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Redemption through His Blood

 

There is nothing sweeter in life than to know that we have been redeemed from our sins. Paul teaches how this redemption was made possible. He writes, “In Him we have redemption, through His blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace.” (Ephesians 1:7)

 We have a great appreciation of the blood of Jesus when we acknowledge the consequence of our sins. Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2). Sin enslaves us (John 8:34). If left unchecked, the consequences of sin will lead to death (Romans 6:23).

We learn from Scripture that there is nothing we can ever do to atone for our own sins. The Hebrew writer states that the blood of bulls and goats could not take away sins (Hebrews 10:4). Under the old law, there were numerous sacrifices made upon the altar. However, none of these could fully satisfy the wrath of God.

Jesus did for us what no one else could. He lived a perfect life. As the Hebrew writer records, Jesus was tempted in all points that we are yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Because of this, Jesus became the perfect sacrifice. John declared, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” (John 1:29)

There is no source of salvation apart from Christ. When Peter was told to stop preaching Christ, he responded that there is salvation in no other name other than Christ. (Acts 4:12). Not to be cleansed by the blood of Jesus is to forfeit our eternal salvation.

There is no other way to contact the blood of Jesus than to be buried with Him in baptism for the remission of our sins (Romans 6:3-4; Acts 2:38). Some teach that salvation is acquired when we place our faith in Christ. Without a doubt, faith is essential to our salvation. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Unless on believes in Christ, he is condemned already (John 3:18).

However, faith by itself does not put us in contact with the blood of Christ. James stated, “You believe in God you do well, but even the demons believe and tremble.” (James 2:19). Therefore, faith is not the destination, but the motivating force that leads us to obey God which leads to salvation.

The question is, “Why wait?” God has provided everything we need for the salvation of our souls. When we read through the Scriptures, we see both the consequences of our sins and the solution for them. All that is between the sinner and salvation is obedience to the will of God. Remember the words of Paul who said that Today is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2)

God bless each of you,

Eric Hicks

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