The Only One Worthy – Blake Bradley
Message by Blake Bradley – The Roads Church
The Arena of Heaven
Revelation 5:1 – “Then I saw in the right hand of Him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals.”
We are stepping into the arena of heaven—a place where worship never stops, where the throne of God is surrounded by fire on the altar, living creatures, and mighty angels proclaiming truth. This is not a calm scene. It is a powerful, awe-filled atmosphere—a “melt your face off” kind of awesome, filled with the holy fear of the Lord.
As I’ve been meditating on this, I’ve been struck by the reality that one day each of us will stand before the judgment seat of God. Without the blood of Jesus covering us, that day would be one of woe.
Who Is Worthy?
Revelation 5:2-3 tells us that a mighty angel proclaimed, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” And John writes, “No one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it.”
No one—no angel, no creature, no human—was worthy. This reminds us that no amount of talent, wealth, or achievement compares to the glory and splendor of God. Our greatest works are still “filthy rags” compared to Him.
But then… one is found worthy.
Behold, the Lamb of God
Revelation 5:5-6 – One of the elders tells John, “Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that He can open the scroll and its seven seals.” John sees “a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain.”
Only Jesus, the Lamb of God, is worthy to open the scroll. This takes us to John 19, where Pilate has Jesus flogged with a whip embedded with sharp fragments, tearing His flesh. The soldiers twist a crown of thorns onto His head, mock Him, and place a purple robe on Him. Pilate then presents Him to the crowd, unknowingly declaring a prophetic truth: “Behold the man!”—the spotless Lamb of God, the only One without guilt.
The Covenant of Friendship
From Romans 3:23-24, we know that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” but “are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Salvation is free to us, but it cost God everything.
In John 15:13-15, Jesus says, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends… You are my friends if you do what I command you.” Friendship with God is covenantal. Psalm 25:14 tells us, “The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He makes known to them His covenant.” Obedience positions us to hear God’s secret counsel.
Abraham’s Example of Obedience
Genesis 22 records God testing Abraham by asking him to sacrifice Isaac, the promised son. Abraham rises early, obeying without hesitation. His steadfast yes to God demonstrates faith without double-mindedness. At the last moment, the angel of the Lord stops him, declaring, “Now I know that you fear God.”
In that place, God reveals a new aspect of His nature to Abraham—Jehovah Jireh, “The Lord Will Provide.” This name had never been spoken before. Obedience opened the door for Abraham to experience a deeper revelation of God.
Walking Worthy of the Call
Paul urges believers in Ephesians 4:1 to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling” and in Ephesians 5:1 to “be imitators of God.” Holiness is not impossible; it flows from Christ in us. We are called to live in a way that reflects the Worthy One.
1 Peter 1:14-16 reminds us, “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance… You shall be holy, for I am holy.” The holiness of Christ within us empowers us to live set-apart lives in every area—thoughts, speech, and actions.
He Is Worthy
From the throne room of heaven to the obedience of Abraham, Scripture points to one truth: Only Jesus is worthy. He is worthy of our praise, our obedience, and our very lives. The Lamb who was slain from the foundation of the world invites us into covenant friendship, calling us to walk in holiness and to lay everything down at His feet.