Revelation 5

What is the sealed scroll? (1-4)
Who is the lion/lamb? (5-6)
Who shall reign on the earth? When? (7-10)
Who is being worshiped? Who is worshiping? (11-14)

Futurist- Prophecy yet to be fulfilled
1. It is the ‘title deed’ to the earth…God is reclaiming control through Christ (11:15)
2. Jesus is the lion/lamb
3. Previously raptured saints will reign on the earth during the millennium
4. Christ is being worshiped by innumerable angels and all of creation

Historicist- Prophecy fulfilled throughout the church age
1. It is God’s plan for the future…but no one is able to unlock its mystery
2. Jesus is the lion/lamb…He has a dual nature as man and God
3. Christians will reign on earth prior to 2nd coming OR are reigning over sin now
4. Christ is being worshiped by all in anticipation of the opening of the scroll

Preterist- Prophecy fulfilled in distant past
1. It is the sentence against Jerusalem OR the official transition b/w covenants
2. Jesus is the lamb (sacrifice) ready to avenge the blood of the martyrs
3. The church is replacing Israel as kings/priests on earth under the new covenant
4. Christ is being praised for His worthiness/victory by all of creation

Spiritualist- Prophecy fulfilled repeatedly throughout history
1. It is the redemptive plan of God, the outline of all future events
2. Jesus. He is Messiah (Judah/David), all-knowing (eyes) and all-powerful (horns)
3. The church, represented by the elders, reign spiritually on the earth
4. Christ is being worshipped by all of creation (at least in the spiritual realm)