Articles

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.