“Behold the Lamb of God…”
John 1:29
November 27, 2016
In one sense, the death of Christ is a simple truth understood even by the youngest child. I am a sinner and Jesus died for sinners so that we can get to Heaven and get God.
In another sense, there are deep complexities to the salvation of God that are virtually incomprehensible to us. The incarnated Son of God lived a perfect life, fulfilling the Law of God in its entirety, was crucified on the cross, sacrificing Himself for sinners, to atone for the death penalty that sinners incurred by their rebellion against God. And those who believe that Christ’s death satisfied God are saved by God from God’s wrath.
- Who can understand the incarnation? Who can understand perfectly sinless obedience?
- Who can understand the sacrifice of God?
- Who can comprehend the willingness of Christ to atone for sinners who were in hateful rebellion against Him?
- Who can understand God pouring out wrath on God?
- Who can understand the love of substitution — Christ dying in our place?
- Who can understand the grace and love that motivated and provided for all this and far more?
To help us understand more of the truth of Christ’s salvation, the NT writers give us pictures of Christ’s sacrifice that help explain His work for God and for us. And one of those pictures is in the simple statement made by John the Baptist at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry: “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”
In this simple statement, we hear more of the truth and breadth of salvation:
Christ as the Lamb of God reveals the wonder of God’s salvation.
Specifically, we see five facets of that salvation; this is not everything about that salvation, but this statement does reveal five glorious, sparkling dimensions and facets of Christ’s work. As we come to the communion table this morning, might these realities encourage and stimulate your memory of Jesus Christ — crucified, risen, and coming again.
- The Sacrificial and Willing Lamb
- The God Who Provides the Sacrifice
- The Work the Sacrifice Accomplishes
- The Extent of Christ’s Sacrifice
- An Appropriate Response to Christ’s Sacrifice
Download the rest of this sermon from John 1:29.
The audio will be posted on the GBC website later today.
Words of Grace 