Journal: Reformed Presbyterian Theological Journal
Volume: RPTJ 06:2 (Spring 2020)
Article: Lord Of History (Revelation 5:1–6:2)
Author: David G. Whitla

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RPTJ 6:2 (Spring 2020) p. 4

Lord Of History (Revelation 5:1–6:2)1

David G. Whitla

Professor of Church History

Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary

Introduction

Why has the synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America appointed a full-time professor to teach Church History at the seminary? Are there not more important subjects for future pastors to be focusing on? This paper wants to propose that Revelation chapter 5 offers a compelling answer to the first question. We study Church History because it is the preoccupation of heaven! And it is the preoccupation of heaven because heaven’s occupants are preoccupied with Christ, who is the Lord of History! The angels and the redeemed watch spellbound as the Lamb unfolds God’s purposes in history for men and nations, with the express purpose of redeeming to God a people from every tribe, tongue, nation and people (5:9). So in Revelation chapters 5–6, we have in view a representation of God’s purposes in history, namely the Lamb has been slain, and God’s redemptive purposes in these last days — the Years of our Lord (Anno Domini) — are about to be revealed!2 This paper will consider the three things that John saw.

The Scroll Of History

Most commentators agree that what John saw was likely a scroll rather than a codex, which is an early kind of book.3 The same image is found in the OT apocalyptic visions of Daniel chapters 7 and 12, and Ezekiel chapter 2, where scrolls are opened, or in the case of Ezekiel, eaten. In each case, the Scroll represents the gradual unfolding of God’s purposes in judgment and redemption across the subsequent centuries of history.

The scroll of history has an Author. The One who holds the scroll (v.1) is “seated upon the Throne.” He possesses all power as the Omnipotent Sovereign God. And He holds the scroll of history in “his right hand” – the hand of executive power. He is “[the] Lord God Almighty who was, and is, and is to come!” (Rev. 4:8). The Holy Triune God transcends time as he is Self-existent and sovereign over all that He has made.4 Furthermore, the contents of the scroll of history are “written.” They have been ...

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