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Outline 099 of 100 · Revelation

Worthy Is the Lamb That Was Slain

Revelation 5:1-14 — The slain Lamb alone worthy to reveal and execute God's purposes

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

John weeps because no one is found worthy to open the sealed scroll — until an elder announces, 'the Lion of the tribe of Juda... hath prevailed to open the book.' Yet when John looks for the Lion, he sees instead 'a Lamb as it had been slain,' standing in the midst of the throne. The Lion conquers precisely by being the slain Lamb — victory through sacrifice, not through force, is the deepest paradox and the deepest truth of the gospel. The Lamb is worthy because He was slain and 'hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation,' making them 'kings and priests.' The chapter erupts into ever-widening worship — four beasts, twenty-four elders, ten thousand times ten thousand angels, and finally 'every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth' ascribing blessing, honor, glory, and power unto Him that sits on the throne and unto the Lamb forever. This is righteousness by faith expanded to cosmic worship — the whole universe recognizes that redemption by blood alone makes anyone worthy to approach God's throne.

  1. I. The sealed book and the weeping

    • No man found worthy to open the book
    • John weeps much
    • Worthiness cannot be found among mere creatures

  2. II. The Lion who is the Lamb

    • Announced as the Lion of the tribe of Juda
    • Seen instead as a Lamb as it had been slain
    • Victory through sacrifice, not conquest by force

  3. III. The worthiness of redemption

    • Thou art worthy... for thou wast slain
    • Redeemed us to God by thy blood
    • Made us kings and priests unto our God

  4. IV. The universal chorus of worship

    • Four beasts and twenty-four elders fall down
    • Ten thousand times ten thousand angels join
    • Every creature ascribes blessing, honor, glory, power forever
The appeal

The Lamb who was slain is the only One worthy to open the seals of your life's mystery and to redeem you by His blood. Will you join the universal chorus today, falling before Him who alone is worthy?

Key points

  • Only the slain Lamb is found worthy to open the sealed scroll of God's purposes.
  • Christ's victory comes through sacrificial death, not military conquest.
  • Redemption by His blood makes worshipers from every nation kings and priests.

Key passages

  • Revelation 5:5-6
  • Revelation 5:9-10
  • Revelation 5:12-13
  • 1 Peter 1:18-19