Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the Lamb of Christ as a sacrifice is a central theme in Christian theology, symbolizing Jesus Christ's atoning death for the sins of humanity. This imagery is deeply rooted in the Old Testament sacrificial system and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament.Old Testament Background The imagery of the lamb as a sacrificial offering is first introduced in the Old Testament. The Passover lamb, as described in Exodus 12, is a significant precursor to the sacrificial role of Christ. The Israelites were instructed to sacrifice a lamb without blemish and apply its blood to their doorposts, so the angel of death would pass over their homes. This act of deliverance is a foreshadowing of Christ's sacrificial death, which delivers believers from the bondage of sin and death. Isaiah 53:7 prophetically describes the suffering servant as a lamb led to the slaughter, highlighting the innocence and submission of the servant, which Christians interpret as a reference to Jesus Christ: "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth." New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, John the Baptist explicitly identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God. In John 1:29 , he declares, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" This proclamation underscores Jesus' role as the ultimate sacrificial lamb, whose death would atone for the sins of humanity. The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this theme in 1 Corinthians 5:7 , where he writes, "For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed." Here, Paul draws a direct parallel between the Passover lamb and Christ, emphasizing the redemptive nature of Jesus' sacrifice. The Book of Revelation also prominently features the Lamb imagery. Revelation 5:6 describes a vision of a Lamb standing as though it had been slain, symbolizing Christ's victory through His sacrificial death. The Lamb is worthy to open the scroll and execute God's plan for redemption and judgment, as seen in Revelation 5:9 : "And they sang a new song: 'Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.'" Theological Significance The Lamb of Christ as a sacrifice is foundational to the doctrine of atonement. It signifies the substitutionary nature of Christ's death, where He takes upon Himself the punishment for sin that humanity deserves. This sacrificial act fulfills the requirements of divine justice while simultaneously expressing God's profound love and mercy. The imagery of the Lamb also conveys the purity and innocence of Christ, who, being without sin, was the perfect and unblemished sacrifice. Hebrews 9:14 affirms this, stating, "How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!" In Christian worship and liturgy, the Lamb of God is a recurring motif, reminding believers of the sacrificial love of Christ and the call to live in response to His redemptive work. The Eucharist or Communion is a continual remembrance of Christ's sacrifice, as believers partake in the body and blood of the Lamb, proclaiming His death until He comes again (1 Corinthians 11:26). The Lamb of Christ as a sacrifice remains a profound and enduring symbol of hope, redemption, and the transformative power of God's grace through Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 1:29The next day John sees Jesus coming to him, and said, Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Revelation 5:6 Library Whether the Effect of Christ's Priesthood is the Expiation of Sins ... Christ the Lamb of God. Faith in Christ Our Sacrifice. Faith in Christ Our Sacrifice. The Lamb of God in Scripture Now at the Lamb's Royal Feast Whether the Paschal Lamb was the Chief Figure of this Sacrament? Whether Christ was Becomingly Presented in the Temple? Christ Our Passover Christ Our Passover Resources What is the Passover Lamb? How is Jesus our Passover Lamb? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Jesus is the Lamb of God? | GotQuestions.org How should we understand the Lion and the Lamb passage? | GotQuestions.org Lamb: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Lamb: Not to be Seethed (Boiled) in Its own Mother's Milk The Lamb of Any Thing Dear or Cherished The Lamb of Christ As a Sacrifice The Lamb: (Among Wolves) of Ministers Among the Ungodly The Lamb: (Brought to Slaughter) of the Wicked Under Judgments The Lamb: (Consumed in Sacrifice) of Complete Destruction of The The Lamb: (Deserted and Exposed) of Israel Deprived of God's The Lamb: (Patience of) the Patience of Christ The Lamb: An Extensive Commerce In The Lamb: Considered a Great Delicacy The Lamb: Covenants Confirmed by Gift of The Lamb: Exposed to Danger from Wild Beasts The Lamb: Numbers of, Given by Josiah to the People for Sacrifice The Lamb: Offered in Sacrifice by the Wicked not Accepted The Lamb: Offered in Sacrifice: At a Year Old The Lamb: Offered in Sacrifice: At the Passover The Lamb: Offered in Sacrifice: Every Morning and Evening The Lamb: Offered in Sacrifice: Females The Lamb: Offered in Sacrifice: from the Earliest Times The Lamb: Offered in Sacrifice: Males The Lamb: Offered in Sacrifice: While Sucking The Lamb: The First Born of an Donkey to be Redeemed With The Lamb: The Image of, Was the First Impression of on Money The Lamb: The Shepherd's Care For The Lamb: The Young of the Flock The Lamb: Tribute often Paid In Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
    |