The Future Vision

“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.  And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?”  Revelation 5:1-2

The Apostle John, banished to the Isle of Patmos (in the Aegean Sea between the coasts of Greece and Turkey) for his testimony, was given a vision by Christ of the end times.  As John witnessed the worship of God by the living creatures and the 24 elders which encircled God’s throne in heaven, an event transpired which caught his eye.  He saw God holding a book in His right hand.  It is believed that the book was in the form of a scroll written on the front and back with portions sealed in succession by seven seals.  The content of the scroll would reveal God’s future for mankind and thus was not privy to anyone other than One who was qualified to break the seals and read it.

An angel called out enquiring who was worthy to open the book.  None of God’s men like Abraham, Moses, or David was qualified nor was Peter or Paul.  None of the angels were able, not even Gabriel or Michael.  Almighty God Himself chose not to be the expositor of His own words.  None of those in the throne room could answer the call.  John began to weep.  He believed that one day Jesus would set things right, but how could that process begin unless someone initiated it by opening the book, allowing the future restoration of a world of peace and love as God originally intended?

One of the elders noticed John’s tears and told him not to weep because there was Someone who was completely qualified to break the seals and allow the future to commence.  It was the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, none other than Jesus Christ Himself who was victorious over death and sin which gave Him and Him only the right to initiate the fulfillment of the prophecy for the future.  Who better to judge those whose sins carried Christ to the cross and who refused His forgiveness than the One who died unjustly to save them?

There are multitudes of folks who never even consider the possibility of a future judgment.  They live their lives and never think that one day, whether still living or dead, they will be held accountable for their sins and will face the very One who made it possible by His death on the cross for them to be forgiven.  It might be hundreds of years before the final judgment, but it may be a lot closer than we think.  To repent and place one’s faith in Jesus Christ brings a relief to a soul burdened with guilt and gives one a peace to know that he or she is completely and forever forgiven.