Nothing but the Blood

Hebrews 9:19-22: “For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, 20 saying, "This is the blood of the covenant which God has commanded you." 21 Then likewise he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry. 22 And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.”

For many the idea of blood being shed is a gruesome and barbaric thought. Many of the messages will never be about the blood that God requires for cleansing of our sins. Many of the popular hymns of the church such as Nothing but the blood, or There is power in the blood are not sung anymore because it has become politically incorrect to sing about that sacrifice that had to be made. Many of these great hymns have been replaced by more flowery songs in hopes of not offending anyone.
The blood is such an important factor to our faith that it must be taught and preached about. When man has sinned there is only one acceptable sacrifice to be made and that is blood. An animal must lay its life down for this shedding of blood. Our sins are so anti-God that sin causes death. The slaying of an animal and shedding of its blood became a substitute for the person. That animal died so the person would not have to. “For the wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23) In the Old Testament, God had a system where humans would be able to sacrifice an animal for the remission of sins. This system was to be used until God would send His
Messiah and offer the sacrifice that would be for all men for all time.

When Jesus was sent to earth He was sent to be that sacrifice once and for all. Jesus’ death and shed blood became the covering people needed in order to not have to experience the spiritual death that is being spoken of in Romans 6:23. So when someone steps out in faith and receives this Gift from God through prayer, placing their trust and crying out to God to save them. This blood then “covers us” and makes us as the song says, “whiter then snow”. You see, after you become a Christ-follower, God sees you differently. He sees you covered by the blood of Jesus and sees you as innocent. You can now begin this relationship, this wonderful journey of faith with God.

The blood is important and in fact the most important aspect of your faith. Do not be afraid of it or ashamed. That gift that God gave you was free; However, is was not cheap. Think of the blood that was shed for you today, and tell somebody about that awesome gift of God.

Tomorrows Readings:
Old Testament: Ezek. 4-6 New Testament Hebrews 10