Why does Holy
Scripture place so much emphasis on the blood of Christ when it speaks
about Jesus redeeming us from sin and death? Isn't all this talk about
blood a throwback to primitive religion? Wouldn't it be the same to
simply say He died for us?
Not really. To this day when people
speak about a bloody death, violence immediately comes to mind. And
Jesus died a violent death. Death by crucifixion. Publicly executed as a
criminal.
But upon closer examination the Biblical evidence
brings us face to face with the fact that the crimes for which Jesus
died were not His own. They were ours. Jesus paid for them with His
blood. Clearly we should never see sin as anything but violence-- death-dealing violence. And to be freed from sin's guilt and consequences, from the sentence of death and hell, what could be a
greater gift and blessing!
This is a truth to hold fast to with
your whole heart. This is the ultimate reality that makes all the
difference in every decision and in every aspect of one's life.
Daily words of thanksgiving are simply not a sufficient response. A life of thanks is just the beginning . . . to Him be honor and glory forever and ever.
Stricken, smitten, and afflicted, See Him dying on the tree!
'Tis the Christ by man rejected; Yes, my soul, 'tis He! 'tis He!
Ye who think of sin but lightly Nor suppose the evil great
Here may view its nature rightly, Here its guilt may estimate.
Lamb of God, for sinners wounded, Sacrifice to cancel guilt!
None shall ever be confounded Who on Him their hope have built.
Were the whole Realm of Nature mine, That were a Present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my Soul, my Life, my All.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 153:1, 3, 4; 175:4) |
