"Worthy Is The Lamb"

 REVELATION 5:1-14

THEME:  John Continues His Description of His Vision of the Heavenly Glory and the Worship of Christ Around the Throne of God.  Jesus Christ, The Lamb, Is Worshiped as the Redeemer and Declared Worthy to Open the Seven-sealed Scroll.

INTRODUCTION:

Though chapters 4-5 are seamlessly join to one another, the focal point of this glorious vision dramatically changes. The Father, who is worshiped as the Creator in chapter 4, now focuses His attention on the Son Jesus Christ, Who is worshiped as the Redeemer in chapter 5.  The key to this grand transition is the sealed book in the Father’s right hand will now be given to Christ to unleash the document and administer its content (Wilmington).  It is as though a television camera in heaven zooms in on the hand of God to show a sealed scroll which no one can open. The camera then pans away to focus on one who is yet to be introduced in this heavenly scene. He alone is standing in the heart and center of the throne room! By virtue of his glorious ‘triumph’ over sin and death He is supremely qualified to receive and open the sealed scroll. When the glorious Christ does so, all heaven thunders and rings with praises reflecting on His redemptive work (Wiersbe).

Beloved, this is an awe inspiring representation of the coronation of Jesus, our glorious Lord in a manner consistent with ancient enthronement ceremonies of the Middle East. The steps of such a ceremony are generally defined as exaltation, presentation, enthronement and acclamation. The equivalent of the exaltation is seen in verse 5, the presentation in verse 6, the bestowal of authority in verse 7, and the acclamation in verses 8–14. So the mighty Christ-Redeemer enters upon his much deserved reign in power in this heavenly scene (Walvoord).

Now we are able to enter into the worship experience described in Revelation 5. And we will discover four compelling reasons why we all should worship Jesus Christ, The Redeemer.

MESSAGE: 

I.  Worship Because of Who The Redeemer Is (Rev 5:1-7). 

A.   THE OBSERVATION (Rev. 5:1):

John sees a seven-sealed scroll in the right hand of the Father upon His throne.

  1.  The Place of the Book.

The Father’s Right Hand, “the right hand of Him that sat on the throne.”  The focus of attention now shifts to a seven sealed scroll in the hand of God. In John's day some books were written on scrolls. These were pieces of papyrus or vellum up to thirty feet long, rolled up and sealed with clay or wax. Perhaps the right hand signifies power and authority. The stage is set to transfer this very power and authority to the Lord Jesus Christ.

  2.  The Purpose of the Book.

     A.  The Title Deed to the Earth.

          1.  This format is typical of various kinds of contracts in the ancient world, including deeds, marriage contracts, rental and lease agreements, and wills.

          2.  The inside of the scroll contained all the details of the contract, and the outside—or back— contained a summary of the document.

          3.  This particular scroll is Christ's title deed to creation— the title deed to the earth (Jer. 32:7ff.). 

 Psalm 2:8,  Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen [the nations] for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

     B.  The Last Will and Testament for the Earth.

          1.  Christ Has a Right to the Earth Because of His Sacrifice.

The Roman will was sealed with seven seals; this scroll is the will, or testament, giving Christ the right to claim creation by virtue of His sacrifice (Rev.5: 9). The scroll apparently contained God's final will and testament concerning his world, which is the ushering in of his long-awaited Millennial Kingdom. 

          2.  Christ Has a Right to the Earth Because He is the Heir.

A will could be opened only by the heir, and Christ is the "heir of all things" (Heb 1:2).

Hebrews 1:2,  Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

     C.  The Seven Seals Indicate the Seriousness and Secrecy of the Book.

         1.  The seven seals represent seven judgments that will purify the planet in preparation for the Millennium (Rev. 6-19).

         2.  Romans sealed their wills 7 times—on the edge at each roll—to prevent unauthorized entry.

         3.  Hebrew title deeds required a minimum of 3 witnesses and 3 separate seals, with more important transactions requiring more witnesses and seals.

         4.  Only the most serious documents, those dealing with life and death, had seven seals.

The seven seals indicate the importance of the scroll's contents, and they guaranteed the secrecy of the document.

   3.  The Prophecy of the Book.

Most likely this the book of prophecy that Daniel was told to seal up in Daniel 12:4.

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.

      A.  The One Vision of Dan. 10, 11 & 12.

This vision showed how world events will affect the Nation of Israel in the last days.  This was one continuous vision.                            

Daniel 10:14, Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.

  

             1.  Daniel Spoke of the Antichrist.  Dan. 11:36-38.

             2.  Daniel Spoke of the Great Tribulation.  Dan. 12:1.

This is part of the 70th week (seven years) prophecy.  Dan. 9:27.

   

      B.  The Vision is Unsealed in Rev. 6.

The details of what Daniel saw are given in the remainder of the book; these are the things he was not permitted to share in His lifetime.

      C.  The Prophecy Was Seal for Over 600 Years.

The scroll could not be read because it was rolled up and sealed with seven seals. John could see writing on both sides of the scroll, which meant that nothing more could be added. What was written was completed and final.

B.  THE INTERROGATION (Rev. 5:2):

     1.  The Strong Angel’s Question.

A mighty angel asks if anyone is able to break the seals and open the scroll.  A title deed or will can be opened only by the appointed heir, and this is Jesus Christ.  

     2.  The Future is in Question.

The scene in Revelation 5 shows that only the Lamb, Jesus Christ, is worthy to open the scroll, which reveals the events of future history. Jesus, not Satan, holds the future. Jesus Christ is in control; He holds the future in His capable hands!  He alone is worthy to set into motion the events of the last days of history (MacDonald).

C.   THE INVESTIGATION (Rev. 5:3):

An unsuccessful threefold search is made.

    1.  In Heaven (5:3 a)

    2.  On Earth (5:3 b)

    3.  Under the Earth (5:3 c)

No one in all the universe could be found worthy enough to break the seals. God makes it clear that only Christ can redeem. No saint in heaven, the destiny of glory; no person on earth, and no soul in the underworld of death, could take that sealed book. Absolutely no one else was found to be worthy.

D.  THE LAMENTATION (Rev. 5:4):

No wonder John wept, for he realized that God's glorious redemption plan for mankind could never be completed until the scroll was opened.  By extension John very likely wept for several reasons:

    1.  He yearned to see creation set free from bondage;

    2.  He wanted the promise of Rev. 4:1 to be fulfilled;

    3.  He knew that the OT promises to Israel could never be fulfilled unless the scroll could be opened.

    4.  John was sharing in the "groaning" of Romans 8:22-23.

E.  THE CONSOLATION (Rev. 5:5c):

He is told someone is indeed worthy to take the book and open the seals.

     1.  Christ Has Prevailed!

The angel dried John’s tears by pointing to Christ, Who is worthy to open the book because He has "prevailed," which means “to overcome” (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26), “conquering” (Rev. 6:2), or win “the victory” (Rev. 15:2). The Lamb has taken the victory (Rev. 17:14)! Christ has achieved victory and therefore is worthy to take and read the sealed book.

     2.  Christ is the Redeemer!                                                         

The redeemer had to be:

                                                                                        

         A.  Near of Kin,

         B.  Willing to Redeem, and

         C.  Able to Redeem.

Jesus Christ meets all of the qualifications. He became flesh, so He is our Kinsman. He loves us and is willing to redeem; and He paid the price, so He is able to redeem (Wilmington). 

F.  THE MANIFESTATION (Rev. 5:5-7):

This someone now steps forward.

   1.  Who He is (Rev. 5:5 a-b, 6): Jesus Christ.

Three unique titles are given to our Lord to describe who He is.

       A.  He Is Called the Lion of Judah (Rev. 5:5 a-b).  (The Coming King)

First, Christ is the Lion of the tribe of Judah.

            1.  Judah Was Designated as the Tribe of Kings.

Genesis 49:8-10,  Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee. [9] Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up? [10] The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

The reference here is to Gen 49:8-10, where Jacob prophetically gave the scepter to Judah and made it the tribe of the kings (Wiersbe). (God never meant for Saul to establish a dynasty, because he came from the tribe of Benjamin. God used him to discipline Israel because the people asked for a king; then He gave them David from the tribe of Judah.)

            2.  Judah Was Symbolized by the Lion.

The image of "the lion" speaks of dignity, sovereignty, courage, and victory and it speaks of Christ's royalty in the family of David. Christ Jesus is the only living Jew who can prove His kingship from the genealogical records. "Son of David" was a title often used when He was ministering on earth (see Matt. 1).

1 Kings 2:45,  And king Solomon shall be blessed, and the throne of David shall be established before the Lord for ever.

Isaiah 9:7,  Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

            3.  The Lion Anticipates the Second Coming.

This also anticipates Christ's Second Coming as the Lion. The Lion and the Lamb surely refer to Christ, with the Lamb referring to His first coming and His death and the Lion referring to His second coming and His sovereign judgment of the world. As the lion Jesus Christ is the judge who will punish his enemies (MacDonald).

       B.  He Is Called the Root of David (Rev. 5:5).  (The God-Man)

But He is also the Root of David, which means He brought David into existence.

                                                                                                           

             1.  Christ’s Deity and Humanity.

                   A.  Christ is David’s Son—Rooted in David.

As far as His humanity is concerned, Jesus had His roots in David.

Isaiah 11:1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

                   B.  Christ is David’s Sovereign— the Root of David.

But as far as His deity is concerned, Jesus is the Root of David. Thus the "Root of David" speaks of His deity, the One through whom David came.

Isaiah 11:10,  And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.

             2.  David’s Lord and Son.

This speaks, of course, of our Lord's eternality! How the Messiah could both be David's Lord and David's son was a problem Jesus presented to the Pharisees, and they could not (or would not) answer Him (Matt 22:41-46).

                                                                                                           

       C. He Is Called the Lamb of Jehovah (Rev. 5:6).  (The Perfect Sacrifice)

When John turned to see, he saw not a lion but a lamb!

                       

             1.  The Lamb in The Revelation (this book).

Jesus Christ is called "the Lamb" at least twenty-eight times in the Book of Revelation (the Greek word used means "a little pet lamb") and the emphasis is not hard to miss.

                 A.  God's wrath is "the wrath of the Lamb" (Rev 6:16).

                 B.  Cleansing is by "the blood of the Lamb" (Rev 7:14).

                 C.  The church is "the bride of the Lamb" (Rev 19:7; 21:9).

             2.  The Lamb in Revelation (the body of Scriptures).

The theme of "the Lamb" is an important one throughout Scripture, for it presents the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Redeemer.

                A.  The Passover Lamb.

In the Bible, the Exodus is the fundamental picture of redemption; the slain Lamb then is the Passover lamb.

God required the Jews to bring the Passover lamb into their houses for 4 days, essentially making it a pet, before it was to be violently slain.

Exodus 12:3,  Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:

Exodus 12:6, And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.

                B.  The Slaughtered Lamb.

We also recall the slaughtered lamb of Is. 53:7, the Servant of the Lord, suffering in innocence for all humankind.  Isaiah 53:7, He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

                C.  The God Lamb.

The Old Testament question, "Where is the lamb?" (Gen 22:7) was answered by John the Baptist who cried, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). There is no wonder why the choir of heaven sang, "Worthy is the Lamb!" (Rev 5:12)

             3.  The Lamb in Representation. (He is Literal and Symbolic at the same time).

The description of the Lamb (Rev 5:6), if produced literally by an artist, would provide a grotesque picture; but when understood symbolically, conveys spiritual truth.

                  A.  He Was Slain, but Standing.

“The Lamb” appeared to have been “slain” or sacrificed. This is the true Passover Lamb, God’s Son (Is. 53:7; Jer. 11:19; John 1:29) pointing back to his first coming. The wounds from its slaughter are still clearly visible, but it is standing—it is alive.

Jeremiah 11:19,  But I was like a lamb or an ox that is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, saying, Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered.

                                                                                                           

Yes, the Lamb was standing in the center of the throne room, alive and victorious! Perhaps pointing to his death and resurrection which was the main aspects of his first coming and what qualifies Him to take the title deed of the earth  (Rev 5:9).

                  B.  He Has Seven Horns.  (Omnipotence)

Since seven is the number of perfection, these seven horns signify complete or perfect Power–Strength. 

                         1.  But the Lamb has seven horns, which signifies immense authority (1 Kings 22:11), strength–power (Ps. 75:4–7) and royal status (Zc. 1:18).

                         2.  In the animal kingdom horns are used to exert power and inflict wounds in combat.

                         3.  This represents the Messiah as the powerful leader (The Ram!) of the flock of God, who delivers the sheep, conquering the wild beasts who seek to destroy them.

                         4.  Unlike other defenseless lambs, this One has complete, sovereign power as a ruler.  This is how the symbol is used in other places. 

Daniel 7:24, And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.  

Rev. 13:1, And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.

                  C.  He Has Seven Eyes.  (Omniscience)

Signifying perfect wisdom and all knowledge.  In Zc. 4:10 it is God who has seven eyes, symbolizing omniscience; here they are identified with the seven spirits of God sent forth into all the earth, in harmony with the teaching of Jn. 16:7–11. The Messiah of OT promise thus stands revealed in terms of new covenant fulfillment.

                  D.  He Has Seven Spirits of God.   (Omnipresence)

The “seven eyes” defined as “the seven spirits of God” (Zech. 3:9; 4:10) symbolically represent the Holy Spirit (Rev. 1:4, 4:5) and perfect presence (seven Spirits in all the earth).  Jesus Christ was indwelt by the full measure of the Holy Spirit which suggests omnipresence.

John 3:34, For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.

The theologians would call these qualities omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence and all three are attributes of God. The Lamb is God the Son, Christ Jesus!  All of which points to Him as being free of any error in the judgment He will unleash on the world.

   2.  What He Does (Rev. 5:7): He takes the scroll from the right hand of the enthroned Father.                      

      A.  He Receives the Title Deed.

The scroll represents Christ's "title deed" to all that the Father promised Him because of His sacrifice on the cross. "Ask of Me, and I shall give Thee the heathen [nations] for Thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for Thy possession" (Ps 2:8). Jesus Christ is the "Heir of all things" (Heb 1:2). He is our beloved "kinsman-redeemer" who was willing to give His life to set us free from bondage and to restore our lost inheritance (see Lev 25:23-46; the Book of Ruth; Jer 32:6-15).

      B.  He Opens the Seven Seals.

The Lord Jesus is infinitely qualified to take the scroll and release these judgments upon the earth.  He is so qualified by His wisdom, by divine decree (Jn. 5:22,27), by personal excellence, and by His achievement at Calvary.  As Christ removed the seals, various dramatic events took place. The seventh seal introduced the seven trumpet judgments (Rev 8:1-2). Then, when the seventh trumpet had blown, the great day of God's wrath was announced, ushering in the "vial [bowl] judgments" that brought to a climax the wrath of God (Rev 11:15 ff; 15:1). It is possible that the trumpet judgments were written on one side of the scroll and the bowl judgments on the other.

                                               

We worship Jesus Christ because of who He is. But there is a second reason why we worship Him.

 II. Worship Because of Where The Redeemer Is (Rev 5:5-7, v. 6). 

                                               

A.  HE IS IN HEAVEN. (Rev. 5:6)

To begin with, Jesus is in heaven.

Ephes. 1:19-23,  And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, [20] Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, [21] Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: [22] And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, [23] Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

     1.  He Is Not in the Manger, in Jerusalem, on the Cross, or in the Tomb.

     2.  He Is Ascended and Exalted in Heaven.

What an encouragement this is to suffering Christians, to know that their Savior has defeated every enemy and is now controlling events from glory! He too suffered, but God turned His suffering into glory.  But, Why is the Exaltation important to Christ? What is the Significance of His Ascension and Exaltation to Him?

         A.  It revealed His power and victory over death.

         B.  It confirms all His claims of being the Divine Son of God.

         C.  It confirms His full acceptance by God and that of His work.

         D.  It crowns the process of the redemption of the world.

         E.  It forms the beginning of that new creation and eternal life, and over which death can have no power.

         F.  It is the entrance of the Son of God into the power and glory of the New Kingdom, or the restored Kingdom of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe.

              1.  He awaits His perfect triumph over all His foes (Heb 10:13).

              2.  He shall come again to judge the world (Acts 1:11; Matt 25:31-32).

The following Scriptures among many others may be consulted: (Rev 1:18; Acts 2:24; Rom 1:4; 1 Cor 15:20; John 5:25; Rom 4:25; 6:4-5; Col 2:12; Phil 3:10; Rom 6:9).

                                                           

APPLICATION: Look at where Jesus is “in the midst of the throne,” standing on that central space immediately in front of the throne of heaven! He is the center of that entire holy throng, on whom all eyes rest, to whom every knee bows, and every tongue confesses. And what a circle that is! Notice its elite members. But He is the center of heaven; it is to Him their adoring worship is given. Truly He is the center of heavenly adoration! But, what about down here on earth? Are we in harmony with this grand concentration on Jesus? Is He the center of our heart's worship and love? There in Heaven Is the Adoration of the Lamb.  Let us join in it. We can only do so if we remember what He has revealed in these verses, and that He is the Administrator of all our affairs. 

B.  HE IS IN THE MIDST.   (Rev. 5:6)

But where is Christ in heaven? He is in the midst.

1 Peter 3:21-22, The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: [22] Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

      1.  All of Heaven is Centered on Him.

The Lamb is the center of all that transpires in heaven, this coronation ceremony, the reception of the sealed scroll, and the worship that follows is focused on Christ as the Redeemer.

      2.  All of Creation is Centered in Him.

This is represented by the four beautiful beasts whole symbolize all creation and especially the earth.

      3.  All of God’s People are Centered in Him.

He is in the midst of all of God's people represented by the 24 elders around the throne.  

The angels around the throne encircle the Savior and praise Him.

     

      4.  All of God’s Administrations are Centered in Him.

His Central Position in Heaven Symbolizes His Ministry as Mediator and Administrator.

              A.  Christ is the Supreme Mediator and the Ultimate Administrator

He currently serves as the Mediator between God and His fallen creation and as the Administrator of His Future Redemption Plan which involves all of creation.

Ephes. 1:19-23,  And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, [20] Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, [21] Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: [22] And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, [23] Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.                                                                         

He is poised to wage war on Satan and Sin where ever its found in the universe.  

                                                                                                                                   

              B.  Christ Will Conquer All Evil, Including Death. (See Rev 20:14). 

1 Cor. 15:24-28, Then cometh the end [of the Resurrections], when he [Christ] shall have delivered up the kingdom to God [The Millennial Kingdom], even the Father; when he [Christ, the Son of Man] shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. [25] For he [Christ, the Son of Man] must reign, till he [Christ] hath put all enemies under his feet. [26] The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death [at the Great White Throne Judgment]. [27] For he [The Father] hath put all things under his [Christ] feet. But when he [The Father] saith, all things are put under him [Christ], it is manifest [obvious, really clear] that he [The Father] is excepted [Excluded], which did put all things under him [Christ]. [28] And when all things shall be subdued unto him [Christ, the Son of Man], then shall the Son also himself [Christ, the Son of Man] be subject unto him [The Father] that put all things under him [Christ, the Son of Man], that God [The Father] may be all in all.

Rev. 20:14, And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

Christ will destroy completely all dominion, authority and power that oppose God and then hand over the kingdom to God the Father. At His resurrection, Christ began the destruction of Satan and all his dominion. At the resurrection of the dead, all Satan's power will be broken. After Christ has brought everything into subjection, He will hand the kingdom back to God in perfect condition.  Having accomplished the work of redemption and restoration for which He became a Man.  He will reside forever as the God-Man because this is the necessary link between God and fallen creation.  The key to total reconciliation.

              C.  Christ Will Reign as the Ultimate Ruler.

Christ “must reign,” that is definitely without any doubt, because God has ordained it and will not change it.  This will prevail because He has put all his enemies under his feet in total conquest. 

Psalm 110:1, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Because the resurrection of Christ is an accomplished fact and because the promise of the resurrection is a future fact, the promise of Christ's ultimate and final reign can be trusted as fact and anticipated by every believer.

              D.  Christ and the Father are Equal in Person but, Christ is Subject in Purpose.

Although God the Father and God the Son are equal (Phil 2:6), each has a special work to do and an area of sovereign control (1Cor. 15:28). Christ is not inferior to the Father, but his work is to defeat all evil on earth. First, he defeated sin and death on the cross, and in the last days, he will completely defeat Satan and all evil.

APPLICATION:  World events may seem out of control, and justice may seem scarce. But God is in control, allowing evil to remain for a time until he sends Jesus to earth again. Then Christ will ultimately present to God a perfect new world. We, too, have special roles to play in God's plan. Much of Christ's work is done in us, and requires our cooperation and obedience. To also participate in Christ's work, we must allow his words and presence to direct our relationships and decisions.

C.  HE IS AT THE THRONE.  (Rev. 5:6)

He is also at the throne of the Majesty on High.

    1.  He is No Longer Living in Humiliation.

Some sentimental Christian poetry and hymns dethrones our Savior and emphasizes only His earthly life. These poems and songs glamorize "the gentle Carpenter" or "the humble Teacher," but they fail to exalt the risen Lord! We do not worship a Babe in a manger or a corpse on a cross. We worship the living, reigning Lamb of God who is in the midst of all in heaven (MacDonald).

    2.  He is Now Living in Exaltation. 

Philip. 2:9-11, Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: [10] That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; [11] And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

          A.  Very Little Emphasis Has Been Placed on Jesus' Ascending for His People. 

That is viewing the ascension as an act of love for us instead of as a selfish pursuit of power, recognition, and honor. This love was manifests in the sending of His Spirit, and His ministry as High Priest; both are acts dependent upon Jesus' ascension.

John 14:3, And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

John 16:7, Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

Ephes. 4:8-10, Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. [9] (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? [10] He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

Hebrews 6:20, Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

Hebrews 9:24, For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

Hebrews 4:14, Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

These are references to Jesus ascending "on our behalf" and they further connect the ascension with Jesus' atoning work. 

APPLICATION: We cannot allow ourselves to erroneously view His exaltation as being some self-oriented, power-seeking act!  No, absolutely not! We must see it as flowing from the same self-sacrificial love Jesus demonstrated for us sinners in His incarnation (2 Cor 8:9) and crucifixion (Rom 5:6-8). The same love that brought Him to earth for us, took Him to the cross for us, also took Him back to Heaven for us.

          B.  Why is His Ascension and Exaltation So Important to Us?

The ascension of Christ is also closely related to the peace, sanctification, and hope of believers.

               1.  We Have an Ascended Lord Who Is with Us in Our Struggles Here (Mark 16:19-20). 

This brings peace to our hearts as we live out His will.

                     A.  He Is Our Heavenly Advocate (1 John 2:1).

                     B.  He Is Still Interceding for Our Perfection (John 17:20-24).

                     C.  He Powerfully Attracts Us to Things above (Col 3:1-4).

               2.  We Are Encouraged in Faithful and Confident Prayer (Heb 4:14-16). 

This affords us motivation to be a truly holy people unto Him.

               3.  We Have a Place Prepared for Us in Heaven By Christ Our Lord.

This is a wonderful part of our great blessed hope package as we venture through this world. We know that he has gone to heaven to secure our interest, and to prepare our eternal homes (John 14:2; Heb 6:20).

APPLICATION:  The Exaltation of Christ means that all authority has been given unto Him in heaven and on earth. We must believe in, trust, and submit to the One Glorified Christ who thus administers the kingdom of God in perfect harmony with the will of the Father. Yes, we must remember his earthly life and ministry as pitiful, tender, serving, helping, restoring, saving, and triumphant. For in this we find instruction for our service for the Lord.  But we must not overlook His exaltation for His mediatorial and final redemptive ministry. He is the Head of His church; He is the Lord of angels and men; He is the Master of the ages.    

Not only do we worship Him because of Who He is and Where He is, but also because of: