1 Corinthians 5:7- “Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul continues his rebuke of the Corinthian church for tolerating sin in their congregation. He uses the metaphor of yeast (or leaven) and unleavened dough to illustrate a powerful spiritual truth.

Yeast is often used in Scripture to symbolize sin because just a small amount spreads through the entire batch of dough. Paul tells the Corinthians to “get rid of the old yeast”, meaning they need to remove sin from their midst. They are no longer part of the sinful world—they have been made new in Christ.

He then reminds them of their true identity: “as you really are.” They are already set apart by Christ, so they should live accordingly. He is calling them to holiness, not just in theory, but in practice.

Finally, Paul connects this teaching to the sacrifice of Jesus: “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” Just as the Jews in the Old Testament were saved by the blood of the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:1-30), Christians are saved by the blood of Jesus. Since Jesus has already made them new, they must live as a pure and holy people.

Historical Context

To understand this verse fully, we need to look at the Jewish Passover. During Passover, the Israelites were commanded to remove all yeast from their homes and eat unleavened bread (bread without yeast) as a symbol of purity and separation from sin (Exodus 12:15). This act reminded them that they were leaving behind their old life of slavery in Egypt.

Paul uses this imagery because the Corinthians, like the Israelites, were called out of their old sinful lives into a new life in Christ. Just as the Jews had to remove yeast from their homes, the Corinthians needed to remove sin from their church.

Corinth was a city known for its immorality, and many believers had come from sinful backgrounds (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Paul’s message was clear: you have been saved—now live like it.

Theological Implications

1. Salvation leads to holiness – The Corinthians were already saved by Christ’s sacrifice. Now, they needed to live as God’s holy people by removing sin from their lives.

2. Sin spreads if left unchecked – Just as yeast spreads through dough, sin corrupts both individuals and churches if it is not dealt with.

3. Jesus is our Passover lamb – Paul makes a direct connection between Jesus and the Passover sacrifice. Just as the blood of the lamb saved Israel from death, Jesus’ blood saves us from eternal judgment.

4. We are called to be different from the world – The Corinthians were still clinging to their old ways, but Paul reminds them that they are new in Christ. They must leave behind the “old yeast” of sin.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s use of yeast and unleavened bread is a powerful metaphor. Yeast symbolizes sin, while unleavened bread represents purity and holiness. This imagery would have been especially meaningful to Jewish believers who were familiar with the Passover tradition.

The phrase “as you really are” is crucial. Paul is reminding them that they have already been made holy by Christ. Their actions should reflect their new identity.

By saying “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed,” Paul is making a deep theological statement. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament Passover. His sacrifice delivers believers from sin and death, just as the original Passover lamb protected the Israelites.

Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 12:15 – The Israelites were commanded to remove yeast from their homes during Passover, symbolizing the removal of sin.
• Matthew 16:6 – Jesus warns about the “yeast” of the Pharisees, referring to their sinful hypocrisy.
• John 1:29 – John the Baptist calls Jesus “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”
• 1 Peter 1:18-19 – Believers are redeemed by the precious blood of Christ, “a lamb without blemish or defect.”
• Hebrews 10:10 – Jesus’ sacrifice makes believers holy once and for all.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a clear call to holiness. Many people today think that because they are saved by grace, sin doesn’t really matter. But Paul is saying the opposite: since Christ has already saved us, we should live like it.

We all have “old yeast” in our lives—habits, attitudes, or sins that linger from our past. Paul is challenging believers to remove those things and live as a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

For churches, this verse is a warning. When sin is tolerated, it spreads like yeast. If we truly belong to Christ, we must take sin seriously, both in our own lives and in the church.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

At first, this verse might seem focused on judgment, but it actually reflects God’s deep love.

God does not call His people to holiness to burden them but to free them. Just as He rescued Israel from slavery in Egypt, He rescues believers from sin so they can live in true freedom.

God’s love is also seen in the fact that He provides the sacrifice—Jesus Christ. He does not demand perfection from us in our own strength. Instead, He provides the Passover Lamb, whose blood cleanses us and makes us holy.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Paul directly connects this teaching to Jesus: “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” This statement is filled with meaning:

• Jesus fulfills the Passover – Just as the Israelites were saved by the blood of the lamb, we are saved by Jesus’ blood.
• Jesus removes sin – The Passover required the removal of yeast (sin). Jesus’ sacrifice makes us holy and calls us to live a new life.
• Jesus was sacrificed for us – His death was not just an example; it was the necessary sacrifice to save us from sin and death.

Paul’s message is clear: Jesus has already made us holy—now we must live in that holiness.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does “getting rid of the old yeast” mean in your personal life?
2. Why do you think Paul connects this teaching to the Passover?
3. How does seeing Jesus as the Passover Lamb deepen your understanding of His sacrifice?
4. Are there areas in your life where you are still holding on to “old yeast”? What steps can you take to remove it?
5. How can the church today apply this verse in a way that balances grace and truth?