The imagery of "The Lamb Standing as if Slain" is a profound and central symbol in the Book of Revelation, encapsulating the paradox of victory through sacrifice. This depiction is primarily found in Revelation 5:6, where the Apostle John describes his vision: "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" .

Symbolism and Significance

The Lamb represents Jesus Christ, embodying both His sacrificial death and His triumphant resurrection. The phrase "as if slain" indicates the marks of His crucifixion, yet He stands, signifying His victory over death. This duality highlights the core Christian belief in the redemptive power of Christ's sacrifice and His eternal life.

The Lamb's position "in the center of the throne" underscores His divine authority and centrality in God's redemptive plan. The throne is a symbol of God's sovereignty, and the Lamb's presence there affirms His co-equal status with God the Father. The encircling of the four living creatures and the elders further emphasizes the Lamb's worthiness to receive worship and honor.

The Seven Horns and Seven Eyes

The seven horns symbolize complete power and authority, reflecting the omnipotence of Christ. In biblical literature, horns often represent strength and dominion, and the number seven signifies perfection and completeness. Thus, the Lamb possesses perfect power.

The seven eyes, identified as the "seven Spirits of God," denote perfect wisdom and insight. This imagery aligns with the prophecy in Isaiah 11:2, which speaks of the Spirit of the Lord resting upon the Messiah, encompassing wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord. The seven Spirits sent out into all the earth indicate the omnipresence and active work of the Holy Spirit in the world.

Theological Implications

The Lamb standing as if slain is a powerful testament to the Christian doctrine of atonement. It affirms that through His death, Jesus has conquered sin and death, offering salvation to humanity. This image also reinforces the belief in Christ's ongoing intercession for believers, as He stands alive and active in the heavenly realm.

Furthermore, the Lamb's worthiness to open the scroll in Revelation 5:9-10 highlights His unique role in executing God's plan for history. The new song sung by the heavenly hosts proclaims, "Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation" . This underscores the universal scope of Christ's redemptive work and His authority to bring God's purposes to fulfillment.

Worship and Adoration

The vision of the Lamb evokes a response of worship and adoration from all creation. Revelation 5:12-13 records the chorus of praise: "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!" . This doxology reflects the acknowledgment of Christ's supreme worthiness and the gratitude of the redeemed for His sacrificial love.

In summary, the image of the Lamb standing as if slain is a profound theological symbol that encapsulates the essence of the Gospel message: victory through sacrifice, life through death, and the ultimate triumph of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.