Table of Contents
This lesson covers the symbolic meaning of the “flesh and blood of the Lamb” mentioned in the Bible. It explains that the Lamb refers to Jesus Christ, and his flesh and blood represent his words of life that give eternal life. The lesson draws parallels between the Passover events in Exodus when the Israelites had to sacrifice a lamb and put its blood on their doorframes to be passed over by the angel of death, and Jesus’s teachings about partaking of his flesh and blood (words) to pass from death to life. It shows how this pattern repeats at the Second Coming, when people are called to “come out” of Babylon. The main points are understanding the symbolic meanings behind the parables, learning from biblical history, having faith in God’s promises being fulfilled, and discerning where we need to “come out from” or “come to” in our current time.
Shincheonji holds distinct theological views that differ from mainstream Christian denominations, yet it also shares some common teachings. This overlap can sometimes blur the lines between their beliefs and those of traditional Christianity. Therefore, it is essential to exercise critical thinking and discernment to differentiate between these shared elements and the unique doctrines they present.
While their interpretations warrant careful examination through a critical and biblical lens, it is equally important to approach these matters with an open yet discerning mindset.
The following notes were documented in person during Shincheonji’s 9-month Bible Study Seminar. They provide insight into the organization’s approach to introducing and explaining its beliefs to potential new members, often referred to as the ‘harvesting and sealing.’ This process is described as being ‘born again’ or ‘born of God’s seed,’ which involves uprooting the old beliefs and replanting new ones. This uprooting and replanting must occur continuously. By examining this process, we can gain a better understanding of the mindset and beliefs held by Shincheonji members.
Figurative meanings:
Secrets of Heaven: Figurative Flesh and Blood of the Lamb Part One
This lesson is critical for our lives of faith, as it teaches us how we should operate or what we should do at the time of the second coming, and how we should approach it.
One crucial thing to understand about this lesson is that God has a fingerprint, a pattern in which He operates. We often see things in the Bible repeat themselves over and over again. This repetition helps us comprehend how events will unfold in our time. So, keep in mind God's fingerprint, God's pattern, and how things happen in the Bible.
In this lesson, we have two parables to understand: the lamp and the flesh and blood of the lamb. The figurative lamb is quite straightforward. The figurative lamb, of course, is Jesus. But what does the flesh and blood of the lamb represent? What is the flesh and blood of the lamb?
We have briefly introduced this concept before, and I pray that everyone remembers what we learned. The flesh and blood of the lamb often refer to communion, as mentioned in Luke 22:14-20. However, the communion is only a symbol of what the flesh and blood of the lamb truly signify.
In this lesson, we will understand what the flesh and blood of the lamb mean. It represents Jesus' Words of Life, signified or represented by what we'll discuss in the next lesson, but the communion. So, we'll get to that. But first, we'll learn about the history of the flesh and blood of the lamb and why Jesus said that we need to partake of it.
Jesus' words of life are our hope for today: to partake in the Passover, as mentioned in Revelation, is significant. What does this mean? And how do we receive eternal life from doing this? That's what we'll be exploring and discussing today.
God’s Trademark and Pattern
Today, we will examine this topic. Let us open the book of Isaiah. First, we will remind ourselves of God's trademark, His pattern, His distinctive fingerprint.
Isaiah 14:24
The Lord Almighty has sworn,
“Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen.
God's trademark, His fingerprint, His pattern, is that He plans or promises. God prophesies, and then He does as He planned, as He promised, as He prophesied.
God always keeps His promises, always. It is a losing battle to go against a promise of God. You will lose in that fight. God always keeps His promises. So, when God speaks something, no matter how fantastical it may seem, no matter how strange it may seem, no matter how out of this world it may seem, it is going to take place.
It is going to happen, but it will not happen according to our own thoughts. It will happen according to God's thoughts, in God's way. And oftentimes, God's plans do not, in the moment, make sense. Sometimes they're a little bit strange. "Why is God asking us to do this?" But let's be those who follow what God says anyway because the blessing is always on the other side of following what God has promised. So, what did God promise about flesh and blood? What is the history behind it?
1. Spiritual (True) Meaning of Flesh and Blood of Lamb
John 1:29
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
"The Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world."
Now, if we look at the Bible at a surface level, we might not even really consider the depth of what that statement is saying.
Let's say, "Okay, yeah, of course, Jesus is the Lamb of God." However, we may not truly understand why He is called the Lamb. What is the significance behind this title? We may know that He had to be sacrificed on the cross, but there is actually a deeper level as to why He is specifically called the Lamb.
Let's explore that in more detail because Jesus says we must do something with His flesh and His blood.
John 6:54
Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.
What did Jesus say? "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood will have eternal life." Now, imagine being in the crowd when Jesus uttered these words. What thoughts might have crossed your mind?
John 6:52 likely crossed the minds of the people present. It would have crossed our minds as well.
Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, saying, "Does this man believe in cannibalism? Who is this man standing before us? This strange individual. We already had our doubts about him, but now it's confirmed. He's demon-possessed."
Do we often engage in the mental exercise of trying to put ourselves in the situation and the mindset of the people at that time? We really should start doing that more frequently because the things that Jesus said on a surface level are quite strange, unless you understand what he's actually saying, which many people did not. And they did not give Jesus the time of day to truly comprehend his words after the fact.
Only 12 did. "Oh, this is nonsense! He speaks madness."
And so, what do you think people did when they rejected Jesus's words? They would have gone on Twitter and Facebook, typing "This guy is nonsense," hit send, writing letters to their pen pals saying, "This guy's madness." And they would have put it in the post and shipped it. They would have started writing blogs, saying, "This is what I saw. This is what I heard. Oh, yes, I'm sorry. That was 2,000 years ago."
Those technologies did not exist back then. Well, you can see how it could happen even today, right? That's why those spaces are like a sea filled with undrinkable water. Everybody's thoughts and opinions are just flooding people, and people are drinking it and becoming even more confused. They spread lies about Jesus in droves, didn't they?
They called him a Samaritan. They called him demon-possessed. They called him a sinner for hanging out with prostitutes and tax collectors. They called him many things because they did not understand his words.
So then, what is Jesus's actual flesh and blood? What did he mean when he said this? Let's see what he says.
John 6:63.
The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.
Jesus said, "It is the spirit that gives life. The flesh counts for nothing." He was not talking about physical flesh. He meant, "My words are the flesh and blood that you should eat."
How does one eat words? By listening to them attentively, savoring them, just as Job 34:3-4 says, "For the ear tests words as the tongue tastes food."
Those who listened to the words of Jesus were receiving life. Those who rejected the words of Jesus did not receive life. The act of "eating" Jesus' words, by carefully listening and accepting them, is what brought life.
John 6:68
Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.
Simon Peter asked, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have believed and have come to know that you are the Holy One of God." This was after many of Jesus' disciples had left him because they found his teaching too difficult to accept.
Jesus, in his flesh and blood, spoke words of life. His disciples recognized that there was nowhere else for them to go, as he alone had the words that lead to eternal life.
2. Passover at Old Testament
Genesis 15:13-14
13 Then the Lord said to him, “Know for certain that for four hundred years your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own and that they will be enslaved and mistreated there. 14 But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will come out with great possessions.
In Genesis 15:13-14 and throughout Genesis 15, God comes to Abram before his name was changed to Abraham. God tells Abram, "Your descendants, the ones that I promised you, they will be enslaved in a land not their own for 400 years. But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and they will come out of that place with a great many possessions." Keep the phrase "Come out. Come out" in mind. It is very important. "Come out. Come out." Remember this phrase for the rest of this lesson. God says this is what will happen.
Later, Abraham has Isaac, who has Jacob, who has 12 sons. Through the drama involving Joseph, their family eventually ends up in Egypt, and the prophecy begins to be fulfilled. However, keep this in mind: Did God tell Abram which specific country his descendants would be enslaved in? No, he did not. Did he tell him how they would come out of that place or what the process would be? No, he did not. That information was not pertinent for Abram at that time. God just told him that it would take place, but the where and the how were not revealed. Remember how God operates. He speaks in parables to hide the secrets from the enemy, so that Satan cannot stop his plan. Therefore, someone hearing the testimony of how this was fulfilled should not say, "Well, God didn't say it was Egypt." We know it was Egypt because it fits all the characteristics that God had promised. That's how we know it's Egypt.
And, of course, it has already taken place and been fulfilled. So there's no question. Someone cannot then say, "Oh, it was actually Ethiopia that they were enslaved in." I would laugh that person out of the room and kindly tell them not to speak for the rest of the meeting.
Right? So let's look at how this was fulfilled by reading Exodus 12:1-14 and keeping in mind all the things that God is asking these people to do.
Exodus 12:1-14
1 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in Egypt, 2 “This month is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year. 3 Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb[a] for his family, one for each household. 4 If any household is too small for a whole lamb, they must share one with their nearest neighbor, having taken into account the number of people there are. You are to determine the amount of lamb needed in accordance with what each person will eat. 5 The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect, and you may take them from the sheep or the goats. 6 Take care of them until the fourteenth day of the month, when all the members of the community of Israel must slaughter them at twilight. 7 Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs. 8 That same night they are to eat the meat roasted over the fire, along with bitter herbs, and bread made without yeast. 9 Do not eat the meat raw or boiled in water, but roast it over a fire—with the head, legs and internal organs. 10 Do not leave any of it till morning; if some is left till morning, you must burn it. 11 This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the Lord’s Passover.
12 “On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn of both people and animals, and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord. 13 The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.
14 “This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord—a lasting ordinance.
So, what we just read is the first Passover. Let's break down the details one by one because there is a lot.
I want to ensure that we can fully comprehend everything covered here. This is after the 10 plagues have concluded, or this is the last plague that will take place.
The plague of the firstborn. Moses had been pleading with Pharaoh to let his people go, but Pharaoh refused. And each time, God brought a plague upon the people. The firstborn of every household that did not keep this command would die.
If someone did not follow these instructions exactly as recorded, their firstborn would be no more. Would God say, "Oh, you didn't keep that command, but it's okay. Let me give you a hug"? No, that's not how God operates. You did not follow my command. The consequences are now yours.
What were the people asked to do? Take a lamb. It had to be spotless, a pure lamb. They were to roast that lamb and eat some of it. Eat what? All of it, the whole thing. Leave nothing behind. If it was too much for one household, they were to share it with their neighboring household.
What were they supposed to do with the blood of that lamb? Put the blood on the door frames of the house. And when that happened, the angel of death, when seeing the blood, would pass over the house, and the firstborn would be spared.
God said, eat the lamb in haste, quickly. Leave nothing behind. Have your belt strapped tightened, sandals on your feet, and a cane or rod in your hand, so that you're ready to go. Once it's eaten and the door blood is placed on the door frames, after the plague is concluded, it's time to what? Come out, leave. Get out of the place that has kept you enslaved – Egypt at that time.
So, there was the Passover, the angel passing over their houses, and then they came out of Egypt. They crossed over to a new land. Of course, they had to then go through a new saga, the desert, as we talked about at the beginning.
Do you remember what I said last time at the beginning? God has a Fingerprint, a pattern, which means this process repeats itself.
Let's see how it repeated itself at the time of the first coming.
3. Passover at First Coming
Let's discuss the pattern of Passover during Jesus' first coming. I am not referring to the ritual celebration that occurred yearly. That's not the focus here. Ever since this event took place, the Israelites have been celebrating Passover, right? It was a common holiday at that time. However, this was a significant, symbolic Passover that only those willing to hear Jesus's explanation actually realized at the time.
So, regarding Passover at the first coming, let's recreate the picture made during the first time but update it for Jesus' first coming.
At this time, God's people were still the Israelites. And guess what? The Israelites were still slaves, but not literally. And they didn't know it yet.
John 8:32
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." But the people then said to Jesus, "What do you mean by 'set free'? We have never been slaves." When they said this, they were referring to the current generation at that time. Of course, they understood that their ancestors had been slaves, but they themselves, the people living during the first coming of Jesus, had never been physically enslaved.
So, they argued with Jesus, "What do you mean? We are free people. We are the children of Abraham. We are the children of God." However, what they did not realize was that they had descended into slavery once again. And who were their slavers this time? During the time of the first coming, who were the ones enslaving the Israelites? There were those who were in charge of them at that time, or the people in authority. Who led them before Jesus came? At the time of the first coming, who were their leaders?
The Pharisees, the Sadducees, and the teachers of the law. And about these people, what did Jesus say in Matthew 15:14? "Leave them. For they are blind guides. And if a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit." The Pharisees had them in slavery, but they did not realize it at that time. That's why when Jesus said, "The truth will set you free," they thought, "What do you mean? What are you talking about? We are free people. We live in our land. We do things the way we like to do them. We have always been doing them this way. What are you talking about?" That's what they said to Jesus.
So, Jesus had to come and, just like the first time, Jesus had to say, "Eat my flesh and drink my blood. And whoever does so will cross over from death to life.
John 5:24
“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.
Whoever hears Jesus' words and believes, what did He say? They have crossed over from death to life. Whoever hears His words and believes them has crossed over or passed over from death to life. But in order to do this, they had to leave the place that had them in slavery, and they had to eat Jesus's flesh and blood. As He said in John 6, "Eat my flesh and my blood, and eat it in haste, for you do not realize where you are."
"I'm about to judge this place with my words. Don't be there when the judgment takes place."
So, what did Jesus say? "Eat my flesh and drink my blood." Jesus was trying to have them remember this. He was trying to have them recall what their ancestors had to do all those years ago. Of course, He wasn't talking about cannibalism. But He was saying, just like your ancestors had to eat the flesh of the lamb and put the blood on their door frames, you need to do the same thing now. But this time, I am the lamb. This time, my words are what you are to eat. "Eat my words."
But only twelve did it. Only twelve really ate Jesus's flesh and His blood. This is the reason why Jesus shared communion with these people. And we'll talk about that more next time when we look at part 2 of this lesson. Because there's so much to cover, it had to be split into two parts. So, we'll cover this more in part 2.
"Eat my flesh and drink my blood."
So guess what? It will happen again, but this time, in the book of Revelation.
4. Passover at Second Coming
Revelation 18:1-4
After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven. He had great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his splendor. 2 With a mighty voice he shouted:
“‘Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!’[a]
She has become a dwelling for demons
and a haunt for every impure spirit,
a haunt for every unclean bird,
a haunt for every unclean and detestable animal.
3 For all the nations have drunk
the maddening wine of her adulteries.
The kings of the earth committed adultery with her,
and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries.”
4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say:
“‘Come out of her, my people,’
so that you will not share in her sins,
so that you will not receive any of her plagues;
What do we observe here? There will be a place that emerges at the time of the second coming, referred to as Babylon.
Historically, Babylon was a massive and powerful nation. When the Israelites, during the time of Solomon, broke God's covenant, God allowed the Israelites to be conquered by Babylon and Assyria. Consequently, they were enslaved for 70 years.
If a place like Babylon is mentioned in Revelation, does it imply that the nation of Babylon will resurface during the second coming? No, we do not anticipate a UN charter being drafted for a new nation called Babylon. However, it signifies that a place will emerge, possessing similar characteristics to historical Babylon.
Meaning, it will be a place akin to the sea, a place with a multitude of mixed ideas, ideologies, and cultures. A place with undrinkable water. And a place that has swallowed up God's people. So, who are God's people today? God's people today are Believers. That's why it states, as everyone caught in verse 4...
Revelation 18:4
4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say:
“‘Come out of her, my people,’ so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues;
Come out of her, my people.
This message is for everyone who belongs to God. What is the place they must come out from? The place where Satan rules, Babylon, where his demons dwell – the unclean and detestable birds, the demons. That is the captured place.
It's not just some of God's people, but all of them. That's typically what we might think, "Oh, those are definitely those other people over there." Alright, we tend to do that. It's a bad habit.
Come out of her, my people. What is the thing that has made all nations drunk? All nations have become drunk, drinking these things that are making them mad – a place of maddening vine.
We can't wait to cover the figurative wine very soon and understand the maddening vine that is written in Revelation.
So, it is said that we must come out. But where do we go? At the time of the Old Testament, their destination was the Promised Land. At the time of the first coming, their destination was Jesus. Jesus was their destination. And even then, their ultimate destination was God.
That's why Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." God is this way. He's not over here; He's over there. So follow me. I'll take you to Him.
So, where is the place that God and Jesus promised?
Revelation 14:1
Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads.
The Lamb and who is the Lamb?
Jesus is promised to be in a specific place during the time of revelations. What is this place called? Mount Zion.
The place that is prophesied to appear and where the lamb will be. God seems to have a fondness for mountains. Should we explore this further? Okay, let's go back to Genesis. Noah and his family had been in the ark for a long time, but their ark came to rest on a mountain. Interesting.
God instructed Abram to take his son to be sacrificed on the top of a mountain.
Moses was strolling by on a mountain when he witnessed the burning bush. What was this?
Moses spent a significant amount of time on Mount Sinai, where he fellowshipped with God. It was there that God showed him the events of Genesis, and he wrote the law.
God loves mountains, and we'll have a dedicated lesson on symbolic mountains. But it's evident that God has a special affinity for mountains.
A special mountain is mentioned here, so you might be wondering, is it Mount Zion in this location? Well, are Babylon and Egypt, which are also mentioned in Revelation, literal places?
These are questions we should ask ourselves, but know this: This is the place where the lamb will be, as stated in Matthew 24:15-16.
And Jesus tells us we need to flee to the mountains. We'll discuss this in more detail as we continue to study, but a Passover is promised in our time, and it is connected to this place.
Memorization
John 6:68
Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.
Instructor Review
SUMMARY
Secrets of Heaven: The Figurative Flesh and Blood of the Lamb. The Lamb, of course, is Jesus. His flesh and His blood are His words of life. Just as we learned in the previous lesson, prophecies are spoken in parables. That is why initially, we did not understand them until we studied the parables themselves. And the parables are what sealed the words of prophecy until they are fulfilled and can be opened.
Let us learn from the history of the past so that we do not make the same mistakes. If we are feeling our hearts rumbling a little bit, let us pray that God takes that away and instead instills faith within us. Because God always keeps His promises. He has never once broken a promise. And He promised that a Lamb, His Son, will come.
And Jesus, His Son, says, "Guess what? You need to eat My flesh and drink My blood." And to those who are humble enough to ask Jesus, He explained, "They are My words that give eternal life." Jesus was trying to point the people back to Exodus 12.
People who knew what Exodus 12 meant because they celebrated the Passover every year, but they did not make that connection on their own. They missed it. Jesus had to explain it, the Passover.
God, through Moses, told the people to find a spotless lamb. Sacrifice that lamb. Eat all of it. And put its blood on your door frames, and the angel of death will pass over your house, and then you can come out of Egypt.
So then, at the time of Jesus' first coming, the people needed to be saved or freed again. So God, through Jesus, is giving the word in the Old Testament, prophecy and fulfillment. Those are the words that Jesus was using to call people out.
And at the time of the second coming, the same thing will happen. The New Testament prophecy and fulfillment will call people out of Babylon. That is the call that will come out. So let us heed that call and come out of that Babylon.
Review with the Instructor
Review
You saw what happened to the physical Israelites in the time of the Old Testament. When they didn't have faith in God's promises, I have good news for you all, though. Today, we have actually done something to build our faith, even if just a little bit. It's as simple as hearing the word, right? Romans 10:17 talks about how faith comes from hearing the word. So, I pray that as we're hearing the open word, we don't take these things for granted. Let us truly give thanks to God for being able to understand these things in the first place.
Alright, so thinking of the open word, we did dive back into the parables today. The title for the lesson was "Secrets of having figured the flesh and blood of the lamb." It was a command to pass over from death to life. And what did the Israelites have to do at that time? They had a physical lamb that they had to eat, and they actually spread that lamb's blood on their door frame. And that was a matter of life and death, right? And so, at the time of the first coming as well, a very similar situation.
John 5:24, what does it say? "Whoever hears my words." The words that Jesus spoke were the words that would have helped people at the time of the first coming to pass over from death to life, right? They also needed to go over from death to life. At the time of the second coming as well, Revelation 18:4 says, "Come out of her, my people, come out." There's a need to come out of a place, so even at the time of the first or the second coming as well.
There is a command to pass over. And then, so today, let's be those who are always discerning as well. Let's make an effort to understand where we are today. Am I at a place that I need to come out of? Am I in the place already where I need to come to? How do I know? Let's be those who discern, right? And so, if your answer is, "I don't know," we should be those who need to know with certainty, right? It's a matter of life and death. You want to know, to live your life. Okay, I might die.
I might live 50%. I'm going to go to work today. I might die. No, right? It's very serious. So, if the answer is even, "I don't know, I'm not a hundred percent sure," let's be those who continue to value the open word and continue to study. And we'll actually talk about it a bit more in our next lesson.
Let's Us Discern
Discernment is still a work in progress .... Proverbs 14:15 (ESV)
“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”
Analysis
Questions to Self-Reflect
Outline
Unveiling the Passover: A Journey Through Time
I. Introduction: Understanding God's Pattern
This section introduces the concept of recurring patterns in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of recognizing these patterns to understand God's plan, particularly in relation to the Second Coming. It also introduces the key metaphor of the lesson: "The flesh and blood of the lamb," which represents Jesus' words of life.
II. Review: The Importance of Revealed Word
This section reviews key takeaways from the previous lesson, highlighting the significance of understanding parables in prophecy and the role of fulfillment in unveiling their meaning. It emphasizes that historical examples in the Bible serve as warnings and guidance for believers today.
III. Learning From History: The Israelites' Mistake
This section analyzes Numbers 14, focusing on the Israelites' lack of faith in God's promise of the Promised Land. It contrasts their fear and grumbling with Caleb's unwavering faith, drawing a parallel to Hebrews 11:6, which states that faith is essential to please God. This section underscores the consequences of disbelief and the importance of aligning our spirit with God's.
IV. God's Trademark and Pattern: Promise and Fulfillment
This section establishes God's consistent pattern of making promises and fulfilling them, as exemplified in Isaiah 14:24. It emphasizes that God's plans unfold according to His will and timing, often defying human logic. This sets the stage for understanding the history and significance of the "flesh and blood of the lamb" promise.
V. Spiritual Meaning of the Flesh and Blood of the Lamb
This section explores the true meaning of "flesh and blood of the lamb" through John 1:29 and John 6:54. It addresses the initial misunderstanding of Jesus' words as advocating cannibalism, highlighting the importance of delving deeper into the spiritual meaning. John 6:63 reveals that Jesus' words, full of spirit and life, are the true "flesh and blood" that bring eternal life. This section culminates with Peter's declaration in John 6:68, acknowledging that Jesus alone possesses the words of eternal life.
VI. Passover in the Old Testament: A Blueprint for Liberation
This section revisits the first Passover in Exodus 12, detailing the specific instructions given to the Israelites. It emphasizes the life-or-death consequences of obeying these commands, which involved sacrificing a spotless lamb, consuming it entirely, and marking their doorposts with its blood. This act of obedience allowed them to escape slavery in Egypt, establishing a pattern of liberation through obedience.
VII. Passover at the First Coming: Jesus as the Lamb
This section examines the symbolic Passover at Jesus' first coming, emphasizing that the Israelites were once again enslaved, this time to the Pharisees and religious leaders. John 8:32 highlights their blindness to their own spiritual captivity. Jesus, as the Lamb, offers freedom through His words (John 5:24), urging them to "eat His flesh and drink His blood," symbolically representing acceptance and internalization of His teachings.
VIII. Passover at the Second Coming: Leaving Babylon
This section connects the Passover pattern to the Second Coming, drawing parallels between ancient Babylon and a symbolic Babylon described in Revelation 18. This "Babylon" represents a world steeped in spiritual darkness and deception, from which God's people are called to "come out" (Revelation 18:4). It highlights the urgency of recognizing and escaping this spiritual captivity.
IX. Mount Zion: The Promised Destination
This section introduces Mount Zion as the promised gathering place for God's people, where the Lamb (Jesus) will be present (Revelation 14:1). Drawing parallels to other significant mountains in biblical history, it emphasizes God's preference for mountains as places of revelation and encounter. This section concludes by connecting this promised gathering place to the Passover at the Second Coming, urging believers to discern their current spiritual location and seek the true Mount Zion.
X. Summary: Heeding the Call to Passover
This section summarizes the lesson's central message, emphasizing the importance of understanding the Passover pattern throughout history and recognizing its relevance to the present and future. It encourages believers to learn from the Israelites' mistakes, embrace God's promises, and accept Jesus' words as the true "flesh and blood" that offer eternal life. The lesson concludes with a call to action, urging believers to discern their spiritual location, heed the call to "come out" of Babylon, and seek the promised Mount Zion.
XI. Review: Applying the Lesson to Our Lives
This section reviews the key concepts of the lesson, including the role of faith, the importance of understanding parables, and the historical pattern of Passover. It encourages continued study and discernment, urging believers to actively examine their own spiritual standing and make conscious choices based on the revealed word. This final section reinforces the urgency and personal relevance of the lesson's message.
A Study Guide
Unveiling God's Pattern: The Flesh and Blood of the Lamb
Study Guide
Central Theme: This study guide explores the concept of the "flesh and blood of the Lamb," a recurring motif throughout scripture that symbolizes the life-giving words of Jesus. It emphasizes God's consistent pattern of prophecy, fulfillment, and redemption across the Old Testament, the first coming of Jesus, and the impending second coming.
Key Concepts:
- God's Fingerprint: God operates in a consistent pattern: He makes a promise (prophecy), fulfills it, and offers a path to redemption.
- Parables and Prophecy: Parables, often used in prophecy, initially conceal deeper meanings but are revealed through their fulfillment.
- The Lamb of God: Jesus is repeatedly referred to as the Lamb of God, signifying his sacrificial role in atoning for the sins of humanity.
- Flesh and Blood as Metaphor: Jesus's statement, "Eat my flesh and drink my blood," is a metaphor for accepting and internalizing his words, which are the source of eternal life.
- Passover: The Passover event, both in the Old Testament and its symbolic fulfillment in Jesus' sacrifice, signifies liberation from slavery and a transition from death to life.
- Babylon: Babylon, representing a place of spiritual captivity and false ideologies, calls for believers to "come out" and seek refuge in God's promised sanctuary, symbolized by Mount Zion.
Historical Context:
- Old Testament Passover: God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt through the Passover, requiring them to sacrifice a spotless lamb, mark their doorposts with its blood, and eat its flesh.
- First Coming Passover: Jesus, as the Lamb of God, offers a spiritual Passover by sacrificing himself to liberate humanity from the slavery of sin. His words are the "flesh and blood" that believers must consume for eternal life.
- Second Coming Passover: A call to "come out of Babylon" echoes the Passover narrative, urging believers to separate from the world's corrupting influences and seek refuge in God's promised place, Mount Zion.
Application:
- Discernment: Believers should actively discern their spiritual state, identify any areas of compromise, and respond to God's call to "come out" of Babylon.
- Faith and Action: Faith is demonstrated through a willingness to accept and obey God's word, even when it challenges our understanding.
- Seeking Understanding: Engage in deeper study of the scriptures and seek clarification to overcome any confusion or misinterpretations.
Quiz
Short-Answer Questions:
- Explain the concept of "God's fingerprint" as discussed in the source material.
- What is the symbolic significance of Jesus being referred to as the "Lamb of God"?
- What does Jesus mean when he tells his followers to "eat his flesh and drink his blood"?
- How does the concept of Passover connect to both the Old Testament and the first coming of Jesus?
- What does the call to "come out of Babylon" signify in the context of the second coming?
- Why did the Israelites grumble in Numbers 14? What consequences did they face?
- How is faith described in Hebrews 11:6, and how does it relate to pleasing God?
- Why did many of Jesus' disciples leave him in John 6, and what did Peter's response highlight?
- What connection does the source material draw between the Israelites' experience in Egypt and the state of believers in the world today?
- What is the significance of Mount Zion in the context of Revelation and the second coming of Jesus?
Essay Questions:
- Explore the theme of spiritual slavery and liberation as it relates to the Passover narrative in both the Old Testament and the New Testament.
- Analyze the connection between knowledge, faith, and action in the context of the Israelites' response to God's promises.
- Discuss the importance of discernment in the life of a believer, particularly in light of the call to "come out of Babylon."
- Explain how the symbolic understanding of "flesh and blood" challenges a literal interpretation of Jesus' words and deepens the meaning of communion.
- Compare and contrast the Promised Land in the Old Testament, Jesus at his first coming, and Mount Zion in Revelation as destinations for God's people.
Glossary of Key Terms:
Babylon: In Revelation, Babylon represents a system or place of spiritual captivity and compromise, marked by false teachings and worldly influences.
Communion: A Christian sacrament commemorating Jesus' sacrifice, where bread and wine symbolize his body and blood. It is a reminder of his atoning death and a symbol of fellowship among believers.
Figurative Language: Language that uses symbolic or metaphorical expressions rather than literal meanings to convey a deeper understanding.
Flesh and Blood of the Lamb: A metaphor for the life-giving words of Jesus, which believers must accept and internalize to receive eternal life.
Mount Zion: In Revelation, Mount Zion symbolizes the dwelling place of God and the Lamb, representing a spiritual refuge for believers during the end times.
Parables: Short, allegorical stories used by Jesus to teach spiritual truths and illustrate moral principles.
Passover: The Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt. In the New Testament, it points to Jesus as the ultimate Passover Lamb who liberates humanity from sin.
Prophecy: A divine revelation or prediction of future events, often communicated through inspired individuals.
Redemption: The act of being saved or delivered from sin and its consequences through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Answer Key (Quiz)
- "God's fingerprint" refers to God's consistent pattern of making promises (prophecy), fulfilling them, and offering a path to redemption. It emphasizes that God is reliable and always keeps his word.
- Jesus is called the "Lamb of God" because he willingly sacrificed himself, similar to the Passover lamb, to atone for the sins of humanity.
- Jesus is not advocating for cannibalism. This is a metaphor. He means that his followers must accept and internalize his words, which are the source of eternal life.
- The Passover in the Old Testament signifies the Israelites' liberation from physical slavery in Egypt. Jesus, as the Lamb of God, offers a spiritual Passover by sacrificing himself to liberate humanity from the slavery of sin.
- The call to "come out of Babylon" is a warning for believers to separate themselves from the corrupting influences and false ideologies of the world, seeking refuge in God's promised place.
- The Israelites grumbled because they lacked faith in God's promise to give them the Promised Land. They feared the giants and strong people living there. As a consequence, they were not allowed to enter the Promised Land and died in the desert.
- Hebrews 11:6 defines faith as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." It is through faith that we please God, demonstrating our trust in His promises even when we cannot see the outcome.
- Many disciples left Jesus because they found his teachings about eating his flesh and drinking his blood difficult to understand literally. Peter's response, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life," highlights the understanding that Jesus is the sole source of truth and salvation.
- The source material draws a parallel between the Israelites' enslavement in Egypt and the spiritual captivity believers can experience in the world today, urging them to heed the call to "come out" from under the influence of sin and false beliefs.
- In Revelation, Mount Zion represents the dwelling place of God and the Lamb, signifying a spiritual refuge and safe haven for believers during the turbulent times of the second coming. It echoes the Promised Land of the Old Testament, offering a place of peace and security in God's presence.
Breakdown
Timeline of Events
This lesson primarily focuses on the concept of Passover and its spiritual significance across different periods, comparing the events of the Exodus, the first coming of Jesus, and the prophesied second coming. Therefore, a strict chronological timeline is not the central focus. Instead, the timeline will present the three "Passovers" as the key events with supporting details from each period.
1. Passover at the Old Testament (Exodus)
- Genesis 15:13-14: God promises Abram that his descendants will be enslaved for 400 years but will ultimately be liberated with great possessions.
- Fulfillment: The Israelites become enslaved in Egypt.
- Exodus 12:1-14: God instructs Moses to institute the first Passover. The Israelites are to sacrifice a spotless lamb, eat its flesh, and mark their doorposts with its blood. This act will protect their firstborn from the plague of death.
- Exodus: After the Passover, the Israelites leave Egypt, crossing the Red Sea and entering the wilderness.
- Numbers 14: The Israelites, despite witnessing God's miracles, doubt his promise of the Promised Land. As a result, they wander in the desert for 40 years, and only the new generation enters the Promised Land.
2. Passover at the First Coming (Jesus' Ministry)
- John 8:32: Jesus declares, "The truth will set you free," implying the Israelites are enslaved, although they don't realize it.
- Matthew 15:14: Jesus criticizes the Pharisees, Sadducees, and teachers of the law as "blind guides," suggesting they are the enslavers.
- John 6:54: Jesus states, "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life," prompting confusion and accusations of cannibalism.
- John 6:63: Jesus clarifies, explaining his words are spirit and life, emphasizing the spiritual significance of consuming his teachings.
- John 5:24: Jesus affirms that those who hear and believe his words "have crossed over from death to life," signifying a spiritual Passover.
- Communion: Jesus institutes communion, sharing bread and wine as symbols of his flesh and blood, signifying a new covenant and a reminder of the spiritual Passover.
3. Passover at the Second Coming (Prophesied)
- Revelation 18:1-4: An angel proclaims the fall of Babylon, a symbolic place representing spiritual corruption and enslavement.
- Revelation 18:4: A voice from heaven calls out, "Come out of her, my people," urging believers to separate from Babylon's influence.
- Revelation 14:1: John sees the Lamb (Jesus) standing on Mount Zion, a symbol of God's presence and the promised destination for the faithful.
- Matthew 24:15-16: Jesus instructs his followers to flee to the mountains when they see the "abomination of desolation" spoken of by Daniel the prophet, signifying the need to escape the coming judgment.
Cast of Characters
1. God: The central figure throughout the narrative. He makes promises, delivers his people from slavery, judges disobedience, and offers eternal life through his son, Jesus.
2. Abram/Abraham: The patriarch of the Israelites. God promises him numerous descendants and a land for them.
3. Moses: The prophet who leads the Israelites out of Egypt. He mediates between God and the people, relays God's commands, and institutes the Passover.
4. Caleb and Joshua: Two of the twelve spies sent to Canaan. They remain faithful to God, believe in his promise of the land, and are rewarded for their faith.
5. Jesus: The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He embodies the true Passover, offering spiritual freedom and eternal life through his words and sacrifice.
6. The Disciples (especially Peter): Jesus' followers who accept his teachings and recognize him as the source of eternal life.
7. Pharisees, Sadducees, and Teachers of the Law: The religious leaders of the Israelites at the time of Jesus' first coming. They are depicted as "blind guides" who enslave the people through their legalistic interpretations and traditions.
8. John the Baptist: A prophet who precedes Jesus, identifying him as "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world."
9. Angels: Heavenly messengers who deliver God's pronouncements and warnings, particularly in Revelation.
10. The People of Israel: God's chosen people, who experience periods of slavery, doubt, and deliverance throughout history.
11. Believers: Those who hear and believe Jesus' words, representing God's people in the present and those called to "come out of Babylon" at the second coming.
Overview
Overview: Secrets of Heaven: Figurative Flesh and Blood of the Lamb Part One
Main Themes:
- God's Pattern: God operates in a consistent pattern of prophecy and fulfillment. This pattern is revealed through Biblical history and serves as a guide for understanding present and future events.
- Figurative Flesh and Blood of the Lamb: Jesus is the Lamb of God, and his "flesh and blood" represent his words of life. Eating his flesh and drinking his blood symbolizes accepting and internalizing his teachings.
- Passover as a Symbol of Deliverance: The Passover story serves as a recurring motif throughout the Bible, representing the need for God's people to be delivered from spiritual slavery and enter into a promised land or state of salvation.
- Importance of Faith and Obedience: Faith in God's promises is essential for pleasing God and receiving his blessings. Disobedience and grumbling lead to negative consequences, as demonstrated by the Israelites who failed to enter the Promised Land.
- Call to Come Out of Babylon: Revelation uses the imagery of Babylon to represent a corrupt and ungodly system that believers must separate themselves from in order to avoid judgment.
Key Ideas/Facts:
- Understanding Biblical History: Studying Biblical history, even seemingly mundane parts, helps us understand God's pattern and avoid repeating past mistakes.
- Quote: "However, if we fail to comprehend what transpired in history, understand the reasons behind those events, or even know the history itself, we are likely to repeat the same mistakes as those who came before us. That's why understanding history is crucial."
- God's Promises and Prophecy: God always keeps his promises, and his prophecies are fulfilled in his time and way.
- Quote: "God always keeps His promises, always. It is a losing battle to go against a promise of God. You will lose in that fight. God always keeps His promises. So, when God speaks something, no matter how fantastical it may seem, no matter how strange it may seem, no matter how out of this world it may seem, it is going to take place."
- Spiritual Meaning of "Flesh and Blood": Jesus' words are the true "flesh and blood" that bring eternal life.
- Quote: "The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life."
- Passover as a Pattern: The Passover story prefigures Jesus' sacrifice and the need for believers to "come out" of spiritual slavery.
- Quote: "So, there was the Passover, the angel passing over their houses, and then they came out of Egypt. They crossed over to a new land."
- Slavery at the First Coming: The Israelites were enslaved to the false teachings of the Pharisees and needed to be freed by Jesus' words.
- Quote: "The Pharisees had them in slavery, but they did not realize it at that time. That's why when Jesus said, "The truth will set you free," they thought, "What do you mean? What are you talking about? We are free people."
- Babylon as a Symbol: Revelation's Babylon symbolizes a corrupt system that believers must separate from.
- Quote: "If a place like Babylon is mentioned in Revelation, does it imply that the nation of Babylon will resurface during the second coming? No, we do not anticipate a UN charter being drafted for a new nation called Babylon. However, it signifies that a place will emerge, possessing similar characteristics to historical Babylon."
- Mount Zion as the Destination: Revelation points to Mount Zion as the place where Jesus will be and where believers should seek refuge.
- Quote: "The Lamb and who is the Lamb? Jesus is promised to be in a specific place during the time of revelations. What is this place called? Mount Zion."
Call to Action:
- Discern the "Babylon" of our time and heed the call to come out.
- Embrace Jesus' words as the true source of life.
- Study and understand God's pattern of prophecy and fulfillment to prepare for the second coming.
- Continue seeking knowledge and understanding through the open word.
Q&A
Q&A: The Figurative Flesh and Blood of the Lamb
1. What is the main theme of the lesson "Secrets of Heaven: Figurative Flesh and Blood of the Lamb Part One"?
This lesson emphasizes understanding God's pattern of prophecy and fulfillment, particularly concerning the concept of "Passover" throughout history. It connects this pattern to the importance of Jesus' words (His "flesh and blood") for eternal life and the need to separate from spiritual Babylon in the present day.
2. What is the significance of the "flesh and blood of the lamb" in this context?
While often associated with communion, the lesson clarifies that the true "flesh and blood of the lamb" represent Jesus' words of life. Just as physical Israelites consumed the Passover lamb, we must "consume" Jesus' words by listening attentively, accepting them, and living according to their truth.
3. How does the lesson connect the Old Testament Passover to Jesus' first coming?
The Israelites' physical liberation from Egypt foreshadows spiritual liberation through Jesus. Their slavery in Egypt mirrors the spiritual slavery to corrupt religious leaders during Jesus' time. Jesus, as the true Passover Lamb, offers freedom from sin and death through his words.
4. What is the meaning of the call to "come out of Babylon" in Revelation?
This call urges believers to separate from the corrupting influences of the world, symbolized by "Babylon." Like ancient Babylon, this represents a system opposed to God, filled with false ideas and spiritual dangers. It calls for a decisive break from anything that hinders our relationship with God.
5. How does understanding God's pattern help us in our present time?
Recognizing God's pattern of prophecy and fulfillment helps us understand His plan for humanity and our place in it. It allows us to identify spiritual dangers and respond to God's call to separate from them. Recognizing His faithfulness in the past strengthens our faith in His promises for the future.
6. What is the importance of "eating" Jesus' words?
"Eating" Jesus' words involves careful listening, deep reflection, and allowing them to transform our lives. This process nourishes our faith and brings us closer to God, leading to eternal life.
7. What is the Promised Land for believers today?
While the Israelites had a physical Promised Land, for believers today, the Promised Land is spiritual. It represents the ultimate destination of being with God, symbolized by Mount Zion in Revelation. This signifies a state of perfect communion with God and freedom from sin and suffering.
8. Why is it crucial to study the parables and prophecies in the Bible?
Studying parables and prophecies allows us to understand God's plan for humanity and recognize His actions throughout history. This understanding leads to greater faith, empowers us to make wise choices, and helps us avoid repeating past mistakes. It also equips us to navigate the spiritual challenges of our time and remain faithful to God.