Is the Passover Just a Sin Offering? (Part One) (March 2026)

March 2026
Volume 35, Number 2

The Bible is a rich, deep source of truth. Bible students learn that its revelations rarely have just one application. This principle holds true even for one of the most significant events in history: Christ's sacrifice. It provides the payment for human sin, but Scripture shows that it fulfills many other requirements and types critical to the salvation process. David Grabbe shows that limiting this act of God hides significant spiritual truths and connections.

Ready Answer
Did Jesus Sweat Blood?
by Robin Fisk

In the gospels, which are full of miracles and wonders, Luke's account of Jesus Christ sweating blood during His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane does not seem too out of place. Commentators have long sought a medical explanation for how this could have occurred. But what does Luke actually say? Using Luke's language and literary style, Robin Fisk challenges the prevailing belief that our Savior actually sweated blood as He fervently prayed to His Father.

Prophecy Watch
A Subtle Yet Devastating Curse
by David C. Grabbe

The prophet Amos speaks of a famine, not of food, but of "hearing the words of the LORD." We cannot help but recognize that this spiritual famine is occurring today. While there has never been a time when Scripture is so available, fewer people believe it, much less act according to its principles. David Grabbe explains this prophecy's present impact on society and its close connection to the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

Is the Passover Just a Sin Offering? (Part One)
by David C. Grabbe

The Bible is a rich, deep source of truth. Bible students learn that its revelations rarely have just one application. This principle holds true even for one of the most significant events in history: Christ's sacrifice. It provides the payment for human sin, but Scripture shows that it fulfills many other requirements and types critical to the salvation process. David Grabbe shows that limiting this act of God hides significant spiritual truths and connections.

You've Examined Yourself—Now What?
by Pat Higgins

Self-examination is only the first step in overcoming human nature. A thorough self-examination merely identifies problem areas, so a person must take action to avoid any temptation to sin in those areas. How can one even know what to do? In His temptation by Satan, Jesus Himself models the answer to this question. Pat Higgins shows that we must store God's Word in our hearts, using it to fight off temptation and live righteously.

Prepare to Meet Your God! (Part Eight):
Seek Me and Live!
by John W. Ritenbaugh and Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The book of Amos contains a message, a dire warning, for the people of Israel. Its people went through the motions of worshipping God, but they did not allow God's way to change them. Through Amos, God endeavors to call them back to Him, promising a bright and prosperous future with Him under the covenant. Amos' message applies to those under the New Covenant, warning Christians not to be tempted by the world and promising them the wonders of God's Kingdom if they remain faithful.

Remaining Unleavened
by John O. Reid

Holy days come and go, and if we are not careful, we can be so busy looking ahead to the next that we forget the lessons we learned in the one we just observed. Among its many lessons, the Feast of Unleavened Bread emphasizes a Christian's responsibility to rid himself of sin and put on the character of Jesus Christ. John Reid urges Christians to strive to remain unleavened, so we do not backslide into old, sinful habits.

Bible Study
Holy Days:
Pentecost
by Earl L. Henn

The late-spring Feast of Pentecost occurs during Israel's wheat harvest, picturing the harvest of firstfruits, God's elect. It is the only holy day that must be counted, thus it is called "Pentecost" (literally, "count fifty") in the New Testament. On it, God bestowed the Holy Spirit upon His church, giving its members understanding and strength to live godly in this world, do His work, and grow into the image of Jesus Christ.

Booklet
'After Three Days'
by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Most Christians follow the traditions of their denominations, keeping Good Friday and Easter, believing that they reflect biblical truth. Yet, when the Bible is consulted - and believed - the traditional scenario crumbles completely. Jesus gave only one sign of His Messiahship, saying He would lie in the heart of the earth three days and three nights, which cannot fit into Friday evening to dawn on Sunday, a mere one-and-a-half days. Richard Ritenbaugh gathers the scriptural evidence for a Wednesday crucifixion and Saturday (Sabbath) resurrection.