SNAPSHOTS OF
REVELATION

SYMBOLISM SPECIAL!
"LAMB"

INTRODUCTION

The universal and timeless appeal of a little white lamb has in every age drawn Bible believers to exclaim in wonder, "What an amazing God we have -- Almighty beyond our imagination, yet willing to be symbolized as a lamb. What a God! What a wonderful Savior!" The Lamb is mentioned 28 times in Revelation -- That is more times than in any Bible book other than Numbers. The total spectrum of salvation history is connected with Lamb symbolism. As you move through the book of Revelation looking at the Lamb symbolism you will also find other symbols and events concerning the Lamb. Most of these will be explained in later study guides. Right now, ask God to lead you as you open your Bible and learn more about your living Lord and Savior, Jesus.

INTROSPECTION --
HOW DO YOU FEEL?

Would you be surprised if someone described you as a lamb? Why?

What have others said?

What would be your last wish if you were to die for a cause or person?

What have others said?

GROW IN THE WORD

SACRIFICE OF THE LAMB

It is a shocking experience to visit a slaughterhouse and see lambs butchered. What emotions are aroused by your first view of the Lamb in Revelation? Revelation 5:6

What have others said?

Cross Reference

Is it just assumed that the Lamb represents Jesus or is this clearly understood from other parts of Scripture?

Notice: John 1:29, 36

John called Jesus the

Jesus came to earth and took humanity after men and women had been affected by thousands of years of sin. Although the Lamb took human nature, He never once gave in to sin.
1 Peter 1:18, 19 .

Christ is a lamb without

Obviously Jesus was the perfect sacrifice; the sinless God who died FOR sin that you may have forgiveness and victory OVER sin.

SALVATION THROUGH THE LAMB

Now for some highly symbolic language:

What graphic, visual imagery pictures the way of complete perfection for all who accept the sacrifice of the Lamb? Revelation 7:14

What have others said?

Can you describe a laundry situation when you tried to remove a stain from a white garment?

What have others said?

White is mentioned twenty times in Revelation and is a symbol of righteousness. Washing in the blood of the Lamb symbolizes the removal of every stain of sin. The sinner is justified by faith in the sacrifice of the Lamb. The blood of Jesus, however, seems to be significant also in the battle with sin that even a justified believer experiences.

In what way can you overcome? Revelation 12:11

What have others said?

SATANIC COUNTERFEIT OF THE LAMB

The problem of evil and its eradication is also pictured in the symbolism of the Lamb. Satanic forces have masqueraded as wolves in sheep's clothing (Matthew 7:15). Look at this in Revelation 13:

A lamb-like beast speaks as verse 11

And forces verse 15

What threats does the lamb-like power use? verse 15-17

What have others said?

List some of the contrasts you see between the counterfeit lamb and the true Lamb.

Counterfeit Lamb True Lamb

In your study guide of Revelation 13 you will look at some clues for identifying the lamb-like beast. But it is important now to know and follow the true Lamb.

STRANGE ACTIONS OF THE LAMB

At the end of history, as unrepentant sinners sense God's wrath against sin and all the suffering it has caused, how do they relate to the Lamb? Revelation 6:16, 17

What have others said?

When you were in elementary school, did you ever feel like hiding from the teacher when you had done wrong?

What have others said?

The presence of the Lamb, which is a place of untold joy for those who have accepted His sacrifice, becomes a place of terrible self-torment for those who realize the foolishness of rejecting His love. Notice the stunning contrast between Revelation 14:10 and Revelation 7:17 .

Revelation 14:10 Revelation 7:17

Salvation symbolism also points God's people to what beautiful event with the Lamb? Revelation 19:7, 8.

Your study guide on Revelation 19 will help you understand all of the beautiful wedding symbolism but right now you can accept Jesus' invitation to prepare for the greatest marriage in the history of the universe. Jesus wants you at His wedding -- clothed in the white linen of righteousness. Why not bow before Jesus now and tell Him that you are accepting His invitation.

FAITH IN ACTION

Think of some ways a person whose robe has been washed in the blood of the Lamb can help others have this same joyful experience.

What have others said?

SPIRITUAL GROWTH WITH GOD

Of all the animals, why do you think Jesus chose to be symbolized as a lamb?

What have others said?

Why does Jesus need to give you a beautiful white robe?

What have others said?

In contrast to the force and fear used by evil powers, what motivating influences does Jesus use in your life?

What have others said?

In the book of Revelation Jesus is both High Priest and Sacrifice. Would you consider one more important than the other?

What have others said?

Continue to the next lesson

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