When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation.” Revelation 5:8–9 NKJV
In this chapter, a beautiful scene opens up before us in heaven. That is where Christ is now seated. He once was here, where we still are, but He is here no longer. When the Lord Jesus was here on this earth, both Jews and Gentiles cast Him out and nailed Him to the cross. What a dreadful deed this was, revealing the wretched, sinful heart of man, but also revealing the surpassing riches of the grace of God. Where sin abounded, grace over-abounded.
During this period while Christ is in heaven, God, by the gospel, is calling out men and women of all ages and walks of life, and from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation to be associated with Christ in heaven. This is unfolding before our eyes in a remarkable way, as we hear of souls being reached in the four corners of the world. This is happening amid political conflicts, opposition, and natural calamities, but the Spirit of God is not bound.
What is it that draws people of such vast cultural differences together? It is nothing else and nothing less than God’s chosen Lamb, who once was slain. He, by His precious blood, has redeemed them to God. They will all sing one song—a new song that has never been sung before and will never end. It will only be sung by this large, innumerable company that has been redeemed during this time of Christ’s rejection. This company will be associated with Christ as His bride throughout the countless ages of eternity. We shall be privileged to join this singing!