The Will of God

About 1,500 years ago, Ein Gedi, a Jewish village west of the Dead Sea, was burned to the ground, including its synagogue, which held valuable Torah scrolls. In 1970, archaeologists excavated the site and found charred scroll fragments but could not read them. But in 2015, using high-res 3D scanning—a technique used to read fragile Dead Sea Scrolls—scientists digitized the unopened remnants and were able to read Hebrew text from Leviticus.

John saw an unopened scroll in the right hand of God the Father, the hand that holds the destiny of humanity. It could not be read, not because it was damaged but because it was sealed. Some theologians believe this was a scroll written on both sides (common on legal documents), while others suggest it was seven separate scrolls rolled into one and was “written inside” and sealed “on the back.”

The scroll seen by John is closed with seven seals. Some Bible students believe that a scroll with multiple seals might refer to a type of will. In ancient Rome, a will could be sealed by multiple witnesses. Thus, this scroll would be like the will and testament of the heavenly Father.

As Christ enters heaven, He takes the scroll and begins to open it. What is within this scroll? As each successive seal is opened, another chapter in history leading up to the Second Coming is revealed. These opened seals reveal God’s plan of salvation being unfolded and who will be saved as a result. It seems this scroll is a book of judgment that determines the final destiny of every human being. This vision takes place in the throne room of heaven where judgment occurs—and the records of all God’s actions to save people are held.

The number seven in Bible prophecy indicates completeness and perfection and is repeated several times in Revelation. There are seven churches, seven Spirits, seven candlesticks, seven stars, seven lamps of fire, seven seals, and more! And so, this perfectly sealed scroll holds critical information about your future. Can it be opened? Can humanity be saved?

Heavenly Father, just as You held in Your right hand this scroll with seven seals, ?I believe that You hold my life and future in Your loving and powerful hand.

For Further Study: Psalm 40:7, 8; Isaiah 30:8; Jeremiah 36:2, 3

Key Bible Texts

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. (Revelation 5:1 KJV)