What do the scrolls represent in the book of Revelation?

The book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse, is one of the most complex and symbolically rich texts in the New Testament. Written by the Apostle John during his exile on the island of Patmos, Revelation contains a series of visions and prophecies about the end times. One of the central elements in these visions is the scrolls, particularly the scroll with seven seals described in Revelation chapters 5 and 6. Understanding what these scrolls represent is crucial for interpreting the broader message of Revelation.

In Revelation 5, John describes a vision of a scroll in the right hand of God, sealed with seven seals. This scroll is of immense significance, as evidenced by the strong reaction in heaven when no one is initially found worthy to open it. John weeps because no one can open the scroll or even look inside it, until one of the elders tells him to stop weeping because the "Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed" (Revelation 5:5, NIV). This figure, who is Jesus Christ, is the only one worthy to break the seals and open the scroll.

The scroll itself represents God's divine plan for the redemption and judgment of the world. This is not merely a document but a symbol of God's ultimate authority and sovereignty over history. The fact that it is sealed with seven seals indicates that its contents are complete and perfect, as the number seven often represents perfection and completeness in biblical literature.

When Jesus begins to open the seals in Revelation 6, each seal unleashes a specific event or series of events that are part of God's plan for the end times. The first four seals release the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, who bring conquest, war, famine, and death. The fifth seal reveals the souls of martyrs who have been slain for the word of God, crying out for justice. The sixth seal brings a great earthquake and cosmic disturbances, signaling the impending day of the Lord. The seventh seal, when opened in Revelation 8, leads to silence in heaven for about half an hour, followed by the seven trumpets that bring further judgments upon the earth.

The scroll and its seals, therefore, represent a series of divine judgments and events that must occur before the final establishment of God's kingdom. These judgments serve multiple purposes: they are a form of divine retribution against sin and evil, a means of purifying the faithful, and a way to bring about the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises.

The imagery of the scroll with seven seals also has roots in Old Testament prophecy and apocalyptic literature. For example, in the book of Daniel, a sealed scroll is mentioned that contains visions of the end times (Daniel 12:4, 9). The idea of a sealed document containing divine mysteries is a recurring theme in biblical prophecy, symbolizing the hidden and sovereign nature of God's plans, which are revealed in His own time and manner.

The act of Jesus opening the seals is significant because it underscores His unique role in God's redemptive plan. Jesus, as the Lamb who was slain, has the authority to execute God's judgments and bring about the fulfillment of His promises. This act of opening the seals also signifies the beginning of the end times, a period of tribulation and judgment that ultimately leads to the new heaven and new earth described in Revelation 21 and 22.

In Christian theology, the scroll with seven seals can also be seen as a representation of the New Covenant, sealed by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Just as the Old Covenant was sealed with the blood of sacrificial animals, the New Covenant is sealed with the blood of Christ, making Him the mediator of this covenant and the one who has the authority to execute its terms.

The scrolls in Revelation are not just about judgment but also about hope and redemption. While the opening of the seals brings about a series of catastrophic events, these are ultimately part of God's plan to rid the world of evil and bring about a new creation. The final chapters of Revelation depict a glorious future where God dwells with His people, and there is no more death, mourning, crying, or pain (Revelation 21:4).

In addition to the scroll with seven seals, Revelation also mentions other scrolls. For instance, in Revelation 10, John is given a little scroll and instructed to eat it, symbolizing the internalization of God's message. This act is reminiscent of the prophet Ezekiel, who was also instructed to eat a scroll containing words of lament and mourning (Ezekiel 2:9-3:3). The little scroll in Revelation 10 represents the bittersweet nature of God's prophetic message—sweet because it promises ultimate victory and redemption, but bitter because it also involves suffering and judgment.

Another significant mention of scrolls is found in Revelation 20:12, where the "books" are opened during the final judgment. These books contain the deeds of every person, and the dead are judged according to what is written in them. This imagery underscores the idea of divine accountability and the comprehensive nature of God's judgment.

In summary, the scrolls in the book of Revelation, particularly the scroll with seven seals, represent God's comprehensive and sovereign plan for the redemption and judgment of the world. They symbolize the unfolding of divine mysteries that have been hidden but are now being revealed through Jesus Christ. The opening of the seals marks the beginning of the end times, a period characterized by both judgment and hope, ultimately leading to the fulfillment of God's promises and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.