Who was Lamb?

In Revelation 5, “the Lamb” is a symbolic and exalted title given to Jesus Christ, representing His role as the sacrificial Savior and triumphant Redeemer. The term “Lamb” (Greek: ἀρνίον, arnion) appears 29 times in the book of Revelation and is a direct reference to Jesus as the One who was slain and yet lives forever. The imagery of the Lamb draws from the Old Testament sacrificial system and the Passover, pointing to Jesus’ atoning death and victorious reign.

The Lamb is portrayed in Revelation 5 as the only One worthy to open the scroll sealed with seven seals—a divine mystery containing God’s final judgment and redemptive plan. This Lamb appears as having been slain, yet stands in the midst of heaven’s throne, bearing marks of sacrificial death while holding divine authority.

Biblical References

• Revelation 5:6 – “Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne…”

• Revelation 5:9 – “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.”

• Revelation 13:8 – “the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world.”

• John 1:29 – “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (cross-reference to Jesus’ identity as the Lamb).

• Isaiah 53:7 – “He was led like a lamb to the slaughter…” (prophetic foreshadowing of Christ).

What Happened in the Bible

In Revelation 5, the Apostle John sees a vision of heaven where God holds a scroll that no one is worthy to open. As John weeps over this, one of the elders tells him not to weep because “the Lion of the tribe of Judah” has triumphed. However, when John looks, he sees not a lion but a Lamb, as if slain, standing in the center of the throne. The Lamb approaches and takes the scroll from God’s hand, prompting worship from the living creatures, the elders, and countless angels, all declaring His worthiness.

The Lamb is praised not only for His power but also for His sacrifice—He redeemed people by His blood and made them into a kingdom of priests to serve God. This shows that Jesus’ death was central to God‘s redemptive plan and His exaltation in glory.

Meaning for Today’s Christians

The Lamb is central to Christian worship, hope, and theology. For believers, the Lamb represents:

• Salvation: Through His sacrificial death, Jesus bore the penalty for sin (1 Peter 1:19).

• Victory: Although slain, the Lamb reigns victoriously (Revelation 17:14).

• Worship: The Lamb is worthy of eternal praise and is the object of heaven’s worship (Revelation 5:12-13).

• Identity: Christians are those who follow the Lamb wherever He goes (Revelation 14:4).

• Security: The Lamb’s book of life contains the names of those saved (Revelation 21:27).

How the Lamb Points to Jesus and the Gospel

The Lamb is a picture of substitution and sacrifice. Just as the Passover lamb’s blood shielded Israel from death (Exodus 12), Jesus’ blood delivers believers from God’s judgment. The Gospel proclaims that the Lamb was slain in our place, bearing the wrath of God so we might be reconciled. Yet He did not stay dead—He rose and now rules.

The Lamb also demonstrates the paradox of the Gospel: through weakness came victory, through death came life, and through sacrifice came exaltation. This points clearly to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection as the cornerstone of salvation.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. Sacrifice and Atonement

From Genesis 22 (Abraham and Isaac) to Leviticus’ temple sacrifices, Scripture builds a pattern of substitutionary death for sin. Jesus fulfills this as the ultimate sacrifice.

2. Messiah as Suffering Servant

Isaiah 53 portrays God’s Servant as one who would suffer for the sins of others. The Lamb in Revelation is the glorified realization of that prophecy.

3. Kingship Through Humility

Though He is the King of kings, Jesus reigns as the slain Lamb. His humility, obedience, and love are the pathway to glory.

4. Judgment and Redemption

The Lamb alone can open the scroll, which contains both the wrath of God against sin and the unfolding of final redemption.

5. Global Mission

The Lamb has redeemed people from every nation (Revelation 5:9), showing the worldwide scope of the Gospel.

Reflection Questions

1. How does understanding Jesus as the Lamb who was slain deepen your appreciation of the cross?

2. What does the worship of the Lamb in Revelation 5 teach you about how to respond to Christ today?

3. In what ways does following the Lamb require humility and surrender in your daily walk?

4. Do you see Jesus both as Savior and Sovereign—how does the Lamb’s exaltation shape your view of His lordship?

5. Are you living as someone whose name is written in the Lamb’s book of life? If not, what is holding you back from surrendering to Him?

The Lamb of Revelation 5 is not merely a symbol—it is the living Jesus, crucified and risen, now reigning in glory. He is the center of heaven’s worship and the heart of the Gospel.