(8) And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having everyone of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. (9) 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; (10) And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
What a delightful view is here of Christ coming and taking the book out of the right hand of him that sat on the throne? None but Christ could do this? He is the only Mediator. Hence the Prophet described him, as coming alone, and of the people there were none with him, Isaiah 43:3. And there is a sublime and beautiful account, of this engagement, and undertaking of Christ, by the Prophet, in which God the Father is the speaker. And their nobles shall he of themselves, and their Governor shall proceed from the midst of them; and I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach unto me, for who is this that engaged his heart, to approach unto me, saith the Lord, Jeremiah 30:21. Hence we blessedly learn, that Christ, as Mediator, engaged his heart to this service, when he took the book of God's decrees, and undertook to perform them. And he hath performed them. And his redeemed are secured in the performance, and are accepted, sanctified, and everlastingly blessed in him!
The wonderful effect which followed, in Christ's taking the book is here shown. Instantly the song of redemption broke out in heaven; and the words they sung, are handed down to the Church upon earth. It is called a new song, because redemption-work was newly finished, when Christ on the cross declared it so, and returned to glory; and because it is a new song, which can only be truly sung from new, hearts, when renewed by the Holy Ghost. And Christ to whom this song is personally addressed, is supposed here as having lately finished redemption-work, and now returned to glory.
I pray the Reader to observe some of the very sweet and leading notes of this song. First. That it is Christ's Person, as Redeemer, who is here said to be worthy of praise. And how ought all his redeemed, conscious, by regeneration, of their union with him, and redemption by him, to make him the daily object of their love, and Obedience, and praise, as the Church in heaven do?
Secondly. That the song itself is redemption. It was for this Christ was slain, and the Church is redeemed to God by his blood. And this is so blessed a subject, that even angels, who have no concern in it themselves, yet join in it, in blessing Christ for it to others, Revelation 5:13
Thirdly. This redemption-song hath another great property of sweetness in it, namely, in that it is not only redeeming the Church from among men, but redeeming to God. So that, while redemption in Christ, and by Christ, it is from God our Father the mercy also originates and returns. Thou Wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood. From God as the first cause, and to God as the final end!
Fourthly. This redemption song hath another precious note in its, namely, in that it is personal and particular. For the redeemed in heaven, which are here represented as singing it, declare that Christ is worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof, because he was slain, and had redeemed them to God by his blood, out of every kindred and tongue, and people, and nation. Not every kindred, but out of every kindred. Hence personal and particular redemption.
Fifthly. Another delightful note swell the song of redemption; for Jesus hath not only redeemed them from among men, but made them unto our God (said they) kings and priests. Oh! the blessedness and royalty of Christ's kingdom, where all the family are ennobled and consecrated in Jesus.
Lastly. The song ends with the assurance, and we shall reign on the earth. Reader! do observe the expression! The triumphs of Christ's kingdom in the latter-day dispensation, upon the earth, according to this song, will be greater than their spirits now have in heaven; for otherwise they would not have noted it with such joy in their song. In the prospect of it, they seem to lose sight of their present state, and pleasingly anticipate their reign with Christ upon earth. And they chant it with a firmness of delight and certainty. And we shall reign on the earth Reader! what say you to this song of redemption? Hath God the Holy Ghost, by regeneration, put this new song in your mouth, even thanksgiving to our God! Can you sing it now? If so, surely when you come to join this heavenly host, you will sing it then?