Notes on The Passover and The Memorial

1. Purpose of the Notes

Anton Frey compiled these studies to deepen understanding of the Passover and its Christian antitype—the Memorial of Christ’s death. Although originally written for his own study, they are heavily based on the writings of Charles Taze Russell and serve to connect the Jewish Passover to God’s larger plan of redemption in Christ.

2. The Jewish Passover – Historical Context

The book begins with the instructions God gave Israel for the first Passover (Exodus 12). The lamb was to be slain “between the evenings” on the 14th of Nisan, its blood applied to the doorposts, and its flesh eaten with bitter herbs and unleavened bread. This spared the firstborns of Israel during the plague of Egypt, leading to their eventual deliverance from bondage.

3. Timing and Symbolism

Considerable attention is given to the Jewish reckoning of time (days beginning at sunset) and how Jesus observed the Passover with His disciples before His own death as the true Lamb of God. His crucifixion aligned with the slaying of the typical Passover lamb, making Him the direct fulfillment of the type.

4. The Firstborns – Type and Antitype

• In Egypt, only the firstborns were protected by the blood of the lamb.

• In the Gospel Age, the “Church of the Firstborn” (those under Christ’s blood) are being passed over from death.

• Their deliverance foreshadows the later blessing of the entire world in the Millennial Age.
  This distinction highlights that the Passover was not for all people at once, but began with the firstborn class.

5. The Passover Lamb as Christ

The slain lamb typified Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. Its blood on the doorposts pointed to His ransom sacrifice, while eating its flesh foreshadowed believers’ participation in Christ by faith. Instructions that no part of the lamb should remain until morning symbolized that the privilege of the high calling (the firstborn class) is limited to the present Gospel Age.

6. The Memorial Supper

Jesus replaced the old Jewish Passover with the Memorial of His death.

• The bread represents His broken body.

• The cup represents His poured-out blood, the ransom for Adam and all mankind.
  Frey emphasizes that only consecrated believers may partake, as it pictures not only forgiveness through Christ but also sharing in His sufferings.

7. Bitter Herbs and Unleavened Bread

• Bitter herbs symbolize the trials, persecutions, and difficulties of the Christian walk, which sharpen spiritual appetite.

• Unleavened bread represents purity of truth, free from corruption and sin.
  Together with the lamb, they complete the symbolic meal of faith.

8. Future Fulfillment – Millennial Age

Just as Israel’s national deliverance followed the sparing of the firstborns, so the general salvation of mankind will follow the completion of the Church’s passing over. In the Millennium, the world will “eat” of Christ symbolically, receiving life from Him under the New Covenant. Those refusing will face destruction, just as Egypt’s firstborns did.

9. Practical Lessons for Believers

Frey stresses preparation for the Memorial each year as a time of solemn reflection, self-examination, and renewed consecration. He encourages faith in Christ’s ransom, endurance through trials, and appreciation for the privilege of being among the “firstborn” class now under judgment.

Conclusion:

The book shows that the Passover was a prophetic picture: first the sparing of Israel’s firstborn (the Church in the Gospel Age), then the general deliverance of the nation (the world in the Millennial Age). Christ is the center of the entire plan—He is the true Passover Lamb, and the Memorial Supper instituted by Him serves as the Christian continuation of this divine picture, reminding believers of both their present privileges and the future hope for all mankind.