Prepare Like a Faithful and Wise Servant (Part II)

 

Prepare Like a Faithful and Wise Servant

Matthew 24:44-51, Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. ⁴⁵ Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? ⁴⁶ Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. ⁴⁷ Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. ⁴⁸ But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; ⁴⁹ And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; ⁵⁰ The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, ⁵¹ And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Theme: Bible predictions should not inspire selfish behavior, wicked associations, our reservation--fears, nor merely pique our interest, but encourage active service to accomplish God’s will until He comes for us in the Rapture.

Introduction: 

By application, we must live in constant readiness for the abrupt, surprising return of Jesus Christ in the Rapture by faithfully fulfilling our assigned spiritual duties. Using this comparison of the faithful and evil servants, we are warned that while diligent stewards will be rewarded, unfaithful ones, who also reveal their worldly and abusive character, will face severe judgment and exclusion from the kingdom. This passage gives us two more ideas to be mindful of. 

Message:

I. Respect The Dangers of Indifference (Matt. 24:48-49).

The “evil servant” believes the Lord is delayed and, as a result, choses worldliness, selfishness, and mishandlings his fellow servants. Loosing focus, abusing authority, mistreating others, self-serving, overindulgent, excessive force, godless associations, and sinful living are temptations we must always refuse.

• “Such behavior demonstrates that he is not ready for the kingdom.”^[1]
• Such a servant, concluding that his master was not returning for a long time, took advantage of others (he beat his fellow servants) and lived wickedly (eating and drinking with drunkards).^[2]

One thing we cannot afford to be indifferent about is the pain, tears, and suffering of others. There is not a person on earth today who is not hurting or needy in some way. Everyone you and I know has a burden—a heartfelt need. Behind every plastic smile there is a world of burdens that we struggle and strain to cover up. We don’t want anyone to know our pain…we want to appear strong so that we don’t cause others to stumble. Remember, every set of eyes you will ever gaze into have shed hundreds of tears in secret when no one else but God was watching. That lady who is always smiling at church will one day need a shoulder to cry on. That guy who loves to laugh, cut up, and tell jokes will need encouraging one day. Our world is in a state of emergency and the disease is “an overdose of hurts and burdens,” and the medicine they need is someone unselfish enough to help when they hurt. Someone to love them and reassure them of God’s great love for them!

  o   Trials and temptations are the universal lot of us all, and only Christ can give that measure of strength necessary to overcome them.

§  1 Cor. 10:13, There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

§  Look to the Lord for that way of escape and the power to endure until the temptation passes. Be assured He will never lead you into a scenario that is more than you can deal with. His grace is sufficient for you and me.

  o   Christians desperately need to be sensitive to the needs of others and to help bear another’s burdens (Rom. 15:1). This is a repeated instruction in the Word.

§  Gal 6:2, Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

§  1Thes 5:14, Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

§  Gal 5:13-14, For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14, For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

  o   Because we all face similar trials, we may be used of God to help another overcome a challenge we have previously experienced ourselves. That is one reason why God allows us to suffer hardships. We learn to accept His help, strength, and comfort and as a result we can be of aid to someone else. (See 2 Cor. 1:3, 4.)

§  2 Cor. 1:3-4, Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; [4] Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

God Himself comforts us when life hurts, and He provides fellow comforters among the brethren as we receive His comfort through our personal trials. All of this says that God cares about what hurts you. Many of you know exactly what I mean when I say, “The pain can overwhelm us at times….” We can become confused, perplexed, and our souls ache beyond our ability to express…. We can become lost in our sorrows were it not for the sweet Savior, the Lord Jesus.

II. Take His Judgment Seriously (Matt. 24:50-51). 

The Master returns unexpectedly to punish the unfaithful servant. The phrase “cut him asunder” represents severe judgment, separating him from the righteous and placing him with hypocrites, where there is “weeping and gnashing of teeth” in Hell. 

• When the King comes, He will punish him and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites….”^[3]
• Like the wicked people of Noah’s day (vv. 37–39), he was unaware of the sudden coming judgment (v. 50). But the judgment will come and he will be dealt with as one would deal with a hypocrite, which is precisely what an unfaithful servant is. His separation will result in eternal judgment (weeping and gnashing of teeth; cf. comments on 13:42) apart from his master. Likewise, the judgment of the wicked at the Lord’s second coming will separate them eternally from God.^[4]

Will you be ready when Jesus comes? He could come in the rapture at any moment now!

Rom 10:8-10, But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9, That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10, For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

2 Cor 6:2, (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

           1. Acknowledge immediately that you cannot save yourself no matter how diligently you may try.

           2. Acknowledge that you deserve hell for your sin just like the rest of all humanity. We could never earn him dealing with us in mercy and grace.

           3. Acknowledge that you need the Lord Jesus to save you like the rest of us. It is Christ who died for our sin in our stead, was buried, and rose again the third day as he predicted and the scriptures foretold. Yes, Jesus is alive forevermore to save any one who calls on Him in faith.

Another question is, what would we change in our lives if we know He was coming in 10 minutes? As Believers we can rest assured that we will not go through the Great Tribulation, but we will have some tribulation in our lives as saints. John 16:33, These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Beloved, don’t place your hope in the next administration, a person, nor a strong economy, put it Jesus!

Jesus will faithfully and fairly judge the world in the future! Matthew 16:26-27, For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? [27] For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

Jesus Christ has been given the authority to judge all the earth (Rom 14:9-11; Phil 2:9-11). Although his judgment is already working in our lives, there is a future, final judgment when Christ returns (Matt. 25:31-46) and everyone’s life from the Tribulation Period will be reviewed and evaluated. This will not be confined to unbelievers; Christians from the Tribulation Period too will face a judgment. Their eternal destiny is secure, but Jesus will look at how they handled gifts, opportunities, and responsibilities to determine their eternal rewards. At the time of judgment, God will deliver the righteous and condemn the wicked. We should not judge others' salvation; that is God’s work.

Conclusion:
This passage refers to Christ’s visible return to earth as Messiah-King, but the principle equally applies to us anticipating the Rapture. “Many who profess to be Christians show by their hostility toward God’s people and their fraternization with the ungodly that they are not looking for Christ’s Return. For them it will mean judgment and not blessing.”^[5]

Indeed, our Lord finishes his lessons on the end times (the Olivet Discourse), giving us practical insight on how to live during these last days—not in fear, but in active service to execute God’s purpose. It highlights that real preparation and readiness are the central conditions of loyal service, not just hypothetical and theoretical knowledge of end time events. 

In addition, this kind of divine activity truly magnifies the grace of God! Really, we have NO REAL comprehension of the MERCY and GRACE of God until we first understand something about His GREAT WRATH (Rom. 11:22). When we see God govern Himself in this capacity, we should shout the praises of God for His great mercy and grace toward us undeserving sinners. Secondly, we should walk before God in the fear of the Lord our entire life!

Beloved, God is not obligated to give anyone a second chance to be saved in any age or dispensation. It was not obligation that made God seek to save any sinner in the first place! It was all a matter of His undeserved favor toward all of us as sinners deserving of Hell. WO! Unto them that reject the Savior, because one day they will face the wrath of an angry Judge! Ephes. 2:8, For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.

For the faithful witness and soul winner, we should ensure that our gospel presentation is clear, well organized, understandable, and Spirit lead. I am not trying to discourage you from witnessing I am trying to encourage you to be well prepared as you fervently endeavor to share Christ through the gospel.

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^[1] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1297.

^[2] Louis A. Barbieri Jr., “Matthew,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 79.

^[3] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1297.

^[4] Louis A. Barbieri Jr., “Matthew,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 79.

^[5] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1297.

Is Sin Still A Thing?

 

Romans 3:23, For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God….

This is a much needed study; an article laying out the various teachings about sin is long overdue. A simple survey of our friends and associates would quickly confirm the fact that people have lost their sense of right and wrong. These days matters like good and bad are difficult to distinguish and definitions of morality seem to be up to the individual. Furthermore, many post-modernist see no need for a moral framework. It is tragic…but the subject of sin is hardly dealt with from a theological perspective anymore. Certainly our society does not cherish any idea of clarity regarding sin, but it seems God’s people have little appreciation for the subject also. Perhaps this is why we do not value the cross of our Lord as we should. In this study my goal is to define and express these timeless Bible teachings with forthright clarity.

Though it is often difficult in this post-modern age to tackle the subject of sin, still we really need to understand this topic. So, “What is sin? Where did it come from? Do we inherit a sinful nature from Adam? Do we inherit guilt from Adam?” Grudem gives the following definition for sin, “Sin is any failure to conform to the moral law of God in act, attitude, or nature.”  Clearly sin includes acts of adultery, stealing, and lying. It also includes sinful attitudes like anger (Matt. 5:22) and lust (Matt. 5:28). Then sin involves the very nature of humanity—we are sinners according to God’s Word (Rom. 5:8; Eph. 2:3). Some have erroneously concluded that sin is merely selfishness, but this is misleading because not all self-interests are wrong. It is better to define sin in terms of God’s Law and moral character (1Jn. 3:4; Rom. 2:15, 17-29).

To the question where did sin come from? It is vitally important to first affirm that God is in no way responsible for sin—He cannot be blamed for sin. He always does what is just and right (Deut. 32:4; Gen. 18:25; Job. 34:10). It is also correct to say that God permitted the entrance of sin through the voluntary choices of moral creatures. Was the origin of sin something “ordained” by God? Again I have great difficulty embracing this idea of God ordaining sin to come about. Again a better way of understanding this is that a sovereign God permitted sin (Gen. 50:20). As a holy God he cannot produce or promote sin (Hab. 1:13). He is absolutely perfect (Deut. 32:4; 2Sam. 22:31; Ps. 18:30). But it is true that God can produce greater good by allowing sin in the universe (Rom. 5:3-5; James 1:2-4). This fact alone demonstrates that sin is not His equal and refutes any idea of dualism. This is perhaps why He continues to tolerate sin in the universe.   

Before Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, sin had already invaded the angelic realm with the result of the fall of Satan and a third of the angelic host (Gen. 3:1-19). Satan introduced sin to the human race through the temptation in the Garden. In the fall of man sin struck at the basis for knowledge by questioning God’s Word (Gen. 3:4). Then sin struck at the very foundation of moral standards (Gen. 2:17). In addition, sin also loosed human identity from its God-provided moorings (Gen. 3:5). Lastly, sin proved to be completely irrational; it never makes sense to rebel against our Creator-God (Prov. 10:23; 12:15; 14:7).

We should also explore two realities regarding the doctrine of inherited sin. In these two observations we discover how Adam’s sin affected the rest of humanity. First is inherited guilt: we are counted guilty because of Adam’s sin. This truth is relayed to us in Romans 5:12-21. Even though there was no Law from Adam’s time to Moses’, people were still guilty of sin because they died. Physical, spiritual and eternal death are direct consequences of sin. By Adam’s disobedience we all were made sinners.

Some reject this idea believing it to be unfair. There are three things; however, that should always be remembered in this connection. First everyone has voluntarily committed many actual sins themselves and are indeed guilty (Rom. 2:6; Col. 3:25). Secondly, if we were in Adam’s place, we would have sinned also and our subsequent behavior demonstrates this. Then thirdly, if we think it is unfair to be represented by Adam in the Fall, then it is equally unfair to be represented by Christ in justification and righteousness (Rom. 5:19).

The second reality related to the doctrine of inherited sin is inherited corruption: we have a sinful nature because of Adam’s sin. The concept is freely expressed in numerous passages of the Bible (Ps. 51:1-5; Eph. 2:3).  A result of Adam’s sin is a disposition and a propensity to sin in him and all his descendants. Two particulars in this connection should be kept in mind. First, in our natures we totally lack good before God. Every part of our being is affected by sin—our intellect, emotions, desires, heart, goals, motives, and physical bodies (Titus 1:15; Rom. 7:18; Jer. 17:9).  Secondly, in our actions we are totally unable to do spiritual good before God. We lack the ability to do anything that will in itself be pleasing to God (Rom. 8:8). Without Jesus Christ we can do absolutely nothing to be fruitful (Jn. 15:5; Heb. 11:6). It is not that we cannot do things that are good and pleasing in the eyes of people. Certainly we all can, but people are not God.

At this juncture it is vital that we turn our attention to actual sins in our lives. There are about six areas where this is important to explore. First all people are sinful before God (Ps. 14:3; 143:2; 1Kings 8:46).  Secondly, we are responsible before God for each of our sins. Not according to our ability, but the absolute perfection of God’s moral law and His own holy character (Matt. 5:48). Thirdly, infants are guilty before they commit an act of sin because sin is welded to their nature. However, God in mercy and grace keeps them safe from wrath until they can exercise faith in Him (Ps. 51:5; 58:3; 1Sam 12:23). Fourthly, is the issue of degrees of sin. With regard to legal guilt before God, one single sin is worthy of eternal damnation in the Lake of Fire (Gen. 2:17; Gal. 3:10; James 2:10-11). With regards to the results in life and our relationship with God there are varying degrees of sin.  The consequences of some actions are weightier than others. The Bible even speaks of greater sins (John 19:11; Ezek. 8:6, 13, 15; Matt. 5:19; 23:23; Lev. 4:2, 13, 22; 5:17; James 3:1; Luke 12:48).

Now entertain the question “What happens when a Christian sins?” the answer is that our legal standing before God remains unchanged (Rom. 6:23; 8:1; 1Cor. 15:3; 1Jn. 1:8; 3:2).  It is true that our fellowship with God is disrupted and our Christian life is damaged (Eph. 4:30; Heb. 12:6, 9, 10; Prov. 3:11-12; Rev. 3:19). When we bring God displeasure because of our non-compliance with His will He will correct and chasten us because He loves us and desires that we share in His holiness.

Finally, it must be observed that God will deal with and punish sin. Those who refuse God and die in their sin can expect to be dealt with in severe wrath. This is not merely a deterrent to sinning, but the realization of the primary reason God punishes sin. His righteous nature demands punishment! God is righteous and just (Jer. 9:24), and Christ is the propitiation for all sin (Rom. 3:25). This means that the Lord Jesus was the Sacrifice that bore the wrath of God against sin and thereby turned God’s wrath away that He might deal with humanity in grace (Rom. 3:25, 26). However, if an individual refused that grace, God will confront them in the full force of His righteous wrath and eternal condemnation.

I realize that many people feel they are 'good people,' but the problem with that is we cannot do only good. We do not even live up to our own expectations on a daily basis. Can we manipulate ourselves into believing we have lived up to the PERFECT requirements of a holy God? We have a sin nature that is anti-God. It is not so much the individual sins that we commit, (though these are awful!) but the fact that we have a sinful orientation that drives us to indulge in the wrongs that so violently offend a holy God! 

In short we cannot embrace an eternal relationship with a righteous and perfect God in our natural fallen and sinful condition because our sin mars everything about us. Unless God undertakes to change us, we are condemned forever to the Lake of Fire without any other recourse or hope for all eternity. This is why the new birth through faith in Jesus Christ is so vital to our spiritual welfare. Again, the Lord Jesus insisted that we must be born again.

How may we experience the spiritual birth? The answer is by consciously opting to place our faith/trust in Jesus Christ—His death, burial, and resurrection as the full payment for our sins. We acknowledge that God indicated His acceptance of Christ’s redemptive work by raising Him from the dead. Therefore, we accept what God accepts as the fair and complete payment for our sins.

We must believe on Christ Jesus with a heart of repentance! This is exactly what Paul outlines in Romans 10:9-10, writing, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10, For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. We cannot simply believe anything about Jesus, we must believe that the Son of God, died for our sins, was buried, and God raise Him up again the third day for our justification before the Father. It is crucial that we understand that it is faith in Jesus Christ and His Gospel that is the power of God that saves us (Rom. 1:14-17).

Christ’s suffering at Calvary was God providing payment for our sins. This is what Calvary was about—justice was served and sin was paid for in full. Now sinners can be saved—born again to enter a relationship with God. It is the Spirit who regenerates us and gives us new life when we trust Christ. We cannot save ourselves no matter how good, sincere, or diligent we are. Being born again means we become a part of a new family, God is our Father who shares with us His very own divine nature. All of this is realized the moment we humble ourselves before God acknowledging our sins while trusting Christ and His payment for them. We must accept this payment personally. Beloved, we must exercise faith in the Person and Work of Christ to experience the spiritual birth. What about you? Have you been born again?

Behold, The Lamb of God

JOHN 1:29, 36

Theme: Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, provided the sacrificial substitutionary death that appeased God’s wrath against sin and sinners making our salvation possible. 

Introduction:

Remember, God is not only loving and merciful, but He is also holy, just, and perfect. How can God forgive us without our dying for sin? (See Romans 3:23.) Evidently, Jesus came to deal decisively with our sin problem. W. MacDonald, a Bible scholar and commentator, points out what sin is stating,

Sin is any thought, word, or deed that falls short of God’s standard of holiness and perfection. It is a missing of the mark, a coming short of the target. An Indian whose arrow fell short of its target was heard to say, “Oh, I sinned.” In his language, the same word was used to express sinning and falling short of the target.^[1]

Sinful is an accurate description of every human being since we do not measure up to the perfection of God. Yes, we actually come far short of it because of our sinful thoughts, words, and deeds. The good news is that Jesus paid the penalty in our stead and as our substitute. Recall that Romans 3:23, says “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; ²⁴ Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus”^[2] Then the divine sentence upon sin is rehearsed in Hebrews 9:22, stating “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.”^[3]

Twice in John chapter 1, John the Baptist calls Jesus the Lamb of God—“Behold the Lamb of God” (vs. 29 & 36). What was John saying? Though Scripture reveals the Lord Jesus as the Lamb who will bring fantastic judgment in the future (Rev. 5:6, 12; 7:17), the reference here indicates Christ substitutionary sacrifice for sin. Jesus is the “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (Jn. 1:29). Yes, our Lord’s death has far reaching implications for not only Israel, but you and me also…and the entire world. 1John 2:2, says, “And he [Jesus Christ] is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” ^[4]  Just as the need for salvation is universal/worldwide, the provision of God in Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, is likewise equally available to all who will repent believing the Gospel.

The Scriptures predicted this ministry of Jesus Christ hundreds of years before when Isaiah said in chapter 53:7, “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, Yet he opened not his mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, So he openeth not his mouth.”^[5] As fascinating as it may seem, God foretold the ministry of Jesus as the Lamb of God—it is one of the greatest anticipations of the Old Testament eras.

Now note what The Bible Knowledge Commentary says concerning Isaiah 53:7,

In verse 7 the quiet, gentle nature of sheep is stressed. Seeing many sheep sheared for their wool or killed as sacrifices, Israelites were well aware of the submissive nature of sheep. Jesus, as the Lamb of God (John 1:29), quietly submitted to His death. He did not try to stop those who opposed Him; He remained silent rather than defend Himself (Matt. 26:63a; 27:14; 1 Peter 2:23). He was willingly led to death because He knew it would benefit those who would believe.^[6]

Let us explore the Old and New Testaments to discover the wealth of meaning John the Baptist involved when he called the Lord Jesus the “Lamb of God.” Let us “behold” this Lamb as John commanded.

THE WORK OF THE SON OF GOD AS THE LAMB—THE SIN-BEARER

The sacrificial substitutionary death of Jesus Christ appeased God’s wrath against sin and sinners making our salvation possible.  Let us recall just a few thoughts from the previous article entitled, The Lamb of God:

Fact: Jesus Christ Is both the Son of God and the Lamb of God. In the Bible, Jesus is referred to by many different names. Each name signifies a particular office or responsibility that He has, and illustrates the functions of that office.

As the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ Was Offered as a Sacrifice by God just as an Israelite would Offer a Lamb in the Old Testament.

John the Baptist was Sent by God to Declare that Jesus is the Christ that Israel had been Waiting for, and that He was also the "Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world" (Jn. 1:29).

Now with that recap in mind, consider Jesus, our Lord, as God’s substitutionary payment for our sin. Our only legitimate Sin-Bearer. Please pause with me to “Behold the Lamb of God.”

JESUS, THE ANTICIPATED SUBSTITUTE FOR OUR SINS (Jn. 1:29, 36)

As the Lamb of God, Jesus came to bear the sin of the whole world that we, through His blood, might have everlasting life. When Jesus died on the cross, He paid the penalty for every sin that was ever committed (2 Cor. 5:21).

2 Cor. 5:21, For he [The Father] hath made him [Jesus] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.^[7]

So, the Lord Jesus (as God’s perfect and pure Lamb) willingly and voluntarily took our sins upon Himself and suffered the consequences of our sin as if he was actually responsible for our failures. Beloved, this was the Father’s grand plan all along. W. MacDonald adds,

How can He [God] receive guilty sinners who come to Him in repentance and faith? The answer is that the Lord Jesus has effectively dealt with the whole problem of our sins, so now we can be reconciled to God.In other words, God made Christ to be sin for us—Christ who knew no sin—that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.^[8]

Dr. W. Wiersbe, pastor and prolific commentator, expands noting,

The Person who reconciles us to God is Jesus Christ, and the place where He reconciles us is His cross.

Another key idea in this section is imputation. This is a word borrowed from banking; it simply means “to put to one’s account.” When you deposit money in the bank, the computer (or the clerk) puts that amount to your account, or to your credit. When Jesus died on the cross, all of our sins were imputed to Him—put to His account. He was treated by God as though He had actually committed those sins.The result? All of those sins have been paid for and God no longer holds them against us, because we have trusted Christ as our Saviour. But even more: God has put to our account the very righteousness of Christ! “For He hath made Him [Christ] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor. 5:21).^[9]

Now follow me as I recount the Biblical history and progressive revelation of this idea and notion of a substitutionary sacrifice for sinners.

      1. The Principal Lamb—a Picture of Atonement

When Adam and Eve sinned, God made them coats of skin for clothing (Gen 3:21). Their sin had opened their eyes to the fact they were naked. They had lost their original innocence and had become unrighteous before God. Blood had to be shed to cover their nakedness. An innocent animal was sacrificed because of their sinful actions.

It is evident from reading the very next chapter (Gen. 4) that the animal sacrificed was very likely a lamb. God had commanded that both Cain and Abel bring a sacrifice, and God had respect to Abel's offering only because it was "of the firstlings of his flock" (Gen. 4:4).

This was a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ as a lamb because He would voluntarily die in order to cover or atone for humanity’s sins. This is exactly the Scriptures describe the work of Christ in

Rom 5:10-11, For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. ¹¹ And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.^[10]

MacDonald observed,

The entrance of sin had brought estrangement, alienation, and enmity between man and God. By putting away sin, which had caused the alienation, the Lord Jesus restored those who believe on Him to a state of harmony with God. ^[11]

The term “atonement” here means at-one-ment; the act of making two estranged parties one or at harmony. Christ’s sacrifice so thoroughly covered our sin debt, that God and repentant sinners can be reconciled.

       2. The Provided Lamb—a Picture of Substitution

In Genesis 22:1-13, the account is given of Abraham when he is told to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. Just as Abraham is about to plunge his knife into Isaac, the angel of the Lord stopped him and told him not to injure his son. As Abraham looked up, he saw a ram caught in a thicket and offered it instead of his son.

In the same manner, Jesus is our substitute. Substitute means one life given in the stead of another. He paid the penalty for our sin as our substitute.

Isaiah 53:6, All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Matthew 20:28, Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

1 Tim. 2:6, Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

1 Peter 2:24, Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

1 Peter 3:18, For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

1 Cor. 5:7, Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

  

Substitute as used here means, that something happened to Christ, it need not happen to us.  Christ died for our sins; we need not die for them if we accept His sacrifice.

       3. The Passover Lamb—a Picture of the Cross

The first time that Israel observed the Passover was during the terrible plagues that the Lord sent against Egypt when Pharaoh would not allow the children of Israel to leave Egypt (Ex. 12).

At that time God told Moses and Aaron to tell every head of the household to take a lamb and kill it. They were to sprinkle its blood on the doorposts (the top and sides of the door frame) of their house. On a given night, the Lord was to pass through the land of Egypt, and in every house that did not have the blood applied to the doorposts, God would kill the firstborn of the household.

The shedding of Christ's blood on the cross, and us applying it to our hearts by faith has the same effect as the blood of the Passover Lamb. It assures safety to those who have applied it, but judgment to those who have not.

Col 1:20, And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

The Believer in Jesus Christ is therefore safe from all the wrath of God!

Exod 12:13, And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.

1Thes 1:10, And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

1Thes 5:9-10,  For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

        4. The Perpetual Lamb—a Picture of Sacrifice

In Exodus 29:38-42, the Lord institutes a daily burnt offering. The offerings consisted of two lambs, one to be offered in the morning, and one to be offered in the evening. This was to be a continual or daily sacrifice, and it typifies that Christ was made an offering and a sacrifice unto God (Eph. 5:2).

Ephes. 5:2, And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Heb 10:11-12, And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:12, But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; (Also 1Cor. 5:7)

        5. The Precious Lamb—a Picture of Christ

In a great prophetic portion of Scripture in Isa. 53, a description is given of Jesus Christ who would sacrifice Himself as an offering for sin. How precious this Lamb, the Lord Jesus truly is! No one else could do this for us but Him. He willingly and freely gave Himself on our behalf. Note what Isaiah 53:10-12 says,

  Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief:

When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin,

He shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days,

And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.

¹¹          He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied:

By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many;

For he shall bear their iniquities.

¹²          Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great,

And he shall divide the spoil with the strong;

Because he hath poured out his soul unto death:

And he was numbered with the transgressors;

And he bare the sin of many,

And made intercession for the transgressors.^[12]

Beloved, it is with great wonder and awe that we behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world! What love is this! What excellent mercy towards us sinners! What joy and thanksgiving Christ sacrifice deserves! How incredible that God remains just and becomes the justifier of those who believe the Gospel! Beloved, God was pleased and satisfied with Christ’s great offering and sacrifice for our sins! No more sacrifices are required. Jesus said, it is finished! Truly all that is necessary for us to be saved has been graciously provided for us. Our part is to repent, believe, and receive it. When studying these and other related passages, it is not hard to understand why John the Baptist referred to Jesus as “The Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world” (see also Rev. 5:6 and I Pet. 1:19).  It is so important to pause periodically to behold this Lamb.

Conclusion:

Yes, for centuries godly Jews had anticipated the “Lamb” provided by God; the Lamb who would effectively deal with sin and its guilt. Finally, John stands on the banks of the Jordan declaring he had arrived. Behold, the Lamb of God! John was prompting his original audiences to realize that the long promised substitutionary sacrifice for sins had finally come! No more waiting and anticipating. The Lamb of God is here right now. See there he is—Jesus the Christ!

Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and He fulfilled His office as the Lamb of God. He died for our sins exactly as the Scriptures foretold He would and in full concert with his own predictions. John the Baptist introduced the Lord Jesus as the “Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” We can believe the testimony of God, John the Baptist, and many others!

Two thousand years ago Jesus paid for my sins fully, and in August of 1990, I actually humbled myself before God acknowledging my sinfulness and need for Jesus Christ. I realized I needed God’s forgiveness and salvation and cried out to Him for mercy and grace. God forgave me because of my trust in Jesus Christ as my Lamb who took responsibility for my sins. So, the Lord Jesus is not only God’s provided Lamb, but he is also the Lamb for me. Yes, Jesus is my Lamb. What about you?

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^[1] MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1688). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

^[2] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Ro 3:23–24). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[3] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Heb 9:22). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[4] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., 1 Jn 2:2). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[5] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Is 53:7). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[6] Martin, J. A. (1985). Isaiah. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, p. 1108). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[7] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., 2 Co 5:21). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[8] MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1842). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

^[9] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 649). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[10] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Ro 5:10–11). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[11] MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1697). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

^[12] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Is 53:10–12). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.