Topical Encyclopedia The term "Lamb of God" is a significant title for Jesus Christ, deeply rooted in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament. It encapsulates the essence of Jesus' mission and His role in the salvation of humanity.Old Testament Background The concept of a sacrificial lamb is central to the Old Testament, particularly in the context of the Passover. In Exodus 12, God commands the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb without blemish and apply its blood to their doorposts. This act of faith spared them from the plague of the firstborn in Egypt. The Passover lamb thus became a symbol of deliverance and redemption. Isaiah 53:7 prophetically describes the suffering servant as a lamb led to the slaughter, highlighting the innocence and submission of the servant who bears the sins of many. This imagery sets the stage for the New Testament revelation of Jesus as the Lamb of God. 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 sacrifice, fulfilling the typology of the Passover lamb and the suffering servant of Isaiah. The Apostle Peter further affirms this in 1 Peter 1:18-19 , stating, "For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed... but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot." Here, Peter emphasizes the purity and value of Christ's sacrifice, which redeems believers from sin. Theological Significance The title "Lamb of God" encapsulates the doctrine of atonement, where Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross serves as the means by which humanity is reconciled to God. Hebrews 9:14 explains, "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 Revelation, the Lamb is depicted as both a sacrificial victim and a triumphant conqueror. Revelation 5:12 proclaims, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!" This duality highlights the paradox of the Lamb's role—through His death, He achieves victory over sin and death. Worship and Devotion The Lamb of God is central to Christian worship and devotion. The Eucharist or Communion commemorates Jesus' sacrificial death, inviting believers to partake in His body and blood, symbolized by bread and wine. This sacrament serves as a continual reminder of the Lamb's atoning work and the believer's union with Christ. In Christian art and hymnody, the Lamb of God is a recurring motif, symbolizing purity, sacrifice, and redemption. The Agnus Dei, a liturgical chant, echoes the plea for mercy and peace, invoking the Lamb's intercession. The "Lamb of God" is thus a profound and multifaceted title that encapsulates the heart of the Gospel message—Jesus Christ as the sacrificial Lamb who redeems and reconciles humanity to God through His death and resurrection. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Lamb of GodLAMB OF GOD (ho amnos tou theou): This is a title specially bestowed upon our Lord by John the Baptist (John 1:29-36), "Behold, the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world!" In Testament of the Twelve Patriarchs an apocryphal book, probably of the 2nd century-we have the term used for the Messiah, "Honor Judah and Levi, for from them shall arise for you the Lamb of God, saving all nations by grace." But the term does not seem to have been of any general use until it received its distinctly Christian significance. It has been generally understood as referring to the prophetic language of Jeremiah 11:19, and Isaiah 53:7. Greek 2435. hilasterion -- propitiatory ... adjective, derived from 2433 , "to propitiate") -- the ; the lid of the golden ark (the ) where the blood of a vicarious lamb appeased God's wrath on sin. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2435.htm - 7k 4265. problepo -- to foresee Library The Lamb of God Christ the Lamb of God. The Lamb of God, the Great Atonement Behold the Lamb of God Christ Jesus, the Lamb of God, Worshipped by all the Creation. Rev ... O Lamb of God, Still Keep Me The Lamb of God in Scripture Christ as a Servant, as the Lamb of God, and as the Man whom John ... Christ Jesus, the Lamb of God, Worshipped by all the Creation, Rev ... Now Fancy to Yourself Christ, the Lamb of God... Resources What is the marriage supper of the Lamb? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of Agnus Dei? | GotQuestions.org What are the seven seals of Revelation? | 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 Drink-offering (33 Occurrences) Trespass-offering (34 Occurrences) Guilt-offering (34 Occurrences) Burnt-offering (205 Occurrences) Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) |