"Without the Shedding of Blood" November 17 Readings: Ezekiel 40, Hebrews 9, Psalm 124, Proverbs 28:7–9

Today's Readings -  Ezekiel 40, Hebrews 9, Psalm 124, Proverbs 28:7–9

Devotional 

There is no doctrine more precious or abused than that of the love of God. It is glorious beyond words that God loves me and has acted by his grace to save me. Praise God! But the doctrine is twisted and perverted as well into the idea that God has no standards, that he doesn't care about our sin. God's love does not abrogate his holy standards. In fact, God's love properly understood exalts both God's love and his holiness.

There are two facts we must never forget. First of all, someone has to pay for our sins. God will not, by his holy nature he cannot simply look the other way and ignore our sins. His righteousness cries out against sin and demands payment, demands atonement. "The wages of sin is death," Paul said in Romans. Here, the author of Hebrews makes a bold assertion.

...and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. Hebrews 9:22

Because of sin, blood had to be shed. The Old Testament sacrificial system required that offerings be made. It is not that God is cruel, but that sin is such an offense, such a violation of God's creation, of God's holy character, that a sacrifice must be made. But the Old Testament sacrifices never completely conquered sin. They had to be offered repeatedly and did not eternally cover sin.

But Jesus offered "better sacrifices than these" which permanently and eternally paid for our sins. That is the second fact, "Jesus paid it all." His one sacrifice did what all the Levitical sacrifices in Israelite history could not do, he completely atoned for all our sins.

That is how the love of God is demonstrated. God doesn't just ignore our sin - because of his holiness, he cannot do that. But he loved us so much he sacrificed his Son to pay for our sins. No greater love has ever been seen in this world.

Thank you for your love, Father, which paid the debt for my sins by the once-for-all sacrifice of your Son. I am loved eternally, completely and radically. All I can say is thank you, and give myself completely to you. 

Think and Pray

There are three responses to the consideration of the blood of Christ.
First, praise and thank God that your sins are forgiven - fully, infinitely, and eternally.
Second, see that you are not using this as an excuse for living a careless, sinful life. Jesus didn't die on the Cross so you could live in sin. He died to free you.
Finally, "love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all." The only appropriate response to the blood of Christ is to fully give yourself to him.