Without the shedding of blood is no remission
Hebrews 9:22
This is the voice of unalterable truth. In none of the Jewish
ceremonies were sins, even typically, removed without blood-
shedding. In no case, by no means can sin be pardoned without
atonement. It is clear, then, that there is no hope for me out of
Christ; for there is no other blood-shedding which is worth a thought
as an atonement for sin. Am I, then, believing in Him? Is the blood
of His atonement truly applied to my soul? All men are on a level as
to their need of Him. If we be never so moral, generous, amiable, or
patriotic, the rule will not be altered to make an exception for us.
Sin will yield to nothing less potent than the blood of Him whom God
hath set forth as a propitiation. What a blessing that there is the
one way of pardon! Why should we seek another?
Persons of merely formal religion cannot understand how we can
rejoice that all our sins are forgiven us for Christ's sake. Their
works, and prayers, and ceremonies, give them very poor comfort; and
well may they be uneasy, for they are neglecting the one great
salvation, and endeavouring to get remission without blood. My soul,
sit down, and behold the justice of God as bound to punish sin; see
that punishment all executed upon thy Lord Jesus, and fall down in
humble joy, and kiss the dear feet of Him whose blood has made
atonement for thee. It is in vain when conscience is aroused to fly
to feelings and evidences for comfort: this is a habit which we
learned in the Egypt of our legal bondage. The only restorative for a
guilty conscience is a sight of Jesus suffering on the cross. "The
blood is the life thereof," says the Levitical law, and let us rest
assured that it is the life of faith and joy and every other holy
grace.
"Oh! how sweet to view the flowing
Of my Saviour's precious blood;
With divine assurance knowing
He has made my peace with God."
