"And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?” (vv.1-2)
Here John refers to a book in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne written on both sides (front and back), and sealed with seven seals. This description does not fit how the book of Revelation (or any of the Epistles) would have been constructed. However, it does fit how other kinds of documents might be constructed, especially a title deed to a piece of property where the original owner had to relinquish it due to his inability to meet financial obligations. His debts would then be written on the backside of the deed. And, if at any time during the next seven years could repay the debt, the seals would be broken and the deed returned.
This is significant because because Adam, the original holder to the title deed to the earth (Genesis 1:28), transferred it to Satan with his overt and calculated act of rebellion against God’s word (Romans 5:14). This is why Paul called Satan “the god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4) and why Jesus called him, “the prince of this world” (John 12:31). This means the planet God gave to man is no longer under his control, but is under the control of Satan.
So the question arises in John’s vision, Who is worthy? Who can redeem mans' sinful debt with a sinless life? The answer, "the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Hebrews 7:14), the root of David (Isaiah 11:1, 10), has prevailed (lived a sinless, sacrificial life) to open the scroll (Rev. 3:21) and to loose (Rev. 6:1) the seven seals” (v. 5), the God man, Jesus. Hallelujah!
The Truth: "This is the record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1) "From the descendants of this man, God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as He promised.” (Acts 13:23) "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) "But you, Bethlehem (Ephrathah), who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel, whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity.” (Micah 5:2)
