It is THE Book (Revelation 5:1-14)

Pastor Bob and Janet
Oct 29, 2017
3 min read

It seems today that any Tom, Dick, or Harry can get a book published. Unlike the classics of the past, current literature seems shallow and superficial. One book that I read during my childhood may have been instrumental in shaping my adulthood. Around the age of 10, I remember reading about the explorations of Captain Cook. I remember his adventurous spirit, and I often wished that I too could go to far away places. Who knew that the Lord would grant me such an opportunity as an adult? I've been blessed to have visited 63 foreign countries, building hospitals, schools, and sharing the Gospel of Christ. Captain Cook's book opened my eyes to adventure, so I count that book as one dear to my heart. However, there is no other book more important to every person in the world than the book referenced in Revelation 5. This book contains the names of all the redeemed- past, present, and future. Hence, this book, along with the Bible, is the most important book ever written. Let us examine the existence, entries, and end of THE book.

I. The Existence of a Book

Revelation 5 states that the book ("scroll") is in the right hand of God the Father, and that it is sealed with seven seals. Seeing that the book was secured and guarded, John wept because as he looked around, he knew that no one was worthy enough to open the book. Then, an Elder proclaimed that there is one who is worthy- a Lion from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David. Only Jesus is worthy to open the book, for only by Jesus are you able to have your name written down in the book. The only way to miss having your name written in the book, is to reject the Savior who died to redeem all of mankind.

2. The Entries of the Book

Whose names are written in the book? Later chapters of Revelation reveals that there are people from every tribe, tongue, and nation in Heaven. Notice religion is not a consideration. The key factor is not religion and here's why. In religions other than Christianity, the "blood" flows from a person to god. Other religions depend solely on works. Once, I was in Penang, Malaysia, visiting a Buddhist temple. I observed people trying to work off their "karma" by lying face down on the floor, and slithering like a snake to candles that were to be lit with the burning incense held in their hands. It saddened me greatly. Unlike false religions, in Christianity, the blood of Jesus Christ flows from God to man. Being redeemed by the blood of the Lamb is the only way a person's name will be written in the book.

III. The End of the Book

My dad was full of sayings and colloquialisms. Some were funny, some wise, and some were not worth repeating. One he used fairly often was in times that he was reinforcing his good intentions. He would make a statement about what he was going to do, and then he would say, "You can write that down." That phrase was a comforting series of words that meant he would surely do what he said with no exceptions. Similarly, our comfort and hope is in the fact that as believers, our names are written down in the book. Galatians 6:9 encourages us to keep on doing good, "for in due time, we will reap eternal life." Revelation 5 assures us that in the end, believers win because of the dominion of Christ. In addition to comfort, the book gives us a challenge. Our challenge as believers is to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the nations. Doing that may sometimes be risky, but it is critical to bringing about the Kingdom on earth. In my experience with risky places, God has been faithful to protect and provide. You see, every person on the face of the earth must hear the Gospel. "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come," Jesus said. (Matthew 24:14) The challenge is great, but can be accomplished. The comfort is reassuring, but should not produce complacency. It is not enough to have my name written in the book. Jesus' desire, as should be mine, is that all should be saved and come to the knowledge of truth of Christ as Savior. (1 Timothy 2:4) Amen!