1. Revelation 21:22 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What is the significance of “and the Lamb”?

Revelation 21:22 (ESV)

22 And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.

“The Lamb” is clearly a reference to Jesus Christ (see also Revelation 5:6, Revelation 5:8, Revelation 5:13; Revelation 6:1), that is, the Victor of Calvary and Controller of history. The inclusion of the reference to the Lamb points up that “the Lord God the Almighty” can be the temple among his people only because of the accomplished work of the Lamb. As the altar of the Old Testament tabernacle/temple made possible God’s residence among his people, so now it is the person (and hence work) of the Lamb that makes this residence possible.