What role does Jesus' victory play in God's redemptive plan for humanity? The Lion Who Has Prevailed “Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and its seven seals.’” (Revelation 5:5) Why This Victory Matters • A sealed scroll signals God’s finalized plan. Until someone worthy opens it, history’s redemption remains unreleased. • Jesus “prevailed” (literally, conquered). His cross and resurrection qualified Him alone to break the seals and set God’s plan in motion. • Humanity’s hope hinges on this moment: if no Lion, no opened scroll—no completed redemption. Old Testament Echoes Fulfilled • Genesis 49:9-10 – Jacob prophesies a ruling “lion” from Judah. Jesus embodies the promised royal authority. • Isaiah 11:1 – The “Root of Jesse” springs up; Revelation links that root to the conquering Lion. • Psalm 2:8-9 – Messiah receives the nations as inheritance; opening the scroll activates that promise. What Jesus’ Victory Achieves in the Plan 1. Restores Authority • Adam surrendered dominion (Genesis 3). • Jesus, the second Adam, reclaims it (Matthew 28:18). 2. Secures Judgment and Justice • Breaking the seals unleashes righteous judgments (Revelation 6-19). • Evil is confronted, not ignored; God’s holiness is vindicated. 3. Releases the Final Redemption • Creation groans (Romans 8:19-22). • The opened scroll moves history toward “new heaven and new earth” (Revelation 21:1). 4. Promises Consummated Presence • God dwells with His people eternally (Revelation 21:3). • Victory guarantees unbroken fellowship. New Testament Confirmations • Colossians 2:15 – He “disarmed the powers and authorities… triumphing over them.” • 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 – “Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” • Hebrews 2:14-15 – By death He destroyed the devil’s power and freed us from lifelong slavery to fear. • Revelation 12:10-11 – Believers overcome “by the blood of the Lamb.” Living in the Light of His Triumph • Confidence – Our salvation rests on a completed conquest, not wishful thinking. • Worship – Heaven erupts in praise (Revelation 5:9-12); so do our gatherings and daily routines. • Mission – The Lion’s victory propels us to proclaim the opened-scroll gospel to every nation (Matthew 24:14). • Endurance – Because the outcome is sealed, suffering is temporary and meaningful (2 Corinthians 4:17). The Ongoing Echo Every page after Revelation 5:5 rings with the certainty of the Lion’s victory. The seals break, trumpets sound, bowls pour out, and a redeemed humanity finally stands in a restored creation—all because “the Lion of the tribe of Judah… has prevailed.” |
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