The Passover, as observed annually at the beginning of the 14th of Abib, commemorates the death of Jesus Christ, yet it carries a distinct meaning beyond atonement for sin. In the instructions for the Passover in Egypt, God emphasizes the eating of a specially prepared lamb, a meal shared by households, setting it apart from the sin offering which was not generally consumed. The Scriptures frequently describe the Exodus Passover in terms of purchase or redemption from Pharaoh, not forgiveness of sin. God warned that all firstborn in Egypt would die, including those of Israel, unless they marked their doorposts with the lamb's blood, proving their desire to be separate from the Egyptians. This blood represented the life of the lamb given to redeem those within each participating house, not to symbolize atonement. Despite the Israelites' grievous sins and idolatry in Egypt, God's instructions for the Passover do not address their transgressions. Through Ezekiel, God reveals His displeasure with Israel's idolatry, yet He overlooks their sins during the Passover, showing incredible mercy. The Hebrew word for Passover, pesach, means a pretermission or exemption, indicating an act of omission where God lets their sins pass without notice. This exemption, an act of mercy rather than justice, demonstrates God's gracious acceptance of Israel rather than providing atonement for their sins. The Passover differs significantly from the sin offering in purpose and execution. While the sin offering focuses on atonement for unintentional sins, the Passover centers on a communal meal, eaten in homes by circumcised households, not limited to priests or a holy place. God's specific instructions for the Passover lamb—to be roasted, not boiled, with head, legs, and entrails included—contrast with the sin offering's preparation and disposal rules. These differences highlight that the Passover is not about cleansing from sin but about fellowship and acceptance by God. Resembling the peace offering more than the sin offering, the Passover reflects a shared meal with God, symbolizing harmony and well-being despite Israel's imperfections. It celebrates God's favor and acceptance, an exemption from deserved judgment, initiating a relationship with a sinful nation through profound grace. The requirement of ceremonial cleanliness before partaking in the Passover further distinguishes it from the sin offering, as it presupposes a state of readiness for fellowship rather than a need for cleansing. Thus, the Passover stands as a demonstration of God's mercy and the beginning of fellowship with Him, focusing on His gracious overlooking of sin rather than its payment.