In Revelation 5, we have the redemption glories of Jesus, and there we see Him, as the Lamb slain, in the midst of the throne. The cry is sent forth, “Who is worthy to open the scroll?” In the hand of God there is a scroll. That scroll contains the purposes and counsels of God with regard to the earth. There goes out this challenge, “Who is worthy?” John says, “I wept much.” He knew he was not worthy himself, and he looked for someone to come up who was worthy. Would not Joseph, Moses, Samuel, or Elijah come? Nay, neither patriarch, priest, nor prophet was worthy; nor Peter, nor Paul, nor himself; and he “wept much.” Then, what takes place? The Lion of the Tribe of Judah prevails. John turns round to look for the Lion, and he says, “Behold, in the midst of the throne … stood a Lamb as though it had been slain.” There we may see Jesus, the Savior, my Savior!

And as Jesus puts forth His hand to take the scroll, what does heaven see? It sees the marks of the nails, that tell of His death on the cross, and all in heaven together bow, and sing, “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood.”

There is no one worthy but Jesus to unfold the mind of God, or to execute the purposes of God. He therefore takes the scroll. Are you sure to be with Him when He takes the scroll and breaks the seals? If you are not, whither are you going? You are either a glory-bound saint, or a hell-bound sinner. You say, “That is drawing the line very fine.” Well, I will grant that, but I am not drawing the line finer than God does. A glory-bound saint! Oh, how blessed! This is a remarkable expression; I like it—a man bound for glory through the grace of God.