The command to John in Revelation 1, verse nineteen gives the key to the book of Revelation. Understanding revelation is dependent upon using the key.
Understanding Revelation Commentary 8
Rev. 5:1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
Title deed to the Earth
For about six thousand years, Satan has held the title deed to the earth. Man possessed it in the garden and turned it over to Satan when he disobeyed the Father. Under Jewish law one could redeem the title of land sold. You could buy back the property within a certain time period if the requirements of the deed were fulfilled. Redemption time for the earth has now arrived.
2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
The redemptive deed was sealed in Jewish culture. When it was time, the seals were opened by the one who held the deed. If the requirements of the deed were able to be fulfilled by the one who held the deed the land would return to the deedholder.
3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
That’s because no man in earth or under the earth held the deed but Jesus only!
4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
The Lion of the tribe of Judah
5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
This is the Lord Jesus Himself. Full of the Holy Spirit and the full power of God represented by the seven eyes and the seven horns. Standing before the throne of the Father Himself! The full triune Glory of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!
7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb. Every one of them having harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
The prayers of the saints. Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth just as it is in heaven. These prayers are about to be fulfilled.
A New Song
9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
This is the song of the redeemed out of every kindred, tongue, people, and nation. The raptured church now in the presence of the Lamb and the Father in the heavenly throne room.
10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Now the angels, beasts and elders join in.
12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying. Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
Every creature in heaven, on the earth, under the earth and in the sea join in. What a glorious sound! All of heaven and earth prepare for the redemptive work of the Lamb! The earth is now in the process of being returned to it’s rightful owner!
14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
Back on Earth
During this blessed time of reunion, praise and worship, and thanksgiving in heaven, back on earth, things have gotten chaotic. The church has disappeared. Multitudes of people gone! Gog of the land of Magog is getting ready to invade Israel or has already started the incursion. Ezekiel 38 & 39. The missing 70th week of Daniel’s 70 weeks of years prophesy now begins.