The Exodus:Judaism::The Cross: Christianity. (Or, the Exodus is to Judaism, what the cross is to Christianity, for those who have forgotten middle school).
I mentioned this topic briefly in class on Tuesday but wanted to write about it because it is something that never ceases to amaze me. The topic is the relationship and symbolism between the Passover and Christ's atoning work on the cross.
In the Passover a single, spotless lamb was slaughtered and it's blood smeared over the doorposts of the homes of the Israelites. What was the purpose behind this? When the Lord passed over the homes where the blood was smeared on the door frame He would not harm those inside. The firstborn of the household would be spared. Jews (and even occasionally those from other religions) still remember and celebrate this event yearly.
What does this mean for the Christian? Besides being a significant historical event in our spiritual heritage, this event has great symbolic value for the Christ-follower. Christ, the Lamb, without blemish or defect, after living a perfect life, was slaughtered on the cross to atone for our sins.
"The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you." -Exodus 12:13a
When God sees Christ's blood, covering us, He passes over. In essence, He sees our sin, paid for by the blood of the Lamb, and He declares us NOT GUILTY!
Our only response to this is to bow in worship and remembrance, to solemnly, yet joyously celebrate- Hallelujah, what a Savior!
I commented on Anna Rhodes post.
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