This is the Lamb we first met in Revelation 5:6, where it is described as “standing, as though it had been slain.” The reference is to Jesus Christ (John 1:29), who was slaughtered on the cross of Calvary to atone for sin. He arose from the dead, ascended into heaven, exalted as “ruler of the kings on earth” (Revelation 1:5) and so was able to take the scroll from God’s hand. It is he who has also already opened the first six seals in Revelation 6:1–17.