In Revelation 5 we read:
- And I saw in the right hand of him that sits on the throne a book written within and on the back side, sealed with seven seals.
- And I saw a strong angel, and heard him proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and loose the seals thereof?
- And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
- And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. (Revelation 5:1-4)
Why did John weep much? Asking this question is not meant to question John’s answer, which was: “because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.” Rather, it is being asked to question prevailing doctrines and teachings that are presently being taught in Christian churches concerning the Book of Revelation and what this concluding book of the Bible reveals about the days in which we live.
This past Lord’s Day, April 20, 2014, this question was examined in a sermon entitled: The Lord’s Day and The Hope of Resurrection. Through the scriptures, it is demonstrated that the reason John wept much is of great importance to the whole human family, that is, to every person who has lived, who is living, and who will yet live.
Briefly comprehended, to not understand why John wept much is to miss the whole meaning and purpose of the Book of Revelations and the many events and sequences described in this marvelous revelation from Jesus Christ.
An audio recording of the sermon is posted on our 2014 Services webpage in the April folder under the date April 20, 2014. The slide presentation (in pdf format) that goes with the sermon is posted on the same webpage and may be accessed here: The Lord’s Day and the Hope of Resurrection.
In addition to the many scriptures included in the sermon presentation, here is a list of suggested reading materials:
- A Marvelous Work and Wonder, by Daniel McGreggor.
- The Restitution, by Bob Moore
- Resurrection: Redemption & Restoration, by Dwight Burford
May God richly bless you as you occupy according to His word until He comes. In the words of John the Beloved, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”
