The phrase “Our God is the Lamb, the Lamb that was slain” comes from Revelation 5:12, which proclaims the victory of Jesus Christ. This statement highlights two essential truths about Jesus: He is both God and the sacrificial Lamb who gave His life for the redemption of humanity.
In this topic, we will explore the biblical meaning of Jesus as the Lamb, His role in salvation, and why His sacrifice is central to Christian faith.
1. The Meaning of “Our God Is the Lamb”
A. Jesus as the Lamb of God
In the Bible, Jesus is referred to as the Lamb of God, signifying His role as the ultimate sacrifice for sin.
-
John 1:29 – When John the Baptist saw Jesus, he declared, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
-
This title connects Jesus to the Old Testament sacrifices, where lambs were offered to atone for sin.
B. “The Lamb That Was Slain” – Christ’s Sacrifice on the Cross
Jesus’ death on the cross was the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Old Testament, His sacrifice was once and for all.
-
Revelation 5:12 – “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!”
-
Hebrews 9:26 – “He has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself.”
2. The Lamb in the Old Testament: Foreshadowing Christ’s Sacrifice
A. The Passover Lamb
One of the most powerful Old Testament symbols of Jesus is the Passover lamb.
-
In Exodus 12, God instructed the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb and apply its blood to their doorposts. This act protected them from death during the final plague in Egypt.
-
1 Corinthians 5:7 confirms that Jesus is the true Passover Lamb, saying, “For Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed.”
B. The Sacrificial System and the Day of Atonement
In the Old Testament, priests would offer lambs as sacrifices to atone for sins. However, these sacrifices were temporary and had to be repeated.
-
Leviticus 16:30 – “On this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then before the Lord, you will be clean from all your sins.”
-
These rituals foreshadowed Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, which permanently cleanses believers from sin.
3. Why Jesus Had to Be the Lamb That Was Slain
A. The Problem of Sin and the Need for a Sacrifice
Sin separates humanity from God, and the penalty for sin is death.
-
Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
-
In the Old Testament, the shedding of blood was required for forgiveness (Hebrews 9:22).
B. Jesus as the Perfect Sacrifice
Unlike animal sacrifices, which were imperfect, Jesus was sinless and offered Himself as a perfect and eternal atonement.
-
1 Peter 1:18-19 – “You were redeemed… with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.”
-
Because Jesus is both fully God and fully man, His sacrifice was sufficient for all people and all time.
4. The Victory of the Slain Lamb
A. Jesus’ Resurrection – The Conquering Lamb
Although Jesus was slain, He did not remain in the grave. His resurrection proved His victory over sin, death, and Satan.
-
Revelation 5:5 describes Him as “the Lion of the tribe of Judah”, showing that He is both a sacrificial Lamb and a conquering King.
-
1 Corinthians 15:57 – “Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
B. The Lamb in Heaven – Worship and Glory
Jesus, the slain Lamb, is now exalted in heaven and worshiped by angels and believers.
-
Revelation 7:9-10 describes a great multitude in heaven, clothed in white, crying out: “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
-
This shows that Jesus’ sacrifice is not just a past event but an eternal reality.
5. The Power of the Blood of the Lamb
A. Redemption Through His Blood
The blood of Jesus brings salvation and cleanses believers from sin.
-
Ephesians 1:7 – “In Him, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.”
-
Revelation 12:11 – “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.”
B. Atonement and Justification
Because of Christ’s sacrifice, believers are justified before God.
-
Romans 5:9 – “Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through Him!”
-
His blood covers us, making us righteous in God’s sight.
6. How We Should Respond to the Lamb That Was Slain
A. Accept His Sacrifice
Jesus’ death is meaningless if we do not accept Him as Lord and Savior.
-
John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”
-
We must repent and trust in Jesus to receive His salvation.
B. Live in Gratitude and Worship
Because of Christ’s sacrifice, we should live lives of worship and gratitude.
-
Romans 12:1 – “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God-this is your true and proper worship.”
-
The Lamb gave everything for us; we should live in obedience to Him.
C. Proclaim the Message of the Lamb
As believers, we are called to share the gospel and tell others about the Lamb who was slain.
-
2 Corinthians 5:20 – “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us.”
-
The world needs to know that forgiveness and eternal life are available through Jesus.
7. Our God, the Lamb That Was Slain, Is Worthy of All Praise
The phrase “Our God is the Lamb, the Lamb that was slain” is a powerful declaration of Jesus’ love, sacrifice, and victory. He willingly gave His life to redeem humanity, and through His resurrection, He reigns forever as King and Savior.
As believers, we should live in gratitude, worship, and devotion to Him. Jesus, the Lamb, is worthy of all honor and praise-both now and for eternity. Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!