Wonder-working power in the blood of the Lamb

The Verse of the Day posted on the Logos Bible Software Home page for February 4, 2023, comes from Leviticus 16:30 (New Living Translation):

³⁰ On that day offerings of purification will be made for you, and you will be purified in the Lord’s presence from all your sins.

The passage from Leviticus reveals the elaborate purification process given to Moses for the Children of Israel whereby their sins were atoned for or forgiven under the Law or the Old Covenant:

As Hebrews 9:13 reminds us:

Indeed, under the law, almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.

The context related to this verse points out the distinction between the Old Covenant established by the blood sacrifice of animals and the New Covenant implemented through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 9:13-14 point out this distinction:

For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, ¹⁴ how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

The reference to the distinctive power inherent in the blood of Jesus Christ brings to mind these original lines related to the color red:

red

red clay red

Adamic dust red

red man

red

yearning

to return to Eden

red

red

blood red

red

yes, Lord, red

Lamb’s blood

red

precious blood

red

blood-stained banner

red

like the crimson flow

that cleanses scarlet sins

and washes white as snow

red

Amen red

red

blood red

As I read the Verse of the Day and related scriptures, I also thought of this original psalm as I personalized the shedding of blood by Jesus Christ on my behalf:

Beyond Hyssop

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean:

wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

 Psalm 51:7

Can any stalks of hyssop purify my leprous soul?

Can they daub with precious lamb’s blood the lintels of this house?

Where are the purgatives to cleanse and balms to me make whole

When the passions of my sinful flesh surface and arouse

My senses with flames rekindled from those carnal embers?

Can I be made clean once more, as I wrestle this body

Of death each day and seek to beat back my mortal members?

Though hyssop may flush my rancid soul of iniquity,

Beyond the strength of this remedy is life-giving blood

Of the Lord Jesus, ultimate, unblemished sacrifice

Sent from the bosom of the Father, who alone is good.

Such a costly prescription is far beyond any price.

Truly this balm in Gilead has healed my wounded soul,

Deeply cleansed me from within, and his blood has made me whole.

Lyrics of the stalwart hymn also remind us “There is power, wonder-working power in the blood of the Lamb,” as Ephesians 2:13 also makes known:

But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

In Hebrews 10:19 we find this exhortation:

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,

1 John 1:7 also reinforces the message of the purifying presence of the blood of Jesus Christ:

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

The context for this section of 1 John chapter 1 is fellowship with God and with fellow believers. Verses 6-10 begin with the conditional clause “if we” followed by a verb: “If we say… if we walk… if we say… if we confess… if we say….” These expressions establish the conditions which if met on our part, will result in a corresponding action on God’s part. These two parts of the conditional sentences are especially noted in 1 John 1:9. If we do our part, which is to confess our sins, our faithful and just God will do His part, for the ‘blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanses us from all unrighteousness.” Without question, the blood of Jesus Christ is an amazing spiritual repository of life-generating power.

We conclude with CeCe Winans’ offering in song: “The Blood Medley”:

Power in the blood of Jesus

The Verse of the Day posted on the Logos Bible Software Home page for February 16, 2018 comes from Hebrews 9:22

Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.

The context related to this verse points out the distinction between the Old Covenant established by blood sacrifice of animals and the New Covenant implemented through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 9:13-14 points out this distinction:

For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, ¹⁴ how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

The reference to the distinctive power inherent in the blood of Jesus Christ brings to mind these lines related to the color red:

red

red clay red

Adamic dust red

red man

red

yearning

to return to Eden

red

red

blood red

red

yes, Lord, red

Lamb’s blood

red

precious blood

red

blood-stained banner

red

like the crimson flow

that cleanses scarlet sins

and washes white as snow

red

Amen red

red

blood red

Lyrics of the stalwart hymn also reminds us “There is power, wonder-working power in the blood of the Lamb,” as Ephesians 2:13 also makes known:

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

In Hebrews 10:19 we find this exhortation:

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confide1nce to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,

1 John 1:7 also reinforces the message of the Verse of the Day

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

The context for this section of 1 John chapter 1 is fellowship with God and with fellow believers. Verses 6-10 begin with the conditional clause “if we” followed by a verb: “If we say…, if we walk…, if we say…, if we confess…, if we say….” These expressions establish the conditions which if met on our part, will result in a corresponding action on God’s part. These two parts of the conditional sentences are especially noted in 1 John 1:9. If we do our part, which is confess our sins, our faithful and just God will do His part, for the “blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanses us from all unrighteousness.” Without question, the blood of Jesus Christ is an amazing spiritual repository of life-generating power.

We conclude with CeCe Winans offering in song “The Blood Medley”:

Fellowship with God and one another

The Verse of the Day for July 20, 2017  is taken from 1 John 1:7 in the Amplified Bible:

but if we [really] walk in the Light [that is, live each and every day in conformity with the precepts of God], as He Himself is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another [He with us, and we with Him], and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin [by erasing the stain of sin, keeping us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations].

Here is the verse in the New King James Version:

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 cleanses us from all sin.

The context for 1 John chapter 1 is fellowship with God and with fellow believers, as verses 7 sets the condition: “If we walk in the light . . . we have fellowship with one another. Translated from the Greek word koinonia, this fellowship involves communion or oneness, harmony. In Acts the believers of the early Church were said to be “of one heart and one mind.” Having this close fellowship with God and with one another is God’s desire for His people expressed in 1 John.

This particular verse also brings to mind Psalm 133 and the unfolding of the breathtaking beauty of unity. In thinking about the topic, I also recall a poem related to striving to “get there”, to scale Mount Zion to arrive at the place of everlasting blessing. I also remember an excellent word of exhortation and encouragement from Al Thomas to the Body of Christ regarding God’s desire that we also reach that place of sublime communion with one another and with Him. Indeed, God will take us from “here to there,”

Here are the concluding comments he makes in excerpt ”God Said, “YOU’VE BEEN HERE WAY TOO LONG, I WANT TO TAKE YOU THERE–GET READY”:

“There ahead of you is your destiny,” says the Lord. “The hope, then dream and the fulfillment of My promise–it’s simply staring you in the face! Here, is where you are now, but how you conduct yourself today has everything to do with where I will take you tomorrow–My there. Extend My grace to others when you least feel like doing so–it will prepare you to go from here to there. Determine that you are serious to get to My there for you (Luke 9:62). You will get there by serving Me in the here and now (1 Corinthians 10:21, James 1:8).

“Are you serious about the vision you are following? If so, then build in the now (here) for what I have shown you in the future (there). If you are faithful in little, here, I will give you much there (Luke 19:17). Use the compass of praise, private prayer and undaunted searching in My word to guide you and keep you on course (Mark 4:14-20).

“Be faithful today–tomorrow is almost upon you, and it is nearly time to take you from here to there. Look up, it’s approaching and you are about to leave here and arrive there–right where I’ve been waiting for you. Pack up, say goodbye, and prepare to leave here for there. My command is coming for many to move out–out there.”

“Faithful is He that called you, who also will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

To get from “here to there” on the surface, seems such a simple process: you simply go! On the journey, however, one encounters obstacles, pitfalls, diversions, distractions and all kinds of set-backs. At times it seems as though “you can’t get there from here.” We respond to that notion as we encourage ourselves along this tedious journey called life. God ever sets before us pictures of possibilities. The glorious portrait of harmony and communion of the highest degree is set before us in Psalm 133 which inspired this poetic work:

From Here to There

¹Behold, how good and how pleasant it is

For brethren to dwell together in unity!

²It is like the precious oil upon the head,

Running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron,

running down on the edge of his garments.

³It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion;

For there the Lord commanded the blessing—life forevermore.

Psalm 133:1-3

 

The final phase of life’s journey from here to there,

Yearning to return to Eden, beyond the place

Of the first promise spoken to all who would hear

And receive the fullness of the measure of grace

And know the never-ending flow of perfect peace:

Where perfect love has triumphed to cast out all fear;

Where all shall dwell in harmony and wars shall cease;

Where there shall be no night for the Lamb of God is near;

Where our joy shall never wane but only increase;

Where we know intimacy far beyond Hebron;

Where our raptured souls shall find rest and sweet release

In endless afterglow of sublime communion;

Where we know the everlasting blessings of unity

As we dwell in Zion for all eternity

Our musical benediction comes from Esther Mui who offers Psalm 133 Song “Behold, How Good and How Pleasant It is” (Scripture Praise Worship with Lyrics)

Fellowship: With God and each other

The Verse of the Day is taken from 1 John 1:7 (NLT):

But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.

The context for 1 John chapter 1 is fellowship with God and with fellow believers, as revealed in 1 John 1:3-10 (NLT):

³ We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. ⁴ We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy.

Living in the Light

⁵ This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. ⁶ So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. ⁷ But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.

⁸ If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. ⁹ But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. ¹⁰ If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.

Verses 6-10 begin with the conditional clause “if we” followed by a verb: “If we proclaim…, if we are living…, if we claim…, if we confess…, if we claim….” These expressions establish the conditions which if met on our part, will result in a corresponding action on God’s part.

Verse 7 sets the condition: “If we are living in the light . . . we have fellowship with each other.” The King James Version states “If walk in the light . . . we have fellowship one with another.” Translated from the Greek word koinonia, fellowship involves communion or oneness, harmony. In the Book of Acts we find that the believers of the early Church were said to be “of one heart and one mind.” Having this close fellowship with God and with one another is God’s desire for His people expressed in 1 John.

Maranatha! Singers offer a country music version of “If We Walk in the Light” (1 John 1:7)

The passage from 1 John 1, especially verse 7, also brings to mind the opening lyrics to a familiar hymn: “Trust and Obey”:

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

If we walk in the light, we have fellowship

The Verse of the Day is taken from 1 John 1:7:

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.

The context for 1 John chapter 1 is fellowship with God and with fellow believers, as verses three through ten reveal:

³ That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

⁴ And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

⁵ This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

⁶ If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

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.

⁸ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

¹⁰ If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Verses 6-10 begin with the conditional clause “if we” followed by a verb: “If we say…, if we walk…, if we say…, if we confess…, if we say….” These expressions establish the conditions which if met on our part, will result in a corresponding action on God’s part.

Verse 7 sets the condition: “If we walk in the light. . .we have fellowship with one another. Translated from the Greek word koinonia, fellowship involves communion or oneness, harmony. In Acts the believers of the early Church were said to be “of one heart and one soul.” Having this close fellowship with God and with one another is God’s desire for His people expressed in 1 John.

Maranatha! Singers offer a country music version of “If We Walk in the Light” (1 John 1:7)

The passage from 1 John 1, especially verse 7, also brings to mind the opening lyrics to a familiar hymn “Trust and Obey”:

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.