2005-3-20 04:13:00
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. Rev 5:1 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? Rev 5:2 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. Rev 5:3 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. Rev 5:4
Only John C and Ruth ventured an answer here and they made some good points.
There are several additional things to keep in mind as we proceed. Most people read about the scroll and the opening of the seals and think it pertains to events of the last days before the end of the world.
BUT...
Remember the first verse of the book which we quoted earlier which reads:
"The Revelation (unveiling) of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must SHORTLY come to pass."
2000 years is not a short time by any historical standard. Therefore, to get the true unveiling that was the intention of the scroll perhaps we must look at the interpretation unfolding in the Christ within the servant, rather than a literal happening on the physical plane.
I will add this. The book does deal with cycles and correspondences; therefore, if we pick any time in history, past, present or future, we will see evidences of ancient prophecy coming true, but we will never see the literal sequence on the physical plane that many are expecting.
That said, let us look at the questions:
Normally the ancient scribes wrote on one side of a scroll which was the inside. Part of the reason is that this side was made for writing and the direction of the fiber made writing easier. However, if one had a lot to say he would take the extra time and work to write on the second side.
The writing on the second side tells us several things.
First, revelation from the throne of God is in abundance. Wherever you look you will find knowledge and inspiration.
Secondly, the scroll is rolled up and sealed. All John could see was a small amount of writing on the backside. This told him that in addition to the normal writing on the inside that there was much more written on this scroll than a regular one. The fact that he could only see a small amount of writing on the outside of the scroll symbolizes that the knowledge of God held by the disciple only scratches the surface of what is available when the seals are broken and the whole book is read.
So, what is the book?
The book represents the book of life which contains all knowledge and wisdom which is available through the Oneness Principle. The beginning disciple is aware of the principle and has seen evidence that it is true and that all knowledge is available because he sees a small amount of the outside of the scroll. This small amount seen gives him faith and makes him press forward with the hope that all seals can be broken and all knowledge will be available to him.
The seven seals represent the seven divisions of the life of God as represented by the seven rays, the seven spirits before the throne, the seven chakras, the seven paths etc. Seven states of consciousness must be achieved to unseal the whole scroll so a fullness of the Oneness Principle can be achieved.
Then John wrote:
"And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon." Rev 5:2-3
Why could no man open the book?
The answer was given by Paul.
"Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption." I Cor 15:50
We cannot open this book using mortal flesh and blood human consciousness. The seeker must ascend to the throne which is beyond normal consciousness wherein lies the open door of the soul to the intuitive knowledge of the Oneness Principle.
Finally the scripture reads:
"And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon." Rev 5:4
The disciple finds a small amount of evidence of the truth of the Oneness Principle and for a long time the opening of the book eludes him and he cries out in frustration. He often comes close to loosing faith until:
And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. Rev 5:5 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. Rev 5:6 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. Rev 5:7
Assignment: Study these verses over and give your thoughts.
Live to learn... forget... and learn again. Brian
Copyright 2005 by J J Dewey