The Beginnings of the Passover

Exodus 12:1-14: The First Passover

Exodus 12:1-14 describes the institution of the Passover in Egypt. God instructed Moses and Aaron to tell the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb and smear its blood on the doorposts of their homes. This act would protect them from the death angel that would pass through Egypt, killing all the firstborn. The blood on the doorposts symbolized their obedience and faith in God's promise of deliverance.

This event marked the beginning of the Israelites' liberation from Egyptian bondage. The Passover lamb's blood foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who would deliver humanity from the bondage of sin. The annual celebration of Passover became a central aspect of Jewish faith and tradition, commemorating God's deliverance and faithfulness.

Old Testament Passover vs. New Testament Fulfillment

The Passover in the Old Testament was a shadow of what was to come in the New Testament. Jesus Christ, referred to as the Lamb of God, was the perfect and final sacrifice for sin. Just as the blood of the lamb protected the Israelites from physical death, the blood of Jesus protects believers from spiritual death.

In the New Testament, the significance of Passover is fulfilled in Jesus' death and resurrection. John 1:29 states, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate act of liberation, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him.

Confronting False Doctrines: Easter vs. Passover

Many Christians today celebrate Easter, a holiday with roots in pagan traditions. This celebration often includes customs such as Easter eggs and the Easter bunny, which have no basis in biblical teachings. Instead, they stem from ancient fertility rites and spring festivals.

When I became the pastor of St. Mark, I encountered practices such as Halloween parties in the church basement. These activities, even when sanitized to appear harmless, bring pagan elements into Christian worship. Just as I eliminated these practices from our church, it is crucial to recognize the discrepancies between Easter traditions and the biblical observance of Passover.

The early church did not celebrate Easter as we know it today. The apostate Catholic Church later introduced this holiday, attempting to Christianize pagan festivals. This attempt to merge paganism with Christianity distorts the true meaning of Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection.

Passover and the Sacrifice of Christ

The true essence of Passover is found in its connection to Christ's sacrifice. The blood of the Passover lamb in Egypt symbolized protection and deliverance. In the same way, the blood of Jesus, shed on the cross, offers believers eternal protection and deliverance from sin and death.

Understanding the significance of Passover helps us appreciate the depth of God's plan for salvation. Jesus' death and resurrection fulfilled the Passover, establishing a new covenant between God and humanity. This covenant is based on grace and faith, not on adherence to rituals or traditions.

Challenging Unbiblical Practices

Throughout my ministry, I have encountered resistance when challenging unbiblical practices and traditions. For example, the notion that one must walk down the aisle of a church to be saved is not supported by Scripture. Salvation is a matter of faith and can occur anywhere—whether in a church, at home, or even in a car.

Similarly, the idea that one needs a preaching license or ordination to baptize someone is unfounded. If you are a believer filled with the Holy Spirit, you can baptize others who profess faith in Christ. The early church baptized new believers immediately, without requiring certificates or formal recognition.

Romans 6:14 states, "For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace." This verse underscores the freedom believers have in Christ. We are no longer bound by the legalistic demands of the law but are guided by the grace of God.

Examining Our Traditions

It is essential to examine the traditions and practices we follow to ensure they align with Scripture. Many customs, such as Easter celebrations, have pagan origins and do not reflect the teachings of the Bible. As believers, we must be diligent in seeking the truth and aligning our lives with God's Word.

The Bible warns against mixing the sacred with the profane. In 2 Corinthians 6:14, Paul asks, "What fellowship has light with darkness?" We must be vigilant in ensuring that our worship practices honor God and are free from pagan influences.

The Importance of Authentic Worship

Authentic worship is grounded in the truth of God's Word. Celebrating holidays with pagan origins dilutes the purity of our faith and distracts from the true meaning of Jesus' sacrifice. Instead of Easter, we should focus on the biblical observance of Passover, which points directly to Christ's redemptive work.

Jesus' resurrection is a central tenet of our faith, but it should be celebrated in a manner consistent with biblical teachings. This means avoiding customs that have no basis in Scripture and focusing on the true significance of His sacrifice and victory over death.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the beginnings of Passover in Exodus 12 provide a profound foundation for understanding God's plan for salvation. The Old Testament Passover foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and established a new covenant through His blood.

As believers, we must be vigilant in examining our traditions and practices, ensuring they align with Scripture. The celebration of Easter, with its pagan roots, detracts from the true significance of Christ's sacrifice. Instead, let us focus on the biblical observance of Passover, which points directly to the redemptive work of Jesus.

By doing so, we honor God and maintain the purity of our faith. Let us commit to authentic worship, free from unbiblical customs, and grounded in the truth of God's Word. May we continually seek to align our lives with His will and live in the freedom that Christ offers.