Articles
God’s Plan for Salvation: The Lamb
“Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world,” (John 1:29). It is with these words that John the Baptist introduces Jesus. He realized the role of Christ as a perfect sacrifice. These words were what made John’s disciples leave him to follow Jesus (John 1:35-46).
The description of Jesus as the Lamb of God would have caused the Jews to recall many sacrifices in the Old Testament scriptures. The appropriate sacrifice of Abel (Gen. 4:2-4), Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac (Gen. 22:7-8), regulations concerning the Passover Lamb (Ex. 12:1-5), the continual offerings on the altar (Ex. 29:38-42), and many other passages may have been remembered.
The Preparation of the Lamb
A body was prepared for Christ. Hebrews 10:1-7
- He had to be human so he could suffer death. (Heb. 2:9-17)
The Sacrifice of the Lamb
This made forgiveness of sins possible. 1 Peter 1:18-21; Colossians 1:13-14
- This was God’s plan from the beginning. (Acts 2:22-23; Eph. 1:7-11; 3:8-12)
The Atonement of the Lamb
His blood washes away our sins. Revelation 1:5; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 10:11-18.
With His blood, he intercedes for us. Hebrews 9:11-14; 1 John 2:1-2
His blood appeases the justice of God. Romans 3:21-26; Isaiah 53:6, 11.
