A Vision of the Lamb, Part 3 (Revelation 5:8–14)
The following is a detailed summary of John MacArthur’s exposition of Revelation 5:8–14, focusing on the moment Christ initiates the recovery of the universe and the ensuing worship from heaven.
I. The Stage is Set for Final Judgment
The text begins by confirming that the current global scene strongly suggests we are living in the “last days”. Rampant apostasy, the return of Israel to the land, the revival of Europe, and extreme immorality indicate that the stage is set for the culmination of human history and the unfolding of divine wrath.
The previous chapters (4 and 5) establish the setting for this final judgment. God, who sits on the throne, holds the seven-sealed scroll in His right hand. This scroll is the title deed to the universe. Written inside and on the back, the scroll details the judgments by which Christ will take back the universe, lost to sin, Satan, death, and hell.
II. The Selection of the Worthy One
A strong angel issued a proclamation, asking: “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to break its seals?”. To enact the contents of the scroll, one must be the “perfect heir of God” (worthy) and possess the “power of God” (able). Crucially, no one—in heaven, on earth, or under the earth—was found worthy or able.
The Apostle John began to weep greatly, fearing the earth would remain dominated by demonic forces and that the kingdom promised to the saints would never materialize.
An elder immediately stopped John, announcing the selection of the Worthy One: “the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David”. These are Old Testament titles of the Messiah. The title Lion of Judah refers to His power and fierceness, while Root of David confirms His royal blood and right to kingship.
The elder confirms that this individual “has overcome”. This victory was secured at the cross, where Christ overcame death, Satan, demons, sin, and hell.
III. The Appearance of the Lamb and the Act of Redemption
When John looked, expecting the conquering Lion, he saw instead a Lamb standing, as if slain. This Lamb was alive (“standing”) but bore the wounds of death. This symbolizes that the sacrificial, substitutionary death of Jesus Christ made Him worthy to take the scroll because He redeemed sinners.
The Lamb possesses full power and knowledge, symbolized by:
- Seven Horns: Representing perfect power.
- Seven Eyes: Representing perfect knowledge, wisdom, and insight (which are the seven-fold Spirit of God sent out into all the earth).
In the “most significant moment yet in human history,” the Lamb came and took the little scroll out of the right hand of God. This action inaugurates the recovery of the lost universe and leads to the unfolding of judgments detailed from Revelation Chapter 6 onward.
IV. The Worship of the Redeemed (Harps and Bowls)
The moment the Lamb took the scroll, worship exploded. The four living creatures (cherubim) and the twenty-four elders (representing the redeemed and raptured church) fell down before the Lamb.
The twenty-four elders held two symbolic items:
- Harps: Harps were regularly associated with prophesying in Scripture (e.g., 1 Samuel 10:5; 2 Kings 3:15). The harps symbolize all the prophecy and revelation God had ever given, promising the end of days, the return of the Messiah, and the building of the kingdom, which was now about to come to pass.
- Golden Bowls Full of Incense: These bowls symbolized the priestly function of intercession. The incense, which symbolized prayer rising fragrantly to God, represents the prayers of all the saints through all the ages that the promised redemption might finally arrive (“Thy kingdom come”).
V. The New Song and the Exclusive Right to Sing
In response to the promises (harps) and the prayers (bowls), the elders sang a new song. This is a new song of redemption, known personally by the redeemed.
The text points out a crucial distinction: the elders sing (adousin ōdē), whereas the angels are consistently described as saying (not singing). This reinforces the idea that only the redeemed sing, as they alone have experienced the wretchedness, the fall, and the triumph of being saved and purchased from the “miry clay,” something angels have never known.
The content of the new song confirms Christ’s worthiness and the vast scope of His purchase: “Thou wast slain, and didst purchase for God with Thy blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.”.
The result of this redemption is that the purchased saints have been made a kingdom and priests to our God, and they will reign upon the earth.
VI. The Universal Doxology
The worship then escalates. An innumerable number of angels—”myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands” (millions)—join the praise. They say with a loud voice (not sing), echoing the theme of redemption in an angelic doxology: “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing”.
Finally, the whole creation joins in—every created thing in heaven, on earth, under the earth, and on the sea. They say: “To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever”. The four living creatures solemnly confirm this praise by repeating “Amen,” and the elders fall down and worship. This scene sets the stage for Christ’s imminent return to execute judgment and establish His kingdom.