Who is worthy?

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Short Summary
The discourse explores the theme of worthiness centered on Jesus Christ as the Lamb who is worthy to open the sealed scroll representing God’s divine plan of salvation. It emphasizes Christ’s humility, obedience, and sacrifice as the foundation for redemption and highlights the believer’s privilege and responsibility to remain faithful and prove worthy through obedience and loyalty. The message encourages reflection on God’s plan revealed in prophecy, the role of Christ as mediator, and the hope of reigning with Him in righteousness.

Long Summary
Detailed Summary of the Discourse: “Who is Worthy”

Introduction to the Theme
– The discourse centers on the profound and thrilling topic of worthiness in relation to God the Father and Jesus Christ the Savior.
– The privilege of reflecting on these truths is emphasized especially during the memorial season.
– The key theme text is Revelation 5:12 (KJV):
*“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.”*
– The discourse explores the surrounding Revelation texts and the lessons they offer, touching on the grand plan of God though not exhaustively.

Context Setting: Revelation Chapters 4 and 5
– Revelation 4:1 introduces John’s vision of an open door in heaven and a voice inviting him to see what must take place.
– Revelation 4:2-3 describes God’s glory on the throne, likened to jasper and sardius stones, surrounded by a rainbow symbolizing purity and covenant.
– Revelation 4:4 shows 24 elders seated on thrones, clothed in white with golden crowns, representing faithful prophets and the divine plan (linked to Acts 3:21 and 2 Peter 1:19-21).
– The elders worship God as Creator (Rev 4:10-11), affirming His worthiness to receive glory, honor, and power.

The Sealed Book in God’s Right Hand (Rev 5:1)
– John sees a sealed book (scroll) in God’s right hand, sealed with seven seals.
– This book symbolizes the divine plan and its times and seasons, not just a Bible.
– God’s plan predates Scripture and was not fully revealed even to Christ during His earthly ministry (Acts 1:7).
– The sealed book contains the mystery of God’s will and the unsearchable riches of Christ (Ephesians 1:8-10; 3:8-12).
– Daniel 12:4 speaks of sealing the book until the time of the end when knowledge will increase.

The Question of Worthiness to Open the Book (Rev 5:2-4)
– A mighty angel asks, “Who is worthy to open the book and break its seals?”
– No one in heaven, earth, or under the earth is found worthy, causing John to weep.
– This underscores the uniqueness of the Lamb’s worthiness.

The Lion of the Tribe of Judah: Jesus Christ (Rev 5:5-8)
– One elder comforts John, proclaiming:
*“Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the book.”*
– Jesus, though the Lion, appears as a slain Lamb with seven horns and seven eyes, symbolizing perfect power and wisdom (the seven spirits of God).
– He takes the scroll, and the elders and living creatures worship Him, offering harps and incense—representing the prayers of the saints.

Praise and Exaltation of the Worthy Lamb (Rev 5:9-14)
– A great multitude of angels and every created thing declare the Lamb worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing.
– The Lamb is praised for purchasing people from every tribe and nation to be a kingdom and priests to God, who will reign on earth (Rev 5:9-10).
– Jesus Christ is exalted above all names; every knee will bow and every tongue confess His Lordship (Philippians 2:9-11).
– His dominion is everlasting (Daniel 7:14), fulfilling God’s plan for restoration and righteousness (2 Peter 3:13).

The Nature and Role of Jesus Christ
– Jesus took on human flesh (Hebrews 2:14-18) to render powerless the devil and free humanity from the fear of death.
– He was made perfect through suffering and is a merciful high priest.
– His humility and obedience unto death (Philippians 2:7-8) exemplify the path to worthiness.

Our Worthiness Through Christ and Faithfulness
– Humans are not inherently righteous (Romans 3:10), but through Jesus’ sacrifice and grace, we are accounted worthy.
– Worthiness involves faithful obedience, loyalty, and enduring pressures as jewels of rare value (Amana, December 21).
– We are made complete “in Him” (Colossians 2:9-10) by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8).
– Christ’s righteousness is imputed to believers; we must prove ourselves worthy by continuing in truth and obedience (Galatians 3:3).
– Isaiah 61:3 and 61:10 describe the believer’s transformation into “trees of righteousness” clothed in salvation and righteousness.

The High Priesthood and Kingdom of Believers
– Jesus is our high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 6:20).
– Believers who prove faithful will reign with Christ as priests and kings (Rev 5:10).
– The church is the bride and body of Christ, sharing in His kingdom rule.

Humility as a Key Character Trait
– Humility protects from pride and is essential for faithful service (Luke 18:17,19).
– Jesus exemplified humility by not seeking earthly glory but fulfilling God’s will.
– Believers are called to receive the kingdom “as a little child.”

Reflection and Application for Memorial Season
– The memorial reminds believers of Christ’s worthiness and sacrifice (John 1:29).
– We are privileged to look upon the scroll of God’s plan, which has been unsealed by Jesus.
– We must continue to prove worthy through obedience, faithfulness, and sharing the light of divine truth with others.
– Our lives should reflect the beauty and holiness of Christ, becoming a “holy aroma” to God (2 Corinthians 2:14-15; Psalm 141:2).
– The discourse closes with a prayer for God’s blessing and forgiveness if any error was spoken.

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Key Bible Verses Mentioned:

– Revelation 5:12
– Revelation 4:1-11
– Acts 3:21
– 2 Peter 1:19-21
– Acts 1:7
– Genesis 28:14
– Ephesians 1:8-10; 3:8-12
– Daniel 12:4
– Revelation 10:7
– Isaiah 29:11
– Revelation 5:1-14
– Philippians 2:7-11
– Hebrews 2:14-18; 6:20
– Daniel 7:14
– Ezekiel 21:27
– Psalm 2:6-8
– 2 Peter 3:13
– Matthew 28:18
– Romans 3:10
– Colossians 1:24-28; 2:9-10
– Ephesians 2:8
– Isaiah 61:3,10
– Galatians 3:3
– John 1:29
– 2 Corinthians 2:14-15
– Psalm 141:2
– Luke 18:17,19

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This discourse richly interweaves Biblical prophecy, Christ’s sacrifice and worthiness, and the believer’s call to faithfulness and humility, culminating in the glorious hope of reigning with Christ in God’s kingdom.

Transcript

As announced, the title is who is Worthy. Can we think of a more wonderful topic than a consideration of our Lord and Savior and our Father in heaven? Isn’t it thrilling to consider that we can be worthy through our Savior? Isn’t it a privilege to be put in remembrance of these things during this memorial season?

Our theme text reads Revelation 5:12, saying with a loud voice, worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing. This hour we will be considering both the meanings of some of the surrounding texts and also what lessons for us can be gleaned from the Revelation text. Well, this subject incorporates the entire plan of God. Obviously we can’t cover that all, so we’ll touch on small parts of it.

So our theme text is an answer to a proclamation and I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, who is worthy to open the book and to loose the seals thereof. In considering John’s visions as provided in the Book of Revelation, I will be making certain interpretations. If the interpretations are different than what you have come to learn, I wish no offense, but rather edification and peace in the spirit of Christ. I wish no hint of pride in the presenting of these visions to come across to the hearer. There is nothing new here, just the same old, old story provided by God.

If I speak amiss, please forgive. We are but dust and humble leaky vessels. At best, any value is of the Lord, and I only wish to provide this lesson to you in the consideration of his truths. Now we’re going to get started, and we’re going to start by backing up to Revelation chapter four, and we’re going to set the scene for chapter five, and I know it can be hard to concentrate after lunch, but let’s give it our best.

Revelation 4:1 after these things I looked and behold a door standing open in heaven, and the first voice which I heard, like a sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said, come up here and I will show you what must take place. In Revelation chapter 4, verse 1, John the Revelator sees an open door in heaven and an invitation to come up here, and I will show you things which must take place. Chapter four is devoted to revealing the glory of the one who sits on the throne, the glory of Yahuwah, God Almighty, the Creator of the universe.

In Revelation chapter 4, verses 2 and 3. After these things, immediately I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and one sitting on the throne, and he that was sitting was like a Jasper stone and a sardius in appearance, and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance. Here we have a description of the attribute of God shown in stone, purity his covenant, as shown as a rainbow around the throne.

Revelation chapter 4, verse 4. From the Weymouth surrounding the throne there were also 24 other thrones, on which sat 24 elders clothed in white robes, with victors wreaths of gold upon their heads. So here we have quite a vision, don’t we? This vision represents the plan provided by the God, the writings of the faithful prophets. We read in two Peter 1, 1921 and we have the word of prophecy made more sure.

Whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawn and the day star arise in your hearts. Knowing this verse that no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation, for no prophecy ever came by the will of man, but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit.

Acts 3:21 reads, whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things which God has spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. I think this number 24 is interesting. While the primary application is to the prophecies provided, I would like to make a suggestion that there may be a tie in between Acts 3:21 or all the prophets and the 24 elders of revelation, as we see in this chart of the 24 prophets and the Scriptures from the prophets about the times of restitution of all things. All these prophets talked about the plan of God, the plan of restitution of all things.

After the Chapter 4 descriptions of God’s attributes and his plan, we read in the 10th verse of chapter 4 the 24 elders will fall down before him who sits on the throne and will worship him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying, worthy are you our Lord and our God, To receive glory and honor power, for you created all things, and because of your will they existed and were created.

Verse 11 acknowledges that there is one God, the Source by whom all things were created. It tells that he is the rightful one of all glory, honor and power, the Creator of the universe. It declares that God, Yahweh, Jehovah, of course is worthy.

Chapter 5 is a continuation of the same heavenly scene, but with a difference. John is looking at the one who is sitting on the throne, the Almighty One, but now turns his attention to something in God’s right hand when we come upon the phrases and I heard or and I saw in Revelation, we should discern how the scene is changing from a proclamation to a vision, or from a vision to a proclamation. We also have changes of vision to a different vision as well as a proclamation to a different proclamation. If we don’t consider the changes of phrasing in Revelation, we may reach the wrong conclusion regarding the time frame and the application of the text. We’re going to read Revelation 5:1 from the Phillips Then I noticed in the right hand of the one seated upon the throne a book filled with writing both inside and on its back, and it was sealed with seven seals.

The King James Version of verse one of course starts out with and I saw, but notice how Phillips uses Then I noticed the vision here wants us to notice what is in the right hand of God. The part of the book on the back can be read, but the part inside cannot be read until the seals are broken.

What is the book? Why is it the inside sealed up? Why is the book in the right hand of God? First let’s consider what is the book?

Is it a Bible? Or maybe something greater? The answer is found in reprint 5943, which we quote from. The book in this case seems symbolically not to represent the Bible, but the divine plan with its times and seasons. The Bible is indeed a record.

But God had the plan before the Bible was written. He had this plan from the very beginning. He had not disclosed it to the angels, not even the Logos, nor did he disclose its time features fully to our Lord Jesus while he was in the flesh, and after his resurrection. Jesus spoke of these times and seasons as things which the Father hath put in his own power.

Acts 1:7.

Of course we know God told His plan to Abraham, to Isaac, to Jacob. We will read from Jacob’s dream. Genesis chapter 28, verse 14 and thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west and to the east, and to the north and to the south, and in thee, and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. Well, they had faith in God’s promises, but they did not know the details. He would bless the world.

There would be a Redeemer. But who? How? When? He will provide atonement to all willing to love righteousness.

Now Revelation 5:2,3 reads, and I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals? And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the book or to look into it the question is asked by the angel’s proclamation, who is worthy to open this book by breaking the seals? But there is no one to be found who is worthy to break those seals and to open that book. No spirit being, no man, no one before Jesus our Savior, was able to open the book or look inside shut because, as we heard this morning, it represents the mystery of God’s will, the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure which he has purposed in himself. God has purposed it, and it will be done.

And the revelation of that purpose is found in that sealed book. It contains the unsearchable riches of Christ, the mystery which from the beginning of ages has been hidden in God.

Ephesians 1:8,10 we read wherein he hath abounded towards us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure, which he has purposed in himself, that in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth. Even in him God will gather all things worthy under Christ, the anointed one. Ephesians 3:8 12 Unto me remember Paul’s humility, who am less than the least of all saints.

Is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, and from the beginning of the world hath been hidden God, who created all things by Jesus Christ, to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church, the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

It is our privilege to look into the book or scrolls by God’s grace and his plan, while we remember God’s words to Daniel, Daniel 12:4. But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book even to the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. Well, we all remember the time of the end it’s beginning still in that time. Revelation 10:7 but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound the mystery of God should be finished as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.

God’s prophetic writings foretelling his grand plan of salvation through the promised Messiah, was a sealed book to the nation of Israel, as it is a sealed book to most of humanity mankind today. He each seal is opened as a time lock in God’s due time. We read In Isaiah, chapter 29, verse 11, the entire vision will be to you like words of a sealed book, which when they give it to the one who is literate saying, please read this, he will say, I cannot, for it is sealed.

We continue in Revelation, chapter 5, verse 4 reads, Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look into it. John was sad and he wept because he desired to know what was in that book. But it was not long before he was given hope. We read in the fifth verse and one of the elders said to me, stop weeping. Behold the lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the root of David has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals.

The lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David. We will just summarize the seed. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, tribe of Judah, family of David, down to Jesus, the lion and root of David and the church. Yes, our Heavenly Father would have others to know the contents of that book by the gift of his only begotten Son. As we learn from volume 2, each seal is opened as a time lock in God’s plan, First to Christ, then to his brethren, the Church, in due time.

Now in Revelation 22:16, from the Weymouth, we read, I, Jesus, have sent my angel for him solemnly to declare these things to you among the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright morning star.

Hebrews 2:14, 15. Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death he might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. Yes, he shared in flesh and blood he is the Son of God, the perfect Son of God. He came to pay a corresponding price, and consequently he had to be flesh and blood, a perfect man to ransom Adam, and by doing so ransom all mankind Adam’s progeny.

Hebrews 2:16, 18. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels, but he took on him the seed of Abraham, wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself had suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted when we Think about this. Isn’t it marvelous? We can say hallelujah.

Jesus Christ is worthy to fulfill these promised blessings.

I would like to Read next verses 6 through 8 from the Diaglot in chapter 5 of Revelation, and I saw in the midst of the throne and of the four living ones in the midst of the elders, a little lamb standing as if killed, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent forth into all the earth, and he came and took the scroll from the right hand of the one sitting on the throne, and when he took the scroll, the four living ones and the 24 elders fell down before the Lamb, having each a harp and bulls golden, full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

Here we have a new vision showing the four attributes of God, the 24 elders and something new, a lamb. This lamb was sacrificed, but is now alive and given all power from God. Seven horns and all wisdom, seven eyes, to carry out God’s plans and purposes.

Christ, who was sat down at the right hand of God, now takes a scroll from God, because God wishes him to carry out his plan, because he is worthy to do so, because he purchased man from death to life.

In verse 8, all the prophets, God’s plan, pay respect to the Lamb of God and offer their praise and prayers to the one who carries out the prophecies.

Philippians, chapter 2, verses 9 through 11. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of things in heaven and things in earth, and things under the earth. Excuse me, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Jesus Christ is king. In the fruition of the plan there will be Jehovah, the head over all things, and the head over Christ. Next will come our Lord and the church which is his body. Then will come the various orders of angels, and lastly mankind.

Quite a thing to consider. But now let’s read of a most beautiful song that is being sung. This comes from Revelation, chapter 5, verses 9 and 10, and they sang a new song, saying, worthy art thou to take the book and to break its seals, for thou wast slain and didst purchase for God with thy blood men from every tribe and tongue, and people and nation, and thou hast made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God.

And they will reign upon the earth. From the diaglot, verse 10 reads, and thou dost make them to our God a royalty and a priesthood, and they shall reign on the earth.

All will have an opportunity to come up the highway of holiness when the Mediator is in place. All willing to practice righteousness will achieve atonement with God. Verse 10, however, talks about something different. It talks of priests and kings in a kingdom priesthood. There are two salvations to four classes in God’s plan.

God’s plan includes the true Church, the body and bride of Christ to reign with him. Notice the verse says, Christ didst make them royalty and a priesthood unto God. This makes us think of another song, doesn’t it? The song of Moses and the Lamb from Revelation, chapter 15.

Well, we need to move along. Hebrews 6:20 tells us whether the forerunner is for us entered. Even Jesus made a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek priests and kings. Quite a thing to consider.

Next we’re going to turn to the fourth vision of chapter five. We get an extra emphasis on this vision, both with the phrases and I saw and and I heard a vision and a proclamation. Revelation chapter 5, verses 11 through 14 from the dialogue, and I saw and I heard as a voice of many angels in a circle of the throne and of the living ones and of the elders, and was the number of them myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, worthy is that Lamb which was killed to receive the power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing, and every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth, and under the earth, and on the sea which is and the things in them all I heard saying to the hymn that sits on the throne, and to the Lamb be the blessing and the honor and the glory and the might for the ages of the ages.

And the four living ones said, Amen, and the elders fell down and did homage.

Now a Myriad of angels, 10,000 angels, thousands of thousands. We’re in the millions. Now. This is a lot of angels. Angels make the proclamation that he is worthy.

The universe is hearing this.

Remember Daniel chapter 7, verse 14. There was given him dominion and glory, and a kingdom that all people, nations and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away, and his kingdom, that which shall not be destroyed, and of course we remember also the time frames, the overTurnings from Ezekiel 21:27. I will overturn, overturn, overturn it, and it shall be no more until he come whose right it is and and I will give it him.

He has the right.

Continuing Psalm 2, 6, 8. Yet have I set my king upon the Holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree. The Lord has said unto me. Thou art my son.

This day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

The attributes of God. The four living ones say Amen. The elders the prophecies have been fulfilled. The the plan of God has been fulfilled. Amen.

The ages of ages. Restoration, Complete atonement with God. Quite a thing to consider.

Well, next we’ll turn to 2 Peter 3:13. Of course, this is a fulfillment of this scripture that we’ve been considering. Nevertheless, we, according to his promise, look for a new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness. Well, there’s the basic principle, isn’t it? Righteous practice righteousness in Matthew 28:18.

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

We also remember that the angels sang at the dawn of the creative week from job 38:7, when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy. How much the more when atonement is accomplished.

Well, we’ve been considering that God is worthy, of course. Our king, the Lord Jesus is worthy, of course. But how are we worthy?

There’s been consideration of this already this morning. Romans 3:10 says, as it is written, there is none righteous. No, not one. Well, this scripture tells us that there are none righteous of the Adamic stock. None.

Well, we ask a question. Is there a difference from being worthy and accounted worthy?

One of the questions we started out with was, isn’t it thrilling to consider that we can be worthy through our Savior?

So now we’d like to read from Amana from December 21st manna, and I think it’s an appropriate manna for the season to remember what this season’s really about. We talk about Christmas season. Who is worthy? Revelation 5:12.

Let us, dearly beloved, as we realize that thus far God has counted us worthy to look upon the scroll of his plan, which has been unsealed for us by our blessed Lord Jesus, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, prove our worthiness to continue to look therein and to read the wondrous things of his law by faithful obedience and loyalty to it. In all things, let us not undervalue our great privilege in being counted worthy to have some part of the blessed ministry of of reflecting the light of divine truth. Let us prove ourselves jewels of the rarest value. Diamonds. Indeed, heartily receiving and beautifully transmitting to others the light of truth, and faithfully enduring the severest pressure that God may permit to come upon us.

For if faithful in these small things, we shall in due time be counted worthy also to reign with Christ in power and great glory.

Next we’ll see how this works. Colossians chapter 1, verse 24:28 who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake been already considered this morning, which is the church whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God, which is given to me for you to fulfill the word of God, even the mystery which has been hid from ages and from generations, but is now made manifest to his saints, to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is in you, Christ, in you the hope and glory whom we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 2:10 reads from the King James Version and ye are complete in him which is the head of all principality and power. So here’s how we learn how we’re complete. But let’s read 9 and 10 from the Weymouth. For it is in Christ that the fullness of God’s nature dwells embodied, and in him you are made complete, and he is the Lord of all princes and rulers. While some may get the wrong idea for this, but we know Christ is God’s only begotten Son.

The Son is the image of God, but is not God the Father as is shown in the visions?

There was a Lamb ye are complete in him it is by God’s grace.

Ephesians 2:8 for by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God. It’s a gift.

Now Christ is the image of God’s character because he is 100% faithful, 100% obedient. Therefore he was given all justice, wisdom, love and power. He becomes to us all that we need to perfect holiness through him. Brethren, if there’s the big if we continue to honor our consecration vow, he becomes to us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and deliverance. He becomes to us all that we need to perfect holiness and to receive the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, that we might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

The text up there, Isaiah, chapter 61:3 to point unto them that mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the Spirit of heaviness, that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord. Why, that he might be glorified.

Now notice the part that he might be glorified. We are precious in God’s sight because we’ve given him our only valuable thing, our will.

Yet all we have comes from God through Christ. We cannot justify ourselves. We are justified by Christ’s blood.

So the question is, are we doing his will.

Now? Galatians, chapter three, verse three. Excuse me. Really answers this and informs this. Are ye so foolish?

Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

Of course not.

So we see we have been given something of value almost beyond our comprehension by God’s grace. We read of this in Isaiah 61:10.

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord. My soul shall be joyful in the Lord, for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation. He hath covered me with a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with jewels.

We have not been reckoned justified by the merit of our Savior. We have been reckoned. Excuse me, I was reading that wrong. We have been reckoned, justified by the merit of our Savior, by the acceptance of our consecration, our little all by God. Christ.

Christ did not need a robe. He was perfect. We are not. We have a standing with our Father by his sacrifice poured out and our faith. We have the privilege of sharing in the cup of sacrifice to be participants in the sin offering for mankind.

And how wonderful will that be if we’re faithful to resurrect mankind. Now we read in Galatians 3. 3.

Well, I think I got the wrong text in here. But Christ is redeemed us from the curse of the law being made a curse for us. For it is written, cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree. Well, Jesus perfectly fulfilled the law and released the Jews from the condemnation of the law. Christ opened the new and living way for us.

Christ became our advocate.

Second Corinthians, chapter 9, verse 15 sums it all up. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

Well, back to our theme text and further consideration of Revelation, chapters 4 and 5. God’s plan. Revelation, chapter 5, verse 12. Saying with a loud voice, worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing. Now I Can’t put this better in the Pastor.

So we’re going to quote from the reprints.

Very few things I can put better in the Pastor, Jim.

We quote in due time. The Logos was sent forth. He was a loyal Son before he sent Him. He undertook to do the Father’s will, not yet knowing what it would cost to be the Messiah. For God had kept those things secret.

He manifested his faith, his trust. He delighted to do the Father’s will, even to the taking of a lower nature, and so he humbled himself from the glorious condition in which he was and took upon himself the human nature and became a man, a perfect man, not a sinful man. Our Lord did this in order to carry out the great program which the Father had in his own mind and which he had not revealed to any other. When Jesus reached the age of 30 years, the earliest age at which he could present Himself to God under the law, he went to Jordan and made a consecration of himself with the determination to do everything that was in the Father’s plan, everything that typically and prophetically had been written in the Holy Scriptures concerning Himself.

Lo. I come in the volume of the book. It is written of me to do thy will, O God. I delight to do thy will, O my God. Yea, Thy law is within my heart were his heart expressions as recorded in Hebrews 10:7, 9 and Psalm 46:8.

This was our Lord’s consecration. His human nature became his sacrifice. He laid down his life. He did not finish laying it down at Jordan, but so far as his will was concerned, it was given there.

He there became the priest, the great high priest, his flesh being typified by the bullock of sin offering sacrificed on Israel’s yearly day of atonement. During the three and a half years of his ministry, he carried out his sacrifice satisfactorily and everything that the Father had given him to do was finished at the cross.

We’re going to read again from the same reprint under the section the Deep Things Unfolded at Jordan. Our Lord Jesus received the anointing of the Holy Spirit when he came up out of the water at his baptism. Then the heavens were opened unto him. The higher things which he had not previously understood became clear. The Scriptures were unfolded to his view.

He knew that he was going up to Jerusalem to be crucified. He knew that he would be betrayed by one of his chosen disciples, and he knew which of them would be the betrayer. He knew these things because he had been gotten been begotten of the Holy Spirit and accepted of God. As a son on the divine plane during these three and a half years, he was the Messiah, the scent of God. He was the lion of the tribe of Judah.

He had sacrificed his will, but this was not sufficient. God wished him to sacrifice not only his will, but actually to lay down his human life, and God purposed to prove him by certain crucial tests. So he was tempted in all points, like as we are yet without sin. When all his testings were completed at his death on the cross, God gave him a name to which all should bow, both in heaven and in earth.

Here the words of our text find their answer. The inquiry compassed the period from before Jesus came into the world up to his resurrection from the grave. God had given the most honorable one of all of the host of heaven the first opportunity to prove his worthiness, to loose the scroll of God’s great plan and to fulfill its provisions. He was given this opportunity because as the firstborn of Jehovah, he had the right to the first privilege of service, and he did not allow the privilege to go by.

He accepted it. He was faithful. He humbled himself to the human nature, and thus he became the lion of the tribe of Judah, of which tribe he was born as a man. He did not have this title in his position as logoth.

It was as the Son of Mary that he was the lion of the tribe of Judah and the root of David, and of course we remember that he was 40 days in the wilderness to contemplate all that had been opened up to him. Quite a lot.

Now. Revelation, chapter 13, verse 8, and all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Yes, God knew his only begotten Son would be resurrected, a divine Son, before he created man.

We’re also going to quote another part from reprint 5943.

The master declared that as the Father revealed them unto him, so would he reveal them unto us. But this revelation has been gradual as the successive seals have been broken. Brethren, beloved in Christ, realizing that our God has hitherto counted us worthy to look upon the wondrous scroll of his great plan, which has been unsealed for us by Jesus our Lord. Let us continue to prove ourselves worthy, to look therein and to comprehend the glorious things of his word by faithfulness, obedience and loyalty to this plan in everything.

Now let our appreciation continually increase for our wondrous privilege in being permitted to share this blessed ministry of bearing divine truth to other hungry hearts. That they also may rejoice in the Lord and in the power of his might. Unquote.

I’m going to read some Excerpts from reprint 3103, and, of course, both these reprints I’ve been reading from are entitled. Worthy is the Lamb accepting the bear promise written on the outside of the scroll. Verse 1. Of salvation through the seed of the woman.

Nothing could be known of the wonderful scheme for human restitution. Until the Son of God, having left the glory of the spiritual nature, took our nature and by the sacrifice himself redeemed us from death. Then, having his righteousness imputed to us by faith, we are counted. Worthy to look upon the scroll as he opens the seals one after another. Excuse me.

We will find tests applied to prove our worthiness. To proceed from knowledge to knowledge and from grace to grace. Who is worthy, Worthy to receive the truth. Worthy to continue in the truth. Worthy to suffer and to endure hardness as a good soldier for the truth.

And finally to be exalted to power and great glory. When truth and righteousness shall be exalted in the earth, and their glorious triumph begun.

We would like to consider a very important character trait to maintaining our consecration unto death. Philippians chapter, chapter two, verses seven and eight. Read this morning. Yet he made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant.

And was made in the likeness of men, and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death. Even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.

As we have already read in Philippians, chapter 2, verses 9 through 11. He humbled himself because he was humble, obedient to the Father’s will. Unto death he was exalted, and like his Son, God is an example of humility as well. He called Abraham a friend.

He calls you sons.

Excuse me.

The only way to be faithful servants is to remain humble. Our protection from pride.

Excuse me. Okay. Luke 18, 7, 19. Verily I say unto you. Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

And a certain ruler asked him, saying, good master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, why callest thou me good? Strange answer, isn’t it? None is good save one that is God.

He didn’t want to be complimented, but he wanted the ruler to realize him as sent from God, and that everything really good must be of God, and in accordance with God. This was humility.

Next couple minutes we have left. Are we thankful? 2nd Corinthians 2:14 to 15 and 15 but thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. So the question is, do our lives reflect the beauty and holiness of Jesus Christ?

So we are a holy aroma to God.

Psalm 141:2 Let my prayer be sent forth before thee as incense and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. On a few days we will be celebrating the memorial, remembering the one who was worthy of providing the ransom by giving of his body flesh and going further with his blood sacrifice. We read of this as Behold the Lamb of God, which taken away the sin of the world. He is worthy well may the Lord add his blessing and forgive and overrule anything said amiss.

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