By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi

The Lord Jesus Christ lived a sinless life, and was perfect in thought, words and deeds. He obeyed His Father’s will and accomplished everything ordained for Him. Ultimately, He offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice as payment for our salvation. Through this sacrifice, He bestows upon us the fullness of grace, godliness and every spiritual blessing necessary for our journey to glory.

Christ, the saving Lamb, is our Sufficiency, who accomplished the efficacious sacrifice that sets us free from sin. Sinners must recognise that sin can damn and destroy the soul. They should, therefore, come to the Lord in sincerity, confess and forsake their sins. Afterwards, they must ask Christ for the grace and strength to resist sin and remain steadfast. Religious persons who still struggle with common, secret or besetting sin should avail themselves of Christ’s atoning work at calvary because He has completed every requirement for our salvation and is “… able to save (us) to the uttermost.”

Besides shedding His blood to forgive and save us from sins, Christ sacrificed Himself to purify our hearts, spirits and nature from inner depravity and disposition. Driven by love for the Church, Christ “gave Himself for it; that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word (and) present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” If we believe in Christ’s sacrifice for our sanctification, and hope to get to heaven, we will avail ourselves of His work on the cross of Calvary and receive the sanctification of heart.

Christ is the supernatural Lamb who only is worthy to accomplish what no human or even an angel could do. He has complete supernatural power, sight, insight, knowledge and the fullness of the Spirit of God. He is also our Shepherd who has provided the means for us to be pardoned, purified and made perfect. Those who are imperfect should utilise the provisions of our great Shepherd who empowers us to be “perfect in every good work to do his will, working in (us) that which is well-pleasing in his sight.”

Christ, the preeminent Lamb of God, possesses supreme, sustaining power over all things – visible and invisible. “And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” As Creator and Sustainer, He gives existence and continuity to all. He has “the preeminence” in all things in heaven, on earth, relating to our salvation, sanctification and the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Christ demonstrated humility through submission, despite being supreme. He willingly “took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men,” relinquishing divine privileges. He “endured the cross, despising the shame.” As believers, we are called to emulate Christ’s humility and not pursue after reputation, self-esteem or promotion by the world. Also, we should not assume the posture of lords over God’s heritage like those who in the world, oppress and trample on their subordinates.

Christ, the sinless Lamb, occupies a royal, exalted position. As our supreme high Priest, He “is able to save to the uttermost,” purge and prepare those who “come unto God by him” for their heavenly home. Although “the kings of the earth” may rage, hate and rebel, still, God has “set (Christ as) king” and sovereign over them. Those who are highly placed, popular or preeminent in this world should “be wise … (and) be instructed” to surrender their lives to Christ now because that is the only way to escape the wrath to come. Similarly, those who are called to “serve the Lord” must do so “with (reverential) fear, and rejoicing with trembling.” Believers in general are admonished to love and trust the Son of God more than anything in this world, as this attracts blessings.

• Further reading (King James Version): John 1:29,36. Revelation 13:8; 17:14. Genesis 22:7,8; Romans 5:8-11; 1 Thessalonians 5:9. Exodus 12:3-5; 1 Peter 1:18,19; 1 Corinthians 5:7,8. Isaiah 53:4-7; and 1 Peter 2:23,24, among others.