The Slain Lamb

“Then I saw a Lamb standing in the center of the throne, surrounded by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb appeared to have been killed. It had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God that have been sent through the whole earth.” (Revelation 5:6)

John describes what he sees in his vision of heaven. He sees the Lamb. The Lamb is Jesus. And the Lamb has been slain. “It was the costly sacrifice of Christ, who was like a lamb without defect or flaw. He had been chosen by God before the creation of the world and was revealed in these last days for your sake.” (1Peter 1:19-20) John obviously saw what happened in heaven when Jesus was crucified. Although the Father, Who is Holy and cannot be where sin is, the living creatures and the elders surround Jesus. Jesus is not alone.

The seven horns are emblems of power. They represent the Almighty Power of Jesus. Daniel prophesies about it. “He was given authority, honor, and royal power, so that the people of all nations, races, and languages would serve Him. His authority would last forever, and His kingdom would never end.” (Daniel 7:14)

The seven eyes denote wisdom. Seven is a perfect number in the Bible and so Jesus has perfect infinite knowledge and wisdom; and especially "the treasures of wisdom" which are laid up in Him for the church.

The seven spirits is the Holy Spirit in His perfect manifestation of insight (prophecy); helpfulness (service or ministry); instruction (teaching); encouragement; generosity (giving); guidance (leadership); and compassion. They are manifested in Jesus Who has the fullness of the Spirit. “For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” (Colossians 2:9)

In His slain state, Jesus won us. He bought us. He paid the ransom price which was death. He laid His power down in order to fulfill it. It was perfect wisdom and knowledge from infinity to infinity. The fulness of the Holy Spirit manifested in Him. His wounds are more glorious than any splendor of kings on earth. The crown of thorns more precious than any diadem. They are the trophies of His great Love and His victory. “And so, I will give Him a place of honor, a place among the great and powerful. He willingly gave His life and shared the fate of evil men. He took the place of many sinners and prayed that they might be forgiven." (Isaiah 53:12)

He fulfilled prophecy. He has redeemed a great number of souls, so many that they cannot be counted. “He rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us safe into the kingdom of His dear Son, by whom we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven.” (Colossians 1:13-14) And He carries in His body the scars as a memorial of that fight. “And on that cross Christ freed Himself from the power of the spiritual rulers and authorities; He made a public spectacle of them by leading them as captives in His victory procession.” (Colossians 2:15) If Jesus counts these scars and wounds valuable enough to remember, how much more valuable are these wounds and scars to us who were redeemed by them. “For there is one God, and there is One Who brings God and human beings together, the man Christ Jesus, Who gave Himself to redeem the whole human race. That was the proof at the right time that God wants everyone to be saved,” (1Timothy 2:5-6)