The title "Lamb" as applied to Jesus Christ is one of profound theological significance, deeply rooted in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament. This title encapsulates the themes of sacrifice, redemption, and divine love.

Old Testament Background

The concept of the lamb as a sacrificial offering is central to the Old Testament sacrificial system. In Exodus 12, the Passover lamb is introduced as a critical element in the deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Each household was instructed to select a lamb "without blemish" (Exodus 12:5) to be sacrificed, with its blood applied to the doorposts as a sign for the Lord to "pass over" and spare the firstborn of Israel. This event prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, the Lamb of God.

In Isaiah 53:7, the Suffering Servant is described as being "led like a lamb to the slaughter," a prophetic image of the Messiah's sacrificial death. This passage is foundational for understanding the messianic role of Jesus as the Lamb.

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament explicitly identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God. John the Baptist, upon seeing Jesus, declares, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). This proclamation highlights Jesus as the fulfillment of the sacrificial system, the one who bears the sins of humanity.

In the Book of Revelation, the imagery of the Lamb is prominent. Revelation 5:6 describes a "Lamb standing as though it had been slain," symbolizing Christ's victory through His sacrificial death and resurrection. The Lamb is worthy to open the scroll and execute God's redemptive plan (Revelation 5:9-10).

Theological Significance

The title "Lamb" emphasizes the innocence, purity, and sacrificial nature of Christ. As the Lamb, Jesus embodies the perfect and final sacrifice for sin, fulfilling the requirements of the Law and establishing a new covenant through His blood. This sacrificial act is central to Christian soteriology, underscoring the belief in salvation through faith in Christ's atoning work.

The Lamb also signifies victory and authority. In Revelation, the Lamb is not only the sacrificial victim but also the triumphant King who reigns eternally. Revelation 17:14 states, "They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings" .

Worship and Adoration

The Lamb is a focal point of worship in the heavenly realm. Revelation 5:12 records the adoration of the Lamb: "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!" . This worship reflects the recognition of Christ's redemptive work and His divine authority.

In Christian liturgy and hymnody, the Lamb is a central figure, often invoked in prayers and songs that celebrate the redemptive sacrifice of Christ and His role as the Savior of the world. The title "Lamb" thus serves as a profound reminder of the depth of God's love and the cost of human redemption.Revelation 5:6,12
And I beheld, and, see, in the middle of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the middle of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 13:8
And all that dwell on the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 21:22
And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 22:3
And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Names and Titles of Christ. From Several Scriptures.
... 6,6,6,6,8,8 The names and titles of Christ. From several scriptures. With cheerful
voice I sing. The titles of my Lord,. And borrow all the names. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 148 the names and.htm

The Names and Titles of Christ. From Several Scriptures.
... From several scriptures. LM The names and titles of Christ. From several scriptures.
['Tis from the treasures of his word. I borrow titles for my Lord; ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 147 the names and.htm

The Names and Titles of Christ, from Several Scriptures.
... Hymns. Book 1. Hymn 1:147. The names and titles of Christ, from several scriptures.
1 ['Tis from the treasures of his word I borrow titles for my Lord? ...
/.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 0 14375 the names and.htm

The Title "Word" is to be Interpreted by the Same Method as the ...
... prophets a countless number of titles which are ... announce the things concerning Him
under various names. ... a Paraclete with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/23 the title word is.htm

That Worthy Name.
... Only Christ can give joy and comfort, peace and rest to the hearts of those ... Just
for a few moments think of some of the familiar titles and names of that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/that worthy name.htm

The Beast
... Names And Titles of the ... This name "the Beast" contrasts the Antichrist from the true
Christ as "the Lamb;" and it is a significant fact that by far the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/4 the beast.htm

The Fourth Theological Oration, which is the Second Concerning the ...
... They are the titles of the Son. ... all and above all keep to this, and thou shalt never
err, either in the loftier or the lowlier names; Jesus Christ is the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxx the fourth theological.htm

Origen's Commentary on the Gospel of John
... by the Same Method as the Other Titles of Christ. ... 27. Significance of the Names of
John and of His Parents ... The Prophets Bore Witness to Christ and Foretold Many ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/

Hymns and Spiritual Songs
... Hymn 1:147. The names and titles of Christ, from several scriptures.
Hymn 1:148. As the 148th Psalm. The same. Hymn 1:149. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/hymns and spiritual songs/

Fragrant Spices from the Mountains of Myrrh. "Thou Art all Fair ...
... and design; in which respect they get many titles, otherwise unsuitable ... by the high
priest, so the names of Christ's ... we keep at a distance when Christ Jesus is ...
/.../spurgeon/till he come/fragrant spices from the mountains.htm

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