Gospel: Great Gospel Texts – John 1:29
Dan Shutt
John 1:29 “Behold the Lamb of God”
John the Baptist was a unique man with a unique message. He was entrusted with the task of announcing the arrival of the Messiah, the Savior of mankind. Without the backing of any religious organization, without the polish of a trained orator, and without the trappings of social correctness, he spoke in ringing tones that drew thousands to hear him. His greatest sermon was a model of brevity and clarity— “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. “Two millennia after they were first spoken, these words retain all their original vividness and power. Through John the Baptist, God has given a timeless and powerful testimony to the infinite worth of His own Son, and the enduring value of the work of the Cross. This wonderful announcement embodies three of the cardinal truths of the gospel:
Man’s Ruin
“The sin of the world”
The Bible confirms what thoughtful observation reveals: sin is a destructive force in our world. The downward spiral of society, manifested in violence, immorality, and addictions, is the outward, collective symptoms of a spiritual virus that personally infects every soul. And the inner guilt and vast emptiness of a heart without God are constant reminders that we are not naturally ready to meet Him. The Bible declares that “all have sinned.” From the rigorously moral to the most debased addict, “there is no difference.” Embedded in every heart is rebellion against God. Within each individual history are acts and attitudes that fall short of God’s holy standard. As a result, personal, eternal ruin is the inevitable future of all who live and die without forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
God’s Remedy
“The Lamb of God”
In amazing grace, God has freely provided a “rescue plan” for a ruined, sinful race. In the simplest possible terms, John tells us of a Lamb, the “Lamb of God,” that will “take away sin.” Our profound need has been answered with God’s perfect solution: a sacrifice and substitute for the sinner. He personally became the Sin-bearer for a burdened race.The cross is all about God’s remedy for sin. What we were incapable of doing, He has done Himself. In the infinite suffering of the spotless Lamb, He has fashioned a way of pardon and forgiveness. God is totally satisfied with the work of Christ as an adequate answer to our deepest guilt, and He now declares: “the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth… from all sin.”
Our Responsibility
“Behold!”
As a physician with an ill patient, the correct diagnosis of the disease and the prescription are helpful and necessary steps. It is obvious, however, that without personally ingesting the specified medicine, no cure is remotely possible. The fact that the pills are genuine and perform as promised are all irrelevant. They must be received, or the disease will tragically claim another victim.
How much more the gospel! God has prescribed the Cross as the healing fountain where forgiveness of sins is obtained. This solution is provided at no expense to the guilty sinner. There is no expense to us for the great cost, the death of Christ, has all been “paid in full” by God, Himself.
One question, then, remains— what will you do with Him? The work of Christ requires personal application, in order to enter into its blessing. Will you “behold” Him, will you look to Christ for salvation and life? Will you personally receive Him, accepting Him as your Savior?
