The Lamb of God, epitomized by Jesus Christ, embodies profound spiritual significance across biblical narratives. In the Passover, the unblemished lamb's sacrifice symbolizes a life given for peace. Genesis 22 foreshadows this through Abraham's faith in God providing a lamb, realized in a ram substituting for Isaac, pointing to a greater sacrifice for all nations. Christ, as the Lamb, endured spiritual agony for humanity's sins, offering Himself for reconciliation with God. His crucifixion on Passover fulfills this symbolism, and believers are commanded to observe Passover with unleavened bread and wine, remembering His death until His return.

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The Lamb of God

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In the Gospel of John, chapter one, John the Baptist, while preaching and baptizing in the River Jordan, saw Jesus approaching and declared, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." This profound identification marked the first public recognition of Jesus in His mission. The following day, as Jesus walked by, John, standing with two of His disciples, again proclaimed, "Behold the Lamb of God." This repeated designation emphasized a significant aspect of Jesus' purpose and character. The description of Jesus as the Lamb of God highlights His gentle and sacrificial nature. Unlike a display of power or might, He came embodying humility and submission, reflecting an attitude of restraint and silence in the face of abuse and revilement. Throughout His ministry on Earth, He maintained this demeanor, never retaliating when cursed or complaining when painfully mistreated. This initial portrayal of Jesus as a lamb, rather than a king or conqueror, underscores His role as a sacrifice and sets an example for His followers. His choice to come as a lamb, gentle and without guile, in need of God's protection and guidance, offers a model of humility and dependence on the Father. This imagery of the lamb, quiet, helpless, and sensitive, mirrors the traits of sheep, illustrating both His nature and the relationship of His followers to Him as their shepherd.

The Lamb of Revelation (Part One)

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

In the book of Revelation, Jesus Christ is predominantly referred to as the Lamb, with twenty-eight instances identifying Him as such, far surpassing other titles like Son of God or Christ. Amidst the apocalyptic visions of beasts, plagues, and destruction, where Jesus is unveiled as King of kings against the resistance of men and demons, He is resoundingly called the Lamb. This title stands in stark contrast to the expected imagery of thunderous judgment, as lambs are typically associated with passive, uncomplaining submission, evident in Jesus' first coming when He was led as a sheep to the slaughter, silent before His shearers. The use of lambs in Scripture extends beyond sin offerings to various purposes, including redemption, as seen in the Passover and the law of the firstborn in Exodus. In this context, God claimed Israel as His firstborn, redeeming them from Pharaoh, and required the Israelites to redeem every firstborn male with a lamb, symbolizing an exchange of life due to a prior claim of ownership rather than atonement for sin. This theme of redemption through a lamb also appears in the life of Abraham, where God provided a ram to redeem Isaac, His firstborn, underlining God's claim on the firstborn as His portion. Applying this understanding to Revelation, the title of Lamb for Jesus Christ suggests a deeper significance beyond mere sacrifice for sin, pointing to themes of ownership and redemption. Just as Israel was redeemed from Pharaoh, and Isaac from sacrifice, the Lamb in Revelation embodies the act of buying back or rescuing, aligning with the broader narrative of God's purpose to redeem and claim His own amidst the cataclysmic events described.

The Lamb of Revelation

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

In Revelation, John refers to Christ as the Lamb more than any other designation because of His role of Redeemer, which is different from a sin offering.

The Lamb of Revelation (Part Two)

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

Jesus Christ is referred to as the Lamb in the book of Revelation more frequently than by any other name or title. This title emphasizes the theme of redemption, which involves transferring ownership, fitting the events depicted in Revelation. The Lamb, described as having been slain, is the only One worthy to take the scroll, which appears to be the title deed of all creation, and open its seals. This Lamb possesses seven horns, symbolizing perfect strength and power, and seven eyes, connected to the removal of iniquity and the restoration of true worship, both tied to future redemption. When the theme of redemption is applied to the mentions of the Lamb in Revelation, the imagery aligns. The Lamb's blood has redeemed individuals, forming them into a kingdom of priests, and the Lamb begins opening the seals, not as a sin offering, but as One redeeming what belongs to Him. The scope of this redemption extends beyond Israel or the church, portraying Jesus Christ as the Creator, Heir, and Owner of all things. The opening of the scroll's seals brings cataclysm, similar to the plagues upon Egypt during Israel's redemption, as not everyone accepts the Lamb's claim. Ultimately, the Lamb succeeds, as the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever. The description in the Sixth Seal reveals the Lamb filled with wrath, demonstrating zeal for what He possesses, which can include tremendous destruction when necessary. Here, the Lamb focuses on demonstrating ownership and realigning His creation with His government. In Revelation, the Lamb stands on Mount Zion with 144,000 redeemed from the earth and among men, singing before Him. Before the final judgments, those victorious over the beast sing the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb, both centered on God's redemption. In the concluding chapters of Revelation, the Lamb and His Bride are depicted, echoing stories of redemption, with Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead, as the Lamb of redemption who will redeem what is lawfully His, including the church, Israel, Jerusalem, the Land of Promise, and all who have not rejected Him.

Death of a Lamb

Article by Staff

During the Passover season, the members of God's church ponder the Old Testament symbolism of the slaughter of lambs, which remains deeply relevant to modern-day Christians. The ancient ritual of sacrificing the Passover lamb carries profound spiritual principles, even though such sacrifices are no longer practiced. The purpose of the sacrifice of the Lamb of God will ultimately be fulfilled, marking the end of death, sorrow, crying, and pain. Our Savior will proclaim that the terrible agony He endured for His brothers and sisters was worth it, and our Father will joyfully affirm that even the risk of losing His Son was worth it. Let us keep the Passover with the death of the Lamb of God in mind, looking forward to that wonderful time when all will be made new.

The Angel of God

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The concept of the Lamb of God emerges as a significant element in the appearances of the Angel of the Lord, particularly in the narrative of Abraham and Isaac. In Genesis 22, when Abraham is instructed to offer Isaac as a sacrifice, he expresses faith that God will provide for Himself the lamb. This statement foreshadows a profound spiritual truth, pointing to a substitutionary sacrifice. God indeed provides a ram in Isaac's place, symbolizing not just physical deliverance but a deeper spiritual provision for many. This act on Mount Moriah introduces the idea of the Lamb of God, representing a sacrifice that would ultimately bless all nations through Abraham's seed. The Angel of the Lord, in orchestrating these events, reveals critical aspects of God's plan, embedding theological insights into the narrative that highlight the importance of faith and obedience in the unfolding of divine purpose.

Approaching God Through Christ (Part One)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Jesus Christ stands as the central figure in our relationship with God, embodying numerous profound roles that connect the Old and New Covenants. Among these, He is the Lamb who gives His life for the sheep and for the whole world. This sacrificial aspect underscores His ultimate act of love and redemption, offering Himself as the means through which humanity can be reconciled to God. As the Lamb, He fulfills a vital purpose, pointing to the deeper spiritual significance of His sacrifice that transcends mere ritual, guiding us toward a true understanding of divine mercy and grace.

Remember Me

Sermonette by Ronny H. Graham

God asks that we use the Passover to bring to remembrance His redemptive act, especially how our sins caused Christ to die in our stead.

Christ, Our Passover

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Many people believe that our sins are the focus of Passover—but they are wrong! Jesus Christ, the Passover Lamb, should be our focus. How well do you know Him?

Why Wasn't Jesus Christ Crucified at the Start of Passover?

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

Jesus was crucified late on Abib 14, yet the Passover lambs were to be killed at the beginning of the 14th. The time of Christ's death is highly significant.

End-Time Cavemen

CGG Weekly by Charles Whitaker

In Revelation 6:16-17, Jesus Christ, the Revelator, quotes the words of some end-time cave dwellers. What do these two sentences tell us about them?

Christ's Death, Resurrection, and Ascension

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Jesus perfectly fulfilled the Old Testament types, slain as the Passover Lamb, resurrected with the cutting of the wavesheaf, and ascended to His Father at the time of the waving of the sheaf.

Purge Me With Hyssop

Article by Staff

The Bible frequently uses the hyssop plant as a symbol of cleansing and purification. In relation to Christ's sacrifice, this herb has a connection to the Passover.

Passover (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The annual reaffirmation of the covenant through the Passover is at the core of an on-going relationship with the Father and Son, beginning the perfecting process.

Post-Historic Cave-Dwellers

'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker

The Sixth Seal of Revelation details the reaction of some people to the amazing heavenly signs they witness, giving us insight into what lies ahead.

Christ Our Passover

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The focus of our self-examination should not be self-centered or comparing ourselves with others, but on the awesome significance of His sacrifice.

The Awesome Cost of Salvation

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We need to be sobered at the awesomeness of the cost to set us free from sin—what the Creator endured. We have been purchased, and are obliged to our Purchaser.

By This We Know Love!

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

As God's people keep God's law in its spiritual intent, they begin to think like the Father and His Son, both of whom habitually do good.

The Spring Holy Days

Sermonette by Ryan McClure

We need to probe into the deeper meaning of the Spring holy days more than we have previously because God's wisdom is unsearchable.

Worthy to Take the Scroll

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

The sealed scroll most resembles a title deed, which can only be opened by the redeemer of the property. The rightful owner of the title deed is Jesus Christ.

Chronic Difficulties

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Human tradition and Bible truth regarding the timing of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection do not square. Here is the overwhelming chronological evidence.