TOPIC: Behold the Lamb of God.


TEXT: John 1: 29, 36

INTRODUCTION: The name, Lamb of God, is used by John the Baptist two times to refer to Jesus Christ. Firstly, as the Lamb who takes away the sin of world. Secondly, as the Lamb of God in all ramifications. In the book of Revelation, Jesus is refer to again as the Lamb of God about twenty-six times.

The term, the Lamb of God, holds a very critical place as far as Jesus work of salvation is concern.

The Bible presents the subject of Jesus as the Lamb of God in such a clear way to help everyone see and understand the plan and love of God for mankind. But many people do not have any idea of this plan.

In this message, we shall see the different aspects of Jesus as the Lamb of God which will help us to appreciate the person of Christ and to submit to Him more.

 

                I.            Why is title, the Lamb of God, used for Jesus?

a. The Lamb is God`s first choice of animal sacrifices. Gen.4:2-4.

Ø Lamb is a gentle animal. Jer.11:19

Ø Lamb is an innocent animal.Jer.11:19

Ø Lamb is not aggressive in nature.Jer.11:19

Ø Lamb does not put up a resistance. (Isa.53:7)see Matt.26:63; 27:12-14;1Pet.2:23

Ø Lamb is not a violent animal.Isa.53:7

Ø Lamb is symbolical of meek submissiveness. Isa.53:7

 

When sin entered the world, God decided, planned and purposed, and instituted animal sacrifice as a means of atonement. God must have made it known that Lamb is His first Choice of animal sacrifice for atonement. 1 peter 1:19-20.

  That is why when Abel brought a Lamb from his flock as sacrifice, the Bible says: And LORD has regard for Able and his offering. (Gen. 4:4).

b. Lessons in Abel’s sacrifice.

There are some lessons which anyone who wishes to be accepted or regarded by God needs to learn from Abel's first sacrifice of a Lamb.

Ø   Abel had faith in God’s first Choice of Lamb in sacrifices. By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain… (Heb. 11:49).

Ø   Abel’s faith in what God designated made God to declare him righteous. By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice… through which he was commended as righteous (Heb. 11:4b).see Rom. 4:20-22.

Ø   Abel’s faith in what God instituted made God   to accept him. …GOD commending him by accepting his gifts….(Heb. 11:4c).see Genesis. 4:4-7.

Ø   The wool from lamb provides man with warm and comfortable clothing. We are urged to …put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh to gratify its desires (Rom.13:14).

Ø   We know that Christ, as symbolized in Abel’s sacrificial Lamb, has been sacrificed for us. The only way to be warmed and comfortably clothed in Christ, is for us to put Him on. Galatians 3:27. Says that this is only realize in baptism. for as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Ø   As Abel’s faith in the use of Lamb as God’s first choice of animal sacrifice made God to accept him; we are accepted in Christ the Lamb of God if we show the same faith. To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins… (Eph.1:6-7).

 

Ø   Abel’s faith in God’s first choice of the Lamb made God to declare him righteous. We too need to trust in the blood of the Lamb of God to cleanse us so that we are clothed with the garment of salvation and righteousness.

I will rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garment of salvation he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness… (isa.61:10) see Rom. 3:22; Phil 3:9

Ø   One of the purposes of the Lamb as it applies to Jesus the Lamb of God is to provide food for nourishments and sustenance of life. There is nourishment and sustenance for our soul as we feed on the Lamb of God.

Whoever feeds on my flesh and drink my blood abide in me and I in him. As the living father sent me, and I live because of the father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. (John 6:56-57).

 

Conclusion

The choice is yours: Either accept and obey the one and only Lamb of God as His provision of salvation. Will you humbly seek and submit to the Lord with a repentant heart? Will you receive Christ as your Lord and Savior by coming to Him and publicly confessing your faith in Him, so that you can be baptized into Christ to put Him on as your garment of righteousness, comfort, and salvation and be raised to walk in newness of life? If you are willing to repent and obey this gospel of God’s choice of His Lamb that takes away the sins of the world, then contact a New Testament church now and confess your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. You will be baptized for the forgiveness of sins and te gift of te Holy Spirit.