“Behold The Lamb Of God Who Takes Away The Sin Of The World.”
Good News – March 2024 – Grace & Truth Magazine
“Behold The Lamb Of God Who Takes Away The Sin Of The World!”
Behold The Lamb
John the Baptist probably knew Jesus rather well. They were second cousins through their mothers, who were likely good friends. We conclude this because when Mary was told by the angel Gabriel that she was going to become pregnant by the power of the Holy Spirit (Lk. 1:35), she hurried to Elizabeth’s house to tell her about it (v.39). She remained there for “about three months” (v.56 ESV ). During this time Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, called the unborn Jesus, “My Lord” (v.43).
In time John went into the wilderness, where the Word of God came to him (3:2). He then preached the baptism of repentance (v.3) and called Jesus “the Lamb of God” (Jn. 1:29).
The Lamb Who Takes Away Sin
Being a prophet, John the Baptist revealed that our Lord Jesus was a human being who could rightly say, “I always do the things that are pleasing to Him [the Father]” (8:29). This perfection made the Lord Jesus – the Son of God – the acceptable offering for the taking away of our sin.
Human sin had to be put away according to the divine requirement of the death of a spotless Substitute. Jesus met this requirement for us by submitting to the death of the cross, where, as prophesied, our sin was laid on Him (Isa. 53:6). By the offering of Himself for our guilt, God’s righteous demands were met regarding the “iniquities” and the “sin” of many (vv.11-12).
The Sin Of The World
The sinless life of the Lord Jesus does not grant us forgiveness. His death was also required, for by “His wounds we are healed” (Isa. 53:5). This healing is sufficient for every sinner in the world who will accept this blessing, saying, “Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift” (2 Cor. 9:15). The names of those who do not accept it while it is available will not be found in the Lamb’s book of life. Those people will find themselves eternally in the lake of fire (Rev. 20:11-15).
Won’t you accept God’s offer of salvation today, before it is too late? We can tell you how.
By Alan H. Crosby