The Blood of Jesus | Aspiritualnotefromth

THE LAMB OF GOD THE BLOOD OF JESUS

"Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."

(John 1:29)

"Without shedding of blood is no remission [of sins]."

(Hebrews 9:22)

Love Of God

For God, so loved YOU. (John 3:16)

He provided the Lamb. (Genesis 22:8)

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The precious blood of Jesus Christ is the foundation of our redemption!

People, even some Christians today, do not know the significant reason for the Easter celebration. One time before Easter, I had the opportunity to talk with a young lady and her two sons. She was a very nice religious lady, but she was not a spiritual person. She told me how she prepared for Easter with all the traditions of Easter eggs and the Easter Bunny without mentioning the real meaning of Easter—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. When I told her what is more important for me at Easter and why, she gave me the idea that she had never heard this in her church in all of her life, or she never gave proper attention to the preaching. She had never learned why Jesus Christ came to this world, why He shed His blood on the cross, why He died, why He was resurrected and what He offers to those who believe in Him.

Maybe you too have been going to church all your life and follow and practice all the Easter traditions, but you have never realized that the death sentence of an innocent man—Jesus Christ—changed not only the course of history but changed the course of eternity. From Jesus' arrest, trial, and execution came good news—salvation. From injustice came justice, and from His death and resurrection came the hope of eternal life. I will present to you a few interesting stories to explain to you more clearly why Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, died and shed His blood. Also, I will present the importance and power of His blood for you and what you have to do to receive eternal life.

• In a little town in the Middle East, Ahmad and a friend were up high on some scaffolding repairing the side of a building. Ahmad lost his footing and fell. Horrified by the accident, his friend climbed down to his aid, expecting to see Ahmad's broken and fractured body. To his surprise, he found that Ahmad was not hurt! At the exact moment Ahmad fell, a shepherd was driving a flock of sheep under the scaffolding. Ahmad fell on the back of one of the sheep, killing it, but saving him. Ahmad got up and looked at the lifeless animal and sighed, "It died for me!" — Source Unknown

• The great English preacher Charles Spurgeon was preparing for a series of special meetings in the great Agricultural Hall in London. He visited the building the day before the crusade to test the acoustics. In a booming tone, Spurgeon's voice rang out over the empty building, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." A workman painting on a scaffold up in the ceiling, heard Spurgeon say just those few words and was convicted. The man promptly went home, knelt before the Lord, and found his salvation. "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold...but with the precious blood of Christ..." (1 Peter 1:18,19). — Source Unknown

• It is said that Luther, during a serious illness, seemed to see Satan coming to him with a great scroll on which were written all the sins and errors of his life. Looking at him with a triumphant smile, he unrolled it before the saint: "These are your sins. There is no hope of your going to heaven." Luther read the long list with growing consternation when suddenly it flashed upon his mind that there was one thing not written there. He said aloud, "One thing you have forgotten. The rest is all true, but one thing you have forgotten: The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sins." — by H. Sayles, One Thousand Evangelistic Illustrations

• A young man was seriously injured in a two-car collision. He had a ruptured spleen, rib fractures, and a contused kidney. Surgeons said, "We must operate immediately." The young man and his wife said, "Go ahead." "You have lost a great amount of blood, and we cannot operate without a blood transfusion. Without it, you would probably die

on the operating table!" said the surgeons. The patient and his wife flatly refused to allow blood transfusions. The surgeons argued and pleaded with the couple for hours, but the patient said, "My religion forbids me to submit to a blood transfusion!" The surgeons were helpless as they watched the man die. — Source Unknown.

The lamb died, and Ahmad's life was saved. Do you know that there is another lamb who gave its life so others could live? That was Jesus, the Lamb of God who died for us and paid our sins with His own blood. "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;" (Ephesians 1:7) and "Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood" (Revelation 1:5).

Has your sin cast you into a pit of despair? Do you know his forgiveness? God sent Jesus, His only Son, to die as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. He died for you on the cross, the just for the unjust. Do you know the path to God costs nothing? Salvation in Christ is free, but it is not cheap. Your forgiveness came at the price of Jesus' death on the cross. Remember, the way out of the "pit" cost your heavenly Boss a whole lot. Look to the Lamb of God to save you from an eternal fall. He died for you. Receive Him today as your Savior as I did when I was a young man. If you refuse His cleansing blood, you will die in your sin and be eternally lost! I hope and pray you will do as many others did and be eternally grateful.

Betty Cuthbert, the Australian athlete, said,

"My salvation was a free gift. I didn't have to work for it, and it's better than any gold medal that I've ever won."

Also, the gospel hymn by Edward More states:

"My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness."

Numerous theologians and Christian authors do not even talk about the blood or the power of "Jesus' blood" for man's redemption. Instead, they use other words that do not exist in the original text of the New Testament. Blood is very important and necessary to the doctrine of Christ's atonement and is mentioned over 300 times in the Bible. It is at the heart of the gospel, and it is through "the blood of his cross" that Jesus reconciled us to God (Colossians 1:20-23). In some Christian churches, they do not even sing hymns like "Saved By The Blood" and "Power In the Blood," because of their humanistic beliefs. They keep the real teachings of the Bible at a distance and do not allow the power of the Holy Spirit to work in their lives, and they miss God's power and blessings. We are redeemed and "justified by his blood" (Romans 5:8,9). Never forget, only Christ and His sacrifice on the cross can redeem your soul. Do not be deceived by the fake "yellow gospel" of works that is powerless to save your soul.

Several years ago, a theologian with a Ph.D. and author of several books, translated the New Testament from the original Greek text into today's modern language. He asked me to check his transcripts since I was a Greek person and a Greek teacher with many years of education in the modern and ancient Greek language. I made many corrections, including those concerning the blood of Jesus. Every place that the original Greek text used the word "Jesus' blood" as mentioned in the verses above, he translated as just "death of Christ." We had debates about these kinds of areas because of the importance of Bible doctrine. Later, he called me and said that he honored 80% of my corrections. I told him that I did my part, and if he does not honor all of my revisions, he will be accountable to the Lord. I am very disappointed because some people try to make their own version of the Bible for their own reasons, away from the actual text of the original Holy Scriptures. Usually, the problem is not the translation to more plain English but changing the meaning of the Word of God. Today, there are available in the market so many English versions which create confusion for Christians and others.

Christian, keep in mind that you are redeemed, not with money, but with the blood of Jesus. You are God's very own, being redeemed by Him. Every Christian should wear a sign on his heart, "NOT FOR SALE."

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NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD (Music Clip)

What can wash away my sin?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

What can make me whole again?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Refrain:

O precious is the flow

that makes me white as snow;

no other fount I know;

nothing but the blood of Jesus

— Hymn by Robert Lowry, (1826-1899)

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Power in the Blood (Music Clip)

Saved by the Blood of the Crucified One (Video)

Only the precious blood of Jesus Christ can SAVE US!

The Passover - The blood of a lamb

The Lamb of God shed His blood

Redemption through Jesus' blood

Bible Verses

"Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." (John 1:29)

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:11)

"Who his own self bare our sins in his body on the tree (cross)." (1 Peter 2:24a)

"For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed ... But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." (1 Peter 1:18-19)

"Without shedding of blood is no remission [of sins]." (Hebrews 9:22)

"This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." (Matthew 26:28)
"Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you." (John 6:53)
"It is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul...The life of all flesh is the blood thereof." (Leviticus 17:11,14)

"For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed ... But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." (1 Peter 1:18-19)

"In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace." (Ephesians 1:7

"...Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood." (Revelation 1:5)

"Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." (Romans 5:9)

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." (John 1:7)

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Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, shed His blood on the cross to save us from our "SIN"!

Quotes

"Either sin is with you, lying on your shoulders, or it is lying on Christ, the Lamb of God. Now if it is lying on your back, you are lost; but if it is resting on Christ, you are free, and you will be saved. Now choose what you want." — Priest and Theologian, Martin Luther

" It is not sin as we see it that was laid on Christ but sin as God sees it, not sin as our conscience feebly reveals it to us but sin as God beholds it in all its unmitigated malignity and unconcealed loathsomeness. Sin, in its exceeding sinfulness, Jesus has put away. But when we perceive sin, then we are to trust the blood." ―"Prince of Preachers," Charles H. Spurgeon

"The individual who desires to have his sins forgiven, must seek for it through the blood of Jesus. The individual who desires to get power over sin, must likewise seek it through the blood of Jesus."
— Evangelist, George Muller

"Jesus gave his life on the cross for any who will believe. We're not redeemed by silver or gold. Jesus paid for it with his blood." — Evangelist, Billy Sunday

"The atonement in Jesus Christ's blood is perfect; there isn't anything that can be added to it. It is spotless, impeccable, and flawless. It is perfect as God is perfect." "Only the blood of Jesus can cleanse us, yet if we withhold ourselves from that blood, we will be unclean forever." — Quotes from Pastor and Author A.W.Tozer

"We've been bought with a price, the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. So none of us really have any rights." — Dr. Bill Bright

"I feel so sorry that many Christians live in bondage even though Jesus has signed their release form with His own blood." — Chinese Christian evangelist, Brother Yun

"It was not human beings who accomplished anything here [on the cross]; no, God alone did it.He came to human beings in infinite love. He judged what is human. And he granted grace beyond any merit." — Pastor and Theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"The blood was shed to unite us to God."

"The hidden value of His blood is the spirit of self-sacrifice, and where the blood really touches the heart, it works out in that heart, a like spirit of self-sacrifice. We learn to give up ourselves and our lives, so as to press into the full power of that new life, which the blood has provided."

"Faith is not merely a thought of which I lay hold, a conviction that possesses me—it is a life. Faith brings the soul into direct contact with God, and the unseen things of heaven, but above all, with the blood of Jesus. It Is Not Possible to Believe in Victory over Satan by the Blood without Being Myself Brought Entirely under its Power. Belief in the power of the blood awakens in me a desire for an experience of its power in myself; each experience of its power makes belief in victory more glorious."

"Reconciliation, pardon, and cleansing from sin, have all an unspeakable value; they all, however, point onwards to sanctification. It is God’s will that each one who has been marked by the precious blood, should know that it is a divine mark, characterizing his entire separation to God; that this blood calls him to an undivided consecration to a life, wholly for God, and that this blood is the promise, and the power of a participation in God’s holiness, through which God Himself will make His abiding place in him, and be his God."

"And now we also have liberty to enter through the Blood. Sin took away our liberty of approach to God, the Blood perfectly restores to us this liberty. He who will take time to meditate upon the power of that Blood, appropriating it believingly for himself, will obtain a wonderful view of the liberty and directness with which we can now have intercourse with God."

"The blood of Jesus is described as a “fountain opened for sin and uncleanness.” (Zech. xiii, I). By the power of the Holy Spirit it streams through the heavenly Temple. By faith I place myself in closest touch with this heavenly stream, I yield myself to it, I let it cover me, and go through me. I bathe in the fountain. It cannot withhold its cleansing and strengthening power. I must in simple faith turn away from what is seen, to plunge into that spiritual fountain, which represents the Savior’s blood, with the assurance that it will manifest its blessed power in me. So let us with childlike, persevering, expectant faith, open our souls to an ever-increasing experience of the wonderful power of the blood."

"Salvation comes through a cross and a crucified Christ."
— Quotes from Pastor and Author, Andrew Murray, The Power of the Blood of Jesus

"Salvation is so simple that we overlook it; so profound that we never comprehend it; so free we can't believe it." — Dr. Paul White

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By the blood of Jesus, we are justified and God sees us as if we had never SINNED!

"When Jesus Christ shed his blood on the cross,

it was not the blood of a martyr;

or the blood of one man for another;

it was the life of God poured out to redeem the world."

— Oswald Chambers

Lamb of God,

Our Souls Adore Thee

Lamb of God, our souls adore Thee,

While upon Thy face we gaze;

There the Father’s love and glory

Shine in all their brightest rays;

Thy almighty power and wisdom

All creation’s works proclaim;

Heaven and earth alike confess Thee

As the ever great I AM.

Son of God, Thy Father’s bosom

Ever was Thy dwelling-place;

His delight, in Him rejoicing,

One with Him in power and grace:

Oh, what wondrous love and mercy!

Thou didst lay Thy glory by,

And for us didst come from heaven,

As the Lamb of God to die.

Lamb of God, when we behold Thee

Lowly in the manger laid;

Wandering as a homeless Stranger,

In the world Thy hands had made;

When we see Thee in the garden

In Thine agony of blood,

At Thy grace we are confounded,

Holy, spotless, Lamb of God.

When we see Thee, as the Victim,

Nailed to the accursed tree,

For our guilt and folly stricken,

All our judgment borne by Thee,

Lord, we own with hearts adoring,

Thou hast washed us in Thy blood:

Glory, glory everlasting,

Be to Thee, Thou Lamb of God!

- J.G. Dec

The Cross

A symbol of my faith

That strengthens me each day

As I by God's grace

Walk the narrow way

You see God's only son

He gave His life for me

And took my debt of sin

To a place called Calvary

I owe to Him my life

And all I'll ever be

All He asks is that

I'll let Him live thru me

So I run the race

Empowered by his grace

And give Him all the glory

As I look into His face.

- Author unknown

How splendid the cross

How splendid the cross of Christ!

It brings life, not death;

light, not darkness;

Paradise, not its loss.

It is the wood on which

the Lord, like a great warrior,

was wounded in hands and feet and side,

but healed thereby our wounds.

A tree had destroyed us;

a tree now brought us life.

-Theodore the Studite (759-826)

The Sufficient Blood

His blood is so sufficient

He tells us in His word

On the mercy seat in heaven

It was put there by our Lord.

It stops the accuser of the brethren

As he walks before the throne

Our God just points to the blood

And Satan knows He cares for His own.

It’s sufficient for any situation

To nourish, to cleanse, and keep.

Oh, magnify your name my Lord

My soul with rapture leaps.

Can my sins though oh so many

Make this blood of no avail

Once I’ve named the name of Jesus

In my heart, I cannot fail.

His word has proclaimed it

The work begun in me

Will someday be completed

When His dear face I see.

And when I dwell in heaven

As the ages roll along

Oh, that precious blood of Jesus

Will be my victory song.

- Source unknown

Have you experienced the redeeming power of the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ?

Jesus Christ

The Lamb of God

"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." (John 1:29)

The Lion of Judah

"And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep

not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah,

the Root of David, hath prevailed to open

the book, and to loose the seven seals

thereof. And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the

midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had

been slain, having seven horns and seven

eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God

sent forth into all the earth."

(Revelation 5:5,6.)

The Passover

It was a spring evening in San Francisco. A meeting for Jews and Gentiles had just been thrown open for discussion. An elderly Jewish gentleman had taken the floor. “This is Passover week, my Jewish brethren, and as I sat here I was thinking how you will be observing it. You will have to put away all leaven from your houses; you will eat matzoth and the roasted lamb; you will attend the synagogue and carry out the ritual and direction of the Talmud.

He continued: “But you forget, my brethren, that you have everything except that which Jehovah required first of all. He did not say, ‘When I see the leaven put away, or when I see you eat the matzoth or the roasted lamb, or go to the synagogue.’ His word was, ‘When I see the blood I will pass over you.’ Ah, my brethren, you cannot substitute anything for this. You must have blood, blood, BLOOD!”

The requirement of Jehovah referred to by the gentleman is in connection with the deliverance of the Israelites as recorded in Exodus 11 and 12. Nothing but the blood of a lamb without blemish sprinkled on the lintel and doorposts of the house could save the firstborn from death. To the natural mind, those blood marks signified nothing; to the eye of faith they meant everything, for God had said: “When I see the blood, I will pass over you.”

At midnight the test came. Jehovah visited the land of Egypt. Upon every house where there was no blood sprinkled, judgment was executed. The firstborn was slain, and there was a great cry in Egypt. Every house that had the blood sprinkled upon it, He passed by. Why did Jehovah pass over Israel? Because the judgment they deserved had already been executed upon them in the object of their substitute—the slain lamb. The blood sprinkled was a sign of their faithful obedience to Jehovah’s command.

It mattered not that some among the Egyptians were moral and upright before their fellow-man. In God’s sight they were sinners and needed divinely-appointed protection. God looked for the blood, and not finding it, executed His just decree. It mattered not if any firstborn of the Israelites were great sinners. God saw the sprinkled blood, and therefore passed them by. The blood, or the absence of it, made all the difference, and guided the Lord in His righteous judgment that night.

These are solemn realities recorded in the Word of God for the warning and instruction of people—both Jews and Gentiles—in the world today. God’s principles do not change. The ground on which He saves a sinner is always the same. The lamb in Exodus 12 is a picture—a type—of the Lamb that God, in His love, provided to make a way of deliverance from the judgment we all deserve because of our sins (Romans 3:23).

“Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29), exclaimed John the Baptist as he heralded the appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ on the scene of His ministry. “Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us”

(1 Corinthians 5:7), exclaimed Paul.

God had declared “It is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul” (Leviticus 17:11), and “without shedding of blood is no remission” (Hebrews 9:22). Through John He tells us: “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Through Peter He says man is redeemed “with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:19).

Thus there is deliverance from sin and judgment only through the blood of Jesus. It is not when God sees your moral and upright life; nor your faithful religious functions; nor your baptism; nor your charitable works to fellowman, but “When I see the BLOOD.” When He sees that you have taken refuge beneath the blood of Jesus, in repentance accepting His guilty verdict because of your sin, and in faith accepting His provision of the blood of Jesus shed for you: then, and then alone, will He pass over you in the hour of judgment.

Friend, make Christ your Lamb today! Judgment is coming. God now commands you to repent. Will you not thankfully receive Him as your living, loving Redeemer who shed His blood for you? Claim right now the promise in John 5:24:

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation [judgment]; but is passed from death unto life — MWTB

Nothing But The Blood

Robert Lowry starts an old hymn with the question “What can wash away my sin?” The next line gives the answer: “nothing but the blood of Jesus.”

What does “nothing but the blood” mean? In the Old Testament, the Children of Israel had to sacrifice bulls, goats, and other animals, the blood of which would cover their sins like a temporary band-aid. In Exodus Chapter 12, in preparation for the Passover, the Children of Israel were commanded by God to place the blood of a slain lamb on the posts of their door frames, so that the Lord would not allow the destroyer to come into their homes and bring death.

The Bible says, “without shedding of blood is no remission [forgiveness of sins]” (Hebrews 9:22). That’s humanity’s problem: we have sin. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). In this verse, the glory of God refers to His perfect holiness—the standard of perfection we can never attain.

The Bible also says, “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23a). The reward we get for sin is death, which here speaks of eternal separation from God in Hell. Thank God that the rest of the verse says, “but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23b).

The only way to be saved from sin and Hell is to focus on “nothing but the blood” of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. It is not praying, good works, water baptism, church membership, sorrow, or sincerity—nothing but the blood, the blood, the blood!

You must place all your trust in Christ’s shed blood on the cross! “In [Jesus Christ] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7).

When you trust the precious blood of Christ, your sin is washed away like dirt on clothes is washed away. A detergent is required for cleaning things. Jesus’ blood cleans our soul. The solution is to trust Jesus Christ’s death for your sins on the cross. He died, was buried, and rose again the third day to show that God accepted Christ’s payment for our sins. Trust that shed blood today—and nothing but the blood—and eternal life is yours. — Peter Hann

What can wash away my sin?

1. Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

2. What can wash away my sin?
For my cleansing this I see—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
For my pardon this my plea—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

3. Nothing can my sin erase
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
Naught of works, ’tis all of grace—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

4. This is all my hope and peace—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
This is all my righteousness—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

— Hymn by Robert Lowry (1826-1899)

The Blood Atonement

The Holy Bible condemns all men as sinners.

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

“For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.” Ecclesiastes 7:20

“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2:10

Will you admit that you are a sinner, deserving of hell?

“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” Psalm 9:17

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8

God Almighty requires blood in order for sin to be forgiven.

“For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.” Leviticus 17:11

“And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” Hebrews 9:22

The Lord Jesus Christ, God manifest in the flesh (1 Timothy 3:16), shed His blood on the cross to save sinners.

“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” 1 Peter 2:24

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

The Lord Jesus Christ was then resurrected from the dead.

“I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” Revelation 1:18

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Only the blood of Jesus Christ can wash away your sin.

“Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” Hebrews 9:12

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” Ephesians 1:7

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

No amount of good works or religious activities (baptism, tithing, etc.) will help save you.

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us…” Titus 3:5

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

At this moment, will you trust only in Jesus Christ for the salvation of your soul?

“And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:30-31

What is Your Decision?

I choose to RECEIVE Jesus Christ and His blood sacrifice as payment for my sin.

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” John 1:12

“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:” 1 Peter 3:18

“…but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” Romans 5:11

-OR

I choose to REJECT the Lord Jesus Christ and pay for my own sin.

“…he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:16

“In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:” 2 Thessalonians 1:8

“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:15 — MWTB

Redemption Defined

The word means to buy back by paying a price, and set free

1. Man's ruin Isaiah 52:3; John 8:34; Rom. 6:20

2. Man's helplessness Psalm 49:7; Micah 6:7

3. A redeemer provided Job 33:24; Psalm 111:9

4. Redemption by blood Eph. 1:7; Acts 20:28; Heb. 9:12

5. Redemption by power Eph. 1:13-14; 4:30; Rom. 8:23

6. Redemption from iniquity Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 1:18

7. Redemption from the curse Gal. 3:3; Psalm 103:4

8. Redemption of the body Rom. 8:23; Phil. 3:20

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Our Redemption…

Was obtained for us, at the cross Heb. 9:12

Was sent to us, in the gospel Psalm 111:9

Is known by us, in the present 1 Cor. 1:30

Will be accomplished in us, in the future Rom. 8:23

— From the Book of 750 Bible and Gospel Studies, George W Noble, Chicago

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A Five-Word Sermon

Many years ago there was a true man of God who was the most remarkable preacher on earth. The whole country came to hear him. If such a thing occurred now, it would be considered a great revival. On one occasion, however, we are told that this very same preacher had a congregation of just two people. He preached on this day a sermon of only five words, but the effect was marvelous. Right then and there, both hearers became faithful, devoted followers of Christ.

Do you know the name of this preacher sent from God? He was none other than John the Baptist. You may read an account of his great revival preaching in Matthew 3, but let us focus instead at the short sermon to the two. “John stood, and two of his disciples; and looking upon Jesus as He walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus” (John 1:35-37).

“Behold the Lamb of God.” What a living text! Without these five words, tons of volumes of theology are worthless. Here was the Son of God; and He was the Lamb of God. Behold Him. How simple, yet this is the power of God. Has this message come to your heart yet, and turned you from everything else to follow Jesus? You may have gone to confession, and you may have been baptized, and you may have done many other things, but has this blessed Person, the Lamb of God, attracted your heart to follow Him?

One of those who heard John and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He immediately becomes a preacher to the first person he meets (John 1:41). Oh, if every true follower of Jesus, the Lamb of God, would just go out and seek another person to bring to Jesus! We are all surrounded by people who for years have been seeking salvation by law-keeping, by sacraments, by works, by their church. But they are saying to themselves, “I am as far away from God as ever. I have no rest, no real peace. I cannot say I am saved. I cannot look death and judgment in the face. There are so many opinions that I am bewildered. I have so many sins: I try to forget them but it does not work. If only I could find the truth, the real way to God.”

If you have experienced the grace of God, go share the good news with a friend or family member. Simply say, “I have found the Saviour.” Tell them how you have found all that you need in Jesus, the Lamb of God. Do just as Andrew did when he brought his brother to Jesus. He is ready to receive them. Oh, beloved reader, have you come to Jesus? Do you abide with Him? Do you follow Him? Have you told others about Him? The Lord give us more of this kind of preaching. — Charles Stanley (1821-1888), adapted

Silence of the Lamb

Over and over again the Bible records the silence of God's Lamb in the presence of His accusers (Matthew 26:62,63; Mark 14:60,61, etc.). This is amazing, especially since the witnesses that were hurling charges against Jesus were giving false testimony (Matthew 26:59-61). When we read these Scriptures, we wonder why Jesus did not say something to vindicate Himself. After all, our natural tendency is to justify ourselves even when we are guilty—and how much more so when we are innocent and are being falsely accused.

Why was the dear Saviour so silent? I believe we find at least part of the answer in the great prophecy of Isaiah 53: "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet he opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth" (Isaiah 53:5-7). He was not a sinner, but He fully took the sinner's place.

And here's another thought to consider. If Jesus had risen up in His own defense during His trials, I believe that He would have been so powerful and irrefutable in making His defense that no governor, high priest, or other legal authority on earth could have stood against Him! In other words, if Jesus had taken up His own defense with the intention of refuting His accusers and proving His innocence, He would have won! But we would have lost, and we would be lost for all eternity.

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The Cleansing Blood: The Blood Of Christ

Some years ago, in Western New York, I stood in a crowded assembly preaching. I remember that I was struck upon this point of doctrine, and I cried out to my congregation, in great earnestness, "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth, cleanseth, CLEANSETH, CLEANSETH us from all sin." Just then a gentleman who sat four or five seats from the front looked right up at me. His eyes sparkled, he seemed to grasp the idea with great force. By and by he grasped the seat in front of him. He acted as he leaned a little forward, as if he was going to jump right up over the heads of the people to the pulpit. I could hardly understand the meaning of his actions.

I drove home the idea with force, feeling, as I remember, that I could not let one of that congregation leave without believing that the blood of Jesus cleanseth us from all sin, and just now. I passed from the thought. The man settled back, but his countenance shone with perfect radiance.

The next morning, as I sat in my room, there came a hasty knock at the door. I opened it, and there stood that man. "Good morning, sir," said I. "Good morning; you don't know me?" " Yes, I do know you," said I. "I don't know your name, or where you live, but you are the man who sat so and so in my congregation yesterday?" "Yes," said he," and I have come in to tell you about it."

"Seven years I have been a member of the church, and I have been to sacraments, and supposed I was all right, but, sir, I never had an idea that I was to be saved by the blood of Christ, and that alone, until yesterday, in your sermon, when you struck into the thought 'the blood of Christ cleanseth.' Somehow, in an instant, my heart grasped that thought and I said, 'That is what I want,' and at once I realized that the blood took away my sins and saved my soul, and I thank you for those words" — Albert P. Graves

Does a Christian need to be repeatedly washed

in the blood of Jesus for daily cleansing?

No. It is not right or scriptural to speak of a daily cleansing by the blood of Christ. In fact, the Bible clearly states that the cleansing from our sins by the blood of Christ is a onetime act which takes place when we repent of our sins and receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. One verse which makes this clear is 1 John 1:7, "But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." It is true that the word "cleanseth" is in the present tense but it is used this way only to point out the character of the blood of Christ. Whenever any one comes to Christ and confesses his sin, then the blood of Jesus Christ has this character that it cleanses the one from all sin. Notice the Bible says, "all sin." "All" means just what it says--all. This includes past, present, and, yes, future sins. Remember that all of our sins were future when Christ died for us. How good to know that every sin--all sins--are cleansed by the precious blood of Christ.

The Bible tells us that the blood of Christ has done the following for the believer:

Through it we are justified (Romans 5:9).
Through it we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:7).
By it the Lord Jesus obtained eternal redemption for us (Hebrews 9:12).
It has purged (purified or cleansed) our consciences from dead works to serve the living God (Hebrews 9:14).

To say that we need to be cleansed daily by the blood of Christ means that we deny the value of that precious blood of Christ which has obtained eternal redemption for us. It suggests that the blood of Christ is no better than the Jewish animal sacrifices which could never take away sin and had to be repeated over and over again. The Bible says, "But this man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God" (Hebrews 10:12).

This position also puts the Christian back into the place of a sinner by having him or her go through the cleansing process over and over again. The Bible says, "For by one offering He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified" (Hebrews 10:14).

Although the Bible does not ever speak of the "blood" for daily cleansing from our sin, we find that it does show us that there is a daily cleansing that the believer needs and which the Lord has provided. Psalm 119:9 tells us what will cleanse our way: "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to Thy Word." In Ephesians we read that "Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word" (Ephesians 5:25,26). Then the daily cleansing which we so much need is provided by the Word of God, the Bible. It is in the reading of it and the meditating upon it that our ways, hearts, and thoughts will be cleansed.

It is important to notice that the daily washing of water by the Word does not, like the blood, wash our sins away, but instead restores us to fellowship with the Lord Jesus. When we receive Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Saviour then the blood of Christ secures our salvation and our relationship with God. The daily cleansing by the Word secures the enjoyment of our salvation and our fellowship with God. — MWTB

In The Blood

What else did you inherit?

Beyond your physical traits, talents, strengths, weaknesses, and disposition, you inherited a sin nature. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12). You did not learn to sin, you do it by nature.

Just as we may inherit physical problems (i.e. allergies, diabetes) with their consequences, our sin nature also has a cost. Our sin nature separates us from the holy God. “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you that He will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2). Our sin nature will bring death. “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).

Can you inherit salvation and heaven?

“Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 15:50).

Many people understand that they have inherited a sin nature from their family; but they also want to believe that they have inherited the solution to their sin problem. Many people say,

“I have always been saved.”

“My granddaddy started a Baptist church, so I am all right.”

“I’ve been in church all my life, so I’m saved.”

“I am sure that I am going to heaven, because I am a deacon.”

These are man’s ideas of how to get to heaven. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12). God says that “we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). You and I cannot be good enough to get to heaven. There is nothing in our own blood or bloodline that would pay the penalty for our sin.

There Is Hope in Christ’s Blood

“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed [purchased] with corruptible things … But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19).

Because we cannot pay our sin debt, Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, came to earth to take the punishment for our sin. Romans 5:8 says, “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

1 Peter 3:18 states, “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just [Jesus Christ] for the unjust [you and me], that He might bring us to God.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 explains, “…how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” The good news is that Christ died and rose again for YOU!

Eternal life is a gift, not something that you inherit. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

If you are willing to have a change of heart about your sin (repent) and simply trust in nothing but the person and finished work of Jesus Christ, you can KNOW that you are going to heaven when you die. Mark 1:15 says, “repent ye, and believe the gospel.” Romans 10:9,13 say, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved…. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

If you knew that you had inherited the genetic code for a deadly disease, you would pursue the best doctor that you could afford, so that you might avoid the consequence of that disease. You HAVE inherited a deadly disease (your sin nature) and the cure is at your disposal. You cannot earn it, you cannot buy it, you cannot get cured on your family’s merits—it is a free gift. Won’t you turn from your sin today and accept the gift that is available because of JESUS CHRIST’S BLOOD? —MWTB

Blood You Can Depend On

Today, if you were to receive blood by transfusion, you might have some questions in your mind as to its being safe to receive or not, who it came from or whether or not it is the right type. But there is one blood you can depend on—the precious blood of Jesus Christ. His blood does not contaminate one’s body, as man’s blood does, with diseases which were brought about by sin in this world. The blood of Christ shed on the cross of Calvary cleanses from sin.

God demands a perfect sacrifice to put away sin and God’s Word, the Bible, says Jesus is “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Jesus was that perfect sacrifice. The Bible also says, “without shedding of blood is no remission” (Hebrews 9:22). Christ’s blood was shed on Calvary’s cross. Therefore, “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

In Matthew 27:24 we read that Christ was before Pilate to be sentenced to die on the cross even though He was innocent of any sin or guilt. Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews would not agree, so he said, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person: see ye to it.” But Pilate, like all men, because of their sins, is responsible for Christ’s suffering and death. “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans. 3:23). In verse 25 of Matthew 27 we read that all the people said, “His blood be on us, and on our children.” How true this is, my sinner friend. You cannot escape your guilt in this.

But, thank God, there is a way to erase the guilt and escape the wrath to come in the cleansing blood of Jesus. His blood type is available and suitable for all sinners. One only needs to repent of his sin and come to Jesus for salvation now. “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3), are Christ’s words to the sinner. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18).

If a person is ill and in need of blood, he could choose to refuse it, but the consequences could be death. However, if you refuse the cleansing blood of Jesus which was shed for your sins, you will die an eternal death in hell. John 3:36 says, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” My friend, please accept Him now while you still have time. Today, not tomorrow, is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). —F.J.G./MWTB

“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold ... But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot ... In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins” (1 Peter 1:18,19; Colossians 1:14).

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Testimonies

"I was a Jewish Rabbi for 35 years. Born in Yugoslavia, I was brought up in a very orthodox Jewish home. I was taught to say formal prayers and wear phylacteries as prescribed for every pious Jew (Deut. 6: 8; 11: 18). At the age of 15, I went to the theological school for Rabbis where I studied the Old Testament and Talmudic commentaries and six years later I was ordained as Rabbi in Romania. Afterwards I served in Belgium, England and California.

Outwardly I was happy and successful in my ministry but in my heart, I was restless and discontented because I suffered much as a result of the emptiness of life in general. Six years ago I met a Jewish man with whom I discussed this matter. I did not know that he was a believer in Jesus Christ. His advice was: "Read Isaiah 53." I then read this well-known chapter concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which says that He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities. I felt urged further to examine the Hebrew Scriptures and found these words written by the same prophet: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulders: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this." (Isaiah. 9:6, 7). I also read: "Hear ye now, O House of David; is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son. and shall call his name Immanuel (Isaiah. 7 :13, 14). "Immanuel" means "God with us”.

This proved to me that Jesus was and is the Messiah in Whom all the prophecies were fulfilled. Meanwhile, I had found a clear portrait of the Messiah in a small book which I had the privilege of getting into my hands. It was my first introduction to the New Testament. I started reading it like any other book, from the beginning: "The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David son of Abraham," and found to my amazement that I was reading a Jewish book about a Jew. By reading it carefully I came to the conclusion that Jesus Christ was a Jew of the race of Abraham and David; that He was born of a Jewish virgin in the Jewish town of Bethlehem; of a Jewish tribe, the tribe of Judah. Because He knew the Law and the Prophets I followed Him on His journeys through the Holy Land, listened to His beautiful sayings and teaching, observed and admired His compassion and healings. It became my spiritual food. His promise of forgiveness of sins and eternal life to those who believe in Him drew me till I trusted Him as my Messiah and my personal savior...

It is two thousand years since the lowly Galilean, Jesus, traversed the hills and dales of Palestine, and He is still Master of the world. His Gospel is still preached and Christ's name, as Messiah of Israel, is still proclaimed. And His message is still repeated everywhere: "For God so loved. the world, that He gave his only begotten Son. that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Hear, O Israel! Rabbi Asher L" USA

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Actor quits industry, becomes Christian Pastor (Video)

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Live, Love, Laugh!

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine"

(Proverbs 17:22)

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Cecelia's mother was sacrificed so her child could live.

On August 16, 1987, Northwest Airlines flight 225 crashed just after taking off from the Detroit airport, killing 155 people. Only one survived: a four-year-old girl, named Cecelia. Rescuers found the little girl alive under her mother's body. As the plane was falling, Cecelia's mother, unbuckled her own seat belt, got down on her knees in front of her daughter, wrapped her arms and body around Cecelia, and then would not let her go. Her life was sacrificed so her child could live.

Dear Friend, two thousand years ago Jesus died on the cross. Jesus gave his life for you. The sinless Lamb of God died for the undeserving sinner. He gave his life so you could live. "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." (1 Corinthians 11:24)

"God weeps with us so that we may someday laugh with him."

―Jurgen Moltmann

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Blood Transfusion

A young girl named Linda was dying of a rare blood disease. Her only hope was a transfusion from her little brother, Mark. The doctor explained the situation to the boy and asked if he would give his blood. The little boy took a deep breath and replied, "Yes, if it would save Linda." During the transfusion, Mark asked the doctor with a trembling face, "Will I start to die right away?" The little boy had misunderstood; he thought he had to give his sister all his blood! "We know love of God by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." (1 John 3:16)

Dear Friend, Mark really loved his sister. He was willing to die so she might live. Jesus gave His life so you might live eternally. Not some, but all of His blood was spent so you might share His life with others. Be on the lookout today for people needing encouragement. Then give them a transfusion of love.

If you no longer burn with love, others will die from the cold.

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Routine Physical

A man goes to a doctor for a routine physical. The nurse starts with the basics.

"How much do you weigh?" she asks.

Oh, about 165." he says.

The nurse puts him on the scale. It turns out that his weight is 187. The nurse asks, "Your height?"

"Oh, about six feet," he says.

The nurse checks and sees that he's only 5 feet 8 3/4 inches. She then takes his blood pressure, and it's very high.

"High!" The man explains, "Of course it's high. When I came in here, I was tall and lanky. Now, I'm short and fat!"