Shedding of Blood

Scripture:

Hebrews 9:21-22 In the same way, he sprinkled with the blood both the tabernacle and everything used in its ceremonies. (22) In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

Observation:

Why does forgiveness require the shedding of blood? This is no arbitrary decree on the part of a bloodthirsty God, as some have suggested. There is no greater symbol of life than blood; blood keeps us alive. Jesus shed his blood—gave his life—for our sins so that we wouldn't have to experience spiritual death, eternal separation from God. Jesus is the source of life, not death. He gave his own life to pay our penalty for us so that we might live. After shedding his blood for us, Christ rose from the grave and proclaimed victory over sin and death.

Application:

The story of redemption begins in Eden with God shedding the blood of a lamb to cover Adam's and Eve's sin, and ends in heaven with a multi-national choir singing, "You have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every nation" (Revelation 5:9).

The blood of Jesus Christ represents two things: 1) the cost of my sin. Rolled on to Christ's shoulders was the weight of my every misdeed from the cradle to the grave. Next time i'm tempted to violate God's Word and do my own thing, bear that in mind! 2) the cure for my sin. My salvation wasn't a joint effort. I didn't contribute a penny because I was spiritually bankrupt. "you were redeemed [bought out of slavery and set free] with the precious blood of Christ" (1 Peter 1:18-19).

The preaching of the blood will offend those with sins to hide, a moralistic ego to protect, or a gospel that offers salvation through good works and social evolution. The blood of Jesus not only saves the repentant but also condemns the defiant, for "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (Hebrews 9:22).

Plagues and apocalyptic hail could not release God's people from the iron grip of Pharaoh. What did? The blood. Nothing but the blood! And the blood has never lost its power. It can a) heal your painful memories b)cleanse and set you free from the sin you dare not speak of c)put a canopy of protection over you, and d)draw a line in the sand over which the enemy dare not step.

Why not take a moment right now to thank God for the blood!

Prayer:

"Lord, thank You for allowing Your blood to be shed. I understand that without shedding of Your blood I would still be eternally damned to hell. Thank you for healing my painful memories, for cleansing and setting me free from sin, putting a canopy of protection over me and my family, and for drawing a line in the sand over which satan dares not step. 'Oh the blood of Jesus that washes white as snow!' Thank God! In Jesus' name, amen!"