How does Revelation 5:6 depict Jesus' role as the Lamb and Lion? Setting the Heavenly Throne Room “Then I saw a Lamb who appeared to have been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth.” (Revelation 5:6) The Lamb Who Appeared Slain — Redemptive Sacrifice • John beholds “a Lamb who appeared to have been slain,” spotlighting Christ’s atoning death (John 1:29; Isaiah 53:7). • Though bearing mortal wounds, the Lamb is alive and “standing,” signaling victory over death (Revelation 1:18). • His position “in the center of the throne” shows the completed, accepted sacrifice now exalted to supreme authority (Hebrews 10:12). Seven Horns — Omnipotent Authority • In Scripture, horns picture strength and kingly power (1 Samuel 2:10; Daniel 7:24). • Seven, the number of completeness, points to absolute sovereignty: Jesus rules with perfect, unlimited might, the conquering aspect tied to the Lion (cf. Psalm 2:9; Revelation 19:15). Seven Eyes — Omniscient and Spirit-Empowered Ministry • Eyes symbolize perception; seven eyes reveal flawless, all-seeing knowledge (Zechariah 4:10). • They are “the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth,” connecting the Lamb with the fullness of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11:2; John 16:13-14). • Nothing escapes His gaze; He judges and shepherds with perfect wisdom. Standing in the Center — Mediator and King • The Lamb’s stance amid the throne, living creatures, and elders shows Him bridging heaven and redeemed humanity (1 Timothy 2:5). • Worship flows outward from this place, affirming that redemption secures His right to reign (Philippians 2:8-11). Tying the Lamb to the Lion • Just one verse earlier, an elder proclaims, “Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah…has triumphed” (Revelation 5:5). • Verse 5 identifies His lineage and victory; verse 6 reveals the means of that victory — sacrificial death. • Lamb and Lion are not competing titles but complementary: – Lamb: humility, sacrifice, reconciliation (1 Peter 1:18-19). – Lion: majesty, conquest, judgment (Genesis 49:9-10; Revelation 19:11-16). • Together they declare that the One who bled for us now rules for us — and will judge all. Why Both Images Matter for Us • Assurance: Because the Lamb paid our debt, we approach the throne without fear (Hebrews 4:16). • Confidence: Because the Lion reigns with absolute power, no enemy can overturn His purposes (Romans 8:37-39). • Worship: Heaven’s song (Revelation 5:9-10) becomes ours — celebrating the same Savior who is simultaneously gentle Redeemer and mighty King. |
    |