Topical Encyclopedia The Paschal Lamb, central to the observance of Passover, holds profound typological significance within the biblical narrative, particularly in its foreshadowing of the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. The Paschal Lamb was to be selected and killed by the people, a detail that underscores the communal responsibility and participation in the sacrificial act, which finds its ultimate fulfillment in the crucifixion of Christ.Biblical Foundation The instructions for the Passover lamb are found in Exodus 12. The Israelites were commanded to select a lamb without blemish on the tenth day of the first month and to keep it until the fourteenth day, when the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel was to kill it at twilight (Exodus 12:3-6). This communal act of slaughtering the lamb was a critical component of the Passover ritual, symbolizing the collective involvement of the people in the sacrificial process. Typology and Fulfillment in Christ The New Testament writers draw a direct connection between the Paschal Lamb and Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul explicitly refers to Christ as "our Passover lamb" who "has been sacrificed" (1 Corinthians 5:7). This typological link is further emphasized in the Gospel accounts of Jesus' crucifixion, which occurred during the Passover festival, highlighting the fulfillment of the Passover typology in His death. The communal aspect of the Paschal Lamb's death is mirrored in the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion. The Gospels recount how the people, influenced by the chief priests and elders, called for Jesus' crucifixion (Matthew 27:20-23). This collective demand for His death reflects the typological pattern established by the killing of the Passover lamb by the people. Theological Implications The killing of the Paschal Lamb by the people serves as a profound illustration of humanity's role in the sacrificial system and, by extension, in the crucifixion of Christ. It underscores the concept of corporate responsibility for sin and the need for atonement. The communal nature of the sacrifice points to the universal need for redemption, fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, the typology of the Paschal Lamb highlights the themes of substitution and deliverance. Just as the blood of the lamb marked the homes of the Israelites, sparing them from the judgment of the firstborn's death (Exodus 12:7, 13), so too does the blood of Christ mark believers, delivering them from the judgment of sin and death. Conclusion The Paschal Lamb, killed by the people, serves as a powerful typological precursor to the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. This typology emphasizes the communal responsibility for sin, the necessity of atonement, and the ultimate deliverance provided through Christ's sacrifice. Through the lens of the Paschal Lamb, believers gain a deeper understanding of the redemptive work of Christ and the fulfillment of Old Testament sacrificial themes in the New Testament narrative. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 12:6And you shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 2:23 Library Christ Our Passover Faustus Fails to Understand Why He Should be Required Either to ... The Second Oration on Easter. Light for them that Sit in Darkness; The Saints' Privilege and Profit; A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ... Resources What is the paschal mystery? | GotQuestions.orgIf Jesus is our atonement, why did He die at Passover instead of the Day of Atonement? | GotQuestions.org What is Pascha? | GotQuestions.org Paschal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb without Blemish Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: A Male of the First Year Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: A Type of Christ Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Blood of, not Sprinkled on Threshold Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Blood of, Sprinkled on Lintel and Door-Posts Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Chosen Before-Hand Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Eaten in Haste Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Eaten With Bitter Herbs Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Eaten With Shoes On Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Eaten With Staff in Hand Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Eaten With the Loins Girt Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Eaten With Unleavened Bread Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Its Blood to be Shed Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Killed at the Place where the Lord Put his Name Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Killed by the People Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Killed in the Evening Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Not a Bone of, Broken Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Not Eaten Raw Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Not Taken out of the House Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Roasted With Fire Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Shut up Four Days That It Might be Closely Examined Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Taken out of the Flock Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: What Remained of It Till Morning to be Burned Related Terms |
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