046 - Revelation 05

REVELATION 05

DANIEL'S SEALED BOOK IS SEEN WITH HIS SEVEN SEALS

• "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).

 

First, what book is this?

 

·         "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." (Daniel 12.4).

• "And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end." (Daniel 12.9).

 

In the hand of the Lord was the book of Daniel, which contains the life of every one who believes in Jesus.

This book is of such importance that the four living creatures, the twenty-four elders, all the angels, as well as every creature that is in heaven, on earth, under the earth and at sea stopped what they were doing to praise Jesus when He picked up the book. What book was this, but the book of the Revelation, which contains the story of Jesus' follower, as well as the history of the last seven years of Israel in the present dispensation?

All Holy Scripture is very important. However, the apocalypse in particular is exalted in two ways:

 

• "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand." (Rev 1.3).
• "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." (Rev 22:18,19).

 

Although happy is he who meditates on the law day and night (Psalms 1.1,2), and no jot or tittle of Holy Scripture should be altered (Matthew 5:18, Luke 16:17), yet there is a special highlight for the book of Revelation. It was written for comfort (Rev. 1:9) and, even in the face of all this, most individuals do not give it due importance.

The Eternal sat on the throne, that is, at rest reigning, certain that none of His words would fail (Joshua 23:14, 1 Kings 8.56, Job 42.2). Although we often do not see the Eternal reigning (Hebrews 2:8), yet He is in absolute control of the whole history of mankind (beginning with ours). Hence the book was in the right hand, confirming that it was something just, right.

It is true that the world lies in the evil one (1 John 5:19), being led by him (Ephesians 2: 2) and that Ha-Satan is the prince of the world (John 14:30). Notwithstanding, although fallen mankind has given the glory of all the worldly kingdoms to Ha-Satan (Luke 4.6), all this was designed by the Eternal. He is seated on the throne awaiting His moment of action (designed by Himself).

The book of Revelation began to be revealed to Daniel. However, as the same would be fulfilled in the present dispensation, the Eternal ordained that it be sealed in his time (Daniel 12:4-9). The fact that it was sealed means complete revelation had not yet been authorized (Isaiah 29:11), so that anyone who wanted to understand the book would have only a superficial idea of ​​it (see Isaiah 29:11), related only to what was of interest to the time of Daniel.

This means that if we have complete revelation today, it is because it is about us. Otherwise, if it was something only related to the past, the Eternal had commanded to withdraw from the Holy Scripture. If it were something for the future, the Eternal would do the same thing he did with Daniel: he would leave it sealed until the opportune moment.

Anyway, the book of Revelation is for us today!

As the book in the hand of the Eternal was written inside and out, this means there is no room to add anything else to it. It is complete. By the way, this book was already complete in Daniel's day. However, only part had been revealed (corresponds to what was written on the outer visible part of the roll).

To understand this, let us see what the book consisted of. It is a book wrapped around its axis seven times. Each circle was sealed with a seal, so that only one seal was visible at a time. As the seal was broken, a portion of the outer part became visible, being visible to all and leaving the next seal in sight.

When all the seals were opened, the whole outside was seen by John and all the celestial public (which consists of the book of Daniel and what John saw when opening each of the seals - Revelation 6, 7 and 8.1). In other words, the understanding of the Daniel’s book became accessible to all.

The inner content of the book consists of what John described from Revelation 8:2 to 22:21.

It was sealed with seven seals, that is, perfectly. He was not partially sealed, but all sealed, belonging only to the Eternal (Deuteronomy 29:29).

THE CHALLENGE IS PROPOSED: SOMEBODY CONSIDERS ONESELF WORTHY TO HAVE ACCESS TO THE BOOK?

• "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).

 

A strong angel: this is the first of three "strong angels" that appear in the Apocalypse. In Revelation 10:1, the second "strong angel" gives the little book to John to eat, and in Revelation 18:21 prophesies the definitive fall of Great Babylon. These three angels are not named. Only their function is dictated: to proclaim or deliver a decisive powerful word.

Here the strong angel has a voice penetrating enough to reach all heaven, earth and world of the dead (Rev. 5:3). That is, what this angel had to speak was of such importance that it had to be heard throughout the universe. His message had to go far, which required a lot of strength (not physical strength, but spiritual strength - see Psalm 103.20; Matthew 5.19).

The Eternal brought all to Him until all could see that there is no helper for Him.

This proclamation was not intended to try to find someone worthy, but to show John that even with the authorization of the Eternal to manifest, yet no one dares to say that he is worthy enough to open the book. So much so that Jesus, the only one who is able and able to open the book does not answer the angel's question.

This challenge of the Eternal serves John to see that no one, not even the noblest angels, has the authority to know anything about the future of anyone. No one is able to probe the mind of the Eternal (Romans 11.33).

In asking who is worthy, it was being asked, above all, who had the authority and power to make the apocalypse come true.

NOBODY'S WORTH EITHER LOOKING FOR THE BOOK

• "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).

 

No one could even look at the book. The question arises: what is the need for seven seals, since no one could open the book, nor look at it? If the problem with the seals was to prevent others from reading the contents of the book, then the stamps were unnecessary.

What in fact is being asked by the angel: "Who is worthy to open the book and untie the seals?" Moreover, considering that the heavens are very well guarded by the Lord and His angels, who could come near the book or read it without permission? Not to mention that the book was on the right hand of the Eternal.

The angels would not do this, since they are faithful to the Eternal. And the demons could not get close, even if they wanted to. So, why these seals?

The seal had four purposes:

 

• Property: served to indicate that someone is own:  for example, to confirm the purchase and sale of a property:

·         "And I bought the field of Hanameel my uncle's son, that was in Anathoth, and weighed him the money, even seventeen shekels of silver. And I subscribed the evidence, and sealed it, and took witnesses, and weighed him the money in the balances. So I took the evidence of the purchase, both that which was sealed according to the law and custom, and that which was open: "(Jeremiah 32.9-11).

• Truthfulness: to confirm that something was veracious. For example, to issue a decree:

·         " Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king's ring." (Esther 3:12).

• Mistery: to keep something secret.

·         " And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed:" (Isaiah 29.11).

• Immutability: to prevent a decision be changed.

·         " Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee. And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel.” (Daniel 6.16,17).

·         "Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.” (Matthew 27.64-66).

 

The seven seals certainly had all four properties in them: it served to ensure that no one doubted that the whole history of mankind was the Eternal one who established everything, being all truth, irrevocable (that no one, or nothing, could change it) and which can be understood only by the little ones (Matthew 11.27) who have the mind of the Eternal (Daniel 12:10; 1 Corinthians 3:15, 16).

As the only one who is worthy to understand and change history will never make any change (Malachi 3.6; Hebrews 13.8; 2 Timothy 2:13), then the story of whoever is under the leadership of the Eternal and there aren’t as those who are His to be defeated. Nothing is out of order, as many people think.

Though evil increases (Matthew 24:12), this is so that the righteous may shine forth the light of Christ (Matthew 5:14-16; John 8:12; 9:5) as stars in the world (Daniel 12.3; Philippians 2:14,15) in a way Unique and special.

We still have to highlight the places where he was sought in search of someone worthy:

 

• In the heaven -> among all the angels;
• on earth -> among all beings living in this world, whether in the air, soil or in waters;
• underground -> didn`t have sense to say that there was a search in hell to know who is worthy, for it is obvious that there is nobody worthy there. So, this here is referring to those who died in Christ and which are in the Abraham’s bosom (see Luke 16:23). This proves that all who died are conscious in the world of the dead and the righteous until today didn`t went up to the heaven.

 

But there is yet another reason the book is sealed. And this has to do with why John cries a lot.

THE CHORUS OF JOHN

• "And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon." (Rev 5.4).

 

If you pay attention, you will see that as the seals were opened, things were going on prophetically. So if there were no one worthy to open the book and untie the seals, there would be no instrument by which history could be known and come to pass. With this, all the glory that the Eternal reserved for the elect would not be attained, much less the power of the Eternal on the most cruel and powerful human system could be seen.

On the other hand, if anyone but Jesus could have access to the contents of the book, he could try to modify the story by force or even try to rewrite it.

Fortunately, the Eternal designed all history (whether ours, the Church, Israel or the world) and kept it secret (under its sole authority - Acts 1:7) so that no one would boast of such knowledge (see Isaiah 48:7,8), nor modify, prevent or make things happen before the time.

Therefore, all the events of the apocalypse are, first and foremost, firm and connected with Christ.

But what about John's crying? Why did John weep, since he did not know what the contents of the book were? I can only find an explanation: he was sad to see that the Eternal was willing to reveal something of utmost importance to the Church and to the Jews, but there was no one worthy to receive such revelation and pass it on to succeeding generations.

Unfortunately, we have been conformed to "walking in the dark", that is, to go through life without knowing the plan of the Eternal for us and those around us.

John's continued crying is due to the sadness of the possibility of seeing the future Kingdom of the Eternal and the final judgment being postponed indefinitely because there is no one worthy to open the book. In other words, the wrongs committed here on earth would not be exterminated, the righteous would not be vindicated, the wicked would not be punished. Life simply would not make sense, for the purpose of the Eternal would not be fulfilled. The only thing that would be there is crying.

It is good to remember that:

 

• " Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” (Proverbs 29.18).

 

Remember that the people of Israel were condemned to die in the wilderness for refusing to take possession of what the Eternal gave them (see Numbers 14.40). Similarly, if we do not listen to and understand what the Eternal has for us (see John 12:28-30) we will be condemned to go unoccupied (as regards good) and wandering among nations (Hosea 9:17), being guided by the spirit which operates in the children of disobedience (Ephesians 2:1,2) or by every wind of doctrine promoted by the cunning of fraudulent workers (Ephesians 4:14, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 1 Timothy 6:3-5) who want to market our souls (2 Peter 2:1-3; Rev 18.13).

May we turn all our laughter into mourning (see Ecclesiastes 7:2-4) and our joy in worldly things or the misfortune of others in sorrow (James 4:8,9) until the Eternal gives us a pure heart and a righteous spirit (Psalms 51:10).

 

• "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).

 

Why can Jesus open the book and untie its seals? Because He overcame (Rev. 3:21). Note also that one of the reasons that motivated Jesus to win was precisely the possibility of opening the book and untying its seals. Without this, the history of the Church would become meaningless.

The question comes: Jesus won what? The world (John 16:33), death, as well as his emperor (Hebrews 2:14,15), sin (Romans 8:3). But how does Jesus won all this, if they continue to work with all their strength?

He overcame Himself so that all who believed in Him might find in Him an conducive environment to a life of purity, holiness, and love of neighbor.

But after all, how did Jesus succeed? Here are the characteristics of Him:

 

• Lion of the tribe of Judah: The lion is known:

1.      - for the excellence of its strength;

2.      - for their heroism (Proverbs 30.30; Isaiah 31.4);

3.      - To be the king of beasts (most feared among them. See the power of your voice. - Hosea 11:10);

4.      - For their vigilance, since he sleeps with his eyes open.

 

This title was given to Jesus for being He of the tribe of Judah (Heb. 7:14), as well as the fulfillment of the prophecy of Jacob concerning Judah (Gen 49:9,10). Jesus rose up from the prey, that is, ascended into heaven from the jaws of Ha-Satan who tried to devour him on the cross (Rev. 12:4-5). Jesus, despite being an experienced and strong lion, bows and lies before the will of the Eternal, with no one able to change him. Despite all the affronts of Ha-Satan through the people around him, He did not yield (Mt 27:34-44). He had power and authority to solve all by Himself, but preferred to show His strength and wisdom reigning over the circumstances (He did not yield - Rom 5:17; 1 Corinthians 1:23-25), resting and waiting on the Eternal (Ps 37.7; 1Peter 2.21-24), resisting until the blood (Heb. 12: 3), to death (Phil. 2:5-8).

• Root of David: Jesus is the root (Is 11.1,10; Rom 15:12) and David’s generation (Rev. 22:16). That is to say, Jesus is the true origin of David, as well as His true offspring (2 Sam 7.12-16), namely, to one would build the true temple of the Eternal.

 

The fact that Jesus is the root of David means that before Jesus came from the seed of Israel, it was He who gave birth to Israel. For the Israelites, it was highly important to know this since, in their minds, the Gentiles were nothing more than ragtag (see Acts 10.28; 11.2,3). They thought that the Messiah would originate from them, as if He were a hero born of Israel to save Israel only.

By showing Jesus as the root of David, the Eternal breaks this idea of ​​an exclusivist kingdom for Israel. That is, these two characteristics are a discipline for Israel, which believed in the theology of prosperity and a kingdom for Israel alone.

However, while it is true that it was Jesus who established Israel as a kingdom and created David so that the promise of inheriting the promised land would be fully fulfilled to Israel, the excellence of the promise of Christ to David is fulfilled through the Church.

Look:

 

• "And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: and the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; and in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious." (Isaiah 11.1,2,10).
• "And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD: even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both." (Zechariah 6:12,13).

 

Jesus is not the root of a lush tree, but of a dry land, a fallen tabernacle:

 

• "In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old: that they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the LORD that doeth this." (Amos 9:11, 12).
• "For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him." (Isaiah 53.2).

 

After all, Jesus arose when Israel was dominated by the Roman empire and plunged into much apostasy and sin. But it was from the rejection of Israel that the kingdom was handed over to the Church, in particular to non-Jews.

 

• " 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).

 

This is the first of twenty-nine times that Jesus is called the Lamb in Revelation:

 

1. The lamb is seen in the midst of the throne, 5:6
2. The lamb is worshiped, 5:8
3. The Lamb It is praised, 5:12-13
4. The Lamb opens the seals, 6:1;
5. The Lamb angry, 6:16
6. The crowd of Gentiles saved in the Great Tribulation are before the Lamb, 7.9
7. The Lamb is honored, 7:10
8. The Lamb is sacrificed 7:14
9. The Lamb provide peace and security for the saved Gentiles from the Great Tribulation, 7:17
10. The Lamb sacrificed, 12:11
11. The Lamb and His book, 13:8
12. The lamb stand on Mount Sion, 14:1
13. The lamb purchase the 144,000 sealed and leads them, 14.4
14. The worshipers of the beast are tormented before the Lamb, 14:10
15. The song of the Lamb, 15:3
16. The Lamb will go fight the beast and his army and win, 17:14
17. The marriage of the Lamb, 19: 7
18. The Supper of the marriage of the Lamb, 19:9
19. The wife of the Lamb, 21:9
20. The name of the twelve apostles of the Lamb are on the foundations of the New Jerusalem, 21:14
21. The lamb is the temple and the light of the New Jerusalem, 21:22-23
22. Book of Life of the Lamb, 21:27
23. The Lamb has a throne, 22:1, 3

 

The fact that the Lamb is seen to have just been sacrificed shows that Christ's death, though long ago, continues to have the same purifying power of sin.

Notice that the Lamb was there, but John did not see Him before.

The Lamb was:

 

• In the midst of the throne, that is to say, Jesus is the center of the mercy and judge.
• In the midst of the four living creatures: Jesus is the essence, the center of the gospel;
• Among the elders: Jesus is the center of the representatives of the Church that He elected to serve as trial

 

Why the figure of a lamb with seven horns and seven eyes? And what does this have to do with a lion? Detail: Lamb is the term most commonly used to designate Jesus in the Apocalypse (Revelation 5:6,7; 12.11; 15.3; 17.14; 21.22; 22.1,3). It looks like two opposing figures. Notwithstanding, here we can understand what Paul says:

 

• "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: but we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men." (1Corinthians 1.17-25).

 

As a lion of the tribe of Judah, Jesus is not the One who devours the prey, but rises from the prey (Genesis 49:9), that is, he who fears not to be swallowed by the greatest of enemies (death), but is able to descend into the regions (Ephesians 4: 8-10), unhurriedly (without fleeing), but walking majestically like a lion.

That is to say, Jesus as lamb shows what the people of the world are capable of doing with anyone who wishes to live sensibly, justly, and godly (Isaiah 59:15; 2 Timothy 3:12). But, at the same time, Jesus shows how it is possible to remain strong in this hour without yielding to evil (horns) and at the same time without being blinded by hatred (1 John 1:7; 2.9-11).

Hence the Lamb having:

Seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of the Eternal sent forth into all the earth (Zechariah 3.9; 4.10), by way of explanation, the fullness of the centers of consciousness that is in the Eternal, which together work of seven ways (see Isaiah 11.2) aiming always to maintain in good health the vision of love in the life of those who allow themselves to be found by these eyes (2 Chronicles 16:9).

The difference between the seven torches before the throne (Revelation 4.5) and the seven eyes of the Lamb is that these represent the Eternal going all over the earth to take knowledge of everything and to reach the hearts that desire to be perfect for with Him, just as the of a child who depends on the father for everything (Mark 10:14,15).

Already the seven torches represent the seven Spirits of the Eternal working in the Church with a view to making it light of the world (Matthew 5:14-16) where it is, in order to make clear the sovereignty, mercy and justice of the Eternal on everything and everyone. As dramatic and unruly as the situation in this world seems, every doubt is burned when one enters the sanctuary of the Eternal One (Psalms 73:17).

Seven horns, symbolizing power and authority (see Deuteronomy 33:17; 1 Kings 22:11; Jeremiah 48:25; Zechariah 1:18; Daniel 7:24; Revelation 17.3,7). It is well known that all authority was given to Jesus (Matthew 28:18). Even Christ himself is called the horn of David and horn of salvation (Psalms 132.17).

 

Together we can say that the seven horns represent the omnipotence of Jesus and the seven eyes, His omniscience.

That is to say, despite being humble and cordial as a Lamb, this does not detract from his sovereignty and wisdom. Not all the filth of the world which the Lamb sees in His spirit can contaminate the throne of the Eternal, that is, make Him change (Mark 3:6; Heb 13:8).

In addition, the contrast between lion and lamb shows that Jesus' strength lies in His humility and subjection to the Father. Jesus did not overcome the world by causing him to change, but by remaining immutable, docile and always seeing everything of the way Father sees, despite all the circumstances.

In other words, in His meekness and humility of heart (Matthew 11:29) Jesus stood firmly learning obedience through all that He suffered (Philippians 2.5-8, Hebrews 5: 8), never losing sight of the reward that the Father had promised (Isaiah 53:11, Hebrews 12:1-2).

You may ask yourself: But what does this matter to us? Contrary to what most people think, the challenge is of the world (as well as of Ha-Satan) to with Jesus, not the other way around. That is to say, the goal is not to strive to transform the world, but rather to stand firmly seeing the invisible (2 Corinthians 4:18) as columns and pillars of truth (1 Timothy 3:15), winning all attempts of the world in seek of change us and invalidate the Sacred Scripture inside us.

The world wanted to change Jesus, but could not (John 17:14). And how did He overcome the challenge? Giving His life to save the people of the sin instead of taking it from them.

The world as a whole is a true test for Jesus and His Word. Even though everything conspires against the Eternal, yet He rests on His throne without giving up His character and will, and yet nothing escapes His control (Job 42.2). The true strength of the Lamb is to keep His body (the Church - 1Thes 5.23; Jude 24; 1Cor 1.8; 2Thes 3.3; 1Peter 5.10) pure, even with sin abounding in the world (Romans 5:20).

In short: Jesus is our King Savior (lion) and intercessor High Priest (see Zechariah 6.12,13).

 

• "And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne." (Rev 5.7).

 

Notice that the book was in the hands of the one sitting on the throne. One more reason why he would not need a seal, since no one is able to snatch anything or anyone from the Father's hands (John 10:28-29). But what is in the hands of the Eternal:

 

• Those who belong to Him (John 10.28,29). Remember that the Church is the book (set of numberless letters) written by Eternal’s Spirit in the heart of each one (2 Corinthians 3.1-3). We are recorded in the palms of the hands of the Eternal (Isaiah 49.16).
• The book containing the historical of the Church, of Israel and of what will come to pass in the world.
• The nails that were placed in the hands of Jesus;

 

That is to say, the Church and the history of the world with regard to Israel are in the hands of the Eternal on a plane inaccessible to the enemy or the natural mind (1 Corinthians 2:14,15).

The only authoritative being to reveal this story and make it happen is Himself in the person of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:5). That is, the story is possible to be fulfilled in the human being and without any possibility to be altered.

 

• "And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints." (Rev 5.8).

 

Saints: This term occurs fifteen times in Revelation (Rev 5:8; 8:3,4; 11:18; 13.7,10; 14:12; 15.3; 16:6; 17:6; 18:20,24; 19:8; 20:9; 22.6).

 

1. His prayers are collected and maintained in heaven, 5:8; 8:3,4.
2. They are rewarded by the Eternal, 11:18.
3. They are persecuted by Ha Satan and the Antichrist, 13: 7.
4. The saints persevere and remain faithful in the midst of persecution, 13:10, 14:12.
5. Eternal is the King of saints, 15.3
6. They are persecuted around the world, 16:6.
7. They are the persecuted by the great whore, 17:6.
8. They rejoice when the Lord punishes the great whore, 18:20.
9. In Great Babylon was found the blood of the saints, 18:24.
10. His deeds of justice to dress the Lamb's Bride, 19: 8.
11. Jerusalem is  the camp of the saints, 20:9.
12. The Lord is the God of the holy prophets, 22.6.

 

When the Lamb took the book, the four beasts and the twenty-four elders prostrated themselves before Him, that is, the gospel and the Church bow down (humble themselves, emptied themselves, nullify themselves - see Philippians 2.5-8), confirming that Bbth are in harmony with everything that Jesus lived in this world.

It also shows that the history of our life, of the Church and of Israel has everything to do with the submission of the Lamb to the plan of the Eternal. This means that if we want to have access to the revelation of the Eternal we have to receive in us the lifestyle adopted by Jesus.

All four living creatures and twenty-four elders have in their hands:

 

• Golden harps: they, together with those who win the beast, his image and his mark (Rev. 15.2), had harps in their hands, depicting their function of praising (or if you prefer, uttering praying of worship and thanksgiving). The harp is associated with joy (see Job 21.12; 30.31; Psalms 43.4; Isaiah 24.8), being the instrument most commonly used to praise the Lord in the Holy Scripture. Soon, the act of Lamb governing the history with His sacrificial life is motive of joy for the Church and the living Gospel of the Eternal. Anyone who wants to take possession of this leadership given by Christ (Genesis 1:28; Matt 28.18,19; Eph 1.21-23; Galatians 4.1-3) must accept GLADLY this lifestyle for oneself.
• Golden vials full of odours: note in Revelation 8.3, that the incense is offered with the prayers of the saints. Whereas the incense is fragrance and that all must pray according to the will of the Eternal (1 John 5:14), then the incense is the Word of the Eternal (2 Cor 2.14-16), which should be our intercessory prayer (thence Psalms 141.2), that is, our life and expression of relationship with the Lord.

 

Detail: they do not intercede for anyone here on earth. They are only seen by storing the prayers of all the saints, to be offered by the angel in Revelation 8.3.

That is, the two symbols teach us that our prayer should be to have intimacy with the Lord (worship Him), to thank Him and seek in Him how proceeding with individuals.

Detail: the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders, though they had bowls full of incense, this in no way means that they or angel (Rev. 8.3) interceded for the saints. They are only guardians of the prayers of the saints. Angels bring the prayers of the saints to be saved by living creatures and the twenty-four elders (see Genesis 28:12) so that they are offered in a timely manner.

Nevertheless, the ministry of the twenty-four elders is to serve as a testimony of the gospel (represented by the four living creatures) during the trial in the judgment seat of Christ.

 

• " And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; " ( Rev 5.9).

 

When Jesus takes the book, a song of praise is sung to Him. This hymn honors:

 

• the price of the redemption: " for thou wast slain";
• the payment for redemption: "by thy blood";
• the author of redemption: "redeemed us to God";
• the purpose of redemption: "redeemed us to God" (for glory of Him, and not for our comfort);
• the scope of redemption: every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
• the greatness and transformation operated by redemption: hast made us unto our God kings and priests;
• the result of redemption: and we shall reign on the earth.

 

Notice how a new song is sung. By the way, notice how the word “new” is seen several times in the book of Revelation:

 

• "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it."( Rev 2.17)
• "Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name." (Rev 3.12).
• "And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; " (Rev 5.9).
• "And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth." (Rev 14.3).
• "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea." (Rev 21.1).
• " And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." (Rev 21.2).
• "And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful." (Rev 21.5).

 

Comes the question: why this praise of the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders is a new song? Because until then only the Lord, in spirit, was praised (see Revelation 4:11). Now the Lord is praised for what He earned as a man.

Understand: always that the Holy Scripture mentions new song (eg. Psalms 33.3; 40.3; 98.1; Isaiah 42.10; Revelation 14.3) does not mean that the lyrics or melody are unparalleled, but the way of perceiving things. As the Lamb took the book, something unprecedented happened.

By cry of John we can see that, so far, it seemed impossible that any creature was able to reveal and fulfill all the pre-established purpose by the Eternal. When, then, the Lamb takes the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders began to feel and understand the events in an unexampled way.

Notice how, soon after, the Lamb receives the same adoration directed to the Eternal (compare  Revelation 4:11 with Revelation 5:13).

See, then, why Jesus was worthy to take the book and to open the seals. Because he was killed and, through this, He was able to buy for Eternal men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.

Consider this expression. Let's see how it appears in other passages of Scripture:

 

• "Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you." (Daniel 4.1).
• "Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you." (Daniel 6.25).

 

Note that here not appear the word "tribes" and the others are in the plural. Like those whom the king of Babylon was addressing were slaves, there was no division into tribes. The members of each nation were united. For example, in the case of Israel, instead of someone saying it was the Judah or Reuben tribe, etc., simply said it was Israelite. Even because, in the eyes of these pagan kings, was not taken into account the family area of ​​each nation. For them every nation was a gathering of inferior people.

However, each people insisted on keeping its identity, separate from the others.

 

• "And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.” ( Rev 13.7) .
• "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people," ( Rev 14.6).

 

Here come the four words in the singular. In the first case, the Antichrist will have custom authority, apparently following the wishes of each, whatever different that it seems to be the other. In other words, instead of imposing himself to all, the Antichrist will try to conquer all, showing himself as the solution of each one in the reality in which live.

As to the preaching of the angel, although the everlasting gospel is the same for everyone, it fits perfectly into the reality of each one, regardless of what keeps each one separate from other people:

 

• " After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;" (Rev 7.9).
• "And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves." (Rev 11.9).

 

Here come the four words in the plural. In the first case, there is no reason to separate the people in heaven. They are all mixed together as brothers in Christ, regardless of the labels that prevented him to relate to other people here in this world.

 

·         "And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues." ( Rev 17:15) .

 

Here all the words are in the plural and, in place of "tribes" appears multitudes. What happens here is that the whore sitteth in clusters of individuals who no longer have a family identity (have no more love for their parents, grandparents, etc.). They are joined to each other as cattle herds. All are worshiping the beast, but for selfish reasons. Hence a crowd here, another there, swarming like vultures where there corpse.

 

• "And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings." (Rev 10:11).

 

Here all the words are in the plural and, in place of "tribes" appears kings. The prophecy, instead of being directed to tribes (because the family is losing more and more importance, is addressed to the leaders of each village).

Concerning the praise of the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders, Jesus bought individuals of particular and unique mode, not like a fisherman who cast the rod to the sea to fish anything, but as someone who chooses and knows one by one those who are His.

To understand the difference, think of Israel. The people of the nation of Israel was composed of tribes who spoke the Hebrew language. That is:

 

• Nation is the physic-geographical space of a given locality (eg, Israel), as well as political orientation; 
• Tribe has to do with the tree genealogical (e.g. tribe of Dan, Judah, Asher, etc. It is as if each tribe was a state of Israel. Nevertheless, states today are not formed on the basis of familiar ties);
• People are groups of individuals that compound a nation without taking into account their family (poor, rich, prostitutes, gangsters, races, etc. This isn’t to happen in Israel);
• Tongue are graphic and sound signals that individuals of this nation use to communicate (in Israel there was to be only the Hebrew language. Notwithstanding, there is various dialects in the middle of each people) .

 

That is to say, what is being said by stating that Jesus bought people from every tribe and language and people and nation is that there is no ride salvation. No matter how human beings organize themselves here on earth, He will not save groups, but individuals (hence Luke 17.34-36).

Moreover, when it is said that Jesus saves people from each:

 

• Tribe, means that there isn’t family that isn’t possible to be reached by Eternal’s Favor. Therefore, it doesn’t matter if the parents are divorced, desquitado, amasiado, kind, harsh, crude, etc., will be possible find someone saved in each type of home.
• Tongue, means that not matter the language used by individual: Jesus always get reach someone of the same, whatever strange and peculiar that's the way they spoke (even those who, unfortunately, use filthy language).
• People, means that there isn’t human organization that can’t be attained by Jesus. Independent of race, gender, age, social condition, culture, time (stone age, middle age, renascença, modernity, etc.), in the heaven we’ll find people coming from each of them.
• Nation means that, independent of the geographical location that the individual lived, there will be their representatives in the heaven.

 

In other words, what is being said is that you can find in heaven saved individuals from each of the situations that can be experienced by a human being, so that no one will have an excuse to justify their unwillingness to believe in Jesus and submit to Him.

Jesus bought us with His blood (see Acts 20:28; Rom 3:24; 1 Cor 6:20; 7:23; Eph 1.7; Col. 1:14; Hebrews 9:12; 1 Peter 1.18,19; 2 Peter 2.1; 1 John 1.7), that is, with His life, having been able to live a completely pure life as he passed through this world, and became obedient unto death (Phil 2.5-8).

Finally, Jesus did not buy clusters of individuals, remembering what someone does when puts his hand in a basket of fruit to buy (or wholesale purchase). He took into account the uniqueness of each. However, He did not choose alienated individuals with regard the place and people in which they live, but one who, with their individuality, care for individuals living in the place where they are.

Jesus did this when in life.

Comes the question: how Jesus did it, if He did not leave the outskirts of Israel? Considering what John said (John 21:25), it is likely that Jesus had contact with individuals from around the world who were sojourning in Israel (see, for example, Matthew 8:15; 15:22; Mark 5.1; Acts 2.8-11).

In short, Jesus was not merely a martyr or a good man who did and taught good things. It is God Himself who came to do the necessary to redeem people from the most diverse forms and circumstances used to classify the human species and that was a barrier between them. Today His work is completed.

 

• “And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth." (Rev 5:10).

 

Jesus redeemed us with His blood to make of us:

 

• Kings -> to reign over the sin (Rom 5:17) and to show those who are in darkness the way to follow;
• Priests -> to intercede (altar of incense), teaches the commandment of Jesus (shewbread - John 13.34,35) and approaching the brothers each other through His prophetical word (gold candlestick) (2 Peter 1:19; 1 John 1.7; 2.9-11), seeking with this the forgiveness of the sins (altar of burnt offering) of those who are of the Eternal, but still are in darkness (Isa 9.1,2; Matt 4.15,16), in order to be reconciled with Him (2 Corinthians 5.18-20).

 

Finally, the priest's role is to prepare the individual for full communion with the Lord, arousing in him the desire for it.

This always was the Eternal’s plan for His people (see Exodus 19.6; Isa 61.6; 1 Peter 2.5,9; Rev. 1.6; 2.26,27; 3.21; 20.6; 22.5). However, what grant this to the individual is the fact of belonging to the body of the Eternal and be in His service.

Such individuals will reign on earth with Christ during the millennium (whether in heaven or on earth):

 

• "And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;" (Rev 5.11).

 

The term millions of millions and thousands of thousands means that even if someone thought about counting the number of angels, could not, because there would be more to be counted. There is no way to do a count, not even superficially.

There was an inconceivable amount of angels worshiping the Eternal (see Ps 68.17; Dan 7:10; Heb 12:22), divided into two groups: one large and one "small." There was a "small" amount of "small" groups and a lot of large groups. They were all around the throne and the animals and the twenty-four elders, forming a circle of protection to those who were located more internally (see Psalms 34.8).

You may ask: but protect what? Although in heaven there is no danger, that serves to teach us that we should always be putting ourselves in the Eternal protection and seeking His protection for those we love. There is no safe enough situation that does not require of us a special zeal.

After all, if is was possible to happen rebellion in heaven (Ha-Satan and his demons), what is it not possible take place here on earth?

 

• "Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing." (Rev 5.12).

 

Note the emphasis on the fact that Jesus is worthy for have been killed. After all, just who is able to give his life for love of others (1 Cor 5.7), as Jesus did (John 1:29), is someone important. So much so that Jesus said that we must give our lives for others (John 15.12,13).

Jesus is not worthy just because He is God, but because, even He being all, He agreed to empty Himself for love of us (Philippians 2.5-8) and not leave Himself to abate by those who are nothing. Before, He gave His life so that anyone who wished could be anyone.

And this should be propagated with a loud voice in order to, not only show the seriousness of the issue, but to require that all the universe hear the promulgation and, thus, be willing to give Him power, wealth, etc. Notice how there is no article in the seven terms (such as exists in other cases). Soon, the same should be seen as if it were a single word.

Let us analyze one by one:

 

• Power -> Weapons (as well as gifts, talents, etc.) to perform a given task. Jesus had to give all power to the Eternal (Philippians 2.5-8) so that all His will had conditions to be fulfilled (Jesus wouldn’t have conditions of dying and rise again if He would remain as God Almighty).
• Wealth (physical and spiritual goods, to wit, friends , character, testimony, truth) -> Jesus had to give up of the heavenly wealth that was only of Him in order that He had conditions of getting something from the Father and, thus, to live of everything that comes from the mouth of the Eternal (Matthew 4.3,4,11). Remember that Jesus had to learn to obey (Hebrews 5.8).
• Wisdom (physical and spiritual) -> Jesus had that to do Himself crazy within the standards of this world (1 Corinthians 1.23,25) in order that He could speak and do only what He saw and heard of the Father (John 8.26,28; 38.40; 12:50; 14:10).
• Strength -> Physical conditions to make use of power. Jesus came in physical weakness so that His true strength and wisdom could be seen in the cross of Calvary (1Cor 1.17,24).
• Honor (of men and, especially, of the Eternal) -> Jesus had to make Himself sin ( 2 Cor 5:21) and curse (Galatianss 3.13) for us in order that He could inherit a name that is on every name (Philippians 2.9).
• Glory (of men and, especially, of the Eternal) -> Jesus had to renounce all glory that He could have before men (John 5.34,41,44) and even the one that He had with the Father from the beginning (John 17.5) in order that He might be glorified by the Father (Matthew 3:17; 17.5; John 12:28).
• Thanksgiving (good actions) -> Jesus had to leave of offering thanksgiving, that praise and bless the Eternal (to the point to be regarded as cursed, smitten of God and afflicted - Isaiah 53.4,5) in order that He Himself could be offered, coming to be the true action which expresses gratitude, praise and makes of us a blessing.

 

That is to say, like Jesus, that has always been 100% perfect, had to give up all His perfection so that he could achieve something even more excellent (for us), we should never assume that we achieve enough good things of the eternal. We always have something new to reach. The old man always ferments with our sinful flesh and kills (2 Cor 3.6). Hence Paul says:

 

• "Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. "(Philippians 3.12-14).

 

Today, when the Holy Scripture says to bring all these things to Jesus, is saying that we should let Him manifest each of these things in us. He earned what he wants to give us.

You see: Jesus had each of these things as God. However, in that He became flesh and emptied Himself, in His perfect obedience He conquered all these things as a man.

Note that Jesus is not someone who fought to conquer it. He had all this, but lived as if none of this had to so that He could show everyone that it is possible the Eternal be all this in one, even in the skin of a human being who has nothing in every way, because the eternal gives all these things to those who submit to Him.

These seven items represent what a human being needs to have to be able to undertake something in this world.

Finally, compare the expressions of praise given by each group:

 

• " And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, LORD God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,"(Revelation 4.8,9).

 

For the representatives of creation that carry in them the essence of the four Gospels, the important thing is the glory and honor of the Eternal that give space for the thanksgiving happen in the Church so that, through it, all creation may be freed from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of the Eternal (Romans 8.19-22). Hence preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15). They value the result get by power.

 

• " The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." ( Revelation 4.10,11).

 

Church representatives emphasize the glory and honor that give place to the power of the Eternal to be manifested in their lives. After all, the Church, which is the realm of the eternal, is not in word, but in power (1 Corinthians 4.19,20). He emphasized the power that leads to the result.

 

• "And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever." ( Revelation 5:13).

 

Creation itself, which yearns to be free the bondage of corruption (Romans 8.19-22) already considers important the four elements together. After all, they do not want to be free by a power that nothing has to do with the gospel, but also do not want a gospel without power to lead them to liberty. They want both.

 

• "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; and cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb." (Revelation 7.9,10).

 

Notice how glory and honor are prioritized by almost all (except for the non-Jewish brothers who came from Great Tribulation). After all they have suffered in this period, the only thing that matters to them is to be saved.

 

• " And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:" (Revelation 19.1).

 

Already this voice emphasizes the same as the representatives of the Church and non-Jewish brothers who came from Great Tribulation. They understand that the important is the power and the glory of the Eternal which gives rise to the power of the Eternal save them from sin.

 

• "And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing." (Rev 5.11,12).
• "And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen." ( Rev 7.11,12)

 

As for the angels, as never corrupted themselves, they do not understand inside them the meaning of salvation. They try to learn this through the Church (1 Peter 1.10-12). On the other hand, after spending at least six thousand years observing the Church, they realize that in addition to the glory, honor, power and thanksgiving, it is also important to give the eternal riches, wisdom, strength and praise.

After all, if Jesus receive all this from us, He will use them in favor of others. That is, He will use them in our lives to bear fruit.

You see, we all received gifts and talents which, in one way or another, we give those who are close to us (is a smile, hug, etc.). If not surrender them to Christ, surely they will be used for evil, selfishly.

If money or school, for example, were important, we would have been born with them (or the Lord would have given explicit orders that they be implemented). Knowledge and everything we need for body, soul and spirit should be acquired of Jesus in contact with each other through mutual communication of gifts and talents (Romans 1:11; Philippians 4.11,12).

However, as the world has rejected Christ and His love, nobody cares about helping others.

 

• " And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever." (Rev 5.13).

 

In Revelation 4 and 5, the first two praises are addressed to the Father (Revelation 4.8,11); the next two ones are directed to the Lamb (Revelation 5.9-10 and 5:12); the fifth and final praise is addressed to the Father and to Jesus (Revelation 5:13). This proves the divinity of Jesus (He is being praised in equality with the Father).

Here we see all living beings in the world, and all inanimate things, confessing that Jesus is worthy (as prophesied in Isaiah 45.23; Romans 14:11; Philippians 2.10,11) to receive all that is best in us (1 Chronicles 29:11; Rom 9.5; 16:27; 1 Timothy 6:16; 1 Peter 4:11; 5:11). All works of the Eternal should render him thanks (Psalms 103.22, 145.10).

I know this sounds weird, but the psalmist is clear that even the objects created by the Eternal is to praise Him (Ps 147.4; 148.3-9).

Let it be clear: the creatures that are in heaven, here, refers to birds, inasmuch as the celestial praise was given above. The proof of this is that below, we see the four animals confirming the praise of earthly creation. If it were not so, such praise would be meaningless, since they would be confirming something that just came out of their mouths.

Even notice how the angels worship the Lord for seven reasons (number of perfection), while the creatures of the planet praise the Eternal by four (number that symbolizes the entire length of the planet).

In other words:

 

• Creatures in heaven: birds;
• Earth creatures: terrestrial and human animals;
• Creatures under the earth: all those who died and which are in the Sheol , whether in the Bosom of Abraham or in the hell;
• Sea creatures: marine animals.
• All that are in them: all the inanimate objects that there are in each one of the above items that were created by the Eternal (for the works of man will be, in the end, destroyed because they don’t glorify the Eternal - 2 Peter 3:10).

 

Note that all the attributes that should be given to the Eternal have to do with what's inside of us (including wealth). Remember that to the Eternal we must give only what is His (i.e., all the attributes above) in our lives. There is nothing to give the Eternal that, first of all, we have not received. Not even love (1 Cor 4.7, 1 John 4:19).

Note that here is attributed praise to the Eternal and the Lamb at the same time. And note how this should be given forever, that is, is not something just for the moment, but an act to be fulfilled at every moment for all eternity.

 

• "And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever." (Rev 5:14).

 

Finally we have the four animals confirming the praise of earthly creation (as if to say that the praise of creation was according to the gospel).

And finally the twenty-four elders fall down and worship Jesus, confirming that the Church submits to this praise forever (since it is this feature of the Eternal which is the essence of the Church). The silent praise of the twenty-four elders can teach us that silence is also a form of worship. Namely: the silence that comes from a reverential awe, gratitude and love.

And confirmation of praise is justified, since the praise of the living creatures included the elements of the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders.