Worthy Is the Lamb

D. R. Macy
John the Baptist looked on the Lord Jesus and said, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!"ˡ By faith he viewed this One as God's sacrifice for sin, the One to whom all the sacrifices of the Old Testament looked forward. By faith he saw Him taking sin out of this world by His own suffering and death. The next day, still enraptured by His person, he exclaims, "Behold the Lamb of God!"²
When we come to the book of Revelation, this work is an accomplished fact. We, pictured in the twenty-four elders, are around the throne worshiping and praising this blessed One. We sing His worthiness because of His work in creation: "Thou art worthy, G Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created."³ We also sing His worthiness because of His work of redemption: "Thou art worthy... for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation."4
The whole host of angels celebrates His worthiness as well. They exclaim with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing."5 They do not sing—that is for us who have been redeemed by His precious blood; nor do they give the reason for the Lamb's worthiness—that also is the portion of the redeemed, who have spiritual intelligence. But all heaven unites to ascribe all honor to the Lamb of God.
We joy to see Thee, Lord, arise
Triumphant through the opening skies;
And hear all heaven united own
Thee worthy to ascend the throne. 6

Let's meditate in more detail on this sevenfold expression of the worthiness of the Lamb in Revelation 5:12 and contrast it with His mighty sacrifice on the cross.