“Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” – John 1:29. These powerful words strike a chord in the heart of every believer. The imagery of Christ as the sacrificial lamb has been a pillar of Christian theology since its inception, and its significance has not diminished over the centuries. Today, in the modern world, marked by complexities and uncertainties, it is more important than ever to grasp the profound message that this depiction of Christ carries.

Since Anselm’s groundbreaking work, Cur Deus Homo? in 1098, the doctrine of atonement has been central in Christian theology. However, as with any profound and complex doctrine, interpretations have varied. I wish to delve into the specific aspect of Christ’s death on the cross and how it serves as an atonement for our sins.

The New Testament, or NT, often presents Christ as sinless and innocent, a beacon of holiness in a world beset by sin. However, this holiness is always presented alongside his burden of guilt. He is the “Lamb of God” (John 1:36). This sacrificial offering takes upon himself the sins of the world (John 1:29). This sacrifice, according to NT theology, is for us, yielding a fruitful, beneficial death analogous to a grain of wheat that first must die to bear much fruit (John 12:20-25).

The term “Behold” used in the Bible is a call to attention – attention to a great truth (Luke 24:39; John 1:47), a significant event (Matt. 21:5; Rev. 22:7), a significant sacrifice (John 3:16; 1 John 3:1-3), and the outstanding Manhood of the Son of Man (John 19:5). It serves to direct our minds to a critical aspect of Christian belief.

The depiction of Christ as a lamb underscores his willingness to undergo suffering for humanity’s sake. Just as a lamb silently bears its suffering, so too did the Son of God submit to the will of his Father (Isa. 53:7; Acts 8:32). The lamb in this context is symbolic, reminding us of the lamb offered by the Israelites during Passover as a commemoration of their deliverance from Egyptian bondage (Ex. 12:4, 5). Similarly, Christ, our Passover Lamb, delivered us from the bondage of sin (1 Cor. 5:7).

The lamb offered by the Israelites had to be blameless (Ex. 12:5; Mal. 1:8), an apt symbol for the blameless Lamb of God (1 Pet. 2:22). Christ was sinless (1 John 3:5), reflecting his Father’s character (John 14:9; Heb. 1:3). He was God’s own gift (John 3:16), chosen by God himself, reminding us of Abraham’s words to Isaac, “My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering” (Gen. 22:8).

Just as we behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sins of the world, we must also grasp the implications of this profound message. It prompts us to consider whether we have allowed the burden of our sins to be lifted away by the cross of Calvary (1 Pet. 2:24). We are reminded that only confessed sins are taken away. All unconfessed sins remain upon the transgressor (John 9:41).

This brings us to an important question – has the heavenly gift made any difference in our thinking about the plan of salvation?

Indeed, understanding the figure of Christ as the Lamb of God carries profound implications for our understanding of salvation. It challenges us to question whether we have allowed this sacrificial love to transform our lives. This isn’t merely about adherence to religious tenets. Still, more deeply, it’s about an internal transformation that finds its roots in the humility, sacrifice and redemptive love exemplified by the Lamb of God.
Understanding the death of Christ as the Lamb of God, as the propitiation for our sins, should not only reshape our comprehension of salvation but also mould our character. It teaches us about God’s deep, unfathomable love, a love so profound that it could bear the weight of the world’s sin. It calls us to mirror this lamb-like attitude – to be humble, sacrificial, and loving in our interactions with the world around us.

Furthermore, comprehending this divine gift’s enormity may drive us to live lives of gratitude and service. It reminds us that God’s love is so boundless that he would give a part of Himself (Rom. 8:31-33; 2 Cor. 5:18-21) to reconcile us to Him. This knowledge should stir in us a sense of humble thankfulness and a desire to live our lives in a way that honours this immense sacrifice.

In conclusion, Christ as the Lamb of God is not merely a theological doctrine to be intellectually understood. Instead, it’s a profound truth with deep personal and communal implications. It symbolises God’s self-giving love, an invitation to a transformed life, and a call to sacrificial living. We must remember that just as the Lamb of God bore our sins in silence and humility, we too are called to carry our crosses with grace, in quiet humility, and with unwavering faith. May the profound understanding of Christ as the sacrificial Lamb of God inspire us, challenge us, and ultimately transform us.