What is the meaning of Agnus Dei?

TL;DR

The term Agnus Dei is Latin and translates to "Lamb of God" in English. Throughout the Bible, Jesus is referred to as the Lamb of God—both the slain Lamb who redeemed us and the victorious Lamb who reigns forever.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Mosaic Law had a sacrificial system that pre-figured Jesus' sacrifice. The Israelites were to sacrifice lambs and other animals for their sins, but Jesus was the perfect Lamb whose blood made atonement for sins once and for all (John 1:29; Hebrews 9:12). Thankfully, because of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection, believers are now under the Law of Grace rather than the Mosaic Law (Romans 6:14). After Jesus' death and resurrection, Jesus is worshipped as the Lamb who was slain (Revelation 5:9-14). He is both the sacrificial Agnus Dei who was slain and the triumphant Agnus Dei who conquered sin and death. Jesus is the Lamb who will return again, at the second coming, for His Bride, the Church (Revelation 19:6-9).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

Agnus Dei is specifically addressed in the New Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

In John 1:29, John the Baptist recognizes Jesus as Agnus Dei, the one who would be sacrificed like an innocent lamb in order to pay the price for our sin: “The next day he [John the Baptist] saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’”
With Jesus as our Agnus Dei, we are no longer bound by the law of Moses; we are under the Law of Grace (Romans 6:14).
The Old Testament sacrificial system symbolized the future sacrifice that Jesus would make. Through His sacrifice and resurrection, He eliminated the need for us to abide by the Old Law and sacrifice animals since He was the ultimate sacrifice (Hebrews 9:12).
John makes it clear in Revelation 5:9-14 that post-resurrection, Jesus is worshipped as the Lamb who was slain. Additionally, Jesus will return to Earth again to take His Bride, the Church with Him (Revelation 19:6-9).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Jesus proved that He was Agnus Dei by paying the price for our sins once and for all by sacrificing His own life that we might be saved (1 John 2:2). His sacrifice was enough to account for our sins permanently (Colossians 2:13-14). In addition to Agnus Dei’s literal translation, within Christianity, the name can take on some technical and liturgical meanings. It is sometimes used to refer to a figure of a lamb with a halo and a cross or banner. This is used as a symbol of Christ in various artwork and stained glass. Agnus Dei is also the name of a prayer in Roman Catholic liturgy. The prayer is "Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace." Evangelical Christians know that Jesus, as the Lamb of God, has already had mercy on us and by His sacrifice has brought about peace (Ephesians 2:1-22). So those who have received Jesus Christ as their Savior might, instead, pray "Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, thank you for your mercy. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, thank you for your peace."

UNDERSTAND

Agnus Dei represents Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice who fulfilled and replaced the Old Testament sacrificial system.
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus brought forgiveness, grace, and eternal redemption to all who believe.
Jesus, the Lamb of God, is eternally worshiped as both Savior and King who will one day return for His people.

REFLECT

How do you understand Jesus as the Lamb of God?
How do you reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice to remind you of the truths of who He is and what He has done for you?
How can you respond in gratitude to the Lamb who was slain for your sins?

ENGAGE

What does it reveal to us about God that He chose the image of a lamb to represent Jesus’ role in salvation?
How does the worship of the Lamb in Revelation shape our understanding of Jesus’ eternal authority?
How can we reflect the mercy and peace that the Agnus Dei has already given us?