eping. The picture then shows a strong angel or
messenger speaking with a loud voice and asking the question: "Who is
worthy to open the book and to loose the seals thereof?" In heaven there
was a host of holy beings or angels. No one of them was able to open
the book or scroll, neither to look on it. No one in earth was able to
look upon it nor to open it.
[23]One of the titles given to Jesus is "Lion of the tribe of Judah".
This great and mighty One, the beloved Son of God, afterward designated
Jesus, was granted the privilege of opening the book and of loosing the
seals that kept it secret, thus picturing how Jehovah made known his
plan to his beloved Son. The picture describes him thus: "And I beheld,
and, lo, in the midst of the throne ... stood a Lamb as it had been
slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, ... and he came and took the
book out of the right hand of him [Jehovah] that sat upon the throne".
[24]_Seven_ is a symbol of perfection; horn a symbol of power; and eyes
a symbol of wisdom. Therefore this One is pictured as having perfect
power and perfect wisdom to perform this wonderful privilege and duty.
This is the first time that the great mystery of Jehovah, his great plan
or program, was made known to any one; and since then, from time to
time, he has been pleased to reveal portions of his plan to men who have
honestly and faithfully sought to understand it. He has promised to
reward those that diligently seek him and who seek a knowledge of him.
Therefore we can come to the study of his plan, confidently expecting
that he will grant us from time to time such a vision and understanding
of it as pleases him and as would be for our good and happiness.
[25]The harp is used to symbolize the grandeur and beauty, the exquisite
harmony and majestic sweetness of the divine arrangement or plan. The
record of this great program or plan is found in the Old and the New
Testaments. This record reveals the purpose of God concerning man, gives
a record of his fall, a prophetic vision of his redemption and
deliverance, and ultimately the blessing of all obedient ones of mankind
with life everlasting. The great fundamental doctrines or truths stated
in the Bible and which constitute the fundamentals of his plan
concerning man would, therefore, constitute the strings upon the harp of
God. These fundamental truths were spoken by Jehovah through the
prophets, through Jesus, and through his disciples. God's law is his
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