Revelation 5:6-7 And I beheld, and, see, in the middle of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the middle of the elders… I. GOD HAS A PLAN FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF HIS CHURCH. 1. The plan is on a large scale. It fills a "book." Redemption is God's greatest effort. 2. God is resolved to work out the plan. "Right hand" — symbol of executive energy. 3. The plan is an infinitely difficult one. "Sealed with seven seals." How to reconcile man to God, the great mystery of the universe. 4. The plan is essential to the happiness of humanity. John "wept" when no one could open the book. II. Christ is the administrator of God's plan for the construction of His Church. 1. He is qualified by appointment. "My servant." 2. He is qualified by character. "Lamb." 3. He is qualified by suffering. "Slain." 4. He is qualified by perfection of ability. "Seven horns," etc. Perfection of knowledge and power. III. THE ADMINISTRATION BY CHRIST OF GOD'S PLAN FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF HIS CHURCH IS PRODUCTIVE OF UNIVERSAL JOY. 1. The joy of the Church (vers. 8-10). 2. The joy of the angels (vers. 11, 12). 3. The joy of the creation (ver. 13). 4. The joy of God. "This is My beloved Son, etc. (B. D. Johns.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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