THE LION AND THE LAMB

In the Book of Revelation, the Holy Spirit ushers John into the heavenly throne room where he receives a series of visions ... the end of which culminates in Christ's glorious victory. 

We read of a 'rolled-up' sealed document in the right hand of God, and an angel who asks with a loud voice: 'Who is worthy to open the scroll? John begins to despair when no one comes forward to answer the challenge. He gives us an account of what happens next ... 

Then one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep! See, the LION of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals." Then I saw a LAMB, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. Revelation 5:5-6

The Lion and the Lamb both refer to Jesus Christ. They describe the two aspects of His divine nature ...

1. As the Lion of the tribe of Judah, He fulfills prophecy ... He stooped down, and crouched as a Lion; who dares rouse Him? The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between His feet, until He comes to whom it belongs: and to Him shall be the obedience of the people. (Genesis 49:9-10)

2. As the Lamb of God, He is the perfect and ultimate sacrifice ... For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a Lamb without blemish or defect. (1 Peter 1:18-19)

Because the Son of God triumphed over sin, death, and the grave ... He is worthy to receive and open the scroll. In John's vision, Jesus loosed the seven seals and, one by one, they revealed the judgments that would be poured out during the tribulation period. 

We tend to only think of Jesus as our loving Savior ... the 'Lamb of God' who takes away the sin of the world. (John 1:29) 

But He is also the 'Lion of the tribe of Judah', a conquering King who will slay the enemies of God at His second coming. 

To fully understand the Gospel message and the 'Lordship' of Jesus Christ, we must see Him as both ... the Lion and the Lamb.