Revelation 5 Part 1 – Who Is Worthy?

In this verse-by-verse teaching through Revelation 5:1–14, Pastor Wes Denham unpacks the heavenly scene where John witnesses a sealed scroll in the right hand of God and hears a strong angel ask, “Who is worthy to open the scroll?” Pastor Wes explains that John weeps bitterly when no one in heaven, on earth, or under the earth is found worthy—until one of the elders declares that the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Lamb who was slain, has prevailed. The chapter unveils Christ’s unique authority to reclaim what was lost.

Drawing on first-century Jewish and Roman context, Pastor Wes identifies the sealed scroll as a title deed—a last will and testament containing a redemption clause. He traces dominion over the kingdoms of the earth back to Eden, where Adam and Eve forfeited it to Satan, and points to Matthew 4 where the devil offers Jesus those same kingdoms because they were genuinely his to give. Only the sinless Lamb could satisfy the redemption clause and take the scroll back. Pastor Wes also highlights the prayers of the saints rising as incense before God’s throne—a picture of how the Father receives His children’s intercession.

Pastor Wes shows how Jesus reversed humanity’s failure point by point in the wilderness temptations—answering with Scripture where Eve doubted God’s word, refusing to test the Father, and rejecting Satan’s offer of worldly glory. He closes with a sober application: every creature in heaven, on earth, and under the earth will one day confess Christ as Lord, including the neighbors, coworkers, and family members who remain unforgiven. Pastor Wes urges Calvary Chapel to see souls differently—to pray faithfully for the lost and seize every opportunity to share the gospel.