1. The Biblical Origin and Purpose of the Passover

1.1. The Passover in Egypt
The Passover was instituted as part of God’s plan to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.

• Exodus 12:12-13:

  "On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn of both people and animals... 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."

  • The blood of the lamb served as a sign of protection for the firstborn of Israel.

1.2. Limited Scope of the Passover
The Passover was specifically intended as a sign of protection for the Israelites during that singular event.

• Before the Passover, the Israelites were already protected from nine plagues (Exodus 9:4-6).
• Thus, the Passover was not a universal or perpetual guarantee of deliverance from all disasters.

2. The Prophetic Meaning of the Passover

2.1. The Passover Lamb as a Prophecy
The Passover lamb foreshadowed the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ (Yehoshua).

• 1 Corinthians 5:7:

  "For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed."

  • The lamb’s blood symbolizes Christ’s sacrifice, which brings deliverance from sin.

2.2. Fulfillment of the Passover
Jesus’ death on the cross fulfilled the prophetic meaning of the Passover.

• Hebrews 10:18:

  "And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary."

  • With Christ’s sacrifice, the ceremonial observance of the Passover is no longer required. Salvation now comes through faith in Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

3. Errors in the WMSCOG’s Interpretation of the Passover

3.1. The Passover and Disasters
The WMSCOG claims that observing the Passover protects believers from all disasters.

• However, Scripture shows that the Passover was specifically for protecting the firstborn in a unique historical event. Extending its scope to all disasters is unbiblical.

3.2. Ritualization of the Passover
The WMSCOG insists that keeping the Passover is essential for eternal life.

• Since Christ fulfilled the Passover, the Old Testament ritual is no longer required for New Testament believers.

3.3. The 144,000 and the Passover
The WMSCOG connects Passover observance with the 144,000 mentioned in Revelation.

• However, the 144,000 symbolize the spiritual Israel who receive God’s seal, not those who ritually observe the Passover (Revelation 14:1-5).

4. The True Meaning of the Passover

4.1. The Spiritual Passover Through Christ
The true essence of the Passover is fulfilled in Christ’s sacrificial death, which provides salvation through faith.

• John 1:29:

  "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"

  • Christ, as the Passover lamb, offers deliverance from sin and eternal life to all who believe.

4.2. The Seal of Salvation: The Holy Spirit
In the New Testament, the seal of salvation is the Holy Spirit, not the observance of rituals.

• Ephesians 1:13:

  "When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit."

  • The Holy Spirit is the guarantee of salvation and inheritance as children of God.

5. Issues with the WMSCOG’s Doctrine

5.1. Misrepresentation of the Passover’s Meaning
The WMSCOG fails to distinguish between the symbolic and fulfilled aspects of the Passover.

• They impose Old Testament rituals on New Testament believers, disregarding Christ’s fulfillment of the Passover.

5.2. Neglecting the Role of the Holy Spirit
Salvation is achieved through union with Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, not through ritual observance.

• The WMSCOG emphasizes external rituals while neglecting the transformative role of the Holy Spirit.

5.3. Legalistic Approach
By elevating Passover observance to a requirement for salvation, the WMSCOG undermines the completeness of Christ’s redemptive work.

6. Conclusion: The True Essence of the Passover

6.1. The Essence of the Passover

• The Passover was a temporary sign of deliverance for the Israelites and a foreshadowing of Christ’s sacrifice.
• Jesus fulfilled the Passover, offering eternal salvation through His death and resurrection.

6.2. The Basis of Salvation

• Salvation today is not based on ritual observance but on faith in Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
• Hebrews 10:14:

  "For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy."

6.3. The WMSCOG’s Errors

• The WMSCOG misrepresents the Passover as a universal guarantee against disaster and a requirement for salvation.
• Their teachings overlook the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice and the centrality of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers.

6.4. True Faith

• The true meaning of the Passover lies in remembering and embracing Christ’s redemptive work.
• Salvation is not earned through rituals but through spiritual transformation and unity with God through the Holy Spirit.

"The Passover is a fulfilled prophecy in Christ, calling believers to faith and spiritual renewal rather than adherence to external rituals."