The Lamb That Was Slain

Then I saw in the right hand of Him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that He can open the scroll and its seven seals.”

And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. And He went and took the scroll from the right hand of Him who was seated on the throne. And when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying,

“Worthy are You to take the scroll and to open its seals, for You were slain, and by Your blood You ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and You have made them a Kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”  

Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice,  

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”

And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying,    

“To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”

And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.  

Revelation 5

In 1732, two young German missionaries heading for the West Indies stood beside one another on the stern of a ship drifting away from shore. Their eyes were fixed on their loved ones who had tearfully gathered to share their final goodbyes, certainly grappling with the young men's perilous plan. Isn’t it all too risky? Isn’t this a fool’s errand? David and Johann intended to sell themselves into slavery to be witnesses for Christ. Their aim was to reach African slaves and live the balance of their days working in sugar cane fields in the blazing heat. With their arms linked and hands lifted high, they shouted to their friends and family what would become the anthem of a missionary movement, “May the Lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering.”

This anthem finds its biblical roots in the throne room scene of Revelation chapter 5. The scene begins in the preceding chapter, where God is presented as the “One seated on the throne,” receiving unceasing worship from prostrate celestial beings. The throne is central, and all of the happenings and occupants of heaven are described in relation to the throne: “on the throne”, “around the throne,” “from the throne,” “before the throne,” and “on each side of the throne.” The sovereign Lord reigns, and His worshipers cry out that God is worthy because “[He] created all things, and by [His] will they existed and were created" (4:11).

In chapter 5, Jesus Christ enters the scene and is described as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, and the Lamb that was slain. Jesus alone is worthy to open the scroll, which will bring the divine plan to its long-awaited culmination. The reason Jesus alone is worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals is not for His role in creation but for His role in redemption. The four living creatures and the elders fall down before the Lamb in worship, crying out, “Worthy are You to take the scroll and to open its seals, for You were slain, and by Your blood You ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and You have made them a Kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth" (5:9-10).

The verb ransom means to make a payment to secure the rights of a person. In other words, the sacrifice of the Lamb is a ransom through which God has purchased a global, diverse people for Himself. The verb tense indicates an action completed in the past. The blood of the Lamb is the completed payment for the secure salvation of God’s elect.

So, why should we bother sharing the good news with a culture that’s adrift? Why should we partake in mission trips to foreign lands? Why should we engage in spiritual conversations with neighbors in Dallas who are so different from us? Is it even worth it? Will it have any effect?

The answer is simple. The blood of the Lamb ensures a worldwide harvest of souls. We don’t know who they are, but our task is to join God in His work of gathering His people through prayer and the proclamation of His Word. The Lamb of God will receive the reward of His suffering. Will you join in gathering them?