Read Exodus 11-12; Hebrews 11:28

The Passover

The tenth plague levied against the wickedness of Egypt was the death of the firstborn—not only of the Egyptians, but of their servants and even of their animals. The Israelites could escape the destroyer that struck down the firstborn by following the instructions given by God through Moses. It was the blood of the sacrificed lamb on the doorposts and lintel of the houses that would cause the plague to pass over the dwelling places of the children of Israel.

Likewise today, it is the blood of the sacrificed Lamb of God that causes the plague of eternal destruction to pass over those who are in Christ. The Passover lamb was a type of Christ, as there is no salvation for anyone apart from His blood. Just as the Passover lamb was innocent and without blemish, so was Jesus. Just as the Passover lamb suffered for the guilty, so did Jesus. Just as the Passover lamb was submissive and uncomplaining in death, so was Jesus. There was not a bone broken in the Passover lamb; neither was there a bone broken in the Christ on the cross. There are so many similarities between the Passover lamb of Israel and the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

Moses faithfully relayed God’s instructions to the children of Israel to protect them from the plague to come. Thus the Hebrews writer said, “By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them” (Hebrews 11:28). Had Moses left any part of it unsaid, or the Israelites had left any part of it undone, they could not have been saved.

Likewise today, no part of the gospel can be left unsaid or undone. Just as Paul declared “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27), and the local congregations to whom he ministered “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (1 Thessalonians 1:9), we must follow their example in this day and age.

May we all believe the words of Jesus, understanding that they are the very words by which we will be judged (John 12:48). May we repent of our sins, confess the name of Jesus, and humbly submit to His command to be baptized for the remission of sins! In so doing, we will come into contact with His saving blood and secure the hope of heaven.