Revelation 5: The Lion is revealed as a slain Lamb

A book sealed with seven seals creates a crisis that heaven's entire created order cannot solve. No one in heaven, earth, or beneath the earth is found worthy to open it, and John weeps. An elder announces the answer as the Lion of Judah and Root of David, but when John looks he sees a Lamb standing as though slain. The Book of Revelation makes that change from hearing to seeing the chapter's hinge: royal victory is revealed through sacrificial death. The Lamb takes the sealed book without struggle, and the response widens in circles. Living creatures and elders sing a new song, angels join with an immense acclamation, and finally every creature gives blessing and honor to God on the throne and to the Lamb. Worthiness is not asserted abstractly. It is explained by the Lamb's death and redemption of people from every kindred, tongue, people, and nation.