What does Revelation 5:1 mean?

In this verse John tells us he saw God holding a scroll in his right hand. It was likely a papyrus document that was rolled up tightly. The verse tells us it contained writing inside and on the back and it was closed with seven seals. It had the appearance of an official document, although most first-century official documents had writing only on one side and bore a title and address. Scrolls written on both sides were called opistographi. The scroll was likely wound around a staff and fastened to the staff by seven seals.

Likely the scroll in God's right hand contained official verdicts and sentences against unbelievers on earth, and the number seven symbolizes God's judgments as perfect. The sentences or judgments would have to be carried out before Jesus could inaugurate His kingdom on earth. Revelation 6—8 describes those judgments, one at a time, as each seal is broken.