“The cross is central. It is struck into the middle of the world, into the middle of time, into the middle of destiny. The cross is struck into the heart of God.” (Frederick Norwood)
Centuries of rivers of blood of numberless slaughtered animals never made amends for human sin. The sinless blood of Jesus is the only effective moral cleansing agent. His blood seals the new covenant between God and His children.
Old Testament sacrificial words foreshadow New Testament saving words. The flawless Lamb became the definitive sin offering, bringing us into speaking terms with God. Lovingkindness purchased our freedom from sin, so we could enjoy redemption. Without Christ’s blood, forgiveness would be impossible—so would joy.
At Calvary, God transferred all our sins to the innocent body of Jesus and transferred all His purity to our heart. This seems too good to be true, and it was certainly not a far trade. Nevertheless, Jesus swapped with us. He died in our place, suffering in disgrace so we could sing in His grace. Now we can confidently journey toward heaven—unwaveringly trusting God to brighten the future by keeping His promises.
We can only be made acceptable in the Father’s eyes by trusting in His Son. We can only be at peace with our Creator by relying on what Christ has done on our behalf on the cross. Without a spiritual blood transfusion, we would die in our sins. Forgiveness is God’s gift, not a reward for our virtue. Pardon is not a certificate of achievement for moral accomplishment, so boasting is out of the question.
Mysteriously and miraculously, the blood of Jesus washes away our sins. Heaven help us live like children of the King!
“I have given you the blood so you can make atonement for your sins. It is the blood, representing life, that brings you atonement.” (Leviticus 17:11 NLT)
Johnny R. Almond
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
[This devotion based on Day 67 of Gentle Whispers]
Interim Pastor, Nomini Baptist Church; Montross, Virginia
Blog http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com/
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