The Scroll and the Lamb

5 Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne^(A) a scroll with writing on both sides^(B) and sealed^(C) with seven seals. ² And I saw a mighty angel^(D) proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” ³ But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. ⁴ I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. ⁵ Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion^(E) of the tribe of Judah,^(F) the Root of David,^(G) has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

⁶ Then I saw a Lamb,^(A) looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures^(B) and the elders.^(C) The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes,^(D) which are the seven spirits^[a](E) of God sent out into all the earth. ⁷ He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne.^{(F) 8} And when he had taken it, the four living creatures^(G) and the twenty-four elders^(H) fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp^(I) and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers^(J) of God’s people. ⁹ And they sang a new song, saying:^(K)

John Testifies About Jesus

²⁹ The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God,^(A) who takes away the sin of the world!^(B)

⁷ Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.^(A)

¹⁸ For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed^(A) from the empty way of life^(B) handed down to you from your ancestors, ¹⁹ but with the precious blood^(C) of Christ, a lamb^(D) without blemish or defect.^{(E) 20} He was chosen before the creation of the world,^(F) but was revealed in these last times^(G) for your sake.