REVELATION CHAPTER 5: THE LAMB THAT WAS SLAIN

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Read Revelation 5:1-14

Revelation Chapter 5 is a pivotal part of the Bible that carries profound spiritual significance. It centers around the opening of a scroll, referred to as the “Book of Life,” and the quest to find someone worthy to claim it. This chapter unveils the imagery of a Lamb and a Lion, showcasing the dual nature of Christ and the eternal redemption plan for humanity.

Rev. 5:1 “And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.“

The chapter begins with a glimpse of the One sitting on the throne, who is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. The scroll, in essence, is a “deed,” representing the right of ownership over something immensely significant. This scroll is also referred to as the Book of Life, a concept mentioned in other parts of the Bible, such as Philippians 4:3, Revelation 13:8, and Revelation 17:8, which allude to the idea that names are written in it even before the foundation of the world. This emphasizes the predestined nature of God’s plan for His people.

The scroll is sealed with seven seals, ensuring that no one can tamper with it. This sealing is a symbolic representation, much like the seal on a mineral water bottle, protecting the contents from contamination and preserving its purity.

Rev. 5:2 “And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?”

The central question arises: Who is worthy to claim the scroll and break its seals? The answer is simple – only the owner can rightfully claim it. To be the owner, one must have purchased the people whose names are written in the Book of Life. This concept underscores the profound notion that we, as humanity, cannot save ourselves. Romans 3:23 reminds us that “all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.” Without a Savior, we would all be lost.

Rev. 5:3-4 “And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.”

The realization that no one in heaven or on earth can claim the scroll and open it leads to despair. If no one can claim it, the destiny of humanity would be bleak. The gravity of this situation is reminiscent of the agony that the Lord Jesus must have felt at the prospect of losing His bride – His people. But Romans 8:35-39 assures us that nothing can separate us from the love of God, highlighting His commitment to His creation. John weeps so much because he knows he is in the scroll. And the knowledge that no one can save him because no one is worthy to claim it makes him weep.

Rev. 5:5 “And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.”

This verse then introduces a paradoxical image – the Lion from the Tribe of Judah as announced by one of the elders, symbolizing a King, but when John looked at it, he saw a bloody Lamb, who also symbolized the Lord Jesus Christ. This duality underscores the multifaceted nature of Christ, as both a conquering King and a sacrificial Lamb. However, before He can claim the scroll, He must first experience various aspects of humanity, including being born as a servant, suffering, and ultimately, dying for the sins of the world.

Rev. 5:6 “And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.”

John’s vision takes an unexpected turn as he sees a bloody Lamb rather than a Lion. This is a symbolic representation of the Lamb of God who is willing to be a sacrifice for humanity’s sins. While He is God and King, He chose to become a Lamb to fulfill the redemption plan. The Lamb and the One sitting on the throne are one and the same, reinforcing the concept from Isaiah 43:11 that God is our only Savior. While He may come as a King (Lion) one day, the Jews’ expectations of a God-like Messiah were not met.

Rev. 5:7 “And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.”

The verse emphasizes that in heaven, one does not find both the Lord Jesus and a Lamb sitting on thrones. The Lamb personifies Jesus Christ in His role as a Sacrificial Lamb. Through His sacrifice, all of humanity now belongs to the Lord and has become His children.

Rev. 5:8 “And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.”

All worship, prayers, and praises offered in heaven are directed towards the Lamb, our Lord Jesus Christ. He is undoubtedly worthy of worship, and the fragrant odors of our prayers are cherished by Him. He is attentive to our prayers, and they all find their way to Him.

Rev. 5:9 “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.”

The heavenly assembly sings a new song, one of redemption. This song echoes the words spoken by Jesus on the cross in John 19:30, “It is finished,” signifying the completion of God’s plan of salvation. The Book of Life, now the Lamb’s Book of Life, underscores that the only one worthy to claim the scroll is Jesus, the Lamb.

Rev. 5:10 “And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.”

Verse 10 speaks of how the Lamb has made us kings and priests. This resonates with Revelation 19:13-16, where the same bloody Lamb is revealed as the King of kings. It is a reminder that those who serve God as His servants today will become kings and priests in the future. It also emphasizes the importance of serving God rather than man.

Rev. 5:11 “And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands.”

This verse introduces a countless number of angels in the heavenly host. They are those who rejoice when one soul repents and are sent to minister to those who are heirs of salvation. We are still alive today because we are heirs of salvation, underlining God’s grace and love.

Rev. 5:12 “Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.”

Verse 12 speaks of those who argue that the Lord Jesus is just a man based on this passage. However, they often fail to grasp that the God sitting on the throne is also Jesus. This misunderstanding can lead to theological disputes, much like contemporary issues like vaccine hesitancy. It highlights the importance of having a deep understanding of Scripture and seeking revelation.

Rev. 13-14 “And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.”

The chapter concludes with the profound proclamation that every creature in heaven, on earth, and under the earth will worship the Lamb. This all-encompassing worship reinforces the idea that Jesus is worthy of adoration from all creation, highlighting His ultimate victory and eternal reign.

Revelation Chapter 5 unveils the symbolic and spiritual richness of the Bible, emphasizing the dual nature of Jesus Christ as both the Lion and the Lamb. It demonstrates the gravity of humanity’s need for a Savior, the eternal plan of redemption, and the ultimate worthiness of Jesus to receive praise, worship, and glory from all creation. This chapter serves as a reminder of the central role of Jesus in the Christian faith and the hope of eternal salvation for believers.