use the rising spiral of inflation to impose rigid controls over buying and selling and to enhance his power The mark of the beast scenario comes into the equation.

Famine is already here! In today’s world we see the images of effects of famine on the third world countries.

The black horse symbolises the world stricken with famine, unlike anything there has been in the past.

We have a description of the terrible results of famine

Lam 4:8 Now their appearance is blacker than soot; they go unrecognized in the streets; their skin clings to their bones, It has become as dry as wood.

Lam 4:9 Those slain by the sword are better off than those who die of hunger; for these

28

pine away, Stricken for lack of the fruits of the field.

While antichrist keeps himself detached! Violence and war cause havoc in every nation, men women and children will have all kinds of health problems and multitudes will die of starvation. It is human misery at its worse height.

Deception, Delusion, Destruction, ,Distress and

As John the Revelatory watched, the Lamb opens the fourth seal he now sees THE PALE HORSE OF DEVASTATIONRev 6:8 So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him.

And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth.

We are told that the rider of this pale horse is “ death ”.

29

Notice that death and Hades rode together, and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him

While death takes the body, Hades takes the soul! Hades is the place where the spirit of the lost man goes.

A quarter of the world’s population shall perish when the pale horse comes on the scene. Men and women shall be killed by the sword, with hunger, and with the beasts of the earth.

From Gen 9 we learn that God instilled a fear of humanity into animals

Gen 9:1 So God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them: "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.

Gen 9:2 and the fear of you and the dread of you shall be on every beast of the earth, on every bird of the air, on all that move on the earth, and on all the fish of the sea. They are given into your hand.

30

During the horrible judgments of the Tribulation God will remove this fear allowing the wild beasts to attack and devour humans until the Lord comes. Many will be killed by the beasts of the earth.

Until, Jesus comes at His Second Advent to reinstate a covenant of peace between humans and animals.

Isa 11:6 “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.

Isa 11:7 the cow and the bear shall graze; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

When Jesus opens the fifth Seal, the scene moves back to heaven where John saw under the Altar the souls of believers who had been martyred for their faith.

Rev 6:9 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had

31

been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held.

Rev 6:10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?"

Rev 6:11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.

John is now writing about those who have proved their love and loyalty to Jesus Christ during the dark days of Satan’s rule and reign of terror.

These martyrs under the altar had poured out their lives as a drink offering unto the Lord.

What a challenge these saints bring to us who are living in this dispensation of God’s Grace.

32

For so often we seek the easy comfort zone of Christianity! We mummer and complain if someone upsets us, or does something their way instead of our way.

What contribution are we really making to the kingdom of God? What are we really doing to win the Lost? How are we living our lives in the light of the soon return of the Master? Let us examine our hearts before the Lord, as to what kind of Christian witness we are!

Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

Rom 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Is your life a channel of blessing?Is the Love of God flowing through you?Are you telling the Lost of the Saviour?Are you ready his service to do?

33

May our sincere Prayer be

Make me a channel of blessing todayMake me a channel of blessing I PrayMy life possessing, my service blessingMake me a channel of blessing today

CONCLUSIONWhen Jesus breaks the sixth seal, planet earth is shaken to its very core. Verses 12-17

1) There is a great earthquake 2) The Sun becomes as black as sackcloth

3) The Moon becomes as Blood

4) The Stars of the heaven fall to the earth and the heavens and the atmosphere splits apart like a scroll.

This clearly indicates some sort of nuclear or cosmic disaster, which causes the entire planet to be shaken. What is happening? It’s the wrath of the Lamb.

Rev 6:15 And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders,

34

the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains,

Rev 6:16 and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!

Rev 6:17 for the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?"

THERE STOOD A LAMB—But None were able to stand before Him

The entire population is in a state of blind panic. The bottom has fallen out of man’s tiny world and God has brought men that have gone beyond the point of no return to their knees

The day of the Lamb has come and there is no hiding place and who can stand before His wrath?

35

The people mentioned here are like people today! They would rather hide from God in fear than run to Him in Faith! This is what sin does to every man

With the opening of the first six seals the process of judgment begins! The world is at war, the planet is in jeopardy, but one thing remains clear:

God is still in control. Jesus Christ is opening the seals and the sovereign will of heaven prevails, despite a depraved and corrupt world.

The Victory is the Lord’s though each step to the cross was a step of agony; but it was also a step to victory.

And that Victory is available for all who are trusting wholly in HIM

John also saw that wonderful day when the Church militant will be the Church triumphant in Heaven. As he looked he saw the Saviour’s Return from heaven.

36

Rev 19:14 and the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.

The church will return with Christ as a mighty army clothed in the fine linen of His righteousness; white and clean, as the redeemed of the Lord.

The destiny of every true believer is now clarified.

This includes, 1) The Rapture 2). the Return 3) The Reign

At the Rapture we go up to heaven. At the Return we come back to earth.

In the Millennium we will Reign with Christ on earth for a thousand years.

There are no losers in Christ only winners

Winners are those who Love God!

Obey the Government of God

37

And work for the Glory of God.

THERE STOOD A LAMB

All hail the Lamb Enthroned on High His Praise will be our battle Cry He Reigns Victorious Forever glorious His Name is JesusHe is the Lord

38