John sees Jesus in glory as a Lamb that had been slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8). This tells us that man’s fall and subsequent redemption was not a surprise to the Almighty, but His preordained plan (Acts 2:23). It is by virtue of the Lamb’s shed blood that the tribulation saints have washed their robes, and made them white (Revelation 7:14).
In light of the accusations raised against the saints by Satan, it is by the blood of the Lamb that these same saints overcome (Revelation 12:11). Many people only see Jesus as the redemptive Lamb, but it is clear from Scripture that Jesus is also the Lamb who pours out wrath upon a God-rejecting world (Revelation 6:1,16). Those who refuse to repent and believe in Christ alone as propitiation for their sins will one day drink the wine of God’s wrath and be separated from the presence of the Lamb forever (Revelation 14:10).
But God is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) That was one of the purposes for God becoming a Man. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) The Incarnation reveals the inability of mankind to redeem ourselves, but it also reveals the kindness, mercy, and love of God towards us (Titus 3:4-6; Romans 5:6-10). How we need to meditate upon this truth until it sinks into the depth of our souls! The cross of Jesus Christ will strike a death blow to human pride and self-righteousness.
So when we drink the cup and eat the bread of the Lord’s Supper in remembrance of His sacrifice (1 Corinthians 11:24,25), let us not do it hastily or mechanically, but with reverence of heart and holy recognition of what Jesus has done for us. “It is finished!” (John 19:30) means just that! Scripture assures us that in Christ “we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7).
The Lamb is indeed worthy of our eternal praise!
