Revelation 5

1I saw a sacred scroll in the right hand of the One on the throne. Writing covered both the front and back of the scroll. Seven wax seals locked it completely shut!

2A mighty angel called out with a booming voice: Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?

3No one in heaven, on earth, or under the earth could open it. No one was even worthy to look inside!

4I wept bitterly because no worthy person was found.

5One of the elders told me: Stop weeping! Look! The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed! He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.

6Then I saw a Lamb standing in the center of the throne. The Lamb stood surrounded by the four living creatures and the elders. He looked as if cruel hands had slaughtered Him! Yet He stood alive, with seven horns and seven eyes. These are the sevenfold Spirits of God sent throughout the whole earth!

7The Lamb stepped forward and took the scroll from God's right hand.

8When He took the scroll, the four creatures and twenty-four elders bowed down. They fell flat on their faces before the Lamb! Each elder held a musical harp. They held golden bowls overflowing with sweet incense. This rising incense represents the prayers of God's holy people!

9They sang a brand-new victory song to the Lamb: You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals! For You were slaughtered on the cross! With Your own blood, You purchased people for God. You bought people from every tribe, language, people, and nation!

10You made them a royal kingdom of priests to serve our God. And they will reign as kings upon the earth!

11Then I looked and heard the roaring voices of countless angels. Millions upon millions surrounded the throne, creatures, and elders!

12They sang in a mighty roar: Worthy is the slaughtered Lamb to receive supreme power! He deserves divine wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing!

13Then I heard every creature in all creation singing. Creatures in heaven, on earth, under earth, and in the seas cried out. They said: To the One seated on the throne and to the Lamb be all praise, honor, glory, and power forever and ever!

14The four living creatures said: Amen! And the elders fell face down and worshiped.