The Worthy Lamb
John’s attention in the throne room of Heaven is drawn to a scroll held in the hand of the Father. There are seven seals which bind the scroll. A “strong angel” (possibly Gabriel whose name means “strength of God”)[1] asks, “Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?” Even in the midst of this august body of the saints from across the ages there is no man able to take the scroll from the Father’s hand and open its seals.
The response of John at this may seem puzzling. Emotionally overcome, he weeps much. This is no light grief, but a deep and despairing one. Why such a response? The answer is revealed as we consider the nature of the book and remember the context in which John wrote this.
The exact identity of this scroll is shrouded in mystery. Whatever else may be said about this scroll, it becomes clear as Revelation unfolds that the sealed scroll represents the right to execute justice and bring human history to its ultimate and intended end.[2]
The historical context in which John writes is a hurricane of violent persecution against the people of God. From every earthly perspective, it would seem that God’s people are without help and hope. Now even within the very presence of God, it appears that there is no one who can effect justice and bring believers to their desired end! Is there no hope in heaven or earth? No wonder John is deeply distraught!
But John is not left to despair. One of the elders steps forward, telling John that One has been found worthy. He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David. Both of these designations are Messianic.[3] Christ Jesus is worthy to execute justice and bring history to its desired end!
The Paschal Lamb
And now the focus of the scene in Heaven shifts from the Father to the Son. There in the midst of the throne room stands a Lamb as it had been slain. The Greek word used for “lamb” in the text is very specific. It refers to a little pet lamb. Why such a description for the Son? From its inception in Egypt, the Passover tradition followed the command of God that the sacrificial lamb be brought into the household on the tenth day of the first month but not slain until the fourteenth day of the month.[4] The lamb would essentially be a family pet for four days until it suffered a violent death for the sins of that very family. Jesus, as the Lamb of God, came and lived among us. He was then violently slain for our sins.
The Risen Lamb
This Lamb was slain, but now lives. Lest any wonder about the authenticity of His death, He still bears the marks of His violent torture and bloody death. Death was not able to conquer the Lamb! The fact that He is risen demonstrates that He is the sacrifice acceptable to the Father, and has accomplished the salvation of His people.[5]
The Powerful Lamb
Yet the Lamb is not simply a weak and docile Lamb. He is portrayed as having not one horn, but seven. Throughout Scripture the horn is used as a symbol of power, likely due to the fact that animals used their horns as implements of aggression.[6] It was the horn that would inflict wounds upon other beasts. The use of the number seven is deliberate. Seven is the number of completeness or perfection. Thus this Lamb does not simply possess power; He possesses perfect power![7] The Holy Spirit in all of His fullness and wisdom proceeds from the Lamb.
The Response
From eternity past the Father had ordained that only the Son, by virtue of His sacrifice, be worthy to open the scroll. In recognition of the greatness of the Lamb the four seraphim and the 24 elders burst forth in exuberant praise. The song of the saved is—“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; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth (Revelation 5:9-10).”
And from this expression of worship a great ripple effect is produced. In ever expanding waves of praise creation bears testimony to the greatness and worth of the Lamb, until the entire universe lifts up her voice in adoration. This is the song that will echo throughout eternity! Worthy is the Lamb!
For Our Encouragement
So where does this vision of John intersect with our busy contemporary lives? The message of this passage remains unchanged and as relevant as if it were written two minutes ago. In every circumstance of life, God still occupies the throne of Glory. The Lamb is still worthy. He will execute justice and sovereignly bring human history to its ordained end.
When every natural instinct we possess tells us that there is no hope, we can and must look to upward. In each tempting, trying, testing, taxing, troubling experience of life we can rest secure. When our hearts cry out “Hath God forgotten to be gracious?” we are sustained with a glimpse into the heavenly throne room, for there we behold the worthy Lord and the worthy Lamb.
[1] John MacArthur, The MacArthur Bible Commentary, Nelson, 2005, p. 2003
[2] Each of the seals, when opened, initiates a form of judgment. The seventh seal initiates seven trumpet judgments. The seventh trumpet initiates seven bowl judgments. When these judgments are complete the scroll is finally and fully open and the eternal state of final judgment in Hell and eternal felicity in Glory commences.
[3] Genesis 49:9-10 and Isaiah 11:10
[4] Exodus 12:1-6
[5] Hebrews 2:9-10; 10:12-14; 13:20
[6] John MacArthur, The MacArthur Bible Commentary, Nelson, 2005, p. 2003-2004
[7] John Gill, Gill’s Expositor electronic edition, E-sword, 2006, Revelation 5:6
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