March 31st - Behold, the Lamb of God

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29)

In the Law given to Israel a perfect “lamb” was required to be sacrificed once a year to atone for the sins of Israel. This annual sacrifice provided a temporary shelter for the sins of Israel, however, it could not “take away sins”committed in the following year.

NOT ANYMORE!

God Himself offered the final sacrifice on behalf of Israel and all other nations. And the sacrifice of His Son Jesus, the LAMB of God, has taken away the sins of the world - all of them - for all time!

“He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2) 

“…we have been SANCTIFIED through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ ONCE FOR ALL. Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins FOR ALL TIME, sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time onward until His enemies be made a footstool for His feet. For by one offering He has perfected FOR ALL TIME those who are sanctified." (Hebrews 10)

What a glorious demonstration of His love and grace.

“God is commending this love of His to us, seeing that, while we are still sinners, Christ died for our sakes...being now justified in His blood, we shall be saved from indignation, through Him....that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the approach present (gift) of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Romans 5:6-10; Ephesians 2:7-9)

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15)