Revelation 5:1

1 And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals.

A. God is holding a book. This book (scroll) is important.

B. It has writings on both sides. There are two types of scrolls at this time - Parchment and Velum. Parchment is made with strips of reeds pressed together. The topside was laid horizontal for easy writing. On the backside the reeds were laid vertically. This made writing on the back said very difficult. The other type of scroll was velum (animal leather, usually deer). Again, one side of leather is smooth and easy to use. The backside of leather is rough and more difficult to write on.

C. By writing on both sides there are two indications - a) the message is important and no space must be wasted. b) There is a scarcity of writing materials - either very costly or not available.

D. It is sealed. The seal is not like one seals a Mason jar with fruit inside. Some have tried to make this teach the doctrine of “once saved, always saved.” They have implied that God seals us in and we cannot escape.

E. But the seal here is for three purposes.

1. The seal shows the item to be genuine

2. A seal proves the document is official

3. A seal demonstrates that it has not been tampered with or altered.