1. THE BOOK WITH SEVEN SEALS (vs. 1-4)

 1. This book (scroll), we believe, is the title deed to the earth.  God created the earth and gave it to Adam.  Adam forfeited his right to it when he sinned and therefore, God still holds the title deed to it.  In this text, all the saints have been raptured and glorified and yet there is none among them able to take possession of the Earth.

2. John wept because there was no one, man or angel, who was able to break the seals on the scroll, that is, no one was able to take the earth away from the Devil and his squatters who have possession of it at this present time.  John just assumed that the earth was lost forever and that it would never be repossessed for the Lord and His people- this is why he wept.

2. JESUS CHRIST TRIUMPHS WHERE ALL OTHERS FAIL. (vs. 5-7)

1. One of the elders came over and told John not to weep, the earth is not lost.  King Jesus can take the scroll and open the seals- V-5

2. Note in V-6:

(1) “A lamb as it had been slain” – had been, past tense.

(2) “Having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God” – this is present tense.

(3) “Sent forth into all the earth” – this is to conquer, take possession.

3. Christ, who was ast His first advent, the slain Lamb, will, as conquering King at His second advent, take possession of the earth. V-7

3. REJOICING IN HEAVEN – (vs. 8-10)

1.  There was rejoicing in heaven when Christ took the title to the earth.  The redeemed all fell down and worshipped Him.

2. They sing a new song – V-9.  A little different from the songs sung in many churches now days.

3. Note in V-10 that we are to reign ON THE EARTH.

4. THE ANGELS PRAISE CHRIST

1. When the angels saw the saints praising Christ, they joined in the praising, but you will note that the angels did not sing of their redemption because they were not redeemed.

5. ALL CREATURES PRAISE CHRIST. (vs. 13-14)

1. Here we have ALL CREATURES joining together praising God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son.

2. I know a lot of church members who would not be happy in a heaven like the one pictured here.  Church members who are bored to death by a one hour prayer meeting here on earth could not stand it in Heaven for ten minutes.

3. Only those who love, worship, and adore God the Father and the Son will ever get to heaven.