Lesson 316: "The Blood of Jesus"
When evangelist John Wesley (1703-1791) was returning home from a service one night, he was robbed. The thief found that his victim had very little money and a lot of Christian literature which he took. As the bandit was leaving, John Wesley called out that he had something else for him. Surprised, thee robber stopped just long enough to hear the evangelist speak these words; “you may live to regret this kind of life and when you do remember that the Blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin”. This did not stop the thief from fleeing but Wesley prayed his words might bear fruit. Years later a successful business man and believer stopped to greet Wesley after a service. He confessed he was the man who robbed Wesley one night long ago but the parting words of the evangelist had transformed him and he told the pastor that he owed it all to him; to which Wesley replied; “not to me but to the precious Blood of Christ”!
This Blood is of the greatest importance in salvation as well as daily life of the believer. Judas called it “innocent Blood” (Matthew 27:4); Peter called it “the precious Blood of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Pet. 1:9). It is cleansing Blood in 1 John 1:7 and washing Blood in Revelation 1:5 stressing that it removes not only sin but the guilt of our sins. It is the purchasing Blood (Acts 20:28); redeeming Blood (Eph. 1:7, Col. 1:14); justifying blood (Romans 5:9); peacemaking Blood (Col. 1:20) and sanctifying blood (Heb. 13:12). The shedding of His Blood is the very price of our salvation. There is power in the Blood of the everlasting Covenant (Heb. 13:20, 10:29, Matt. 26:28). Without this Blood there is no forgiveness (Heb. 9:22) and it was poured out for our forgiveness (Matt. 26:28) bringing us near to God (Eph. 2:13).
The last mention of this precious cleansing, saving Blood is in the Book of Revelation. The Apostle John heard a hymn of praise uttered by a loud voice in Heaven. Announcement was made of the coming demonstration of divine salvation and power with the advent of the millennial kingdom. Satan was characterized as the one who accuses believers before our God day and night. The principle by which he was overcome and cast out of Heaven was the Blood of the Lamb and the Word of their testimony. Not only did Christ provide the victory but also those who were martyred took part in that victory. Those in the heavens were called on to rejoice because of Satan’s defeat but the earth was warned that the devil was filled with fury because he knew his time was short (Rev. 12).
Revelation 12 is pointing to the time of the Tribulation and the “short time” of Satan will be the time he is allowed here on earth during this period. However, make no mistake! Satan is filled with fury this very day and is here to drain the Blood of Jesus right out of our veins if we allow him to. This precious Blood of our Savior saved us, will protect us, heal us and give us strength providing we keep “hooked up” to our spiritual I. V. Close your eyes and imagine your Savior in the Garden where He sweat great drops of Blood for you! See Him on the Cross, nailed there for you! Reach out your hand as Thomas did to touch His rived side! Feel as He did the trickle of Blood down His face caused from the thorny crown! Arch your shoulders and bear with Him the pain from the 40 less one lashes! We should never forget nor let this Blood have been shed in vain!