5:6 as though it had been slain. “As though” is used because the Lamb was slain, but is now alive “forevermore” (1:18). Only on the basis of Christ’s death and resurrection can God’s purposes for history be accomplished.

seven horns. Horns frequently represent power (Ps. 89:17; 92:10; Dan. 7:8; 8:3), in this case the power of Christ’s Spirit-filled eternal life (John 3:34; Rom. 8:11; 1 Cor. 15:45).

seven spirits of God. See note 1:4.