John’s Eye-Witness Account
In the authentic gospel Messiah the ‘Lamb of God’ is John’s way of describing the Messiah’s mission. John was referring back to the unblemished male sacrificial lamb that was offered at Passover. But Christ was not only the lamb whose blood protected the people from the Death Angel. His blood sacrifice would purge all sins, for all people, for all time. Why was this necessary? In Noah’s time, God ‘resolved’ the problem of a society that was exceedingly wicked and depraved by eliminating all who sinned. But God would pardon the sins of all those who repented and lived changed lives, through the sacrifice of the Messiah. He has shown us mercy and paid the ultimate price in our stead.
The Messiah – Pioneer of Salvation
But our Messiah did more than resolve the problem of evil. He became flesh to destroy Satan and the power of death. The Word took on our form to share the human experience and be a merciful high priest. He became flesh and blood with his brothers and sisters thus sharing a common Father. He was born of the seed of Abraham, so that all who are Christ’s are Abraham’s seed and heirs of the promise. And he was the pioneer of our faith, so that in following his teachings and example we might inherit eternal life. Our Creator gave himself as an offering — this is part of the authentic gospel Messiah the Lamb of God.
Messiah – Suffering Servant
The Messiah’s coming was to give mankind hope, so we read with astonishment Isaiah’s account that foreshadowed Christ’s first coming. Instead of being heralded as our redeemer, he was despised, reviled, and abused. He suffered for us, and his suffering has set us an example of perseverance in the face of persecution. The Lamb of God offered life to all those who would follow him. He also has given us his spirit so we can be obedient to his teaching and if need be, suffer according to God’s will. Our Messiah is faithful, and he will fulfill his promise to all who trust in him. In the authentic gospel Messiah the Lamb of God gives us hope that our sins are forgiven and forgotten.