Commissioned

Q3. (Revelation 5:5) What has the Lamb done to "triumph" and so become worthy to take the scroll and open its seals? (Hint: See the "for" or "because" clause in 5:9 for the answer.) The Lamb has "triumph" and so become worthy to take the scroll and open its seals because it was the Lamb who "... wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;" Revelation 5:9 (KJV)

Q2. (Revelation 5:6) Decode (that is, identify) each of the following symbols that relate to the Lamb: The lamb itself represents .... Jesus Christ himself, whom John the Baptist had proclaimed, "The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). Standing after being slain indicates ... His resurrection from the dead. Though slain, He now stands and is alive. Horns represent .... Power. In the Old Testament horns signify power (Deuteronomy 33:17). Eyes represent ... Eyes indicate that the Lamb sees fully, completely. The number seven carries the idea of ... Completeness or perfection. To summarize, then, the Lamb has the qualities of being of .... God.

Q1. (Revelation 5:5) Why is the Lamb called "the Lion of the tribe of Judah" and "the Root of David"? What do these titles signify about him? The Lamb is called "the Lion of the tribe of Judah,' this is also the title of the Messiah. The "Root of David" points to His ancestral lineage. Both of these signify the linage of the Messiah and points to His royalty.

What is the significance to us of drinking Jesus' blood and eating his flesh. Let's not argue whether this is meant literally or figuratively. Whichever it is, what does that act signify for us? When we 'drink Jesus' blood and eat His flesh' we are coming together and uniting ourselves to Him and to His death. Why was this such a radical idea for Jesus' disciples? For the Jesus' disciples this was a radical idea because the Jews were forbidden to eat any blood: 10 And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner of blood; I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people. 11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. 12 Therefore I said unto the children of Israel, No soul of you shall eat blood, neither shall any stranger that sojourneth among you eat blood. 13 And whatsoever man there be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, which hunteth and catcheth any beast or fowl that may be eaten; he shall even pour out the blood thereof, and cover it with dust. 14 For it is the life of all flesh; the blood of it is for the life thereof: therefore I said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh: for the life of all flesh is the blood thereof: whosoever eateth it shall be cut off. Leviticus 17:10-14 (KJV) For many of the disciples these words did not sit well with them, they left and no longer followed Jesus. From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. John 6:66 (KJV) In what way should it be a radical idea for us? Even today this is not a practice that is accepted in most of our nations.

Q5. In what way does each celebration of the Lord's Supper anticipate a future Passover meal? As we celebrate the Lord's Supper we remember His words: But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. Matthew 26:29 (KJV) We look forward with anticipation of sharing the fruit of the vine with Our Savior and Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God and we remember His death until he comes. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. 1 Corinthians 11:26 (KJV)

Q4. Why is it so important to forgive those who have offended us before partaking of the Lord's Supper? It is important to forgive those who have offended us before partaking of the Lord's Supper because we were commanded to and if we don't forgive we will be guilty of partaking of the Lord's Supper unworthily. 27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 1 Corinthians 11:27-29 (KJV) As the Apostle Paul admonished us, we must examine ourselves before partaking of the Lord's Supper. If in our examination we discover that there is a sin that we need to repent of and seek forgiveness and at the same time there is a person who has offended us; we must deal with this later issue even before we seek forgiveness for our deeds. We cannot hope to receive forgiveness from the Lord if we do not forgive those who trespass against us. 14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14-15 (KJV) In what sense are the Lord's Supper and unforgiveness incompatible? The Lord's Supper is a commemoration of forgivemess, when we come to the table we should come with clean hearts, worthy of the bread and the cup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 1 Corinthians 11:29-30 (KJV)

Q3. Why should the words, "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins" (Matthew 26:28) fill us with sorrow? Why should they fill us with joy? It should fill us with sorrow because though Jesus' blood was poured out for many, there are still many who have neglected to take part in this covenant. Those who have accepted the new blood covenant should be filled with joy because we have been included and is set free having received forgiveness of sins.

Q2. Compare the annual Jewish Passover celebration meal in Jesus' day with the Christian's celebration of the Lord's Supper. Where are the similarities? Where are the differences? Both celebrations are for the comemoration of freedom. The Jews use this ocassion to celebrate and comemorate their feeedom from slavery. The Christians, both Jews and non-Jews, celebration of the Lord's Supper is in remembrance of Christ freeing us from sin by His death.

Q1. In what way did the lambs on the first Passover protect the families of God's people? (Exodus 12) The families of God's people were protected from the judgment on the firstborn because the sacrificial blood was smeared on the doorposts and lintel of their homes. What is the primary point of comparison between the first Passover lambs and what Christ did for us as our Passover Lamb? The primary point of comparison between the first Passover Lambs and what Christ did for us as our Passover Lamb is that both lambs stood as a substitute. The first Passover Lambs were substitutes for the firstborn males and animals in the Israelites' household. When the death angle pass over the homes the forstborns were not killed as were the firstborns of the Eqyptians. Then Christ as our Passover Lamb, took our place on the cross when He gave his life to redeem sinful man from the judgement of death.

Q5. Extra Credit: In what sense have we been set free or relased from slavery to sin? When Jesus died on the cross in our place he paid the price to set us free from the slavery of sin. Though born in sin, we have a choice to be freed from sin. Once we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, then His blood cleanses us, we are forgiven of our sins and the Holy Spirit takes up residence in us. Why do we need the Holy Spirit to help us keep this freedom? The Holy Spirit is with us to help us live a righteous and a holy life. Jesus told his disciples that it is the Holy Spirit who would bring back to them the teachings that he taught them. And so it is for us today. As we study and meditate on the Word of God the Holy Spirit brings the Word back to us when we need it. Whether it is in time of discouragement, temptation, sickness, hardship; whatever the case may be, we have the Holy Spirit as counselor, advocate, guide and friend.

Q4. According to the slave-ransom analogy, who is the slave? The slaves are unregenerated human beings. What is he enslaved by? He is enslaved by sin. Who offers the ransom? The ransom is offered by God the Son who is the Lamb of God. If Satan is involved in the enslaving process, why isn't the ransom paid to him? Satan is involved in the enslaving process, but the ransom is not paid to him. The ransom was payment for man's return to the position he once held before Satan entrapped him and enslaving him to sin, thereby robbing him of his place with God. Why isn't the slave-ransom analogy spelled out completely in the New Testament? The slave-ransom analogy is not spelled out completely in the New Testament because it is one of those mysteries which involves God the Father and God the Son. Bible authors did not and indeed they can go no further since the writings are inspired by God the Holy Spirit and the choice was to end the analogy as it was.

Q3. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) How should we disciples apply the principles: "You are not your own, you were bought with a price"? As disciples we should apply the principles: "You are not your own, you were bought with a price," as a fact of who we are. We are owned by Him who paid the ransom price. We do not own ourselves. How should this affect our living? Our living should be as unto the Lord, our Master.

Q2. What comparisons do you see between Jesus and the role of the Old Testament type of the Kinsman-Redeemer? The Old Testament Kinsman-Redeemer bought the freedom of relatives who had become slaves, having a debt they could not pay. In like manner Jesus is our Kinsman-Redeemer; he bought our freedom from sin, a price we could never pay.

Q1. In the New Testament world, what class of humans were freed by payment of a redemption price or a ransom? Jesus' death on the cross was the ranson for the whole world. In the New Testament world all class of humans were freed by this redemption. Those who accepted Christ's gift to the world, were called Christians. Why do you think that Jesus, Peter, and Paul used this analogy in this week's theme verses. This analogy was used to show that the sinner man is enslaved to sin. The redemptive price for repented man was incorruptible and freed man from the yoke and slavery of sin. What about the Christian life does it help explain? The Christian is no longer a slave to sin. He has been redeemed and is set free, the Holy Spirit working within to teach and to guide him.

Q5. Which single New Testament passage best sums up for you the lessons of Isaiah 53? "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 Peter 3:18 (KJV) Why did you chose this passage? List of NT Allusions to Isaiah 53. This verse lends references to the major points in Isaiah 53. The allusions to Isaiah 53 are: Its referenced to Christ as bearing our sins - substitutionary atonement ("...suffered for sins...") Him receiving the punishment that we deserved ("...the just for the unjust...") Him doing so voluntarily "...being put to death ...") That we be cleansed and justified ("...that he might bring us to God...") God having vindicated and raised him from the dead ("...being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:").

Q4. The Servant also bears the punishment deserved by sinners. In what sense, if any, did Jesus bear the punishment due you when he died on the cross? When the Servant bore the punishment of "the many," (Praise the Lord) it included me. All of us have sinned and the only way to be forgiven of sin is through the cross. I no longer have to fear punishment for sin because of what Jesus did for me on the cross. I have confessed, repented and accepted Him as my Savior and now by the grace of God I am saved. Saved, I may add from the punishment that was due me.

Q3. Isaiah 53 teaches what theologians call "the substitutionary atonement." In what sense does the Servant act as a substitute to bear our sins? Put it in your own words. Christ bearing our sins for us, "the substitutionary atonement," can be seen in the following ways: The sicknesses and diseases that came upon man as a result of sin was taken upon Him so that man did not have to endure alone The sorrow and burdens that may come our way He has taken upon himself The load of guilt and pain of sin He has taken upon himself He continuously intercedes with the Father on our behalf And all this, Christ Jesus the Suffering-Servant bore for us. Indeed, He is the substitute for us, He bears our sins so we don't have to. Yet, so many pick them up, among the other weightiness of the world and carry them by refusing the finished work of Calvary.

Q2. Which New Testament parallels to Isaiah 53 convince you that Jesus himself saw his own mission and destiny spelled out in Isaiah 53? If you aren't convinced, what stands in your way? The following verse: "For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end." Luke 22:37 (KJV) Clearly Jesus knew his mission and wanted his disciples to know that the things written concerning him must be fulfilled.

Q1. From how large a group of people does God remove sins in Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12? According to Isaiah 53:12 He "bare the sin of many." This may seem exclusive since we are so used to saying that "the whole world," but only those who accepts the atoning work at the cross can be counted in the many." In what sense is this a universal sacrifice of salvation? This is a universal sacrifice of salvation as the opportunity to accept is given to every person in the world. No one is excluded. In what sense is Jesus' sacrifice wasted on some people? Some people refuse to accept Jesus' sacrifice. Even though our sin has been atoned for, we must confess our sins, repent and accept Jesus' sacrifice. If we don't then we'd die in our sins.

Q6. What do you think God intended animal sacrifice teach us about sin? About holiness? About God's nature? God intended animal sacrifice to teach us that sin does not go unpunished, it requires the sheding of blood. God is holy, just and merciful; He allowed these sacrifices to purge their sins, though not fully adequate the sacrifice atoned for sin until a better sacrifice came.

Q5. In what sense is God's provision of animal sacrifice for forgiveness of sins an expression of his mercy? God's provision of animal sacrifice for forgiveness of sins is an expression of His mercy in that the blood that was shed was not that of the sinner himself but of one a lesser "animal." Were animal sacrifices actually adequate to atone for human sin? No, the author of Hebrews tells us,"it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins" (Hebrews 10:4), for the "lesser" animal cannot really substitute for the "greater" human being. Man needs someone greater than himself to actually atone for and do away with sin.

Q4. What are the basic elements involved in a sacrifice for sin? (Leviticus 4:32-35; 5:5-6) The basic elements involved in a sacrifice for sin were: Confession of the sin by the sinner. Sacrificing an animal that has no defect. The priest collecting the blood of the sacrifice and putting it on the horns of the altar, and pouring some out at the base of the altar. The priest also receiving the fat portions, which were to be burned on the altar. In addition, he was to eat the meat in case of a sin offering. Which of these are still necessary for forgiveness of sins today? The only element that is still necessary for the forgiveness of sins today is confession of sin . Which are no longer necessary? Why? The sacrificing of animals is no longer necessary, and also the duties of the priest at the sacrifice are no longer necessary. These are no longer necessary because Jesus, our substitute Lamb, took the place of the sacrifice and atoned for the "sin of the world."

Q3. Why is animal sacrifice repulsive to modern people? How much of this has to do with a city vs. a farming way of life? Animal sacrifice is repulsive to modern people because we see the killing of animals as necessary only for human survival. For many who live in the city, away from the farm life, they may never see an animal's life being taken away. Those who live or work on a farm may have many ocassions to see, assist in or themselves slaughtering of animals for commercial sales. This later group may become so acustomed to animal slaughter, that they see and feel nothing out of the ordinary.

Q2. Why is anger an appropriate response to sin? Anger is an appropriate response to sin because it goes against the holiness and righteousness of God and is offensive to God. What is the difference between capricious or uncontrolled anger and anger that brings about justice? Actions as a result of capricious or uncontrolled anger may be directed toward the person as opposed to it being directed toward the sin itself. Anger that brings about justice is directed at the sin and teaches what is unacceptable behavior.

Q1. How do you know that John the Baptist's statement about the Lamb of God refers to sacrifice? (John 1:29). In those days lambs were commonly used by the Jews for sacrifices to obtain forgiveness for sins. How was the comprehensiveness of "sins of the world" so radical a concept? This was such a radical concept because of the implication that this "one Lamb sacrifice" would be sufficient to obtain the forgiveness for the "sin of the world." The world being inclusive of all peoples, from then, to the present and until Jesus the Lamb of God returns to take us home; everybody who ever sin. Outside of the knowledge of God and His sovereignty, it would be truly inconceivable.