DECEMBER 17, Hebrews 9:11-14

Some people believe that they can atone or pay for their sins by inflicting pain on themselves. They use sharp objects to cut their flesh, hoping God will accept their sacrifice of pain. Man has the idea that shedding of blood can make payment for sins they committed. However, he fails to realise that there is no power in his blood. Only the blood of Jesus has the power to save, for the purity and holiness of God demands the blood of a sinless, perfect sacrifice.

The nation of Israel made atonement for their sins by sacrificing animals such as bulls and goats. These animals were sinless, and therefore their blood was accepted by God. The person who brought the animal had to ensure that the animal had no physical defects. To make atonement for his sins, the person would press his hands hard on the animal’s head, kill it, and the priest would sprinkle its blood around the altar. This signified that the animal had died on the person’s behalf and he was now cleansed from his sins. However, the blood of bulls and goats only provided an outward and temporary cleansing. Each time a person sinned, these sacrifices had to be offered again. The blood of bulls and goats was sufficient only for a moment and was not a perfect sacrifice!

Our perfect sacrifice is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. If the blood of animals could cleanse us from our sins, how much more the blood of Christ! His blood has power to bring sinners to God because He was without sin and perfect in obedience towards God. He died a terrible and painful death, so that by His blood, He could make payment for the sins that you and I committed. How great is His love for us!

There is no power in man’s blood, neither is the blood of animals able to take away all our sins. Only the blood of Christ has the power to cleanse us from inside out and to transform our lives. When you believe in Him as your Saviour, your sins are forgiven, and your life is changed to serve the living God. Do you believe that the blood of Jesus has power to cleanse you from your sins?

Thought: What can wash away my sins? Only the blood of Jesus!

Prayer: Father in Heaven, thank You for the blood of Jesus that cleanses me from all my sins. Forgive me when I have taken my salvation for granted because it cost Jesus a high price. May I ever serve You out of a thankful heart. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.