The Work of the Lamb

Rev. 5:8-14

A study on Revelation

Theme:  God shows us the work of the Lamb in accomplishing God’s will.

Introduction:  In our last study, we learned God had a book in His hand and the only One found worthy to open the book is Jesus.  In fact, Jesus is on the only One worthy period.  The rest of the chapter reveals His work to accomplish God’s will.  This scene is in heaven and God showing us here in this passage His work.

They are summarized in three kinds of work.

I. Work of redemption vv. 8-9

A. The initiation of redemption

1.  Verse 2, a search for One who is found worthy-worthy means one who is deserving or suitable for this task.

2. No man is found worthy-which means man cannot work to usher in the kingdom of God.

3. Creatures and elders possess harps-instruments of worship and vials of odor which represent the prayers of the saints

“Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; And the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.” (Psalm 141:2)

4.  It is Christ only who initiates this work of redemption.

B. The effect of redemption

1.  This song is reflection of what is on the inside

“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;” (Ephesians 5:19)

2.  This song is one of redemption-a song with a message of worship and praise to the only One worthy.

3. Redemption not only changes our eternal destiny but gives something worth singing, a song of purpose and meaning.

4. While all believers may not be singers in front of a crowd, all should be singers.  We sing for His glory-this is what redemption does to us.

C. The fulfillment of redemption

1.  The focus on the Lamb v.9-has redeemed us to God.

2. Only Jesus can bring us to God-not our own way.

3. This redemption is universal accomplished by His shed blood on the cross.

“And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2)

II. Work of glorification v. 10

A. The present glory

1.  We are made unto God by His work in us

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

2.  Salvation is God’s work in our lives and when we yield to Him, He is glorified.

3. God is working in us daily conforming us into His image

“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” (Romans 8:29)         

B. The future glory

1.  At the end of the Tribulation Period the church will share in Christ’s millennial reign.

2. We will be joint-heirs with Christ.

3. We will reign with Him.

 III. Work of exaltation. vv. 11-14

A. The heavenly angelic recognition vv. 11-12

1.  These innumerable angels recognize Him as the One who deserves all praise.

2. When He was on earth, people did not ascribe these things to Him, for many of these things He deliberately laid aside in His humiliation.

3. He was born in weakness, died in weakness, but was exalted above all in His resurrection.

4. Give Him a 7-fold ascription of praise

a.  Power-speaks of His full authority

b. Riches-all the glories of heaven

c. Wisdom-all knowledge put into the affairs of life properly

d. Strength-unlimited in His might

e. Honor-adoration to one who is worthy

f. Glory-speaks of His majesty

g. Bessing-all the goodness of Him.

B. The earthly creation recognition vv. 13-14

1.  This worship climaxed with all of the universe praising the Lamb of God and the Father seated on the throne.

2. Keep in mind that all of this praise centered on the Lord Jesus Christ: the Redeemer-not the teacher but Christ the Savior

3. All of heaven and earth sing praise and give honor to Him who is worthy forever.

4. All of heaven’s praise came because the Lamb took the scroll from the Father’s hand-God’s great eternal plan would now be fulfilled and creation would be set free from the bondage of sin and death.

Conclusion:  This work of Jesus is fulfilled in His holiness and perfection.  He alone is worthy.