The Fulfillment in Christ

 

 The sacrificial practices and symbolic elements of the Old Testament find their ultimate realization and completion in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christ is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. Here’s how key Old Testament sacrifices, particularly the Passover lamb and the Day of Atonement, are fulfilled in Christ:

1. The Passover Lamb

Old Testament Context:

  • Passover Lamb: In Exodus 12, the Passover lamb was sacrificed to protect the Israelites from the plague of the firstborn. Its blood, applied to the doorposts, signified the houses that the Lord would "pass over" during the plague, sparing the firstborns within.

Fulfillment in Christ:

  • Jesus as the Lamb of God: John the Baptist identifies Jesus as "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). This identification signifies Jesus as the ultimate Passover lamb.
  • Sacrifice and Redemption: Jesus’ crucifixion during Passover underscores the fulfillment. His blood, like that of the Passover lamb, brings salvation. As the lamb's blood saved the Israelites from physical death, Jesus' blood saves believers from spiritual death.
  • New Covenant: The Last Supper, which Jesus shared with His disciples during Passover, reinterprets the Passover meal. Jesus presents the bread and wine as His body and blood, signifying the new covenant (Luke 22:19-20). This act establishes Jesus as the fulfillment of the Passover sacrifice, offering Himself for the redemption of humanity.

2. The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)

Old Testament Context:

  • Day of Atonement: Leviticus 16 describes Yom Kippur, a day dedicated to the atonement for the sins of Israel. The high priest would offer a bull for his own sins and a goat for the people’s sins, and send another goat (the scapegoat) into the wilderness, symbolically carrying away the sins of the people.

Fulfillment in Christ:

  • Jesus as High Priest and Sacrifice: The Book of Hebrews elaborates on Jesus as both the high priest and the perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 9:11-14). Unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Old Testament, Jesus’ sacrifice is once and for all, providing complete atonement for sin.
  • Removal of Sin: Like the scapegoat, Jesus takes upon Himself the sins of humanity. His death and resurrection is the removal of sin and the ultimate reconciliation with God (Hebrews 9:28).
  • Entering the Holy of Holies: Just as the high priest entered the Holy of Holies with the blood of the sacrifice, Jesus entered the heavenly sanctuary with His own blood, securing eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12).

3. General Fulfillment of Old Testament Sacrificial System

Types and Shadows:

  • Prefigurations: The Old Testament sacrifices are seen as types and shadows, prefiguring the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. The various sacrifices (burnt offerings, sin offerings, peace offerings) pointed to different aspects of Christ’s sacrifice.
  • Complete Fulfillment: Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection fulfill these sacrificial types by providing a once-for-all atonement that does not need to be repeated (Hebrews 10:10-14). His sacrifice addresses not only individual sins but the sin nature itself, offering eternal life.

4.  Implications

New Covenant Life:

  • Law Fulfillment: Jesus fulfills the Law, embodying its moral and sacrificial demands. He establishes a new covenant based on grace and faith rather than adherence to the Law (Matthew 5:17; Romans 6:14).
  • Access to God: Believers now have direct access to God through Christ, eliminating the need for continual sacrifices and priestly mediation (Hebrews 4:14-16; 10:19-22).
  • Transformation of Worship: Worship shifts from the Temple-based sacrificial system to a spiritual worship centered on Christ’s finished work. The Eucharist (Communion) becomes the central act of Christian worship, commemorating Jesus’ sacrifice (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

 Jesus Christ is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system. The Passover lamb and the Day of Atonement rituals find their completion in His sacrificial death, which brings redemption, atonement, and reconciliation with God. Through Jesus, the symbols and shadows of the Old Testament are realized in a new and perfect covenant, offering believers eternal salvation and a direct relationship with God.