In ourselves, we are “worthy of death” as the scriptures say. Death is our natural portion as the earned and deserved “wages” of our sin. This is not so of the Lord Jesus Christ! He alone is worthy of all glory and honor and praise. Christ is worthy to receive the praise of all His creatures and shall have it, even of those who will acknowledge it as they perish. “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” But He shall have special glory, honor and praise and it shall come from unworthy sinners who are the objects of His great grace and mercy. Those justified sinners saved by His sacrifice and blood shall both now and forever sing that new song that John spoke of: “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:9-10) The worthiness of which the redeemed particularly sing is a worthiness above the essential worthiness of Christ which He has as the Creator God. It is His glory as the Saviour, the Mediator and Redeemer of those given Him by the Father. He is “worthy” because He alone can “open the book.” The book of God’s purpose and decrees, especially in His covenant of grace, are carried out and fulfilled through the Person and the doing of Christ Jesus! He alone, by “his own blood… obtained eternal redemption for us.” All believers are “justified freely through that redemption which is in Christ Jesus.” That redemption is particular and successful for the song goes, “thou has redeemed (not tried to, or made redemption possible) us (not every son of Adam) to God!” It is a sovereign work of God who has mercy and is gracious to whom He will for these are redeemed “OUT OF every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.” Christ is to be praised because, by His redemptive work, all He died for are “made kings and priests” unto “our God.” They shall “reign” with Christ and even now are “seated with Him in the heavenlies.” His worthiness makes them worthy! It is in His redemptive character as the Lamb of God that has taken away their sin that they praise Him, “Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.” Is this YOUR song?

G. Shepard