 |  | | | |  |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
In Revelation chapter 5, the apostle John has been caught up in a vision of heaven. There in the throne room of God was book sealed with seven seals. But no one in heaven or earth could open the seals. This grieved John greatly, for Christians in those days were under great persecution, and if no one were able to open the seals, then there would be no future deliverance from the persecution. But just when it seemed that there was no hope, an elder told him that indeed there was someone able to open the seals; namely, the Lion of Judah, the Root of David. John turns expecting to see a great and powerful Lion. But instead, John sees a lamb. Not just any lamb, but a lamb who has been slaughtered. The lamb takes the book, and the angels respond in song: (Revelation 4:12-13 NASB) Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing….To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever. In heaven, Christ is worshipped not for His power, wisdom or glory, but being the “lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). Men are considered great through great accomplishments. Throughout history, men are considered great for achieving military victory, advancing knowledge, unifying peoples politically, or for creating great works of art. But Jesus' greatness comes in His death. The greatest thing which Christ's accomplishes in His life is his crucifixion on a hill outside the city of Jerusalem. The death of Jesus becomes the defining event in the life of Christ, and in the life of the church, and indeed in all of human history. Why would this man's death be so profound and affect all of human history as it did? What is so important about the crucifixion of Christ? What was accomplished on the cross? How is what Christ accomplished appropriated by humans today? What is the essence of Christian salvation and its relationship to the cross? Download the NotesListen to the LectureTable of Contents
|
