One thing that I neglected to do in my previous post was to discuss the issue of context. I agree with you that a consideration of the context of a particular verse (or, as in the cases of the verses I cited, phrases within a particular verse). An examination of the context surrounding an expression can dramatically alter the meaning of that expression. An amusing example, oft cited, is Psalm 14:1:
There is no God.
Of course when we look at the actual verse, we see it says (in context):
The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none that does good.
Although a 'cute' example, we can see that the context of the expression 'there is no God' is dramatically modified when examined in context. But this is not always the case. For example, I John 1:5:
God is light
It is clear from examining the context,
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him is no darkness at all.
that the meaning of the phrase 'God is light' is not, in any way, modified by looking at the rest of the verse, nor is it modified by looking at surrounding verses.
The latter is the case here.
Rev 5:6 says, I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain,. Although the meaning of the verse or its context is not focused on the phrase, looking at the entire verse, And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders, I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth;
BTW, for what it's worth, the Greek for the phrase is ἀρνίον ἑστηκὸς ὡς ἐσφαγμένον (lamb standing as it had been slain). No discussion of "looking as if it."
The point is that the overall meaning of the verse does not alter the meaning of that phrase.
Likewise in Rev 13:8. Yes, I fully understand what the verse, as a whole, says. But the verse, as a whole, does not alter the meaning of the phrase τοῦ ἀρνίου τοῦ ἐσφαγμένου ἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου. In fact, if anything, it amplifies it.
You state, With all due respect, I can not see how you draw that from Rev. 13:8, which is a passage relating the blashemies and authority of the beast.
And you are correct in pointing that out. But can you not see that, within the context you cite, that the 'nugget' of truth that the lamb had been sacrificed from the foundation of the world?
Without that understanding, the verses you cite in Hebrews are very valid in making your point. However, if you are able to see the sacrifice from the foundation of the word, they take on a new, vivid meaning.
Let me ask you, without that understanding, how does one explain what Paul is saying in Col 1:24? How can he, Paul, make "complete what is lacking in Christ's afflictions"?
Just some things to consider as you continue your walk with Christ.
That can be answered very easily...Paul is NOT trying to make complete what is lacking in Christ's afflictions...Jesus was lacking nothing in afflictions...It's a matter of quoting the right verse, right...
Col 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
Paul was stating that the afflictions that Jesus put upon Paul (thorn in the flesh) was less than Paul deserved...And now Paul rejoices in yet more afflictions (to Paul's flesh) for the sake of the church...