BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD (Part II)

BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD (Part II)

It is mission critical that we stretch ourselves toward a more expansive comprehension of the PERSON and WORK of JESUS CHRIST. For the balance of this Lenten season, our primary focus will be an in-depth examination of the mission, ministry and message of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

JESUS CHRIST is THE INCARNATION OF GOD, THE FATHER, that is, He is THE ETERNAL AND LIVING WORD “made flesh,” who sojourned approximately 33½ years on this mortal plain so that men might physically and spiritually behold “his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

JESUS CHRIST is THE SUFFERING SERVANT who vicariously took upon Himself the pain and the penalty of sin. (Isaiah 53) In other words, He is “the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” (John 1:29)

This raises an important theological question: “WHEN does the LAMB OF GOD take away our sin?” The scriptures reveal ten specific instances in which Jesus Christ performs this sacrificial act of salvation, i.e. the resolution and removal of our sins.

1)   Before the foundation of the world. (Hebrews 4:3)
2)   At the fall of man. (Genesis 3:15;21)
3)   At the offering of a sacrifice. (Genesis 4:7)
4)   On the Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur. (Leviticus 16:34)
5)   At a time of national repentance. (II Chronicles 7:14)
6)   During His public ministry. (John 8:11)
7)   On the cross. (Luke 23:42-44 – I Peter 2:24)
8)   At our conversion. (Romans 6:6)
9)   At His second coming. (Romans 8:18-23)
10) After His millennial reign. (Revelation 20:15 – Revelation 21:8)

As the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ became “the propitiation for our sins.” (I John 4:10 – I John 2:2 – Romans 3:25) As such, He satisfied the righteous demands of God and fully covered us with grace (unmerited favor), redeeming us forever from sin’s power, practice and penalty via His blood atonement. (Matthew 26:28 – Hebrews 9:22) Jesus Christ is “THE LAST ADAM” who overcame the sin of “THE FIRST ADAM.” (I Corinthians 15:45) The FIRST Adam’s struggle with sin ended with abject failure in the Garden of Eden. (Genesis 3:1-8) The LAST Adam’s struggle with sin ended with absolute victory in the Garden of Gethsemane. (Matthew 26:36-39)

Christ’s victory was sustained during His harsh judgment, His brutal torture and His agonizing crucifixion. Thereafter, this salvation accomplishment was ratified (and we were justified) by His glorious resurrection. We are profoundly grateful for this magnanimous and magnificent act of redemption by the “only begotten Son” of God! (John 3:16) We love the scripture which boldly declares that Christ “spoiled principalities and powers” and “made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” (Colossians 2:15) The indisputable fact that Christ conquered sin and death “causes us to triumph” because we winner-believers are enabled to become “more than conquerors through Him that loved us.” (II Corinthians 2:14 – Romans 8:37)

CeCe Winans simplified this phenomenal gospel message by way of her song, “O Lamb of God.” The lyrics are reprinted below for your edification and worship:

Your only Son, no sin to hide,
But You have sent Him from Your side,
To walk upon this guilty sod
And to become the Lamb of God.

Your gift of love they crucified,
They laughed and scorned Him as he died;
The humble King they named a fraud,
And sacrificed the Lamb of God.

I was so lost, I should have died,
But You have brought me to Your side,
To be led by Your staff and rod,
And to be called a lamb of God

Oh Lamb of God…Sweet Lamb of God…
I love the holy Lamb of God…
Oh wash me in Your precious blood…
‘Til I become a lamb of God.

All we can say is “Hallelujah, what a Savior!” Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed!