“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but WITH THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so YOUR FAITH AND HOPE ARE IN GOD…you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.” (1 Peter 1:18-23)
Blood is mentioned 460 times in the Bible. Fourteen times in the New Testament Jesus spoke of HIS OWN BLOOD. Why? Because by the shedding of His blood, He accomplished the possibility of our salvation. He paid the penalty for our sin and redeemed us. The penalty for our sin and rebellion is death; Jesus stepped out and said, “I’ll take that death.” He voluntarily laid down His life and took the penalty we deserve. That’s what the cross is all about.
The blood of Jesus Christ not only redeems us, it justifies us. Being justified means more than being forgiven. I can say, “I forgive you,” but I can’t justify you. But God not only forgives the past, He clothes you in righteousness AS THOUGH YOU HAD NEVER COMMITTED A SIN.
YET IT COST THE BLOOD OF HIS SON ON THE CROSS!
Prayer for the day
Lord Jesus, with a deeply grateful heart we thank You for Your sacrifice upon the cross. Your blood has cleansed us from our sin and made us worthy of forgiveness.
“…To him who loves us, and has washed us from our sins in his blood…” (Revelation 1:5)