A Simple, Biblical Explanation of Redemption of Creation
Redemption of creation is God’s plan to reclaim everything that was lost through sin—through the finished work of Jesus Christ.
When Adam fell, creation fell with him. Sin brought corruption, suffering, and death into the world. As Romans 8:22–23 teaches, all creation groans, waiting to be delivered.
Revelation 5 reveals the turning point of that redemption.
It answers this question:
Who has the right to take back what sin has ruined?
What Is the Redemption of Creation in the Bible?
1. The Sealed Scroll: The Title Deed to Creation
John sees a scroll in the right hand of God—sealed with seven seals.
In biblical culture, this points to:
- A legal document
- A title deed
- A redeemable inheritance
Just like:
- Boaz redeeming Ruth (Ruth 4)
- The land laws in Leviticus 25
- Jeremiah purchasing land (Jeremiah 32)
This scroll represents ownership of the earth.
But there’s a problem.
“No man in heaven, nor in earth… was able to open the book.”
No human, no angel, no created being is worthy.
And John weeps.
Because if no one can open the scroll…
👉 Creation remains under the curse.
2. The Worthy One: The Lion and the Lamb
Then heaven announces hope:
“Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah… hath prevailed!”
But when John looks…
He does not see a Lion.
He sees a Lamb that was slain.
This is the heart of the gospel:
- The Lion shows Christ’s authority
- The Lamb shows Christ’s sacrifice
You cannot separate:
- The crown from the cross
- The throne from the sacrifice
Jesus is worthy because:
- He prevailed over sin
- He conquered death
- He purchased redemption with His blood
He is the true Kinsman Redeemer—the One who is both:
- Able (He is God)
- Willing (He gave Himself)
Redemption and the Gospel
Revelation 5 is not just about prophecy.
It is about the gospel on a cosmic scale.
The elders sing:
“Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood…”
This tells us:
- Redemption is not earned
- Redemption is purchased
- Redemption is through blood
Jesus did not merely make redemption possible.
He secured it completely.
And the result?
👉 “They shall reign on the earth.”
Redemption is not escape from creation.
It is the restoration of creation.
The Worship of Heaven
As the Lamb takes the scroll, heaven erupts:
- The elders sing
- The angels declare
- All creation joins in
Notice something powerful:
- Angels speak
- The redeemed sing
Why?
Because only the redeemed know the joy of salvation.
And what do they declare?
Christ alone is worthy:
- Worthy of power
- Worthy of riches
- Worthy of wisdom
- Worthy of honor
- Worthy of glory
- Worthy of blessing
This is the central truth of Revelation 5:
👉 Everything exists to glorify Jesus Christ.
The Redemption of Creation Is Coming
The opening of the scroll leads to judgment in Revelation 6.
This reminds us:
- The world continues as if nothing is coming
- People eat, drink, and ignore God
- Judgment is approaching
Just like:
- The days of Noah
- The days of Lot
But heaven already knows:
👉 Redemption is about to be fully executed.
Conclusion: What Does This Mean for You?
Revelation 5 forces a personal question:
Will you be among the redeemed—or among the judged?
Jesus Christ is:
- The only One worthy
- The only Redeemer
- The only Savior
The same Lamb who redeemed…
👉 Will also judge.
So the question is not:
Is He worthy?
He is.
The question is:
Will you repent and trust Him?
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Dr. Alan Holden has served in pastoral ministry for more than 35 years, preaching and teaching the Bible in churches across the United States. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Luther Rice Seminary and a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Through What’s It Mean?, he seeks to help readers understand the meaning of Scripture and grow in their walk with Christ. He is currently the pastor of Lake Saunders Baptist Church in Tavares, FL.