THE SONG OF 24 ELDERS

1. The song of 24 elders

a) Where? Revelation 5:9-10

i) ⁹ And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. (Revelation 5:9-10 NIV)

2. Purpose of song

i) The "new song" of the 24 elders acclaiming Christ as worthy to break the seven seals of God's scroll.

3. What is the text all about?

a) People from every nation are praising God before his throne. God's message of salvation and eternal life is not limited to a specific culture, race, or country. Anyone who comes to God in repentance and faith is accepted by him and will be part of his kingdom. Don't allow prejudice or bias to keep you from sharing Christ to others. Christ welcomes all people into his kingdom.

b) The song of God's people praises Christ's work. He

@1. was slain,

@2. redeemed them with his blood,

@3. gathered them into a kingdom,

@4. made them priests, and

@5. appointed them to reign on the earth.

c) Jesus has already died and paid the penalty for sin. He is now gathering us into his kingdom and making us priests. In the future we will reign with him. Worship God and praise him for what he has done, what he is doing, and what he will do for all who trust in him. When we realize the glorious future that awaits us, we will find the strength to face our present difficulties.

d) The believers' song praises Christ for bringing them into the kingdom and making them kings and priests. While now we are sometimes despised and mocked for our faith, in the future we will reign over all the earth. Christ's death, made all believers priests of God - the channels of blessing between God and mankind.